+RangerG #1 Posted December 1, 2001 I just bought a 2600 4 switch from the flea market. I got it home, excitedly hooked it up, plugged it in, and nothing. I didn't pay much for it and I can still use the joysticks, but any suggestions for some simple test/fix tricks before I just give up on it. I checked the how to section of the site and old messages, but there is so much information on this site that I decided to just put up a help message. Everyone is always helpful. Thanks in advance. -- RG Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+RangerG #2 Posted December 1, 2001 I am using a power supply that works so it's not that. Anyplace on the web with a how-to-fix-2600 section? Thanks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sway3 #3 Posted December 1, 2001 Make sure your using a good RF switch. Make sure the switch is turned to computer/game. Make sure the connections are tight. Make sure the channel switch on the atari and the tv channel are the same. Clean the game you're using to test with alcohol on a qtip (even if works with another Atari). Make sure the wall socket has power (heh, that happened to me last night... /shrug). Ok, if you are absolutely positive it is none of these things. Then you can clean the Atari to game connection in the Atari with alcohol on a qtip. If that doesn't work, I usually put the Atari in my spare parts bin and get another... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+RangerG #4 Posted December 1, 2001 Thanks for the response -- it went to the scap pile. The outer shell is really nice so hopefully sometime I'll find a beat-up but working Atari and swap the guts. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
liveinabin #5 Posted December 2, 2001 Atari had way more than 2600 problems, they had about 5 million of them - and they're in a landfill somewhere Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rasty #6 Posted December 2, 2001 RangerG, have you tried replacing the RF cable? my 4switch looked dead but replacing the cable did the trick. Sometimes it's not straightforward cause you'll have to open the unit. So I'd suggest you open it and also clean the tracks, mostly the cart plug. Also check if, when turning it on, the screen gives a little feedback (a short flash of noise). I just don't like the idea of having a potentially working 2600 just sit there collecting dust! rasty.- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
AtariAge on Instagram
Watch us on YouTube
Chat on Discord