Left controller port, Paddle issue.

[MathewM]

Hi,

 

I picked up a used "Vader" 2600 off of ebay. I've narrowed an issue down to the left controller port. The regular Atari joystick works fine, but not when I plug in a set of paddles. The issue seems to be with Paddle 1 (or whatever you would refer to it as). The button works, but I get no movement out of the paddle. Paddle 2 works fine plugged into the left controller port. Both paddles work as I've tested them with Warlords on the right controller port. I'm thinking it may be a dirty connector or worse a bad solder joint.

 

I figured before I open it up and do anything I would check in here to see if anyone else has had this issue.

 

Thank you,

Mathew

[R.Cade]

Likely one of the caps on that line has broken loose on one side. They are usually kind of large orange candy-looking caps near the cart port.

[MathewM]

I found this video useful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXVSCirAhYA

 

Except mine is worse and I couldn't quite fix it. It works when I push up on the plug or lean the Atari up on it's face. What's even worse is that I found cobwebs, remnants of a mud dauber nest and rust around the base of the circuit board. This Atari was clearly left in poor conditions for a long time. I'm surprised it works at all. I cleaned it up the best I could and I was able to get a full refund from the seller (minus shipping) so I'm not too upset. However, I was hoping to be able to play some Warlords with my kids. I also just ordered a Harmony card.

Edited October 19, 2017 by MathewM

[SignGuy81]

I found this video useful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXVSCirAhYA

 

Except mine is worse and I couldn't quite fix it. It works when I push up on the plug or lean the Atari up on it's face. What's even worse is that I found cobwebs, remnants of a mud dauber nest and rust around the base of the circuit board. This Atari was clearly left in poor conditions for a long time. I'm surprised it works at all. I cleaned it up the best I could and I was able to get a full refund from the seller (minus shipping) so I'm not too upset. However, I was hoping to be able to play some Warlords with my kids. I also just ordered a Harmony card.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/9-Pin-D-Subminiature-Connector-Right-Angle-PC-Mount-5-pcs-/112265713210?hash=item1a238ed63a:g:Lv4AAOSwUKxYdm0d

 

Works well as a replacement. This is if the pin has broke loose from the back of the connector. Could also be bad solder joint as already mentioned so make sure what problem is before getting new connector.

Edited October 19, 2017 by SignGuy81

[masschamber]

give us a pic of the board that is the best way to get help

[SignGuy81]

If you take a pic of board get a pic of the back side of board over the solder joints for the left controller port. If there isn't a cracked joint, and putting pressure on the plug makes it work as you described it is probably the connector, those pins breaking loose from the backside is pretty common.

[zylon]

pins breaking off the back of the port is very common on 4 switch decks. They weren't mounted very stable. Check the ones at sides of the port from the rear. If broken, desolder and replace. When I do, I drill out those little plastic nubs and drive screws through it so it does not happen again.

A cheap and easy fix is to take a small amount of stripped wire and push it into the hole on back of the port where the broken pin is. If you stuff enough little strands in there to make a good connection, seal it with a dab of super glue.

The original design had a support to prevent this, but it got eliminated.

Edited October 19, 2017 by zylon

[MathewM]

Unfortunately, I'm not handy with repairing electronics. I just want a fully functioning Atari so that I can relive my childhood ; )

How reliable are the 2600 Jr. models? The Vader picture quality is pretty bad also. I'm wondering if it makes much sense to invest any more time or money in this particular unit.

[SignGuy81]

Unfortunately, I'm not handy with repairing electronics. I just want a fully functioning Atari so that I can relive my childhood ; )

How reliable are the 2600 Jr. models? The Vader picture quality is pretty bad also. I'm wondering if it makes much sense to invest any more time or money in this particular unit.

 

 

Have you tried any of the flashbacks? Those have great picture quality and the newer ones have a lot of built in games.