Author Topic: Atari console question (Read 4159 times)

elpresidente · « **on:** January 10, 2005, 09:31:05 am »

This may not be the proper place for this question but maybe someone can point me the best direction.

I've got an atari 2600 that does not display any of the enemies or player 2 in combat. It's very strange. I figure there should be a fairly simple way to fix it. Perhaps a connection or soder point. Any idea where I might get schematics or some help on this?

ChadTower · « **Reply #1 on:** January 10, 2005, 09:31:49 am »

Try other cartridges and see if they also have problems before you do anything.

ericball · « **Reply #2 on:** January 10, 2005, 09:39:16 am »

www.atariage.com has schematics etc. However, it sounds like the TIA has died, and it may be easier to replace the 2600 rather than try to fix it.

ChadTower · « **Reply #3 on:** January 10, 2005, 09:51:21 am »

You can't assume the TIA is dead based on one cartrirdge acting wierd. If the TIA were dead it wouldn't be doing anything at all. First guess here should definitely be that Combat cartridge.

elpresidente · « **Reply #4 on:** January 10, 2005, 09:55:07 am »

Every cartridge acts this way.

On the single player games the enemies do not show and on 2 player games, player 2 does not show. They are there, just not displayed on the screen.

What is the TIA?

elpresidente · « **Reply #5 on:** January 10, 2005, 09:57:36 am »

Quote from: ericball on January 10, 2005, 09:39:16 am

www.atariage.com has schematics etc. However, it sounds like the TIA has died, and it may be easier to replace the 2600 rather than try to fix it.

Was just looking at them. I'm not good with schematics. Need a crash course I guess. Fixing it is a matter of pride right now, but I'm sure you are right. Replacing would probably be the easiest way. Hate to throw one away though, if it's fixable. You guys (and girl) can appreciate that, I'm sure.

ChadTower · « **Reply #6 on:** January 10, 2005, 10:02:02 am »

Yeah, if ALL games are acting that way, and the objects are there in gameplay but not displayed, it's probably something within the TIA itself.

elpresidente · « **Reply #7 on:** January 10, 2005, 10:13:04 am »

Quote from: ChadTower on January 10, 2005, 10:02:02 am

Yeah, if ALL games are acting that way, and the objects are there in gameplay but not displayed, it's probably something within the TIA itself. The TIA is what generates the video signals and manages the 2600's rather unique scangun clock management.

You're going to have to open it up and look in the TIA, maybe there's something obvious like a blown capacitor that is burned but I'm thinking you're looking at a dead transistor that is open and the signal for player 2 is not passing. You're not going to be able to eyeball that if I'm right.

In any case, don't throw it away... if you can't fix it, pass it on to someone who can. We're always here to help and point you to good places to read up on what you need to know, or if you simply don't have the time or desire to do that, send it to one of us to keep it alive/out of a landfill.

Thanks for the feedback. Don't worry, I won't throw it out. I bought it at Goodwill aobut 6 years ago. Tested it once - noticed the problem and put it away until I had the time/motivation. Just got it out recently and decided to fix it. It will give me something to do until I get the $$$ to start buying parts for my cab. The issue you described with the TIA sounds logical. I let a friend/co-worker take to see what he could make of it (and also because his wife was jonesin' for some Pitfall), so I'm unable to get unde the hood right now. Would the TIA be labeled or should I just know where that is?

Stingray · « **Reply #8 on:** January 10, 2005, 10:25:37 am »

Register on the Atariage forum. There are lots of guys there who really know their stuff regarding the 2600. If it turns out that you need parts, there will certainly be someone there who can hook you with whatever you need.

-S

elpresidente · « **Reply #9 on:** January 10, 2005, 10:29:48 am »

Will do. Thanks for all the input. Found the TIA schematics and pinouts. Should be able to get something done now.

ChadTower · « **Reply #10 on:** January 10, 2005, 10:39:15 am »

Heh, I'm one of those AA guys.

elpresidente · « **Reply #11 on:** January 10, 2005, 11:05:36 am »

I'll be checking everything out from the basics on up. We'll get it working. I'll update the thread as soon as I get anywhere.

RayB · « **Reply #12 on:** January 10, 2005, 11:06:03 am »

Buy another one, and then you won't feel so bad about throwing the broken one out. It's not like these consoles are rare...

ChadTower · « **Reply #13 on:** January 10, 2005, 11:23:45 am »

Quote from: RayB on January 10, 2005, 11:06:03 am

Buy another one, and then you won't feel so bad about throwing the broken one out. It's not like these consoles are rare...

Sure they are, I almost never find them in the wild anymore, and I spend every spring and summer saturday at yard sales/etc. This one is easily repairable, why destroy it?

elpresidente · « **Reply #14 on:** January 10, 2005, 12:03:20 pm »

Quote from: ChadTower on January 10, 2005, 11:23:45 am

Quote from: RayB on January 10, 2005, 11:06:03 am
Buy another one, and then you won't feel so bad about throwing the broken one out. It's not like these consoles are rare...

Sure they are, I almost never find them in the wild anymore, and I spend every spring and summer saturday at yard sales/etc. This one is easily repairable, why destroy it?

