Before getting my first ‘proper’ computer I remember having a TV console to play games on. If my memory is correct it was a Grandstand 4600, or something similar. Pretty limited, no cartridges, just the in-built games it came with. It still got lots and lots of use. After watching lots of YouTubers restoring retro-computers the old Atari 2600 games console frequently comes up, so I decided it was time I tried some of those classic cartridge games.
After chasing a few ‘Woodies’ on eBay I eventually won an Atari 2600 Junior with a ‘well-used’ joystick and a couple of games.
Atari 2600 Junior
It arrived in very grubby condition and refused to show anything other than a fuzzy black screen 🙁
The first thing to do was a good dunking in a bucket of soapy water. I dismantled the various parts and begin scrubbing (I don’t have any pictures – sorry). It didn’t take long until it was looking as good as new.
I did some ‘probing’ with my multi-meter and oscilloscope and it looked like it was trying to do something, although the 5v line was a bit low. I had read that 2600’s rarely fail and when they do it’s usually down to the caps. So without any other obvious faults I replaced the 7805 with a switched regulator and all of the capacitors. I tested the caps as I took them out and most were ok’ish with the exception of the BIG 2200uF cap which was well out of spec.
I put it all back together and guess what…ok – it’s a bit fuzzy still – but it is still Jungle Hunt 🙂
…. I was able to play my first Atari 2600 game.
Even if I do say myself, all cleaned it looks pretty good – almost new. It helped that the metal strip still had the cellophane wrap on it (a 40 year peal in the waiting).
The cartridge slot is still a little ‘dodgy’ – it crashes the game if I wiggle it while it’s on.
Pretty happy with the way it’s turned out, next things to do
- Composite mod
- Clean the cartridge slot to try and make it more stable
To be covered in part 2…… but for now ‘Jungle Hunt’ swing away….. 🙂