Atari 600 XL, Black Screen.

[captcapcom]

Just got one of these today, hooked everything up, and it doesn't function. System powers up fine (LED is on) but all I get is a Black Screen. Could it be a bad Antenna IN port? ... or something else?

[KubaCZ]

I can't help you much, but here's atleast try:

 

 

Does screen blink for a short time when you power it? If not then you have it probably on other channel? I don't know on which channel NTSC Ataris are, probably 2 or 3?

 

 

If it's on the right channel then it could be lots of reasons - bad memory/rom/chips etc... try to open it and look if there's not something visibly destroyed, or if there are sockets, try to reseat those chips that are on them.

[Fox-1 / mnx]

I had 3 XL's with a black screen and in all the cases it was the delay line (U13 in 600XL - C060472).

[captcapcom]

Im taking to a repair shop my friend owns, gonna open it up there and see what I can see. I'm guessing something came loose in shipping.

[captcapcom]

Well, I fixed the black screen problem. Turned out there were no chips in the unit (a fact that the seller QUICKLY Remedied). Now, I can't get any picture through the TV alone. I have to hook it up through a VCR that is hooked into AV to see anything. The Sound is my issue now... all I get is static for sound.... I cannot clear it up. Tried two different TVs and its the same thing.

 

Would an internal AV mod fix this issue?

[Gunstar]

Are you using RF or audio/video cable? never mind. just remembered NTSC 600XL's don't have a monitor port. If the RF is the problem for your sound, then doing an AV upgrade would take care of it. If the sound issue doesn't originate with the RF, then something else is wrong, but you wouldn't know until after you did the AV upgrade.

 

So, what's the story/excuse on getting a 600XL with no chips?

Edited February 11, 2012 by Gunstar

[Slor]

Well, there's actually not an excuse. The story is that some idiot actually shipped him a 600XL with no freakin' major ICs in it due to a mix-up in the time-space continuum. I won't expose the guilty party, but his AA nick rhymes with "score". At any rate, I would suspect the POKEY at this point - either not seated properly or bad? Or perhaps damage to the RF unit before the owner realized that wasn't the issue? Suggestions welcome.

 

He who shall remain nameless would like to anonymously apologize for this stupidity. The buyer will be satisfied...

[Elijah Mirecki]

Does anyone know what the problem might be for the 800XL?

[sloopy]

Elijah, Just like Gunstars sig, we see the thread... dont need to advertise on this one...

 

 

OP: with the same VCR as the tuner? the channel select switch maybe dirty, or the channel isnt tuned in correctly... newer tv's have issues with A8's output sometimes...

 

(may want to consider doing a composite video mod, simple to do... and gives alot better output then RF...)

sloopy.

[russg]

Is the channel switch on the Atari and TV to the same channel? Channel switch is in the back.

[captcapcom]

As far as I can tell. Everything is fine with the unit itself. Plays games great And types really well. It's just... Not being able to hear these classic sounds is kinda ...blah. Here's a strange thing I found. I put the console on channel 3 and only get a picture on channel 4. Channel 3 with show nothing. When I switch it to channel 2, the picture shows up on channel 3. That's bizarre right? So I think there is definitely something screwy with this RF unit inside.

 

Incidentally... This whole experience has been really fun. The seller was awesome with replys and sending everything I need... And I've been learning tons about this computer. Once I get an AV mod done, it will be an awesome end to a neat experience. Just wish I could do it myself... I can't find anything on the net about it.

 

[sloopy]

http://atrey.karlin.mff.cuni.cz/~pavel/atari/600xlmon.html

 

This is what I use, it disconnects the rf mod, but gives very good results and is simple to do.

 

sloopy.

[Slor]

Did you try changing the setting on your output device (TV or VCR) from cable input to antenna input? The 3/4 output issue sounds like something I've seen due to input settings needing to be changed on a TV. I could be completely wrong, but that rings a bell.

 

Also, sloopy is the guy I was gonna recommend to do that mod for you if you want it done. He'll do a great job at a good price.

Edited February 12, 2012 by Slor

[Gunstar]

Elijah, Just like Gunstars sig, we see the thread... dont need to advertise on this one...

 

 

 

I was hoping it would be noticed! Thank God! Some one noticed!

[+rockdoc2010]

I bought a 600xl off Ebay for twenty bucks with black screen

changed out delay line IC and works like a charm!!

 

kudos!!

 

My first valid repair!

 

Douglas

[+rockdoc2010]

Jeezzz

 

one 64k upgrade and my video tears and shifts badly

I move the upgrade to another 600xl and all is good...

 

then after three reboots, another black screen condition.