SignGuy81

very nice!

To me it isn't about showing I can do it(but did you see what I did man? JK lol) but it is a benefit to me because I'm happier with the video output and also the amount of games included that I don't have to get up and change carts to play(yes there is a harmony cart but it is a little high too). Also as far as compatibility goes I did a Topic on TV compatibility with the 2 resistor and transistor mod. It isn't compatible with all TVs because you don't get a 1Vp-p output on the video signal like you are supposed which is supposed to be standard for composite video. This was found so far on Rev 14 board 2600 but I'm sure issue on others as well with same mod. No picture on a GPX TV I have because of it but played okay on my living room TV. I had to change the 2.2k and 3.3k ohm resistors, used 4.7k and 6.8k and then got strong enough signal for my test TV to recognize it as a signal and not get blue screen. You can look for the Topic I posted on it I compared the output of the flashback with the output of the 2600 composite signals on my oscilloscope. I'll be checking the Rev 13 board this weekend and I'll go back and post results there for that board and the mod with included resistors. Also seems like every picture I seen with the mod, I'm going to be checking different boards though, have jailbars, and I don't like them. But that is just my opinion and I appreciate the feedback.

I agree with groundtrooper about the LEDs. As far as where to mount it and what holes were for which it really doesn't matter as far as that goes because nobody will see it once you get the face replaced. Did you ever check with any sign companies about getting a replacement? I would say though more than likely it had a fluorescent lamp going across the back, it looks like it has mounting holes as well for the fixture. It appears to me to be a cool white lamp in the pic that has one lit. http://atariage.com/forums/topic/229882-atari-computer-in-store-display-cabinet-cl-nj/maybe you could ask this guy if he ever bought the one he was looking at or had a chance to look at it and see how it was originally if you want to go that route.

Hi, I've got several projects going on right now and trying to find out what I should start on next. I have a Flashback 2 unit I've modded here http://atariage.com/forums/topic/264251-my-modded-flashback-2/and I've got two regular 2600s I'm modding and getting another flashback 2 unit in the mail. I was just trying to find if there is any demand for the flashback like the one I have linked above and how much it would be worth to see if I should try to start making some or improving from my designs any. Also too I am curious as well how many different variations of Atari 2600 cartridges are so I know what games I should get to test the plastic guide I made and see if I need to alter my design any to make sure all style cartridges will fit(I know Flashbacks aren't 100% compatible as far as games go I just want to know about the plastic carts). I know Activision carts are different I believe so I'm going to get one soon to try it but what else may be different as so far all I have to test are regular Atari carts? As far as the 2600s go not sure what all I'm going to do to those yet other than composite mod but I'm testing out a few things with them now just trying to get an idea of what people want as well. Any feedback would be appreciated.

I posted links in ebay they are making new clones of the nes still.

I was just stating why I believe some are put off by them. And some people don't have time to learn or don't won't to fool with older systems they just want something that works. I have a degree in electronics and already do and have done console repairs from Atari to Xbox 360 along with some mods here and there. I was just talking about the average person that wants to pick up a controller and start playing.

This may be one reason. Look at ebay, go to video game consoles, type in atari 2600, and click every option but for parts not working, and click price plus shipping lowest first. The first unit that I came across that actually said it was tested working and came with controllers is here http://www.ebay.com/itm/Atari-2600-Rainbow-Mini-System-w-Joysticks-Paddles-Berzerk-game-/282419725448?hash=item41c1870488:g:FKQAAOSw~AVYuGKTwith a big cracked open gaping hole right in the middle, $45 for something that looks like crap. Now type in NES with same filters and come across http://www.ebay.com/itm/Retron-1-NES-System-Top-Loader-white-Red-2-Controllers-Nintendo-Console-NEW-/191723036995?hash=item2ca3956143:g:FV0AAOSw9mFWK7G7which is brand new, comes with two controllers and only $16 and some change free shipping. You have to have electronics experience to maintain an Atari. I don't see any new Atari 2600 clones that will accept carts so you can choose your own games to play. All the equipment is old except the Flashbacks which aren't going to include every game you want. I still think plenty get into Atari though, doesn't the Flashbacks sell well?

Very nice. If I could afford at moment I'd buy it.

