broken 2600

[swoslover]

I have recently accquired a 2600 that doesnt appear to turn on.

 

The light for the power doesnt show up.

 

Does anyone know how I can try to fix it?

 

Or an alternative power supply.

 

I dont have any games though could this be why the light doesnt show?

[BigO]

If the LED doesn't light, I'd first suspect the power supply. Failures are not uncommon. (I assume it's a 2600 "Junior" since it has an LED, but these take the same power supply as their older brothers.) Personally, when I need to test one quickly, I touch it to my tongue to see if it's putting out power. My recommendation, however, would be to find a cheap voltmeter if you don't have one.

 

If it's putting out nothing, it's dead. I can't remember who it is, but I've seen listed here at AtariAge a reference to a seller of aftermarket power supplies that will work with your 2600. I have found half a dozen or so 2600 compatible power supplies at thrift stores, so that might be worth a look.

 

Edit: The light will come on whether you have a game loaded or not. It's a power indicator. (And, you won't blow up the console by powering it up without a game plugged in.)

Edited November 24, 2007 by BigO

[Tom_Explodes]

I have a jr which has an LED that doesn't always light up, but it does work. Lacking the ability to even try it with a game, having no games, do what he said.

Edited November 26, 2007 by Tom_Explodes

[atari5200dude]

I had the same problem with my 4 switch, It was the power supply. My advice just go up to your local hardware store and pick up a universal power adapter