[410 not working]

 

Since you say you have a replacement power PCB arriving for the 800, replace that first and see what happens. If it doesn't fix the problem, you're going to have to open the 410 up again and spend some quality time with it, the field service manual, and a multimeter.

 

From what I recall, motor control power to the 410 (or other Atari cassette drives) is provided from the motherboard of the host computer via the SIO cable, not from the internal power supply in the 410. Make sure that those voltages are making it through correctly.

 

If something is not right with the play switch on the 410, that could conceivably be preventing playback (or recording, for that matter) even if the motor control voltages check out OK.

 

Also check the pins on the SIO connector at the 800 to verify that the control voltage are actually being sent. Having an SIO cable around to use as an extension / breakout lead makes this a lot easier to deal with, but will rule out that potential problem as being centred on the 800 or the 410.

 

We've probably gone about as far as we can with remote troubleshooting for the time being. Opening things up and poking around is going to be necessary if the 800 power PCB replacement doesn't fix the issue.

Sorry should have been more clear. I replaced the power board a couple weeks ago because the original was fried and didn't work at all. I mentioned that because the eBay listing for the new (current) one said it was tested so I'm hoping that goes for the serial connection as well.

 

Is there somewhere I could send this in to be fixed? I don't really want to spend any more time on trying to get it to work. Just don't have the time right now and I really just want it to work for a video project. Maybe buying a used, working one would be cheaper than a fix?

[410 not working]

At this point, it's not clear if the problem is in the 410 or the 800. My gut tells me it's probably the 410, but there are a couple of things in the 800 that could be causing this. Without having another known-working cassette drive, though, there's no quick & easy test to determine if it's the computer or the drive.

 

One other possibility is that the SIO cable attached to the 410 has an internal break or bad pins at the connector, but, again, there's no quick & easy test for that; if you're OK with opening up the drive and checking continuity at the PCB, though, it's a possibility.

 

Have you gone through any of the steps in the service manual?

I have not. Other than the belt that needed replacing everything seems to be in good condition inside and out. I also replaced the entire power board in the 800 since the original was fried. The new one was advertised as tested and working so hopefully that applies to the serial connection as well. I don't know much about this stuff so I don't know what to look for.

[410 not working]

 

What happens if you try this without a cassette in it? Do the capstans, etc. turn if the play button is engaged?

 

I'd also recommend checking to see if the tape counter advances (or regresses) under fast forward, rewind, and playback.

 

 

If you have an audio cassette try putting it in and BASIC cart

Type in:

POKE 54018,52

You should be able to hear the audio play through your Atari/TV speakers

 

Tried all of this. Nothing will "play" the tape. It never budges.

[410 not working]

After I hear the long beep then hit return I hear another short beep but still nothing happens.

I just let it sit for a bit after hitting return and I first got a "boot error" and then "Error- 138" which looks to be a I/O timeout. So I'm assuming my 410 is just dead, despite the fact that it can be rewound and advanced.

[410 not working]

That's right, when you hear that beep, it's your prompt to press play on the 410, then press return on the computer.

After I hear the long beep then hit return I hear another short beep but still nothing happens.

[410 not working]

Does cload at least allow the 'play' button to start advancing the tape?

No. The tape never plays. I've tried every combination of starting with the play button pressed, pressing it later, running without holding START, with holding START. Nothing will start the tape playing.

 

When I do send CLOAD, though, I hear a low pitch beep which kind of sounds like an error sound. Is that right?

[410 not working]

I finally got my new belt installed and my 410 will now rewind and advance the tape however the computer will not load from it. I've tried the hold START technique as well as the CLOAD command and neither seem to want to communicate with the 410. Is there anything else I can try? Maybe the serial connection is no good? The pins all look clean.

[410 not working]

I have several 410s and 1010s that need belt replacements. This is on my list of things to do but I haven't tried it yet. My understanding is that it isn't that easy. Good luck!

I don't see what would be hard about it. I can easily get to the existing belt. I think the problem is getting the right belt.

[410 not working]

Atari 410 belts are available. You can get them here. Here is an AA thread about belts for the 410 and 1010. Here is the 410 service manual from Atari although I rarely find these that useful.

 

I personally think you are better of getting a disk drive. So much easier and more fun.

 

I really like the idea of the cassette though. I didn't even know data was stored on cassettes like this until I found this thing. Besides, if all it takes is a new belt it's worth a shot.

[410 not working]

Ok I opened it up today and found that the drive belt was very loose. After inspection I decided to plug it in and see if the motor turned and surprisingly it did! I swear nothing would happen before. So now I know the motor works at least.

 

Now I just need a replacement belt. Do you guys have any suggestions?

[410 not working]

Thank you all for the replies!

 

2. Check if the 410 can rewind or fast forward, to see if its motor works and belts are in a good shape. Pressing PLAY alone doesn't do anything. This is normal, 410 needs signal from the computer to spin when PLAY is pressed.

 

The 410 is 100% plugged into power (it has an integrated cable) but I can't fast forward or rewind. I assume that means it's broken?

[410 not working]

You're probably doing all the right things but chances are the drive belt on the 410 is broken.

Well it doesn't even make any sound.

[410 not working]

You press PLAY on the 410 and hold START while turning on your 800. After the tone you hit RETURN and the cassette should load.

 

If that doesnt work, try CLOAD, then PLAY and on the beep hit RETURN

Tried the first suggestion and still nothing. I have PLAY on when the 800 turns on, I hold down START and I get a blue screen with a cursor and I hear the tone but pressing RETURN doesn't do anything. Should the 410 show any signs of life without communicating with the computer because I get nothing from it at all.

 

I don't know what CLOAD is. If it's a command I don't know where/when to type it.

[410 not working]

I know close to nothing about these computers so please bear with me.

 

I'm trying to get a 410 program recorder to work with my 800 computer. I insert the Basic CXL4002 cartridge into the left slot, insert the Touch Typing CX4110 tape into the 410, power on the 800 and see "ready" on screen and press "play" on the 410 but the 410 does nothing.

 

Have I done everything correctly? I suspect the 410 is simply broken.

 

Appreciate any help!