7 replies to this topic

[ApolloBoy]

I've had this problem with my Jr since the day I got it back in March. Whenever I press the fire button, the colors suddenly gain a slightly darker shade. Also, green becomes a light tan when the fire button is pressed. For some odd reason, it only works on the left joystick port. What can I do?

[vb_master]

Atari 2600 fixing for total iditos (don't have to do in order)! by: vb_master (Atari reapir guy)
1. Check your power supply!
2. Open up jr and see if there are any loose connection, if so, solder them back on (not diffucult).
3.Try with different joystick.
4.Replace port with a new port from radio shack.
5.Give the atari to me! (just kidding)
7.Try with defferent TV
8.Try with different Game.
9.Clean contacts, all even the joystick ones
10.Chuck it out (or send it to me lol) and buy a new one.

[ApolloBoy]

Quote

1. Check your power supply!
2. Open up jr and see if there are any loose connection, if so, solder them back on (not diffucult).
3.Try with different joystick.
4.Replace port with a new port from radio shack.
5.Give the atari to me! (just kidding)
7.Try with defferent TV
8.Try with different Game.
9.Clean contacts, all even the joystick ones
10.Chuck it out (or send it to me lol) and buy a new one.

1: The power supply I use puts out 800mA, so my PS is fine.
2: I opened it up when I was cleaning it once, but there are no loose connections.
3: I tried a SMS controller and a 7800 joystick, but I still have the problem.
4: I think the joystick port is fine. I know because I can still fire.
5: LOL
7: I played it with my old 1990 Sony and my 1999 Sony (it's pretty tiny, and I use my Jr on it now), but the problem still exists.
8: I've played my entire library of games on it, and the problem still exists.
9: I just cleaned all the ports. I'll check soon.
10: Chuck it out? No way. This is my 1st 2600, and I will never part with it!

[vb_master]

Hmm strange... Kinds like what happened when my power supply started to fail.

[cwilkson]

Quote

Quote

1. Check your power supply!

1: The power supply I use puts out 800mA, so my PS is fine.

I'm assuming you read that off the label. You need to *measure* the output voltage while the 2600 is running. This really sounds like a power supply problem. Either the wall wart (power brick) or the 7805 regulator inside the console. Either one is easy to fix.

A scarier possibility is that you have a leaky port. Kinda tough to find but easy to fix.

The scariest possibility is that your TIA chip is going bad. Replacable, but really bad luck.

The moral? Make sure you have a good power supply voltage. The easiest way to check it is to open up the console, and measure the voltage on the big filter capacitor while the unit is turned on. The cap in question is obvious...it the BIG one. It should be at least 8V to have some safety margin. See if it dips when you push the fire button. If that checks out, measure the voltage on pin 20 of the TIA chip (marked CO10444). This is the +5v logic supply voltage. Make sure it stays at 5V when you press the fire button.

-Chris

[ApolloBoy]

OK, I tested the entire system and the power supply and everything seems to be fine. But, I still have the problem. What should I do now?

[cwilkson]

Well, if you're ever in the Sacramento area, (I'm in Folsom) you could bring it over and I'll take a look at it...

-Chris

[CrAlt]

Mine does something like that also, when i hit FIRE some snow shows up on the TV.