Damaged Atari 400 and 410

[NightSprinter]

Man this is "fun". In addition to the problems with my 2-port Atari 5200, I now have an Atari 400 I won off eBay that displays a B/W picture with a wavy gray bar on the right-hand side of the screen without a cartridge (or a black screen if one is plugged in), and while my Atari 410 Program Recorder rewinds, stops, and ejects properly but does not spin the right-hand spindle correctly if I press either "Play" or 'Advance' by theirselves (pressing them both works at normal play speed).

 

Someone I know said that my 410 is shot (which I hope isn't the truth, as I do wish to make use of my program tapes like "Conversational French" and my Sierra version of "The Official FROGGER, By SEGA"), but is there a chance to get both to work? I really need the 400 for Demon Attack (and a few other incompatible cartridges if I get them), and my 410 for my tape programs.

[Almost Rice]

and while my Atari 410 Program Recorder rewinds, stops, and ejects properly but does not spin the right-hand spindle correctly if I press either "Play" or 'Advance' by theirselves (pressing them both works at normal play speed).

 

Did you check if the roller will advance? Make sure there are no tapes inserted

Open the 410 and press "PLAY". Connected the 400 and hold "START" when you turn on the computer. Does the roller advance?

Edited July 11, 2006 by Almost Rice

[NightSprinter]

Ok, some progress: the roller WILL advance, but not too terribly well. Sometimes it will, sometimes it won't. I don't know if it's the drive belt or not.

 

Update 2: the "Advance" button now provides some response, but not much. Sometimes I have to get the spindle going manually to get it to work. I know there's possibly a problem with the drive belt (which I managed to find a supplier of online thankfully), but why won't the "Play" button work?

Edited July 12, 2006 by NightSprinter

[Ansiterm]

Well, it's a tape recorder/player at heart. I have one in the closet but haven't tried to use it in years. Sounds like it could be the motor, but also might be the circuit that controls the motor. I'd say take it apart and check that the button switches work and that all the moving parts move freely. Also look for loose connectors on the circuit board and signs of damage to the circuit board (e.g., anything burnt, broken, or loose). I'd put a meter on the power supply and check that the voltages are correct. You might be able to find a replacement for that if needed. A little resoldering might help restore aging connections if you are comfortable with that.

 

Ok, some progress: the roller WILL advance, but not too terribly well. Sometimes it will, sometimes it won't. I don't know if it's the drive belt or not.

 

Update 2: the "Advance" button now provides some response, but not much. Sometimes I have to get the spindle going manually to get it to work. I know there's possibly a problem with the drive belt (which I managed to find a supplier of online thankfully), but why won't the "Play" button work?

[Ansiterm]

I tried my 410, and it doesn't work. I'm busy with an upcoming move, but when I have time I will open it up and see if I can figure out the problem. Right now I suspect the motor or power supply. I will get back with anything I find out.