Voxel

Thanks for putting in the hard work and putting this all together.

Since you'll be having it your lap and I'm not sure if you'll have it permanently wired to the console via ports 1 and 2, or how long the leads will be, was thinking if it had internal storage, you could store the leads that way when not in use.

Years back I'd upgrade with super video for the XE or XL and keep the RF. I also wired in RCA's for outputs and have 3 video outputs. It allowed flexibility to have a combination of screen types. When I'd play two player games having a screen for each player really let you both sit square to the screen and the ability to focus on a single screen for each player was great.

Sometimes we get stuck in our ways, so it's nice to see you've warmed to the idea of adding a spinner as has been suggested. Tempest Elite needs a spinner as the paddle controller works in reverse (and it's staying that way).

This is like an AA meeting for me... I used to have over 40 Atari 8-bit machines, now I have less.

Cut the original join with a sharp knife. Open up the box so it's flat. Iron it to flatten it out from the inside. Spray a starch spray to stiffen it. Get something like thick brown wrapping paper and use wall paper paste to stick it on the inside of the box, then allow to dry, then trim the wrapping paper to match the shape of the flattened out box. You can then use a straight edge to bend the box where the folds were to restore the shape. Then glue along the original join with a contact adhesive. You can then spray the outside with a clear lacquer.

Really nice work.

You've pretty much covered all the bases relevant to your needs. You could add an auto fire circuit (the quickjoy supercharger joystick, has a really good one).

That's impressive.

I've been offline, luckily you're always very helpful with giving advice.

Forgot to add, I was planning on doing something similar a while ago, never got around to it so I'm eager to see how you get on.

This is the circuit from GI, hope it helps..

Sounds like a component may be on the way out, could take the top off and check for signs of overheating. It could be on the power side, or the display side as being indicated. If you have a multi meter you can check voltages of the components on both sides before and after to see if you have an obvious culprit. From the information however I'd be inclined to change the capacitors first.

That's my favourite Atari cart shell. I have a few games in that shell type and often look out for a cheap pick up on ebay. They are usually on the silver label games

Image added for reference.

The write up on this ebay listing indicates it's also a late release Pong clone. It seems to have attracted some bidders and I'm certainly tempted: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-TV-Games-console-Termbray-TVG204/233781222943?hash=item366e725e1f:g:pQAAAOSwXoJfr~bW

I'm thinking there may be a bad capacitor, and would suggest replacements at this point.

I'm of the opinion that there are connectors that need cleaning. As you swapped boards your findings indicated that there is a connection issue. The connectors on the original pairing would mate at certain points, when you swapped boards the new pairing would see a change to the connecting points, so there was an improvement. I'd suggest more work cleaning the mating surfaces, including all switches.

I recall we had a bit of a global recession around that era. I never would have though something like austerity would prompt a Pong release.

Looks very nice.

Sometimes the original chips are fine, so don't be eager to bin them they may just need the oxide/gunk removed. There are two things here the chip and the socket. Connecting surfaces on both need to be cleaned. You can push in the chips so they are very snug and add something like Deoxit, then leave alone for a day for it to get to work. Otherwise you can remove the chips and delicately clean the pins, add some light oil (a very thin oil), then clean the sockets (you can use a toothbrush with a slight hint of oil), then insert the chips a few times and connect up. You may need to repeat this process a few times with the chips as it rubs down the connecting surfaces to clean metal.

LukHash, he puts out some good chip tunes. There is an official site and from memory free to download. Spy vs Spy on the VCS sounds great.

Thanks Albert!

Still very unique.

Another game on my to do list. As it needs some time, I keep putting it off as a result. This poll looks heavily weighted, and voters are weary these days...