Atari 2600 sound issues :-(

[mtshark7]

So I got an atari 2600 today that just outputs static for the sound. I think I remember reading where the green chicklet capacitor on the switchboard goes bad...would that be the root cause?

 

Thanks for your help!

-Mtshark7

 

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[zylon]

Sound failures are usually from these little guys.

[mtshark7]

Thanks Zylon! I did replace those...found that solution in the service manual. Unfortunately it didn't fix the problem...so I'm going with one of the chips is dead at this point :-(

 

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[+DrVenkman]

If the only problem is the sound, I'd suspect the big red inductor there on the board (which is adjustable with an Allen wrench), which is specifically for adjusting the sound modulation into the RF, or the RF modulator itself.

[+RichG1972]

There is a tall control encased in red on the board that also controls the sound, be careful when adjusting it though, it is tricky

http://www.cpushack.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Atari2600mobo.jpg

 

It is the red item in this picture that is standing straight up, this also controls sound. You need a very small allen wrench to adjust this and do so in VERY small increments.

[2600 Forever]

If the only problem is the sound, I'd suspect the big red inductor there on the board (which is adjustable with an Allen wrench), which is specifically for adjusting the sound modulation into the RF, or the RF modulator itself.

 

 

There is a tall control encased in red on the board that also controls the sound, be careful when adjusting it though, it is tricky

 

http://www.cpushack.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Atari2600mobo.jpg

 

It is the red item in this picture that is standing straight up, this also controls sound. You need a very small allen wrench to adjust this and do so in VERY small increments.

 

[+DrVenkman]

 

 

 

 

Yeah, me too. He must have me blocked.

[ItchAdair]

The red big device on your board is the cause of your problem. It is the inductor. And it causes the problems in the RF signals. You must replace it. If it is adjustable then adjust it using a knob and ofcourse you will get a clear sound.

[DVGamerepair]

Atari 2600 Jr. here. Same problem. I replaced C53, C54, tweaked both pots and still nothing. Finally pulled Q4 and tested and found that it failed. Replaced with a 2N3563 and sound is back! I know this is an old post but hope it helps someone else.