My Atari 2600 is sick.

[Skullmeat]

So, I went to go play my trusty Atari 2600, and discovered that she is displaying some very unusual behavior. For the record, this is a 4 switch light (CX-2600A REV 12). I have cleaned the carts and the slot, to no avail. I've googled, and googled, without any luck.

 

Anything other than combat results in this:

[freewheel]

Dead TIA? Certainly looks like video problems. Weird that Combat works.

[Andromeda Stardust]

Have you tried Video Olympics (PONG) or one of those other early era games?

 

I'm thinking many of the really old or launch titles hardly ever updated the TIA register. More modern games used hacks to update the registers mid scanline, for instance to get asymmetric playfields.

 

I dunno why Combat would work if nothing else did, unless there's a timing issue.

[Skullmeat]

Have you tried Video Olympics (PONG) or one of those other early era games?

 

I'm thinking many of the really old or launch titles hardly ever updated the TIA register. More modern games used hacks to update the registers mid scanline, for instance to get asymmetric playfields.

 

I dunno why Combat would work if nothing else did, unless there's a timing issue.

 

Unfortunately, I dont have many launch titles. I've tried Asteriods, Misssile Command, and Space Invaders. All have similar synptoms.

Edited September 22, 2014 by TheMerc

[zylon]

I'd look into the RAM (IC closest to cart slot). I've seen this once before where only certain games work.

[Skullmeat]

I'd look into the RAM (IC closest to cart slot). I've seen this once before where only certain games work.

 

I plan to order a new TIA, RIOT, and MOS as soon as I have the time and cash to replace them.