8 replies to this topic

[Atarius Maximus]

I received a 4 port 5200 a few months ago in a large game lot that doesn't seem to work. The LED light doesn't come on when you hit the power switch, and I don't get a picture on the screen. I know the power supply is OK, because it's the same one I use with my working 2-port 5200.

I don't know where to begin to troubleshoot this one. Could it be the Atari Switch box that's bad? I only have one, so I can't test with a different one. Does anyone have any suggestions, or should I just use this thing as a boat anchor?

AM

[CPUWIZ]

I am not sure if the 2 port PSU will work on a 4 port, mine has a higher voltage rating. My 2 port PSU is rated 9V and the 4 port is 11.5V but I have never tried using the 2 port PSU on the 4 port. I guess I could try and let you know.

[voiddweller]

Hi,

The switchbox is very likely. You can get a new one at Best-Electronics for $12 to test it out (you could always re-sell it to get your money back) or I'm sure someone with more technical knowledge than me has a way to test it without the new box. One obvious thing you may want to check is burnt connections on the MOBO. I've seen a few 5200's that were the victim of lightning strikes.

- VD

[voiddweller]

CPUWIZ said:

I am not sure if the 2 port PSU will work on a 4 port, mine has a higher voltage rating. My 2 port PSU is rated 9V and the 4 port is 11.5V but I have never tried using the 2 port PSU on the 4 port. I guess I could try and let you know.

Hi,

I've used the 9V on my 4 Port and it worked fine.

- VD

[Mitch]

All three of the 5200 power supplies are interchangable.

Mitch
http://atari7800.atari.org

[King Atari]

Quote

I've seen a few 5200's that were the victim of lightning strikes.  

Yikes. These things so big they act as lighting rods ?

[voiddweller]

Yeah,

This was about 8 years ago, but the story goes:

I found three 5200 2 Port models at a yard sale. All in excellent condition on the outside...boxes and everything...then I opened them up when they wouldn't turn on and...well....BAM! I realized all three were hit by lightning. What are the odds for three Atari bricks at one yard sale???

- VD

[Atarius Maximus]

voiddweller said:

The switchbox is very likely. You can get a new one at Best-Electronics for $12 to test it out (you could always re-sell it to get your money back) or I'm sure someone with more technical knowledge than me has a way to test it without the new box. One obvious thing you may want to check is burnt connections on the MOBO. I've seen a few 5200's that were the victim of lightning strikes.  

Yeah, I guess I'll have to buy another switch box to test this problem. Before I do that, I'll take your advice and inspect the MOBO for any obvious problems.

CPUWIZ said:

I am not sure if the 2 port PSU will work on a 4 port, mine has a higher voltage rating. My 2 port PSU is rated 9V and the 4 port is 11.5V but I have never tried using the 2 port PSU on the 4 port. I guess I could try and let you know.

I didn't receive a PSU with the 4-port, I just assumed they were the same. If the 2 port is 9v and the 4 port is 11.5v, maybe the fact that it's getting 2.5 less volts is the problem? Then again, according to Mitch they're interchangable. If you have time to test it on your systems, let me know what happens.

Thanks for the replies.

AM

[voiddweller]

Quote

...  Then again, according to Mitch they're interchangable....AM

Mitch is correct, they are interchangable.

- VD