Atari 400 keyboard and cartridges

[Atari 400 keyboard and cartridges]

Have you re-seated all of the ICs (chips)?

 

It could be that your POKEY just needs to be re-seated. While grounded properly, press firmly & slide the sides of both thumbs outward from the center of the POKEY, to it's edges, a few times until you stop hearing "creaking" noises, then test it out.

 

Ok, I pushing all of the chips down until they stopped creaking, and tried it again but it still won't work. I also removed the ram and cpu boards and did those chips. However, I did notice that with the case off of the computer, if I move the keyboard a certain way, the System Reset key works. If it's positioned how it would be in the case, then the key doesn't work.

 

I think there must be a break in the cable somewhere.

[Atari 400 keyboard and cartridges]

Ok,

 

I just tried cleaning the contacts with an eraser and scrubbed the female connector with a toothbrush and alcohol, but it still seems to be the same.

 

At one point when I pressed the shift key and 1 key I heard a strange sound from the speaker and the screen flickered, but then it stopped.

 

It looks like I'm going to have to replace it.

 

Also, is it okay if the pins still have dark spots or is that corrosion too? To me it just looks like wear spots.

 

Thanks.

[Atari 400 keyboard and cartridges]

Thanks everybody,

 

Did you clean all of the Male conductors (on both sides) on the end of the Keyboard's Flexi-Cable? Use a new #2 pencil's pink eraser, to erase the tarnish, vertically, inline with each conductor, one by one, about 4-5 times per conductor. TV Tuner Cleaner or Rubbing alcohol is good to use to clean the conductors in the Female connector.

 

I did clean the male connectors but not with an eraser. I'll try that. I did not clean the female connector though.

 

I found the System Reset key actually is working, unlike what I said, so I believe all of those 4 keys at the right should be okay. So it's really just the shift and ctrl keys that don't.

 

I remember someone on here named Corey said he had some of the 400 keyboards, but I don't know if he still does.

[Calling All 400s!]

My serial is:

AV 243692 042

 

The keyboard is rev. 1

[Atari 400 keyboard and cartridges]

I posted a few years back about my Atari 400 keyboard and never repaired it. My shift, ctrl, and the 4 yellow keys at the right do not work. Everything else does. I've tried cleaning the keyboard connection and it didn't work.

 

I'm guessing I need a new keyboard. Does anyone have a working keyboard I can get? I tried Best but they didn't seem to have any.

 

My other question is, how much are the game cartridges typically? I have the BASIC cartridge, but no games.

[Atari 400 keyboard problems]

The best thing to do is take the keyboard out and wipe the ribbon edge connector with VCR head-cleaning fluid.

 

I've noticed that they have a habit of gathering corrosion, which is why certain groups of keys will intermittently drop out.

985907[/snapback]

 

I'm going to have to try that. I always forget video cleaner when I go to the store!

Also with my NES, a careful cleaning with rubbing alcohol with a q-tip helped to make the cartridges work better.

 

I saw nothing wrong with the keyboard itself and I really don't want to put $10 into a computer like this.

[TV good enough for Atari]

I believe what you're referring to is a Coaxial (F-Type) to RCA Adapter.  We sell them in our store for $3.00, but you can also buy them at Radio Shack for $4.19 or so. Here's a link to the one we sell:

 

Coaxial (F-Type) to RCA Adapter

 

I've had pretty good luck with these, and definitely better than trying to use an interference-prone metal switchbox.

 

..Al

987906[/snapback]

 

My Atari 400 junk store find has great video using the old metal switchbox. I hooked my old NES switchbox to my TV coax and plugged the Atari Switchbox into the NES box input jack. It seemed to 'fix' the 'crazy video'.

[Flashback 2]

I got an Atari Flashback 2 for Christmas like many others did. I must say I am impressed. The system is very convenient no cartridges to look for or mess around with and a much improved video system. I must say there should have been a way to get out of games and back to the menu. I also would have liked to see Pac-man on the unit as well.

 

I haven't opened mine up yet, and haven't tried the new joysticks with it (I use my old ones that came with the 400,) but you have done a great job.

 

I think the 2005 date on Atari Climber is a nice touch and I won't have to bother trying to get my 400 to work at least for a while.

 

One of the best toys I've got in a while!!

[Atari 400]

Well I opened it back up and found the ribbon cable is wrapped in a plastic. I'm not sure I'm supposed to peel that off?

 

I saw there was a bunch of junk on the circuits on the board right near the keyboard connector, so I wiped them off really good.

 

After reassembling, I now find that the system reset key has now given up as well.

I would just buy a new keyboard, but I don't think my parents would want me too bother with the old thing.

 

I was told on another forum that someone here might know how to fix it? Anyone? The computer is useless as I have no cartridges or tapes and I can't even program it because of the broken keys! Help! This is the only vintage computer I've ever owned and I was hoping it would work!

[Atari 400 keyboard problems]

I'm having a similar problem but all of my keys are working except the shifts and control. I cleaned out the dust and unplugged and replugged the keyboard, but still same keys won't work.

 

In another thread it was suggested I wipe the keys with VCR head cleaner, could be worth a try...

[Atari 400]

Hi. A few weeks ago I bought an Atari 400 complete for $5.

 

It works, but both shift keys and the function key do not work.

I took the unit apart, vacummed and disconnected and firmly reconnected the keyboard connector and they still won't work.

 

Any ideas? I saw no real damage evident inside the machine.

 

Thanks.