abidingDude

I've got an update for ya'll, and a another question if you don't mind. I tested the voltage regulator and RF modulator with a multi-meter, and both checked out at a steady +5 volts. Then I tried to fine tune the RF modulator by turning the coil inside of it with the tip of a pen cap. I got the signal to change as I turned the coil, but couldn't dial in anything worthwhile. Since the board seems to be okay, I'm hazarding a guess that the RF modulator is no good, and I'd like to go ahead and mod the console for composite video and audio. @-^CrossBow^- In the installation overview for the UAV you explain that the audio needs to be handled separately by lifting the north end of the resistors responsible for audio off the board, and soldering that into a circuit including a capacitor, then out to the L/R audio jacks. Is this still the best way to go about it?

I will keep this in mind for when I get around to modding, thanks!

No, it's hooked up via a male to make RF cable with a coax adapter on the end that connects to the TV.

Wow, thank you for the detailed reply! It's interesting that these consoles weren't all made to the same specs, and I had no idea how many minute differences there would be between production runs. I will give this a go this weekend if I can borrow a multimeter from a friend. I'm assuming you specify plastic for doing this because metal would damage the modulator, right? Is the tool something I could jankily put together myself, or should I be looking to buy one? I'm very happy to hear this! I was hoping that I could mod it, I just wanted to make sure everything else worked proper before doing so. What do you mean by UAV? I seriously appreciate the help!

Hi all. I recently bought an Atari 7800 with a couple dozen games (mostly 2600, a few 7800), proline joysticks, standard joysticks, and paddles. I bought it knowing it wasn't working quite properly and would like some guidance with troubleshooting what is wrong with the console. I started by taking it all apart, cleaning cartridge slot contacts, air dusting the board, and washing the plastic pieces. I also cleaned contacts on carts that I tested. I inspected the board and couldn't find any obvious signs of parts failing, however I am only vaguely familiar with circuit boards and even less so with older ones. I've included a picture of the top and bottom for someone that perhaps has a better eye than me for these things. The problem is that I get a fuzzy picture with no color and no sound. As you can see, I have it hooked up to a flat-screen LCD TV, but it's a somewhat older one. It has all sorts of options in the menu for fine tuning the RF signal and such, and I've played with that to get better reception from the console to no avail. Here's the kicker: I picked up a tube TV for free from a friend to see if my flat screen was the issue. I hooked it all up and the signal was worse on the tube TV. What I'd like to know then, is where to start troubleshooting. I've gathered that these consoles are a bit unstable, and there are a number of things that can go wrong such as the voltage regulator going out or the RF output board also biting it. Frankly I have no idea what the voltage regulator looks like, so if I need to mess with that could someone explain where it is? Should I get into using a multimeter and testing components first, or are there some other things I should try? I appreciate any help you all can give.