Atari 2600 "Snow" problem, advice sought

[Megamaniac]

I have a problem I need help with. I have had my old carts for years, and just recently (upon discovering this site) began adding to my collection aggressively...despite the fact that I did not have a working 2600. Well, I ordered one from eBay and much to my dismay, when I hook it up there is interference "snow" all over the place. Did I get a bum machine or am I being unrealistic in expecting a 30 year old electronics device to perform? Is it likely the RF connector is bad? Should I roll the dice and get a 2600 jr. on eBay? I'd love some feedback.

 

BTW, as avid as I am (and I am digging the nostalgia), I care not about the base unit itself. I care about a good picture.

[Robert M]

Hi,

 

There is no reason you should not be able to get a crisp picture.

 

Things to try:

 

1. Check both positions of the channel select switch and see if one is better.

 

2. Check the connector to the TV for corrosion/dirt. If needed clean it with very very fine steel wool.

 

3. Get a TV noise reduction filter from Radio shack.

 

4. Sometimes the RF tuner in the system over time will drift off of the ideal frequency for broadcast to the TV. There is a trim potentiometer inside the VCS that you can turn with a small screwdriver to adjust the output frequency. There is another thread in this forum that details this process. I will add the link if I find it.

 

Good-luck , and happy gaming.

[bjk7382]

Also you will ALWAYS get snow if you are using a TV/Game Switchbox. What you should do is buy one of the F-male to RCA female adapter, either from ebay or the AA store. (they are also easily found on Froogle.com for about .57 cents)

 

But when you use one of those, you lose the ability to switch to tv easily. So you should also get a 75 ohm Coaxial switch. It is just like a TV/Game switch but you use the small RCA adapter and get perfect picture quality, and then are still able to switch from tv to atari without unscrewing the adapter and screwing your cable back in.

[Megamaniac]

Also you will ALWAYS get snow if you are using a TV/Game Switchbox. What you should do is buy one of the F-male to RCA female adapter, either from ebay or the AA store. (they are also easily found on Froogle.com for about .57 cents)  

 

But when you use one of those, you lose the ability to switch to tv easily. So you should also get a 75 ohm Coaxial switch. It is just like a TV/Game switch but you use the small RCA adapter and get perfect picture quality, and then are still able to switch from tv to atari without unscrewing the adapter and screwing your cable back in.

 

Got a picture of this contraption so I know what to look for? I'm an electronics dunce.

[+SpiceWare]

Got a picture of this contraption so I know what to look for?  I'm an electronics dunce.

you can always support AtariAge via their store - Coaxial Adapter. order it and a homebrew game or two

[Brad2600]

The "snow" usually comes from the RF Switchbox. You could buy an adaptor that bypasses the RF Switchbox from Radio Suck..though I prefer that you support AtariAge and buy from them....

 

I hate RF switchboxes though...

 

I want an A/V modified 2600 one day.

[Megamaniac]

Wow, these 2600 units are hardy. I replaced the terrible RF Computer/TV switchbox with a simple phono to F-connector, crystal clear picture. Thanks all for the help.