How can I fix my Atari?

[Vassilli]

Hi,

 

First of all I'm glad to participate in this amazing community and sorry for my english. I recently purchased an Atari 2600 wood (Rev 2) and the Harmony cartridge.

 

Unfortunately my system seems to be dead.

 

https://ibb.co/cTd5hS5

https://ibb.co/YDWH313

https://ibb.co/yy8GW3C

 

When I turn it on without cartridge, it displays random things (sometimes black screen, others a white line, others several lines...)

 

When I insert the Harmony cartridge i shows random lines but behind them you cam see some pixels.

Check above pictures showing the different scenarios.

 

I'm directly plugging it to the antena and I'm using other systems (NES, Master system) so I don't think that this is the root of the issue. I also checked ALL the frequencies and nothing is displayed.

After checking this I cleaned all the switches because they had a lot of liquid. No result.

Finally I tested the LM7085 voltage and it was right (9V entrance and 5V output). I guess that the issue comes from somewhere else but I have no idea...

 

The Harmony cartridge is new but could be this caused due to sd?

 

Could you help me?

 

Manu thanks in advanced

[+-^CrossBow^-]

You did try the channel select switch to flip between channel 2 or 3 correct?

 

You mentioned using other systems like the NES and master system. Are you using an NES or SMS antenna adapter on the back of the tv by chance? Because those switch boxes don't work properly on the 2600 or most Atari systems. Need to try and get the 2600 connected directly to the Antenna input using the F - Coax adapter.

 

You can get them from the AtariAge store right here in fact:

 

https://atariage.com/store/index.php?l=product_detail&p=42

 

 

Or for even cheaper...here from console5:

 

https://console5.com/store/rca-to-f-type-converter.html

 

It does look to me in looking at your pics like the image is almost there but the signal still isn't strong enough for the TV tuner to lock onto. So if you are using one of the autoswitchers from a NES or SMS you need to take that out of the equation.

Edited April 9, 2019 by -^Cro§Bow^-

[Vassilli]

Thanks for the reply.

 

I tested with the adaptor and also directly to the antenna but same result. Will the coaxial really help? I mean, does it increase the signal?

 

By the way the console looks right internally (nothing looks damaged).

 

Best regards

Edited April 9, 2019 by Vassilli

[Rom Collector]

Try cleaning the cartridge connections on both the Atari, and the harmony cart. (Carefully with rubbing alcohol)

[Vassilli]

I cleaned the one from the Atari but the Harmony is new so it shuould be in mint condition. Despite this I'll try it!

[+-^CrossBow^-]

You did see my mention about the channel select on the Atari as well correct? Just trying to cover the simple stuff first.

[Vassilli]

Yes! But my system doesn't have this switch, it's just closed. Could it be in the board if I open the console?

Edited April 9, 2019 by Vassilli

[BigO]

Do you know for sure that the console type matches the TV type? NTSC, PAL, etc?

 

I haven't seen it in person but it seems like 50 vs 60 Hz could cause the horizontal hold issue visible in the pictures.

[Vassilli]

The console I guess that is PAL. The TV can work at 50 & 60hz.

 

I've uploaded additional pictures:

https://ibb.co/GPjPPCP

https://ibb.co/yB8H1N3

https://ibb.co/G5gD43s

[Vassilli]

Pffff I've been playing a little bit more with the adjustment and now I can see it in black and white but no sound and a lot of distortion.

 

https://ibb.co/s1RqpT5

 

Probably the issue is coming from the TV/Atari compatibility... There's any way to improve it?

 

Maybe the RCA mod will be my best solution?

Edited April 9, 2019 by Vassilli

[Rom Collector]

Does the TV have a "fine tune"?

[Vassilli]

No, you can only move de frequency.

 

I've been checking the RCA mod but i've only found Rev14 motherboard tutorials. Mine is Rev2...