Help. I've Broken My 2600 Jr

[Math You]

I just bought a new 2600 jr that uses the PAL B system and connected it to my PAL I TV in the UK. Fortunately, the TV I'm using will tune in to the low frequencies used by PAL B though I had to adjust the a potentiometer on the corner of the circuit board to get sound. Then disaster happened....

 

Feeling over sure of myself, I decided to adjust the video potentiometer to see if I could change the video output to the higher frequencies used by PAL I. After turning the carbon screw around inside the red potentiometer, the screw started to crumble and broke before falling out of its hole. Now I don't get any picture at all! Serves me right for meddling.

 

Can anyone offer me any advice on what to do next? Do I need a new potentiometer or can I buy a new carbon screw.

 

Thanks

 

Matt

[cwilkson]

I just bought a new 2600 jr that uses the PAL B system and connected it to my PAL I TV in the UK. Fortunately, the TV I'm using will tune in to the low frequencies used by PAL B though I had to adjust the a potentiometer on the corner of the circuit board to get sound. Then disaster happened....

 

Feeling over sure of myself, I decided to adjust the video potentiometer to see if I could change the video output to the higher frequencies used by PAL I. After turning the carbon screw around inside the red potentiometer, the screw started to crumble and broke before falling out of its hole. Now I don't get any picture at all! Serves me right for meddling.

 

Can anyone offer me any advice on what to do next? Do I need a new potentiometer or can I buy a new carbon screw.

 

Thanks

 

Matt

That sounds like a variable inductor...with a ferrite core screw (ceramic magnetic material). You'll have to replace it. You can get new variable inductors, but they are units...you can't just get the core. Not with reasonable effort anyway. And if you do find a new unit, you'll have mechnical fitting issues. The most likely thing is to swipe one from another Atari. Of course the preservationist in me says get another Atari and use it without swapping parts.

-Chris

[A.J. Franzman]

Always be gentle when turning those ferrite cores, and whenever possible use a proper (plastic) tool, not a metal one!

[Math You]

I'll have to see if I can find another 2600 Jr and do some console surgery. Thankyou both for the good advice