2600/2600
A
VCS
DOMESTIC
(MD)
Field
Service
Manual
FD100133
Rev.
02
E.C.R.
NO.
0021
2600/2600A
VCS
DSMZSTIC
FSM
I
Error
in
Flowcharts
and
Parts
Lists
JR
ATARI,
INC.
consumer
Product
Services
845
W.
Maude Avenue
Sunnyvale,
CA
94041
ATAR~
o~------
PART
TITLE
Xeplace
pages
4-25,
6-21,
8-3
and
8-7
with
the attached corrected
pages.
Re~lace cover
page
with new (Rev.
02)
cover page.
Retain
this
ECN
as
a
record of
these changes.
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CHANGE
REQUESTER-
PLEASE
COMPLETE
ABOVE
DOTTED
LINE
***
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(SEE
D~s~H/~~la~)
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REQUEST
Lat
est
ENGINEERING
CHANGE
NOTICE
I
WHEN
SIGNATURES
AN0
LC.N. NO.
ARE
PRESENT
THIS
EmC,Nm
NO.
0021
E.C.
R.
BECOMES
AN
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I
PART
NO.
R
EV.
Fill
00133
02
DATE
1-21
-83
REASON
FOR
CHANGE
REQUEST:
REQUESTER
S.
Doyle
ATARI
VIDEO
COMPUTER
SYSTEMTM
FIELD
SERVICE
MANUAL
MODEL
2600/2600A
DOMESTIC
(M/N)
Atari believes that
the
information described in this manual is accurate
and
reliable,
and much
care has been taken
in
its preparation. However,
no
responsibility, financial or otherwise, shall
be accepted for
any
consequences
arising out of
the
use
of
this material. Information contained
herein
is
subject
to
change.
Revisions
may
be
issued to advise of
such
changes
and/or additions.
Correspondence regarding this document
should
be forwarded
to
Manager
of
Technical Support,
Consumer Product
Service,
Atari, Incorporated,
845
W.
Maude
Sunnyvale, California
94086.
2600/2600A
Domestic
VCS
Table
of
Contents
P
Section
Title
-
Page
INTRODUCTION
THEORY
OF OPERATION
Introduction
Overview
Game Console
Outer Casting
Switchboard
:Motherboard
2600A Model Differences
-
All Revisions
2600A Model Differences
-
Revisions
14
and
15
2600A Model Differences - Revisions
16
and
up
Summary
2 SCHEMATICS
AND
SILKSCREENS
3
TESTING
AND
TROUBLESHOOTING
Equipment Requirements
Test Procedures and Methods
2600
Model Modifications
2600A Model Modifications
Testing with the Diagnostic Test Cartridge
(Version 2.6)
Initialization
RAM Test
Color Bar Test
Gray Bar Test
magnostic Matrix Test
Audio Tones Test
Paddle
Control
Lines Test
2600 DIAGNOSTIC FLOWCHART
SYMPTOM
CHECKLIST
2600 Symptom Checklist
2600A Symptom Checklist
2600A DIAGNOSTIC FLOWCHART
GAME
CONTROLLERS
Overview
Joystick
(X-Y)
Controller
Joystick
(X-Y)
Controller Check
Paddle Controller
Paddle
Controller Check
Driving Controller
Driving Controller Check
Keyboard Controller
Keyboard Controller Check
ATARI
CX2600
(M/N)
PARTS
LIST
ATARI CX2600A
(M/N)
PARTS
LIST
iii
2600/2600A Domestic
VCS
Table
of
hntents
Section
9
Figure
Title
-
SERVICE BULLETINS
List
of
Illustrations
Title
-
2600
Functional Diagram
2600
Game
Console
2600
Switchboard and Motherboard Assembly
TV
Switchbox
2600A
Game Console
2600A
Board Layout
2600/2600A
IC
Pinouts
2600
Motherboard Silkscreen
2600
Channel 3 Switchboard Silkscreen
2600
Channel 3 Switchboard Schematic
2600
Channel
2-3
Switchboard Silkscreen
2600
Channel
2-3
Switchboard Schematic
2600A
Motherboard Silkscreen (Revs. 1-1
3)
2600A
Motherboard Silkscreen (Revs. 14
and
15)
2600A
Motherboard Silkscreen (Revs.