YW

Seems I forgot to actually post the link, sorry about that https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Atari+2600+Teardown/3541

As far as the help you needed. There are a few components to look out for. Here is the field service manual pdf with schematic. http://kickass.ddnss.org/html/library/documents/2600FSM.pdf Each port has pin 6 from the fire button go through a 220pF cap to ground and also from pin 6 to input of buffer and output then goes to the TIA chip. There is was a service bulletin about static discharge problem on the trigger lines(fire button) and a fix was to wrap a zener around the cap I mentioned above for each port. So I would say static discharge either damaged the buffer chip or the TIA. I didn't read too much into seeing what exactly it harmed just what the preventative measure was. You can find information about the zener mod on page 28 of the PDF and you can see your schematic on page 41 of the PDF. I would check everything connected to that part, TIA, buffer, and the cap, and also do the mod like discussed on page 28 and shown on figure 3.2 that you will see after you fix the problem. Hope that helps. Since it hits the buffer first my first bet would be the CD4050 buffer chip definitely. I got a drawer full of 8 or 9 of them wish I could give you one to test.

I never find deals like this anywhere. Very nice find. That is a heavy sixer. I'll give you $46 for it.

This is the type of tool I use to desolder pins with http://www.ebay.com/itm/NTE-ECG-J-045-DS-45-Watt-Desoldering-Iron-NEW-/231033107749?hash=item35caa57525:g:h10AAOxynLhSC7Vt You maybe able to fix this however without having to desolder the port and taking it out. It probably a better idea not to if you are a beginner I just remembered you were worried about taking the unit apart. You can probably instead just bend it back in place, drill the holes(if you can clip those two plastic pieces off before bending it down without having to bend it further out of position do that first but if not just drill right through them instead but it would be easier to keep the drill bit centered in the holes on the motherboard with them gone. Next put screws in and nuts and tighten then just take a regular soldering iron and some solder and just reflow all the pins. De-soldering can be a little tricky for beginners no matter what method and especially something with that many pins so it is best to practice on something you don't mind messing up first.

I couldn't find it so I will just tell you how to do it. Desolder the joystick port. Clip off the two plastic parts that are supposed to go through the motherboard that are supposed to snap it in place. Put the connector back in place and solder it in, all the pins. Then take a drill bit about the same size hole and go through from the backside into the connector for each of the two holes on the port. Then get some machine screws and nuts that will fit the hole and some lock washers and secure it down. And go ahead and do same for other port two if you would like.

Here is an Atari 2600 teardown guide I just found that may help. I'm still trying to find the topic here on the controller port fix.

You shouldn't break anything by taking it apart. Probably guides on here as to how to take them apart though if you need a walkthrough. Whenever you touch the board make sure you grab it by the shield first so you don't shock any components on the board with static electricity. As far as the port yes it looks to me like it needs to be resoldered and put back into place, you probably have a cracked solder joint or more than one, when you wiggle the joystick plug in and around to make it work what is happening is it is making the solder joint make contact which may cause it to work for a bit, but yes it needs fixing. I'm going to look for the the post on here I think I seen awhile back a user uploaded a fix for that where he used screws to hold the port down tight and sturdy. Sounds like a good solution I'm going to look for it and post the link.

Well, so far I've had 4 consoles I've gotten that had them, some on ebay and others elsewhere that had roaches in them so I know it can happen pretty easily. One Atari I just recently opened up had one dead one in it a few roach legs and also a ladybug. I washed it out completely board and all. Got an Xbox 360 once that board had roach droppings on and a dead roach or two and did the same. Once I got a PS3 that I didn't even attempt to open because I looked in vents and all I could see was roaches so I put it back in bag and got it out of my house immediately. If you've ever been in someone's house where you can't look in either direction without seeing one or more crawl somewhere you'd understand why I hate them, it is because I know if you don't keep an eye out for stuff like that your house could wind up like that. I've managed to keep my house roach free so far by being careful. Check out this video , this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geUK7Xfjjz0 , or

I remember seeing the same exact thing at KB Toys back in the day too. I didn't get it and instead got an NES Toploader and a copy of Super Mario Bros 3. I miss that place it closed long ago where I'm from. Our actual mall I used to go to when I was a kid to play at the arcade or checkout KB Toys is gone too, was mostly torn down and converted to a strip mall. I wish my daughter could have the same experience like that I had when I was growing up, playing skeeball and all the other fun stuff they had in there. Just about every other weekend it was going to mall, first going in arcade, then kb toys looking around, then going in dollar tree to actually buy something. I miss arcades so much I'm thinking about building my own arcade cabinet for the house some day. I'm looking on ebay now and see an untested, console only(no cords no nothing) for 90 bucks, something that might not even work. Seen one on ebay with cd add-on only asking $700, I wish I had a time machine too.

