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RamrodHare

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Posts posted by RamrodHare

  1. Posted · Edited by RamrodHare

    OK. I have a 4 switch board, revision 12 with a standard AV mod. Everything was working fine, but the color wasn't great, so I decided to "refresh" the board. I got the complete 2600 kit from Console5.com and I have installed everything except the two polystyrene capacitors (for the audio) , but I ran into an issue when installing the zener diodes and their caps. Here's what Console5 said on their site-

     

    "Pre-Revision 14: A pair of zener diodes and capacitors used for static protection on the trigger lines (J202 & J203). Equivalent to service parts CA018263.

    • Each small yellow .1uf cap is soldered across each zener diode. Each diode/cap combo is then soldered with the diode's stripe end connected to joystick port Pin 6 and the opposite side to the nearest ground plane."

    I wasn't 100% sure how to do what they were saying, since it seemed odd, considering how hard it is to get to pin 6 from the top of the board and they didn't mention if these went on the bottom of the board like the 820 ohm resistor for better colors..

     

    I then referred to these instructions in the field service manual-

     

    "Install the static modification on all 2600 units. Install CR202 and CR203 ( that's what they call the zener/cap combo), by removing C236 and C237 and inserting the C236/CR202 and C237/CR203 assemblies in their place (See Figure 3-2). CAUTION: Observe the polarity on CR202 and CR203 (the dark band must be toward the J202/J203 connectors)."

     

    I did exactly that, but when I powered the system up, I didn't get a picture. When I checked the voltages on the regulator, it was EXTREMELY low only around 3 volts going in and only 1 volt coming out. I knew something was wrong, so I removed both of little zener-cap packs (whatever you want to call it) and powered it up again, everything checked out and picture was back. So, I tried to follow the trace from pin 6 and see which side needed the Black stripe of the zener on it. From what I could tell, it was right the first time, but I knew that didn't work, so I gambled, reversed it and tried again. The regulator is showing the correct voltages and the joysticks and fire buttons work, everything seems right, but those zeners are reversed from what both instructions say. I decided to search for a photo online showing how someone else soldered theirs in and I came up with nothing.

    So, I started wondering if only the 6 switchers needed this, since my 4 switch doesn't have a CD4050 IC (which the site suggested I order also, for 50 cents) and based on everything I've read, that's what the static effects. If that's the case, you would think they would have made it clear somewhere that all of this was only for 6 switchers.

     

    My question is this, should I remove the zener diode packs and replace them with the original components or leave them as is, even if they are installed reversed?

     

    Now, that was my BIG issue, so for some smaller issues.

    With the new parts, I now have much better color and picture quality , mostly. I'm testing on an HDTV, since it's all I have availible right this minute (I'll have access to my CRT later tonight) My issue is this,

    I now have a bright purple line that runs down the far left side of the screen and a dark green line that runs down the very far right hand side. On some games these are dotted lines others they are solid. The most annoying instance is on Asteroids. the top and bottom quarters of the screen are fine, but the center portion is shifted to the right making the purple line sit closer to the actual game play area. Now this may all be unimportant once I connect it to a CRT, since it won't be a widescreen format and will hopefully cut off these lines anyway. The main thing is though, they weren't there before I replaced the caps. At one point, I thought the 820 ohm resistor on the TIA between pin 6 and 9 might have something to do with it, so I removed the resistor. The lines were still there, so I reinstalled the resistor and put the shields back on the board. Maybe I'll have to live with the purple and green lines as long as I'm using an HDTV...

     

    I used the supplied tiny wires when I installed my AV mod and it's been working fine, until today. While I had everything apart I noticed that there was some type of interference in my video. The best way I can describe it is a wave of "tint" coming from the right side of the screen. I noticed it did this if I got the Joystick or even just my hand close to the board. and if you touch the positive video wire from the mod board to the video rca jack, you could make the wave "dance". My question is, should I replace that wire with something thicker, possibly shielded?