16
and
up)
Inserted
in
Front
Pocket
of
Notebook:
2600
Motherboard Schematic
2600A
Motherboard Schematic (Revs. 1-1
3)
2600A
Motherboard Schematic (Revs. 14 and 15)
2600A
Motherboard Schematic (Revs. 16
and
up)
2600
Trigger Circuitry with Static Modification
2600
Static Modification Zener Diode
Location of Colored Dot Over Trace
2600
Switchboard Static Modification
2600A
(Revs. 1-1
3)
Static Modifications
Switch Initialization Positions
Defective
RAM
Patterns
Color Bars Screen
Grav
Bars
Screen
~iagnostic Matrix Screen (Shorting Plugs
OUT)
Diagnostic Matrix Screen (Shorting
Plugs
IN)
Audio Tone Test Screens
Page
9-1
Page
iv
2600/2600A
Domestic
VCS
List
of
Illustrations
(Continued)
Figure
Title
Page
Table
-
4-1
Switch Initialization Positions
Color
Bars
Screen
Defective
RAM
Patterns
Gray
Bars
Screen
Defective Gray
Bars
Screen
Diagnostic
Matrix
Screen (Shorting Plugs
OUT)
Diagnostic
Matrix
Screen (Shorting Plugs
IN)
Diagnostic
Matrix
Screen with Defective Pattern
Audio Tone Test Screens
RC
Waveforms
STC Address Line Waveforms
STC Data Line Waveforms
Joystick
(X-Y)
Controller
Joystick
(X-Y)
Schematic
Paddle Con troller
Paddle
Confroller Schema tic
Driving Controller
Driving Controller Schematic
Keyboard Controller
Keyboard
'Xriring Diagram
Keyboard Schematic
4
List
of
Tables
~iile
Connected Pins on
VCS
Motherboard
Page
4-47
2600/2600A
Domestic
VCS
sections:
a
a
a
0
0
a
a
a
.
a
INTRODUCTION
The Video Computer systemT' (VCS) Field Service Manual is organized in nine
THEORY
OF
OPERATION
-
overview of how the VCS works and what the
basic assemblies look like.
SILKSCREENS
AND
SCHEMATICS
-
electrical drawings and layouts
of
the
printed circuit boards.
TESTING
AND
TROUBLESHOOTING
-
overview of the procedures
for
testing and repairing the VCS unit.
2600
DIAGNOSTIC
FLOWCHART
-
thorough flowchart enabling
the
technician to
test
and troubleshoot a defective
2600
unit.
SYMPTOM
CHECKLIST
-
for the experienced technician, a list of the high
failure parts and the flowchart entry point for that particular problem.
2600A
DIAGNOSTIC
FLOWCHART
-
thorough flowchart enabling the
technician to
test
and troubleshoot a defective
2600A
unit.
GAME
CONTROLLERS
-
overview of hand controller construction with
electrical schematics and recommended
test
and repair procedures.
PARTS
LIST
-
detailed breakdown of all parts used in both the
2600
and
2600A
.
SERVICE
BULLETINS
-
section to be used to hold service bulletins released
by the Manager of Technical Support. These bulletins will include changes
in recommended repair procedures and required modifications for units in
the field.
The manual is designed for use by both experienced and inexperienced service
personnel.
The
Diagnostic Flowcharts (Sections 4 and
6)
provide detailed diagnostic
and repair procedures for technicians who are not yet completely familiar with the
VCS. The Symptom Checklist (Section
5)
provides a fast repair reference for
the
more
experienced technician.
2600/2600A
Domestic
VCS
SECTION
1
THEORY
OF
OPERATION
There are currently four types of ATARI Video Computer Systems. The original model
(2600) is composed of two
PC
Boards connected by a 12-pin ribbon cable with the
motherboard surrounded by a heavy aluminum casting.
