Still a n00b. Still need help

[hiitsbrian]

A while back I made a thread for tips for people just now starting to get into Atari 2600. Basic stuff like which 2600 model to get, what games to get, RF adapters, etc. Well, I still need more help.

Recently bought a 4 switch woodie from the flea market from a guy I know will do fair business. Didn't come with an AC adapter, but he guaranteed I can return it if it ends up not working. I went back again today and bought a Vader model, just because I wanted it as well. He admitted this console was untested, but could replace it if I have any issues. Well, today I got an Atari power adapter I got from eBay. I hooked up the woodie. Games boot up. A little snow, but that's probably because I'm currently using a box adapter instead of one small piece. Anyway I play Pitfall! I can only move in one direction. Iit had been ages since I've played, but you're supposed to be able to go left AND right, aren't you? Or am I going nuts? Could jump fine. I decided to try another game. Put in Space Invaders. Can't move in any dirrection, can't shoot. I try River Raid. Game loads to start of game but never get the plane to take off with any button or direction on the joystick. At this point I'm thinking it's the joystick, so I try a SEGA genesis controller. Nothing. I try yet another Genesis controller in both Atari controller ports, nothing. Does the mean the controller ports on the console are fucked? Seems weird that they'd BOTH be messed up but that's the only explanation I can come up with.

Now with the Vader. Connect Vader to same official Atari power adapter, same rf converter box. Black screen. TV is on channel 3 and so is switch on the back of the console. Switch them both to two. Still black. I fiddle witht the RF connector plugged into the converter box by twisting it, and Pitfall shows up for a split second but disappears. I keep playing with it hoping to get the game to come back in but I can't no matter how long I mess with it. This has me thinking the AC cable that's hardwired into the console must have a short in it. Again, only explanation I can come up with.

Am I doing something wrong in these situations? Do you know what the problem is for either scenario 1 or 2? Any solutions?

[fiddlepaddle]

Be sure to clean all the RCA connectors and get them shiny with contact cleaner and/or a mild abrasive (like a pencil eraser). The switch box may be a problem; try the RCA-coax adapter instead (or you can open up the switch box and bypass with switch by short-circuiting it).

 

Between your two units, you should be able to debug your problem by swapping the RCA cable and controllers.

 

Now that you know your power supply is good, work on the video cable on the vader. You can take the screws out and test the video cable for continuity (get a cheap meter...Harbor Freight Tools has one for a few bucks). If you can't do that, then maybe you can pull out the video cable from the 4 switch and try that one in the vader.

 

Once the video shows up on the vader, you can test the controller with a game (Yes Pitfall goes both left and right). At least you know your Pitfall cartridge works.

[hiitsbrian]

Are all Sega games responsive to the atari joystick? Plugged in into my Genesis to try to place Sonic the Hedgehog but no response at all. Hopefully all Im needing is a new controller and Im hoping the vader just needs the RF adapter instead of the box. But that still wouldnt explain why the genesis controllers were unresponsive while hooked up to the 2600.

[zylon]

Are all Sega games responsive to the atari joystick? Plugged in into my Genesis to try to place Sonic the Hedgehog but no response at all. Hopefully all Im needing is a new controller and Im hoping the vader just needs the RF adapter instead of the box. But that still wouldnt explain why the genesis controllers were unresponsive while hooked up to the 2600.

 

You can test an Atari stick on a genesis for sonic, but must use the real sega control to start the game, then switch controllers.

[Hannacek]

It's best to get one of those new power supplies they make in china, and also get a new joystick, just to make sure those are not the problem.

The Atari doesn't contain any chips or a shift register like Nintendo or Sega controllers do. This means the problem with a controller is either a broken controller, or a loose connection on the joystick port. After getting a controller you know works, open up the console and check the pcb. See if the solder on the joystick port looks good. You will probably need to resolder the connections on the joystick port, because the solder breaks down an oxidizes after time. Also check to see if there are any broken traces coming out of the joystick port.

[Brian R.]

I would try using your Sega Genesis controller on the 2600. That could help you figure out if the problem is the controller itself or something internal in the system.

 

You don't need RF boxes for the systems. You can use a simple RF to coax adapter and remove the box entirely.

 

For the Vader, one thing you can do is open the console and make sure the internal end of the RF cable is firmly attached to the board. It just plugs in inside. The cable could also be frayed, on the outside end of it, from your description. You might need to replace the cable.

[hiitsbrian]

Sooo frustrated. Took controller back to guy I bought everything from. He gave be a new controller. Went home to test it out. Actually worked...for a little bit. Then went to only half of the directions working and the action button worked. Experiencing this with 2 separate controllers and genesis controllers not working at all is making me think the controller port is fucked. After that I brought the 2600 (woody) back and exchanged it for another. Tested the new one at home and can't even get the games to load. The games seem harder to insert than they did on the previous system and the power switch is hard to push up. Once powered on, all that happens is a really distorted picture shows up and the TV makes a hideous sound so it looks like this one will not work either. Since flea market is only open weekends it'll be another week before I can try for another replacement, but he said he'd have one hooked up and working by then in case I have to come back.

 

With the vader I'm waiting got an RF to coax adapter to come in the mail. I'm hoping the vader just isn't wanting to work with the box and that it will work with the small adapter. Is it possible for one of those boxes to work with one 2600 but not work on another?

[Brian R.]

No. The adapter box doesn't matter, and it's not needed.

 

Atari systems are usually very reliable (in my and many other experiences) and most often work. That you're having such trouble with multiple systems seems odd. But like most tech things, it's difficult to really know what's going on without being there and hands on.

 

When you say games are harder to insert, that makes me thing you went from a four-toggle 2600 to a light sixer - the light six (and the heavy,I believe) have recessed/deeper cartridge ports, and some carts are tighter fits than others. The power switch sounds like it could be corroded, rusty, etc.

 

As for the joysticks, they are internally very simple.

[chas10e]

try both controller ports ... two player mode missile command great for all directions & fire

the replacement sounds like the controller itself ...

 

the vader model black screen , could be dirty cart port & dirty cart (combined) http://atariage.com/howto/clean_cartridges.html

 

I use a high percentage rubbing alcohol ... soak the PCB on cart with q-tip & slip it in slot a few times ....

[hiitsbrian]

Didnt go from 4 switch to light sixer, it's just another 4 switch woodie. The games just dont seem to go into place without a little more force, but on this system the picture doesnt load. Just a fuzzy screen and an annoying high pitched sound. Tested multiple carts, all the same result.

Edited January 31, 2016 by hiitsbrian

[hiitsbrian]

Took the two consoles apart to switch out the cable the connects to the television. Tried both cords on both motherboards. Still nothing.

[chas10e]

clean the ends of them cables , can also open & clean the slide switchbox to see if that helps until that adapter arrives

[hizzy]

You might want to open up the case (which is easy) and replace the RCA cable (which is super easy)

 

Check the video!

 

Edited February 1, 2016 by hizzy

[Brian R.]

I think a problem with putting in another cable is many are too big to be inside the case. The stock cable you'll notice is shorter/not as tall inside the case as it is on the other end. It's shallower so it fits inside. Other cables are too big.