4 replies to this topic

[yondolkc]

Hi! I was recently cleaning out my attic and found my old 5200 system
(4 port) complete with games and switchbox. I am so eager to try playing it again after all these years!

I hooked all of it correctly (I think) but when I turn the game system on I get a blue screen? I tried putting in several games and no luck...
it seems like the machine doesn't recognize a game is in place?
The system light is on but just a blue screen appears. I also hear a clicking noise everytime I press the button on and off.

Here's how I hooked it up:
I have the switchbox hooked into my cable of the tv
I have the 5200 system cord hooked into the switchboard
I have the atari power block in the outlet and then into the switchbox.

(sorry if my terminology is wrong) :-)

If anyone can help me bring this back to life...I would be so happy!

Thanks,
Karyn

[CPUWIZ]

It could very well be that the 5200 is not the problem but rather the cartridge contacts have oxidized and/or collected dirt. Take a small screwdriver and pry open the sliding mechanism on the bottom of the cartridge (you'll end up pushing in the whole thing) and take a look at the actual cart-connector. If it is dirty, use a small cotton swab with a little bit of alcohol (nail polish remover etc.) to clean them.

If that doesn't do it there is something more serious going on inside of the 5200 because I have not seen a faulty switchboxes showing such a symptom.

Hope that helps.
-R

[NoahsMyBro]

I'm guessing your TV is producing the blue screen, not the 5200. Some TVs will display a blue screen and no volume when they don't have a signal, rather than displaying and sounding static.

Check that your TV is on channel 2 or 3, and try moving the channel selector switch on the back of the 5200.

The clicking sound you hear when turning the 5200 on is probably the relay in the switchbox changing from TV to GAME.

Good Luck,
Steve

[sku_u]

I had a similar (green screen, not blue) problem with one of my 4 port systems. It turned out that the part of the 5200 system that makes contact with the cartridges was oxidized and needed a good cleaning.

[King Atari]

It's like the contact problem you have with NES's, the screen turns all blue/red/etc, or flashes, because the carts aren't making proper contact.