The
other models (2600A: Revisions 1-13, Revisions 14-15, and Revisions 16
and up)
are composed of a single board with a light aluminum shield. The single board models
differ slightly in the video output circuitry.
Component differences are:
Revisions 1-1 3 have no diodes on TIA lines LA41 and Sync.
a
Revisions 14-15 have diodes and pull-up resistors on TIA lines LMl
and
Sync.
e
Revisions 16
and
up include the above mentioned diodes and resistors
as
well as a timer chip.
The revision level
is
etched directly on the
PC
board.
OVERVIEW
The ATARI Video Computer System (VCS) Models 2600/2600A are state-of-the-art
microcomputers. They receive instructions for the operation of different games from
individual Read-Only-Memory game cartridges and interpret data from the players'
hand-held controllers. They
also
allow game players to select both a specific version
of
each
game and the player difficulty (on a per player basis). Figure
1-1
is a block
diagram of the functional flow of the
VCS
Model 2600. Section 7 describes the player
controllers.
-
.
brar
Ellmcutor
(AX,
Adwmrt
120
VAC
Figure
1
-1.
2600
Functional Diagram
2600/2600A Domestic
VCS
GAME
CONSOLE
The
VCS
game
console
is
composed
of an
outercasting
that
houses
the
switchboard
and
the
RF
radiation
shielded
motherboard.
Outer
Cast
inq
The
casting
consists of
three
pieces
of
plastic
(see
Figure
1-2).
The
pieces
include
the
base,
which
holds
the
switchboard
and
motherboard
assembly;
the
top;
and
the
bezel.
Figure
1-2.
2600
Game
Console
2600/2600A
Domestic
VCS
Switchboard
The
switchboard assembly holds the player option switches, the power supply,
and
the
RF
modulator (See Figure 1-3).
0
PLAYER
OPTION SWITCHES
Switches SlOL thru SL04 are double-pole, single-throw. Switches SL05 and
5106
are double-pole, double-throw.
All switches are connected between
the switchboard and the motherboard
by
1
2-conductor flexible ribbon
cable.
POWER
SUPPLY
The power supply is composed of
a
+5
voltage regulator, filter capacitors,
and the power on/off switch. Unregulated
DC
is supplied to the board from
the battery eliminator.
A
supply
of
+5
volts
is
routed through a filter
circuit to the RF modulator. The motherboard also receives its power
(+5
volts
Vcc)
from the switchboard via the same 12-conductor ribbon cable
referenced above.
0
RF
MODULATOR
The RF modulator. converts the signal received from the Television
Interface Adaptor chip on the motherboard to
a
frequency that a television
can receive and interpret.
Data between the RF module and the Television
Interface Adaptor chip is passed via the 12-conductor ribbon cable which
connects the motherboard to the switchboard.
A
coaxial cable passes this
siqnal from the
RF
module
to
the switch box mounted on the bac!c of the
television.
Ilarq-
v
mchm
(Amml
mrd
hm.r.1~
Figure
1-3.
2600
Switchboard and Motherboard Assembly
1-3 2600/2600A Domestic
VCS
Motherboard
The motherboard is composed
of
a
PC
board containing a microprocessor
(MPU)
chip,
a
combination Random Access Memory - Input/Output (RAM-110) chip, and a Television
Interface Adaptor
(TIA)
chip
(see
Figure
1-3).
The board also contains numerous
capacirors, resistors, transistors, and other assorted electronic components. These
parts are
all
listed in Section
8,
PARTS
LIST.
a
MICROPROCESSOR CHIP
The heart of the
VCS
is
the
6507
microprocessor chip
(MPU).
This device
makes decisions for
the
VCS
based upon information it receives from the
game cartridge and the
RAM-I/O
(discussed
in
the next paragraph).
RANDOM ACCESS
MEMORY-INPUT/OUTPUT
CHIP
Temporary storage
of
data from the
MPU
is
provided
by
the
6532
Random
Access ~emory-Input/Output (RAM-1/01 chip.
This chip also scans the
option switches and the joystick 1/0 lines for information and maintains
time accounting for the
MPU.