    It's not an issue when it's all closed up in the case, but if you shake it enough to jiggle that wire inside, it will do the wave thing.

     

    My last question (hopefully)..

    The two polystyrene capacitors (for the audio), I hadn't intended to replace them, but I want advice, just in case I should. The audio works on every game, but the volume varies wildly from game to game. Some games you barely hear, others you almost have to turn all the way down to keep from going deaf. Is this something that those caps can correct or is that just the nature of some games?

     

    I would post photos, but getting to my camera and then USING it is a lot of work, so I was hoping that someone here could maybe shed some light on this without needing photos. If it turns out the photos are going to help, me and possibly other people, then I'll bite the bullet and dig out my camera.

     

    I'm really tempted to buy another 2600 with a newer board and seeing if it works any better than this one, but I've already got the 7800, which seems to be working perfectly, so I'm not doing anything to it until something in it dies, forcing me to reopen and repair it.

    ​Sorry this post is so long, Thank You to anyone who reads it all the way through and can offer some advice.

  3. Posted

    The two games I've been dying to play on my Harmony cart are Army of Darkness and Alien Ooze. I managed to find Bifrost and Ooze, so I can at least enjoy the gameplay, even if I don't have the same graphics. I'm happy with Bifrost, but the ship on Alien Ooze is just so awesome! :-D There's a copy of Alien Ooze on ebay and if I had the extra money, I would bid on it, but I can't afford it after just buying a Harmony Encore and having quite a few other items already lined up for purchase. I'm really hoping that the rom of Alien Ooze eventually gets put out there for us all to enjoy. I'm not sure who the developer is, or how to contact him about the rom or else I would have already been begging for a copy! :_( I did however contact the developer of Ooze to see if he could point me in the right direction, since the gameplay seems to be pretty much the same, but I haven't heard back from him yet.

    • Like 2

  4. Posted

     

     

    I've not used the high score save feature in any of my games as it requires you to set aside 4K of the cartridge.

    Since you mentioned it, I just wanted to tell you that Warlords had been a favorite of mine for many, many years, but it's been replaced with Medieval Mayhem. Thank you for the amazing work you you did on that game!

    • Like 1

  6. Posted

    I'm still waiting on a redesign of the inner ring that actually presses down on the dome switches that doesn't break! Where is that upgrade?

    That's a good point. You would think that would have been developed by now. I KNOW plastics have made big advancements over the last 30 years. I guess as long as there is a decent supply of originals, maybe it's not that high on Bradley's list of things to have reproduced. I wonder if anyone has mentioned it to him? I know I've never opened up a CX40 that didn't at least have some stress marks on the bottom of the white handle piece. (For all I know, Someone has already made new version that are awesome and I'm just so out of touch that I don't know about it yet.) :dunce:

  7. Posted

    Come on man, hot melt glue is just like 3D printing or better 3D cursive even. :) So, why did you not PM CPUWIZ? He has awesome products.

    I did PM him this morning, but I wanted to cover all the bases, in case he didn't have any of them. Turns out he did!

     

    So long ago. I got your PM and I'll fiddle one together this weekend. ;)

     

    http://atariage.com/forums/topic/93491-save-key-review/

     

    Still have LOADS, 11 years later. :lol:

     

     

    Thanks! I was really hoping you might have some left!

    • Like 1

  8. Posted · Edited by RamrodHare

    I'm looking for a Memcard/Savekey for the Atari 2600. I'd really like one either made by Richard H. or CPUWIZ, but if someone here is willing to build me one for a reasonable price, That would probably work too as long as it looks at least semi professional (not a Hot glue mess or something. :woozy: I've been looking for decent instructions so I could build one myself, but so far, I haven't been able to find anything detailed enough for me to make sense of it. I think CPUWIZ may have had an LED on his (can't remember for sure), but if it did, that's the one I'd really like to have.

  9. Posted · Edited by RamrodHare

    No, the Savekey plugs into a joystick port (the ports are bidirectional). The Harmony Encore doesn't even see communication meant for the SaveKey, so it can't implement support for it.

