Vader will not turn on.

[smalltownguy2]

Hi folks, I need some help diagnosing a problem with a 2600 vader that will not turn on correctly.

 

I've metered the power switch, it's fine

I've checked the power regulator, it's outputting the correct voltage

I've checked the 3 socketed chips, they're fine

I've replaced the crystal

 

What's the next step here? I'm not unfamiliar with a meter, logic probe and soldering tools. Just not sure where to go from here.

 

Turning the system on, I get absolutely ZERO response from the CRT. Nothing, nada, not even a flicker.

 

Thanks in advance!

[+-^CrossBow^-]

At that point...the only other real possibility is likely a bad RF modulator. Check and make sure you are getting +5 to the RF modulator and if that checks...like the RF modulator itself. That would be my next guess... At that point, I would likely just AV mod the console and not worry about it. Though I don't like the cheap composite mod boards for the 2600 and 7800, they are handy to have on hand to quickly wire in to test that AV modding is an option. If so, then I go for a UAV to actually install and mod into the console.

[BigO]

I get the distinct impression that you are well past these steps but, just in case, I'll go ahead ask the dumb questions...

• Is it actually connected to an RF input on the TV, not plugged directly into an RCA video input?
• Is the TV tuned to the correct channel?
• Is it connected to the TV through a switch box that might be defective or set to the wrong position?

[smalltownguy2]

 

I get the distinct impression that you are well past these steps but, just in case, I'll go ahead ask the dumb questions...

• Is it actually connected to an RF input on the TV, not plugged directly into an RCA video input? YEP
• Is the TV tuned to the correct channel? YEP
• Is it connected to the TV through a switch box that might be defective or set to the wrong position? NOPE

 

 

 

I like the idea of testing an AV mod kit on the console. I think I'll try that next.

[smalltownguy2]

Wired up a quick A/V mod kit, video only just for a quick and dirty check. Success! So I guess I'll just mod this one and move on. Must have been a bad RF unit.

[smalltownguy2]

Somewhat related question... where can I find a good price on a replacement 6507 cpu chip? I founf a bad one in another unit I'm fixing.