Gigabyte Posted July 11, 2010 Share Posted July 11, 2010 I bought an Atari, but after running for 20 minutes or so, the colors go grey and washed out and static-y. Turning console off and on fixes the problem. I found this thread on google from 2002: http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=134853 and it seems to be a similar problem. It's a 4-switch model btw, not a Vader, I think it's called a CX2600 or something similar. Is this something I can probably fix? Is there something that needs to be cleaned inside? Are there any good guides on AA or anywhere else? I'm ready to open this sucker up and start fixing... It doesn't sound like overheating, because turning it on and off fixes the problem, which makes me think it isn't the cords (plus, no change when cords were wiggled, either way). That pretty much leaves dust, glitching up graphics is what it does best. Thanks in advance, any help is appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benzman66 Posted July 11, 2010 Share Posted July 11, 2010 (edited) I would try replacing the "green chicklet" capacitor on the left hand side of the board right above the power regulator. (Labeled C241 on board) Edited July 11, 2010 by Benzman66 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trinity Posted July 11, 2010 Share Posted July 11, 2010 I would guess that the 5 volt voltage regulator is going bad. Easy to fix and the part is under two bucks at Radio Shack. See my old thread,,, http://www.atariage.com/forums/topic/145631-help-me-fix-my-1st-2600/page__p__1771736__fromsearch__1#entry1771736 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gigabyte Posted July 11, 2010 Author Share Posted July 11, 2010 (edited) Thanks for the replies... I'm not so sure it's the 5V regular... we seem to be having different "symptoms" Trinity. It would be nice, but my console turns on fine, even plays fine with the graphics go grey... it's very strange. But everyone here knows more about this than me, so who knows. As for the green chicklet, is there a guide to replacing that piece, can I get it at Radio Shack, or do I have to go to ebay? Thanks again guys! Edited July 11, 2010 by Gigabyte Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benzman66 Posted July 11, 2010 Share Posted July 11, 2010 The green cap might be available at Radio Shack, but don't know for sure. I always swap one from another board that I may have laying around when I need them. If RS don't, you should be able to order from Mouser Electronics or some other online parts supplier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gigabyte Posted July 11, 2010 Author Share Posted July 11, 2010 So, find this part, open atari up, replace and hopefully profit? Is the Green Chicklet a 224K 100V cap? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trinity Posted July 11, 2010 Share Posted July 11, 2010 Thanks for the replies... I'm not so sure it's the 5V regular... we seem to be having different "symptoms" Trinity. It would be nice, but my console turns on fine, even plays fine with the graphics go grey... it's very strange. But everyone here knows more about this than me, so who knows. As for the green chicklet, is there a guide to replacing that piece, can I get it at Radio Shack, or do I have to go to ebay? Thanks again guys! Test the regulator. Trust me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gigabyte Posted July 11, 2010 Author Share Posted July 11, 2010 (edited) Well should I not play the system until fixed? How does the voltage regulator affect the colors so strangely? why would it mess up after being turned on for a while? Plus, I hear something rattling around inside the system, a screw perhaps... I really do appreciate the advice, but could you maybe explain the 5V regulator and how it creates my problem? Why would this part go bad? I bought used, but it came with a legit atari AC adapter. I don't have a voltmeter, but I bet my friend does... I opened the thing up to look around, found a piece of plastic that was causing the rattle. Found the chicklet, I should be able to replace that, if its the problem. Also, a NEW SYMPTOM, the grey/static colors can flash on and off. So the colors mess up, and then go normal, but eventually they always stay gray. A quick power off/on fixes the problem for another 15-20 minutes. Edited July 11, 2010 by Gigabyte Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gigabyte Posted July 11, 2010 Author Share Posted July 11, 2010 I found this thread after some digging, http://www.atariage.com/forums/topic/62893-atari-2600-turning-bw/ And that's exactly what's happening to me too, so I really do think it's the capacitor. I'll have to go to radio shack and see if I can get one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benzman66 Posted July 11, 2010 Share Posted July 11, 2010 It is safe to play, as long as you don't mind turning it off and on each time it messes up on the screen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benzman66 Posted July 12, 2010 Share Posted July 12, 2010 If that piece of plastic you found was perfectly square with two little holes, you might want to check the side of the power jack as that may be where it is from. Many times they pop off. Just snap it back on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trinity Posted July 12, 2010 Share Posted July 12, 2010 Well should I not play the system until fixed? How does the voltage regulator affect the colors so strangely? why would it mess up after being turned on for a while? Plus, I hear something rattling around inside the system, a screw perhaps... I really do appreciate the advice, but could you maybe explain the 5V regulator and how it creates my problem? Why would this part go bad? I bought used, but it came with a legit atari AC adapter. I don't have a voltmeter, but I bet my friend does... I opened the thing up to look around, found a piece of plastic that was causing the rattle. Found the chicklet, I should be able to replace that, if its the problem. Also, a NEW SYMPTOM, the grey/static colors can flash on and off. So the colors mess up, and then go normal, but eventually they always stay gray. A quick power off/on fixes the problem for another 15-20 minutes. Well I forgot to mention that when my 7805 was going bad before it would go black, the colors would fade then go black and white,,, then poof! Dead. All in about 10 seconds, up to a minute. Anyway, Good luck! Hope you get her fixed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trinity Posted July 12, 2010 Share Posted July 12, 2010 I would try replacing the "green chicklet" capacitor on the left hand side of the board right above the power regulator. (Labeled C241 on board) Hey, What does that capacitor do for the Atari anyway? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benzman66 Posted July 12, 2010 Share Posted July 12, 2010 Is the Green Chicklet a 224K 100V cap? The sixers use the 224k 100v, but the fours usually are 1k 100v or 104k 100v. I'm not sure if you could use the bigger ones or not. Anyone else know? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benzman66 Posted July 12, 2010 Share Posted July 12, 2010 I would try replacing the "green chicklet" capacitor on the left hand side of the board right above the power regulator. (Labeled C241 on board) Hey, What does that capacitor do for the Atari anyway? Filters out the power line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gigabyte Posted July 12, 2010 Author Share Posted July 12, 2010 "SYMPTOM: Screen becomes snowy and/or no color after several minutes of play. Reset cures problem but only for a while. REPAIR: CX-2600 [six switch] owners, try replacing the .22 ufd capacitors, (they look like green Chicklets) on teh upper PCB near the ON/OFF switch (Repace with .22ufd 100 vold cap). CS-2600A [four switch] owners, should replace the .1ufd capacitor, C241 (it also looks like a green Chicklet) in the lower left hand corner of the PCB. (Replace with .1ufd 24 vold cap.)" Going to Radio Shack later to try and pick the new cap up. Anything special I need to do when replacing it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trinity Posted July 12, 2010 Share Posted July 12, 2010 "SYMPTOM: Screen becomes snowy and/or no color after several minutes of play. Reset cures problem but only for a while. REPAIR: CX-2600 [six switch] owners, try replacing the .22 ufd capacitors, (they look like green Chicklets) on teh upper PCB near the ON/OFF switch (Repace with .22ufd 100 vold cap). CS-2600A [four switch] owners, should replace the .1ufd capacitor, C241 (it also looks like a green Chicklet) in the lower left hand corner of the PCB. (Replace with .1ufd 24 vold cap.)" Going to Radio Shack later to try and pick the new cap up. Anything special I need to do when replacing it? What's their part number for that capacitor? Pick up a 7805 while your there. Only a buck or two. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gigabyte Posted July 16, 2010 Author Share Posted July 16, 2010 Well... the system may have fixed itself. I played Berzerk for over an hour with no problems We'll see... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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