AtariNostalgia Posted August 4, 2018 Share Posted August 4, 2018 (edited) One of my Ataris' is an 800XL that I bought used around 1994. I remember distinctly that the person I bought it from mentioned something about the red cover on the joystick port, I just can't remember what. I've tried both the monitor output and the TV output (it's a PAL machine) but no picture. The machine does power on. Here is a pic of the red 'cover' on the port, it is removable. Edited August 4, 2018 by AtariNostalgia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 4, 2018 Share Posted August 4, 2018 (edited) PAL machine? are you UK/Europe-based? does it make any sounds at all during power up. try the blind audio test. if still a black screen try this (turn TV volume up):power up using OPTION key, wait five seconds, press SELECT key once, press STARTdo you hear the musical notes? if so your computer is workingnow press HELP, then SELECT, the STARTpress different keys randomly....do you hear the keyboard BEEPS?these are good signs that atari is fundamentally ok. the dongle could be for almost anything. there were various software items that used dongles - but these were generally "removable". is that red one permanently attached? or does it slot in? if so, what happens if you unplug it? Edited August 4, 2018 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtariNostalgia Posted August 4, 2018 Author Share Posted August 4, 2018 I can't get a picture/sound to try to hear sound. The red cover is removable, I tried removing it but nothing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 4, 2018 Share Posted August 4, 2018 you had the case open yet? it may be worth looking inside/posting some pics Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Westphal Posted August 4, 2018 Share Posted August 4, 2018 Im curious to see the inside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stefan Both Posted August 4, 2018 Share Posted August 4, 2018 I'd bet the red cover is something like a dongle... Hope it is made for Joystick ports... Otherwise it has maybe shorten some lines... Stefan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtariNostalgia Posted August 4, 2018 Author Share Posted August 4, 2018 Here are a few quick inside pics. In the last 2, I have removed the one in the joystick port. It's a UK model. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_The Doctor__ Posted August 4, 2018 Share Posted August 4, 2018 (edited) that dongle looks to be important enough that the port has been marked as well.... I'd start by checking the voltages and make sure it's clean... then clean and reseat chips etc, moving on to checking memory... Looks like I would leave the dongle in. Until it's running and we can determine what's been done Edited August 4, 2018 by _The Doctor__ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtariNostalgia Posted August 4, 2018 Author Share Posted August 4, 2018 (edited) Ok, so I will fully open it up then. Anything specific I should check first? Thanks. Edited August 4, 2018 by AtariNostalgia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
AtariAge on Instagram
Watch us on YouTube
Chat on Discord
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.