8 replies to this topic

[eddhead]

I've owned my 7800 for probably about 8 years and it's been working flawlessly since I got it. But a week ago, when I sat down to play some Ms. Pac-Man, it just wouldn't power on. Well, I should say that the LED light doesn't come on and there's no picture or sound.

So I'm wondering, is it at all possible that it's the AC Adapter that failed? Or should I just go ahead and start looking for a new system?

To answer some questions before they're asked:
Yes, it's plugged in.
Yes, I'm using the official 7800 adapter.
No, I didn't drop it/throw it at the wall/play it in the bathtub.
Yes, I'm sure it's a 7800 and not a plastic rectangle.

[phaxda]

99.9% power adapter. Can test it with a multimeter if you have one, if you don't, order a new PS from eBay. I have had 3 of them go bad on me in my 20 years of 7800-ing.

[eddhead]

phaxda, on Sun Mar 14, 2010 10:11 AM, said:

99.9% power adapter. Can test it with a multimeter if you have one, if you don't, order a new PS from eBay. I have had 3 of them go bad on me in my 20 years of 7800-ing.

OK, cool, that's great to hear! I guess I didn't realize how unreliable the adapters are.

Thanks a lot!

[jferio]

You can also add a different power connector if you're inclined... I've done that to mine, and my friend's unit, so that they can both take a standard 2600 power supply, or the closest available 'generic' supply that uses that sort of positive center tip. (1/8" mono headphone plug)

[fiddlepaddle]

Don't throw away the adapter yet. That connector is unique and you can just take another adapter with the same voltage/current/polarity and splice up the 7800 connector to it. Lots easier than finding a compatible replacement adapter (or another original that is 30 years old).

[Underball]

Actually, I would guess that it's the more likely the on/off button. The metal bubble contacts inside tend to get oxidated after a while, and stop working. But you can pop the plastic cap off them carefully with tweezers, and clean the metal dome and contact off with alcohol and a bit of fine sandpaper. them pop them back in, or just use electrical tape to hold them in place.

Edited by Underball, Mon Mar 15, 2010 8:26 AM.

[eddhead]

jferio, on Sun Mar 14, 2010 10:51 AM, said:

You can also add a different power connector if you're inclined... I've done that to mine, and my friend's unit, so that they can both take a standard 2600 power supply, or the closest available 'generic' supply that uses that sort of positive center tip. (1/8" mono headphone plug)

fiddlepaddle, on Sun Mar 14, 2010 6:51 PM, said:

Don't throw away the adapter yet. That connector is unique and you can just take another adapter with the same voltage/current/polarity and splice up the 7800 connector to it. Lots easier than finding a compatible replacement adapter (or another original that is 30 years old).

Underball, on Mon Mar 15, 2010 8:26 AM, said:

Actually, I would guess that it's the more likely the on/off button. The metal bubble contacts inside tend to get oxidated after a while, and stop working. But you can pop the plastic cap off them carefully with tweezers, and clean the metal dome and contact off with alcohol and a bit of fine sandpaper. them pop them back in, or just use electrical tape to hold them in place.

Thanks for replying guys!

I already ordered one on eBay, some guy is apparently making new ones for a fairly reasonable price. It hasn't come yet, but I'll be sure to tell you guys about it when I do.

In the mean time, I'll have to try the on/off button fix tonight to see if that works.

Thanks again guys!

[akator]

eddhead, on Sat Mar 20, 2010 2:03 PM, said:

I already ordered one on eBay, some guy is apparently making new ones for a fairly reasonable price. It hasn't come yet, but I'll be sure to tell you guys about it when I do.

Over the years, I had purchased multiple 7800s with bad power adapters. I bought new adapters from that same guy on eBay and every one of the non-working systems sprang to life

Edited by akator, Sat Mar 20, 2010 3:19 PM.

[eddhead]

Alright, just an update (for anyone who cares).


I tried the power button fix, and while I noticed that the contacts were pretty dirty, it didn't fix it. But the adapter I ordered came today and now my 7800 is running like a dream !

Thanks again to all who replied! Now if you'll excuse me, I have a date with Ms. Pac-Man .