22 replies to this topic

[Nick L.]

I recently picked up a bunch of Atari stuff off of Craigslist. I got like 140 2600 games (no double except for different labels) about 12 assorted controllers, 2 four switch 2600s, and a six switch Tele-Games. The problem is, everything worked for the first couple of days, and now nothing will turn on. The TV just stays on static. Does anyone have any clue how i could get these to work again?

[save2600]

First thing I'd check are your power supplies. You test all your 2600's with the same dead supply?

You can test your wall wart two different ways: with a multimeter, or by licking the end of it. It's only 9vdc, so will only tingle. If it doesn't tingle, your power supply is toast.

<disclaimer>

If you've got some kind of heart condition or something else going on that causes you to go into seizure mode, die or suffer any adverse health effects from licking 9v batteries or Atari power supplies, I will not be held responsible.

[nathanallan]

Check the power supplies, then the cables to the TV set. My vote is the power supply is bad. On all three. Do you know if you have a problem with the power in your house?

[nathanallan]

save2600, on Sat Sep 3, 2011 1:39 PM, said:

First thing I'd check are your power supplies. You test all your 2600's with the same dead supply?

You can test your wall wart two different ways: with a multimeter, or by licking the end of it. It's only 9vdc, so will only tingle. If it doesn't tingle, your power supply is toast.

<disclaimer>

If you've got some kind of heart condition or something else going on that causes you to go into seizure mode, die or suffer any adverse health effects from licking 9v batteries or Atari power supplies, I will not be held responsible.

nathanallan, on Sat Sep 3, 2011 1:39 PM, said:

Check the power supplies, then the cables to the TV set. My vote is the power supply is bad. On all three. Do you know if you have a problem with the power in your house?

We posted at the same time the same solution, except I left out the licking part. It did cross my mind.

[Nick L.]

Ok I tested them by licking, since I can't find the multimeter that I have. One didn't do anything and one only tasted a little metallic (is this the tingle you were talking about). The 3rd was a variable voltage one, I took it to Radio Shack and one of the guys there tested it, in the 9v position it was putting out 11.5v, and when I dialed it back, it put out 8.94v. Did I do any Damage to the 2 consoles that I plugged into the one putting out 11.5? Is it possible to run the consoles at 8.94v? Sorry for all the questions, I just want to cover all the bases and make sure everything is squared away.

[disjaukifa]

Nick L., on Sun Sep 4, 2011 12:23 PM, said:

Ok I tested them by licking, since I can't find the multimeter that I have. One didn't do anything and one only tasted a little metallic (is this the tingle you were talking about). The 3rd was a variable voltage one, I took it to Radio Shack and one of the guys there tested it, in the 9v position it was putting out 11.5v, and when I dialed it back, it put out 8.94v. Did I do any Damage to the 2 consoles that I plugged into the one putting out 11.5? Is it possible to run the consoles at 8.94v? Sorry for all the questions, I just want to cover all the bases and make sure everything is squared away.

It should run on 8.94 volts, but I have a feeling that you burnt up the boards by suppling it with 11.5v.

[player 0ne]

i doubt he burned them up. both my atari wall warts put out 11 some odd volts with NO LOAD. and there is a voltage regulator in the 2600. it would just get real hot. if he burned up anything it would be that. you could check them with a multimeter. unfortunately my skills dont cross the next bridge.

[Cebus Capucinis]

Inward swoops the Atari vulture! If they're dead and you want to offload them, I'll put in an offer on the broken consoles for projects.

[Nick L.]

Well I got both 4 switchers to work and tested all 164 games that I got with the consoles, 156 work. The only thing I couldn't get to work is the Sears Tele-Games, it just buzzes and nonsense rolls across the screen. But I'm still ecstatic that I got what I have working thanks guys

[Cebus Capucinis]

Well, if what you've got left is beyond hope, I'm still in for buying. Dead stuff makes good project materials!

[disjaukifa]

Nick L., on Sun Sep 4, 2011 4:44 PM, said:

Well I got both 4 switchers to work and tested all 164 games that I got with the consoles, 156 work. The only thing I couldn't get to work is the Sears Tele-Games, it just buzzes and nonsense rolls across the screen. But I'm still ecstatic that I got what I have working thanks guys

I'm glad you got some of the stuff working! Thats better than nothing! Post pictures of your haul when you get a chance!

[Nick L.]

I will, I'm just alphabetizing it and organizing everything, the guy I got the stuff from also threw in a TV (didn't work but i have one from the era), a homemade shelf, and 2 of these Tele-Games organisers. I'll get pics tommorow.

[nathanallan]

Cool! Pics will be awesome, and also welcome to Atariage

[disjaukifa]

nathanallan, on Sun Sep 4, 2011 7:38 PM, said:

Cool! Pics will be awesome, and also welcome to Atariage

Jeez didn't even realize you were new. Welcome to the boards, I'm glad at least one of the consoles is working . . . and as always Cebus seem to be more than willing to take the broken ones. Hey Cebus, I've got two consoles for parts, a Light sixer and a 4 switch, would you be interested in them?

Edited by disjaukifa, Sun Sep 4, 2011 8:04 PM.

[Cebus Capucinis]

Why yes-sir-ee I certainly would. Shoot me a PM if you want to offload anything dead and broken. {

[Arkanoid_376970]

Try cleaning the contacts on the non working carts with a little Isopropyl Alcohol and a Q-Tip (or an eraser if you are desperate, just make sure to remove residue)... works for me every time ^_^

Ark

[Nick L.]

Heres the pics of the haul.

http://s1194.photobu.../drumdreamer92/

[disjaukifa]

Nick L., on Mon Sep 5, 2011 12:35 PM, said:

Heres the pics of the haul.

http://s1194.photobu.../drumdreamer92/

If you don't mind me asking, how much was that haul? That's alot of stuff!!

[Nick L.]

I got it all for 140

[Cebus Capucinis]

That's a good price!

[Nick L.]

Thanks BTW, what use do you have for dead 2600's? What kind of projects?

[Cebus Capucinis]

All sorts of stuff on the plate, but I create Atari 2600 lamps for game rooms using dead consoles and dead cartridges. That's the primary use, but I have a few other projects out there that I'm starting design phases on with dead materials.

[Nick L.]

One quick question, is there any special reason why all the Mnetwork games I have all of sudden just stay frozen at the beginning of the game? I tryed cleaning them with isopropyl alcohol and it did nothing. I'm kinda ticked off, I can't play my Kool Aid Man or Burgertime.