Other than this video issue, it's a great speciman. Found it at Goodwill, in the original box with 2 joysticks and 2 paddles (which I had been looking for) for $5. Near mint condition.

Daniel270 · « **Reply #15 on:** January 10, 2005, 12:33:51 pm »

Altho I own an Atari 2600, I haven't played it like I originally intended to when I bought it... but, like having the MAME machine, it brings back that certain feeling I had like when I was a kid growing up. That young, gonna live forever type of feeling....

I'm sure it brings similar feelings to you guys who have both, right?

missioncontrol · « **Reply #16 on:** January 10, 2005, 01:00:21 pm »

I was just playing my 2600 with my 7 year old yesterday....He likes combat

Stingray · « **Reply #17 on:** January 10, 2005, 01:13:53 pm »

Quote from: ChadTower on January 10, 2005, 11:23:45 am

Quote from: RayB on January 10, 2005, 11:06:03 am
Buy another one, and then you won't feel so bad about throwing the broken one out. It's not like these consoles are rare...

Sure they are, I almost never find them in the wild anymore, and I spend every spring and summer saturday at yard sales/etc.

RayB · « **Reply #18 on:** January 10, 2005, 01:19:37 pm »

Quote from: ChadTower on January 10, 2005, 11:23:45 am

Sure they are, I almost never find them in the wild anymore, and I spend every spring and summer saturday at yard sales/etc.

ericball · « **Reply #19 on:** January 10, 2005, 07:30:11 pm »

You should ask on AA for a second opinion. But it sounds like there is a problem with the player 2 TIA register. This is internal to the chip and there are no external components which would affect it exclusively. The only other possibility is if you have a marginal power supply, which has been known to cause strange side effects.

elpresidente · « **Reply #20 on:** January 10, 2005, 07:41:22 pm »

Quote from: ericball on January 10, 2005, 07:30:11 pm

You should ask on AA for a second opinion. But it sounds like there is a problem with the player 2 TIA register. This is internal to the chip and there are no external components which would affect it exclusively. The only other possibility is if you have a marginal power supply, which has been known to cause strange side effects.

Very helpful. Thanks. If, indeed, the entire chip needs replacing then I'll probably have to be in the market for another. I certainly find a home for this on if it comes to that.

ChadTower · « **Reply #21 on:** January 11, 2005, 04:05:14 pm »

Yep, that would be your best bet... if you do end up wanting to send that broken one to a good home, I'll pay shipping...

mmmPeanutButter · « **Reply #22 on:** January 11, 2005, 04:18:44 pm »

Usually Peale is all over these posts...

why hasn't it been moved to the console forum yet??

SirPeale · « **Reply #23 on:** January 11, 2005, 07:19:00 pm »

Sorry, I've been distracted...story in Everything Else.

SOAPboy · « **Reply #24 on:** January 11, 2005, 07:42:59 pm »

Quote from: ChadTower on January 10, 2005, 11:23:45 am

Quote from: RayB on January 10, 2005, 11:06:03 am
Buy another one, and then you won't feel so bad about throwing the broken one out. It's not like these consoles are rare...

Sure they are, I almost never find them in the wild anymore, and I spend every spring and summer saturday at yard sales/etc.

ChadTower · « **Reply #25 on:** January 11, 2005, 08:10:18 pm »

Quote from: SOAPboy on January 11, 2005, 07:42:59 pm

wanna buy 3? i have 3.. and i know a dealer in town with 40+..

there out there.. second hand video game stores..

We don't have second hand video game stores here. Just Gamestop.

SOAPboy · « **Reply #26 on:** January 11, 2005, 11:19:45 pm »

Quote from: ChadTower on January 11, 2005, 08:10:18 pm

Quote from: SOAPboy on January 11, 2005, 07:42:59 pm
wanna buy 3? i have 3.. and i know a dealer in town with 40+..

there out there.. second hand video game stores..

We don't have second hand video game stores here.

missioncontrol · « **Reply #27 on:** January 12, 2005, 04:21:13 pm »

Quote from: SOAPboy on January 11, 2005, 07:42:59 pm

Quote from: ChadTower on January 10, 2005, 11:23:45 am
Quote from: RayB on January 10, 2005, 11:06:03 am

wanna buy 3? i have 3.. and i know a dealer in town with 40+..

there out there.. second hand video game stores..

how much are you willing to sell one for?

SOAPboy · « **Reply #28 on:** January 12, 2005, 06:09:27 pm »

Quote from: missioncontrol on January 12, 2005, 04:21:13 pm

Quote from: SOAPboy on January 11, 2005, 07:42:59 pm
Quote from: ChadTower on January 10, 2005, 11:23:45 am
Quote from: RayB on January 10, 2005, 11:06:03 am

wanna buy 3? i have 3.. and i know a dealer in town with 40+..

there out there.. second hand video game stores..

how much are you willing to sell one for?

*shrug

id like to get rid of the lot..

ill go get pics here in a few min.. ^_^

SOAPboy · « **Reply #29 on:** January 12, 2005, 06:36:25 pm »

ChadTower · « **Reply #30 on:** January 13, 2005, 08:02:51 am »

PM sent. Very interested.


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