I have my modded flashback 2 and I used to have a plug and play wheel of fortune game that was fun I don't know whatever happened to it though. I almost really don't consider the atari flashback to be plug and play really like the other handheld units seeing how you also have to hook up a power adapter as well, then plug in a controller, or maybe I'm thinking that because also put cartridges in mine and to me it is no different than calling a 2600 a plug and play. To me I think plug and play more like the Atari plug and play joystick model or that wheel of fortune game I mentioned earlier, which take batteries and all you do is plug in the RCA cables.

Just want to update that it will be awhile before I mod the rev 13 board because I want to get it working properly first. I got a unit with a bad 6532. So far everything looks good and sounds good other than Joystick problems with the first controller port no input for right direction. Checked solder joints then continuity between 4th pin of port and pin 15 of the 6532 and it was good, also checked and made sure joystick was shorting pins 8 and 4 on the port and it was, then tried joystick in other port and was good. I just ordered a set of 5 on ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/5PCS-R6532P-R6532AP-R6532-8-BIT-Microprocessor-DIP-40-IC-CHIP-/400471941798?hash=item5d3dfce2a6:g:WA4AAMXQeKNTOBes How the heck do they refurbish the chips? Anyways as long as they are good I guess that it all that counts. While I was writing this I found 2 more from a us seller a little more but seemed cheap enough so figured I'd get those and not have to wait as long so maybe I'll have an update this weekend on how the composite mod does on the rev 13 board.

Just found this on ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/Atari-2600-Junior-Mini-Console-FOR-PARTS-REPAIR-/142357464328?hash=item21252a8508:g:vIAAAOSwuLZY0sPV Hard to tell if that is rust or roach droppings(looks more like droppings to me) on the shield in the second pic but anyways I just wanted to point it out. Plus too buttons are stuck sounds like it maybe full of critters. I could be wrong but I'm staying away from this. I clean consoles out anyway and will sometimes wash the boards too but if it looks like it is completely full of them I don't even bother. I also would never try to sell a unit like that or even give it away for free, that is how bad I hate roaches I'd rather bag it and take it to dump. Just thought I'd point that out is that is something I look for when buying is whether or not I can find any evidence of roach infestations in the pictures. Also as well whenever I do get something I always double bag it and seal it up tight until I get a chance to take it out and take it apart. I never get used electronics that I don't intend to take apart and check because that could be a good way to get roaches. Just wanted to share that tip.

I would check with a local sign company. They should have all the materials needed (acrylic or lexan for the sheet to be cut) and could probably print you some graphics to put on it as well.

I see your point with the modded 7800 because that even gives you more options to play but from what I've looked at flashcarts seem to be expensive. Harmony carts range from $60 to $80 and higher from what I seen but maybe cheaper for used. Is there another cheaper option for flashcart, I've searched ebay and on google and couldn't find anything. I'm working on 2 2600s now one I've already done but will probably go back and change some things if I find a cheap and easy solution for the jailbars. If I can figure out how to remove the jailbars easily without getting an expensive mod kit(which would even cost more money) I would agree, those thin vertical lines on the screen annoy the heck out of me, and the flashback doesn't have them. Just about every picture I've seen online of the picture with one that has had a composite mod exhibits those lines.

Your welcome, hope you found it alright I just realized I told you wrong I thought I was closer to the bottom of the document when I came across page 4-9 with the proper flow chart but anyway for anyone else with same issue solid screen 4-9 is on page 52 of the actual pdf which isn't even halfway through the document not sure how I got that mixed up.

I just opened and cleaned out my other Atari so I can begin working on it shortly. Man was this board nasty. Whenever I get used electronics in, and I would suggest this to anyone, would be to have it sealed up well in something until you are able to take it apart and look in it(and to never buy used electronics that you don't intend on taking apart), and have a can of roach spray ready when you attempt to take it apart. You never know and could get something that is full of roaches(I got a PS3 once that I didn't even attempt to open up because it was so bad you could see all the roaches in the vents, I wouldn't even give it away to someone for free if I find something like that). This Atari unit wasn't bad but it did have one dead roach and one dead ladybug and was also full of rust. When I get a unit like this instead of just washing the case I wash everything completely, board and all. Before washing since I didn't see any live critters I went ahead and hooked it up to see if it worked and got it to play ms pac man. Haven't tried it yet with controllers just wanted to see if it would load a game. I got it heating in an oven now to get rid of moisture and when it is ready I will test this one to see if it has any problems. I'm thinking the only problem with this unit(other than it was a complete mess) was bad connections in the card edge connector because I had to work the game back and forth a few times before it loaded, and also that the RF cord was cut so I had to use another. This unit is Rev 13 and I'm going to do the composite mod on this one to see if I have similar results as I've posted above.