5 replies to this topic

[Addlepated]

Hey folks,

I have recently gotten my Telegames out of storage and we are trying to breathe life back into it. I got it for Christmas in 1977 and spent many, many hours with it as a kid (hey, I was an only child!). Unfortunately, all we get when turning it on is a black screen. Here's what we've tried and checked:

-Multiple cartridges, same behavior
-Multiple TVs, same behavior
-Cleaned cartridge slot with alcohol; contacts look good and shiny
-Tested voltage at regulator, comes out at 4.96
-Tested voltage at RF unit, comes out at about 4.96 as well

That being said, what next steps do you recommend on fixing my friend? It was known working between 10-15 years ago, so I'm hoping this is something we can patch up. Thanks so much.

*Edit - Actually, I think this is a light sixer Telegames, not a heavy. Changed the title to properly reflect the fact.

Edited by Addlepated, Fri Jan 20, 2012 4:12 PM.

[neoarcade]

Having worked on well over a hundred 2600 systems, My first thought would be that the TIA chip is needing replaced. But there's a few other things to check first. You said you cleaned the cartridge slot, which is good. Check the power switch. Flick it a few times, holding it in different positions, to see if you even get the slightest glimpse of a screen. Many times cold solder joints on the power switch and on the power jack cause systems to blank. It can also cause color waves if the connections is intermittant. The other possibility is the rf. Especially on the sixer systems, the solder is weak. I usually turn on the system and then press around on the rf area and wiggle the rf cable a bit where it connects to the board. It depends too if the rf jack connects to the pcb board attached to the rf or if it connects to the main board. Considering that your voltage is present, I hate to say it, but 95% of my black screen repairs are TIA chips.

[Trinity]

http://www.best-elec..._Tips.htm#based

[Addlepated]

Thanks guys - I think I'm just going to go ahead and get a populated motherboard from Best, and that way I've got some spare parts in case something else goes south. I've got a serious Circus Atari (or as I called it, "Kill the Clowns") jones. And Pinball!

[Trinity]

Might wanna consider the joystick rebuild kit they sell also. Bet you'll need that too.

[Addlepated]

Here's my update - my Telegames is working now that I have the new motherboard, and my husband has taken it over.

It needs a new RF cable and it looks like Pac Man has bit the dust, but Pitfall Harry is still going strong.

You're right that I also need new joysticks (and likely paddle controllers as well), but I can probably find those in town. If I can't figure out how to fix up an RF cable without having to order one in, I'll go ahead and get the controllers from Best as well.

Thanks for the tips, all!