     

    Get the AtariVox+. The Savekey just implements the AtariVox' high score save feature without including the speech synthesizer.

    I knew the savekey plugged into the joystick port, but I had read in old threads that Fred had worked on saves with the Harmony. I'm guessing it just never panned out.

     

    As far as the AtariVox+, it's out of my price range considering I only want to be able to use saves on the games I have that support them, not the voice stuff. I'm on a limited income, so a $10-15 savekey or some DIY plans for one are what I needed. thanks for the quick reply though!

     

    Alternatively you can ask someone to build you a SaveKey. Its pretty simple and the schematics are available.

     

    https://atariage.com/forums/topic/256042-boulder-dash-loaner-cart;-reviews-and-reservations/page-4?do=findComment&comment=3627968

    I'd gladly pay someone to build one, but I'm sure I have the skill, I just need the DIY info. I saw a diagram in that thread, but I'd like to have a little better info before I start building something that I'll be plugging into my Atari.

  10. Posted

    My early morning search isn't turning up much info on Savekeys for the 2600, but I did find what I though might have been a reference to the Harmony having something like this built in. I know at one time CPUWIZ was selling Savekeys, but I missed out on it by quite a few years. I'd like to be able to save my high scores (or game progress), so if anyone can fill me in on the Harmony Encore having this feature or where I can either buy a savekey, I'd really appreciate it. From what I've managed to find out, it seems it isn't a big deal to throw one together out of off the shelf parts, so info on that could be useful as well. :-D

  14. Posted

    After spending a lot of time playing recently, I've come to the conclusion that I like using the CX40s more than the any of the gamepads or joysticks I've modded or built. I like what you've come up with here! :thumbsup:

     

    My only change might be the placement of the second button. I feel like having it in the front of the controller so I can use my finger to press it, might be more comfortable for me. I have short thumbs. :_( (After typing that, I decided to look at my thumbs and it turns out they are actually the same length as my index finger.) :? For some reason though, I just can't reach that far past the original button. Sorry, I'm rambling. Anyway, great mod!

  15. Posted

     

    If you do buy a set, one thing to look out for is the plastic surrounding the antennae of the receiver. The receiver’s plastic is thin and brittle, especially around the antennae and tends to break easily from normal use (e.g. extending the antennae).

     

    I've noticed that on a few of the ones for sale. I'm pretty good at patching and repairing, but I was going to steer clear of ones with visible broken parts.

    I've been thinking a lot about it and I still have to keep the console within reach to use reset, select, power and pause, Of course the kid in me says that joysticks without cords are cool, but the adult reminds me that if I don't use them, I'm wasting money that could go toward useful things. :twisted:

     

    I've been modding all sorts of gamepads for the 2600 and 7800, but I've actually had more fun using the cx40 joysticks! So I don't know if I'll be modding any other gamepads for myself. I'm thinking that my money might be better spent on some of the Best Electronics upgraded CX40 Joysticks. Decisions Decisions.... :?

  16. Posted

    Sorry to dig up an old thread, but it was either that or start a new one just like it.. :(

     

    Here's what I'm wondering about.

     

    Developers put the time and effort into making a game. Most of them do it for fun (I'm no programmer, but honestly I can't see how all that work is considered fun).They don't get much, if any, money from it. Then, they release a limited run of carts and that's it. (Some of them do this, not all). That system hurts people who are late hearing about it or too broke to buy a copy. They end up left out out. I mean, if the developer wanted people to play and enjoy their game, why do it this way? Now don't misunderstand me here.The developer has the right to do whatever he wishes with his work and I'll defend his right to do that 100%! I'm just wondering though, if people really are making the games because they enjoy it and want to share it with others, why not release the roms for personal use (possibly in a slightly altered form) after they stop selling the carts? Everyday I find out about great homebrew games that I'll never be able to play because the rom isn't availible and there are no copies of that game to be found anywhere online. Given the chance, I would buy the developers cart, to show my support. I'd also pay to use the rom (again, supporting the developer). I understand the frustration a developer must feel if they release the rom and then see bootleg carts showing up on eBay, but that's a risk when they make a cart too.. I guess it's a double-edged sword when it comes to putting the roms out there for people to enjoy. I just wish there was a way to play some of the out of production games that people are always raving about. :(

    • Like 2

  17. Posted

    I'm thinking about buying a set of either the Atari or Game Mate cordless joysticks, but I haven't been able to find much as far as reviews go.

