I need atari help

[tantone56]

hey guys Ive been having some atari problems can you help me?.....when I play the system there are like white dots that kinda fudge up the picture but not to the point that its unplayable..any thoughts?

[Chadivision]

Those white dots are usually caused by a poor connection between the Atari and the TV. Check to make sure that your cable is not loose. It could also be a deffective or worn out switchbox. If the switchbox is the problem, you can get a new one at Radio Shack.

 

If you don't need to have anything else plugged into you coax input in the TV you shouldn't use the switchbox. Instead, you can get an RCA to coax adapter. That will give you a better connection. It is also available at Radio Shack.

 

If you go to get the RCA to coax adapter (also called RCA to F connector) they will probably tell you that you need an RF modulator for about $30. That isn't true. If that happens, they're not trying to lie to you, they probably just misunderstood you. The reason I say this is that I used to work at Radio Shack and people would always come in looking for an RCA to F connector adapter to hook up a DVD player. In that case you do need the RF modulator becuase the signal itself needs to be converted, not just the plug. In the case of the 2600, the signal is already an RF signal, so all you need is the adapter.

 

I hope this helps.

[tantone56]

thanks man ill try it out

[Cupcakus]

AA Sells the adapter... It's probably a better bet than dealing with RadioCrap :-)

[Mindfield]

Actually, I got the gold plated adapter from Radio Shaft for $10 (CAD) and it works beautifully. Still some minor interference issues, but I'm hoping I can snag a heavy sixer somewhere and solve that once and for all. :-) Plus, it's a damn sight better than the RF.

[JB]

Other possible sources of interference:

 

A damaged cord.

Noisy electronic equipment such as blenders and fans.

Environmental noise from strong TV stations and such.

 

1 and 2 are easily fixed, but there's no helping 3.

[Chadivision]

I didn't realize that Atari Age has that adapter also. I guess the benefit of dealing with them is that Albert will sell you the adapter without trying to pressure you into buying a cell phone.