[Astrocade crashes when loading built in programs]

Would you happen to know if the ram they used is still available, or was it some proprietary component?

[Astrocade crashes when loading built in programs]

Hi, everyone, I have an Astrocade (the Bally Computer System version) that crashes when trying to load the built in programs, and certain cartridges.  Some cartridges load perfectly, others have artifacts on the screen, and others crash the console.  Anyone know if this is a fixable issue, or is this Astrocade beyond rescue?  Thanks!

[NES Top Loader with power issue]

Hi everyone.  I have an NES top loader, and it gets power, is getting 13v (which seems to be high) at the 1500uf cap and the switch, but no power is getting to the power regulator.  I replaced the power regulator and 1500uf cap with no change.  Any ideas what could be keeping this from powering up?  Thanks!

[UAV mod on 6 Switch colors are off]

I would be very surprised if the UAV were dead.  Power regulators die on old Ataris all the time, and I always do a recap and replace the power regulator on every Atari I install UAVs in (which is a lot).  Replacing the caps and PR is very easy, and it’s more than likely the UAV is good.  I’m not sure how installing the kit directly to the TIA would have any connection to the PR dying.  Even if you only get a new 7805 power regulator, it’s worth the try.  

[UAV mod on 6 Switch colors are off]

2 hours ago, m.o.terra kaesi said:

Sorry, but could you explain me those 5 wires and where they should go? 

S runs to pin 2 of the TIA, 2 to pin 5, 3 to pin 7, 1 to pin 8, and Co to pin 9.

[UAV mod on 6 Switch colors are off]

Right, I never had much luck with that approach either, but again, the  way posted in the picture below has always worked.  I also have to recommend you trying composite video out as opposed to svideo.  If you get color that way, then there is an issue with the svideo jack.  

[UAV mod on 6 Switch colors are off]

Just to be sure, you have run the composite line out and verified you get only black and white both via composite and s-video?  

[UAV mod on 6 Switch colors are off]

I just remembered that in the past one of the the ground pins on the s-video jack had a blob of solder that was also touching the corresponding chroma (or luma) pin, and I think that caused a black and white image to show.  It might be worth a look to see if something is bridging one side of the jack.  

[UAV mod on 6 Switch colors are off]

Sure, but it’s super easy, and it always works.  

[UAV mod on 6 Switch colors are off]

Also, I just run directly to the underside of the TIA on all 2600 versions and it always works perfectly.  

[UAV mod on 6 Switch colors are off]

19 minutes ago, m.o.terra kaesi said:

I understand that so too. But it doesnt matter with is to the left and which to the right?

Are you asking which ground from the UAV pcb?  If so, I believe one is intended for the S-Video jack and the other is for your composite jacks, so that shouldn’t matter.  I just run from the ground pad next to the chroma/ luma pads and bridge between the two jack ground pins.  

[UAV mod on 6 Switch colors are off]

I’m pretty sure you need both sides to run to ground.  

[NES toploader with wavy gray screen]

I’m using an RF cable with a coaxial adapter without a switch.  

[NES toploader with wavy gray screen]

I am using an OEM NES power supply.  I have a soldering iron and the TV on the power strip as well.  

[NES toploader with wavy gray screen]

Hi everyone.  I have an NES-101 that has a gray screen with wavy distortion.  At first I had a strong buzzing sound with black and white diagonal “stripes”.  Replaced the capacitors and power regulator, and now it looks almost right, except for the wavy lines.  I also swapped out the CPU and PPU, but still have this issue with what appears to be power related.  Good power adapter as well (used multiple with the same results).  Anyone have any idea?  Thanks!

[Atari VSC 2600 needing to warm up?]

Hi everyone.  I have an Atari VCS heavy sixer, and after doing a recap the system gives me a black screen for a few minutes, then suddenly the image appears on the screen, almost like it is warming up.  I swapped out the three main ICs on the board with working parts, and this changed nothing.  I have heard that the 7800 does this, but I have never seen this before with the 2600 systems.  Does anyone know what might be causing this delay in loading up the game cart?  Thanks!!

[Atari 2600 6 Switch with black & white picture]

8 hours ago, alex_79 said:

Did you try tuning the color pot? That's the very first thing I'd try in these cases.

That's normal. The jailbars are the color information, which is not recognized by the TV (and a out of tune or oxidated/dirty color pot might be the cause) and therefore shown as part of the B/W image. When you use s-video, that part of the signal is separate from the B/W "luma" component, so you don't see them.

Yes, the color pot alters the mix

of the black and white, but yields no colors at all.  

[Atari 2600 6 Switch with black & white picture]

[Atari 2600 6 Switch with black & white picture]

Hi everyone.  I just got a six switch Atari VCS, and it continues to only output a black and white image with “jailbars” in color mode.   I have swapped out the three main socketed ICs, recapped both boards, and even hooked it up to an AV mod to see if it was possible that the RF modulator had just gone bad.  Still get only black and white (although the jailbars disappeared outputting through s-video).  Anyone have any other ideas as to what to try?  Thanks!!

[UAV mod on 6 Switch colors are off]

I might have a spare TIA if you’re interested.  

[UAV mod on 6 Switch colors are off]

12 hours ago, BriGuy_the_AtariGuy said:

1 hour ago, BriGuy_the_AtariGuy said:

Thank you!  I'll give this a shot.  Looks like you used CAT3/5/6 wire to make the connections?  I'm using 22 gauge solid core.  What you have is probably easier to work with. And did you still lift pin 6 on the TIA?

Yes, I have always lifted pin 6 with the six switch models.  Hopefully this approach works for you!

[UAV mod on 6 Switch colors are off]

So this is what I did.  S to leg two, 2 to leg five, 3 to leg seven, 1 to leg eight, and Co to leg nine.   

[UAV mod on 6 Switch colors are off]

Hi.  Did you lift the leg on the TIA (pin 6)?  

[NES-101 Top loader no voltage at power jack]

Hi everyone, I just got a Nintendo NES top loader model that won’t power on, and it isn’t giving any voltage reading at the power jack.  I have never seen this with one of these.  The power supply is good (tested on another NES and with multimeter), and I even swapped out the jack itself with a known working part.  Any ideas on what the issue might be?  Thanks!

[robin hood / sir lancelot xonox double ender]

I have one that seems to be NTSC (came with another double ender in a lot with a bunch of other NTSC games).  Colors look totally fine on mine.