     

    What I'm wondering about most is reliability, responsiveness and battery life. There are a lot of them on eBay, either non-working or untested, that I can get for a good price and repair, if needed. I just don't want to waste my time and money if these are just a novelty. Thanks in advance for any info! :-D

  18. Posted

    No problem.

    I've put the resistors on a couple early boards and does improve the color - well worth the 30 seconds to install.

    I just ordered the kit. I'm looking forward to seeing the difference the resistor makes. :-D

    Whats odd is that on my HDTVs, the color is really close on the 2600 and the 7800. Where it really stands out is on the CRTs. As an example, Seaquest on the 7800 connected to my 13 inch CRT, Game mode off, brightness at lowest setting, everything looks great. Now the 2600, I have to turn game mode on and turn the brightness up past halfway to get a similar picture. So if the resistor corrects that so I don't have to adjust the settings on the TV all the time, I'll be a happy camper! :P

  20. Posted

    I've been wondering about this ever since I got my revision 12 board back in a case. It doesn't have the resistor, but from what I've read, it will help the color if I add one, right?

    Also, while I've got the case opened up again, should I go ahead and replace the caps and voltage regulator?

     

    I'm guessing it needs something, since the color is off a bit when compared to my 7800, which is a lot more vibrant and bright.

  21. Posted

    I always add RCA jacks when I do an AV mod. I think it looks nicer and gives you options when it comes to cable length. I also use mod boards instead of just soldering the components all over the place. I do use hot glue to stick the mod boards down, unless I have 3m tape handy.

    I transport my 2600 and 7800 between 2 different locations, sometimes on a daily basis, so having the jacks on the system is more convenient. I only need six feet of AV cable in my bedroom, but when I go to sit with my father at his house, I need 12 feet of cable. I can just leave the cables connected to the TVs and use them for whatever system I have with me at the time. :-D ( I actually talked my father into playing Combat and Fishing Derby a few times, but he was born way before video games were made and doesn't have much interest in them.)

    • Like 2

  22. Posted

    Thanks again and now we can go back and fourth . I knew you weren't " people who are interested in buying these " as I already knew why you were asking me that as you were baiting me somehow so you could use that spiel . P.S. why would I care if you know where to get the ball knobs from since you can get them from many places ... you don't use them anyways ;) Your turn ..

     

    Actually, I was, possibly interested in these. if you had answered, "Yes, they have the Best Electronics Gold PCBs", I would have snatched them up, because they would have been too good to pass up!. :-D I hope we're all good now. I'm not knocking your work or your price, now that I know what repairs were made and everything. I hope these sell, they are worth your asking price. Nevermind about the ball tops. :)

  23. Posted

    I've got a sealed copy of Warlords for the 2600. The shrinkwrap on mine is in good condition and it's original. The box is bent and mashed though. I already had a copy of Warlords, but the label was rough, so now I have a nice one to display if I don't trade or sell it. :-D

     

    When I buy games, I buy them loose, since I buy them to play. However, if I really like a game, I'm not against buying a nice sealed copy as a "back-up".

  25. Posted

    And a young and unknown, a mostly still unknown, Robbie Coltrane.

    I really think Krull is a decent game on it's own, but being a fan of the movie helps.

     

    As far as Robbie, He's been in a quite a few different films and TV shows. Of course the youngsters know him from Harry Potter. Being a fan of British TV, I was very happy with his performance in "Blackadder's Christmas Carol".

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