0
TELEVISION INTERFACE ADAPTOR CHIP
This ATARI proprietary
chip
generates audio and video signals which are
required
by
the
RF
modulator.
The
Television Interface Adaptor
(TIA)
chip
also contains the analog-to-digital converter circuitry that allows the
MPU
to understand signals originating in the handheld paddle controllers.
TIA
outputs are processed
by
additional circuitry into a composite
video,
sound, and color signal which
is
routed
to
the
RF
module on the switch-
board via the 12-conductor ribbon
cable.
The
RF
module converts the
composite signal to
a
RF signal acceptable to the television. A coaxial
cable transmits this
RF
signal from the console to a selection
box
that can
be
mounted
on the
T.V.
This
switchbox (Figure
1-41
allows you to display
either
a
signal received
by
the antenna (for normal
T.V.
viewing) or a signal
from the
VCS
(for playing
a
game).
Figure
1-4.
TV
Switchbox
1-4
2600/2600A
Domestic
VCS
2600A
MODEL
DIFFERENCES
-
ALL
REVISIONS
The major difference between the newer single board
VCS
(2600A)
and the original
VCS
(2600) is that all of the components formerly on the switchboard are now located
on the motherboard
(See
Figure
1-5).
This includes
the
player control function
switches (Power
ON/OFF,
COLOR/BW,
GAME
SELECT and
GAME
RESET),
RF
modulator and power supply circuitry. The single board design eliminates
the
need
for
the ribbon cable,
which connected the switchboard to the motherboard on the 2600
VCS.
Gone, too, are the luminescence
and
RF
output buffers and the two
TIA
input buffers,
all
of
which were contained in chip A203.
In
the
oscillator circuit, one of the
transistors and its associated network has been eliminated and R227-R230 (paddle
control lines)
are
no longer present. C239, going to pin 7 on J202 and 3203, has been
replaced by C236
and
C237 (See Figure
1-6).
Figure
1-5.
2600A Game Console
2600/2600A
Domestic
VCS
Figure 1-6. 2600A Board Layout (Revs 1-13)
In
addition to the component changes, the physical location
of
several parts has also
been changed. Instead of having the right and left difficulty switches placed on top of
the game, they are located
at
the rear of the console next to the game controller
plugs.
The channel selector switch is also located
at
the rear of the console.
The
game
cartridge socket is no longer angled, but is mounted vertically on the board.
2600A
MODEL
DIFFERENCES
-
REVISIONS
14
AND
15
Revisions 14 and 15 contain the model differences described above, and in addition
have new components on the TIA lines, LM1 and
Sync.
There are two IN914 diodes to
prevent feedback on the lines and two additional pull-up resistors to insure the signal
is at
+5v.
To
compensate for any signal loss, R215 and 217 have been changed to 47K
(R215) and
24K
(R217).
2600A
MODEL
DIFFERENCES
-
REVISIONS
14
AND
UP
Revisions 16 and up contain
the
model differences described above; they also include
a
timer
chip
(A205)
added to the reset circuitry of the
MPU
chip. This chip eliminates
the problem of power-on reset failures.
2600/2600A Domestic
VCS
SUMMARY
The
VCS
is a microcomputer that receives its operational instructions from same
cartridges, the game console, and player controllers. The
2600
switchboard and
motherboard assemblies are housed within
an
outer casting and are the principle
assemblies addressed in
the
remainder of this manual. The boards are connected by
a
12-conductor ribbon cable which passes not only power, but
also
data between the two
boards.
Three chips of the notherboard allow for the interaction between the game
and
the
player.
These
chips are the microprocessor
(MPU),
the Random Access Memory-
Input/Output
(RAM
I/O), and
the
Television Interface Adapter
(TIA)
chips.
The
2600A
model differs primarily
in
the location of
the
components formerly located
on the switchboard. They are attached directly to
the
motherboard and eliminate the
need for the switchboard
and
the
ribbon cable. The
2600A
Revisions
14
and
up
include
even
further additional components to improve the performance
of
the output
circuitry.
2600/2600A
Domestic
VCS
SECTION
2
SILKSCREENS
AND
SCHEMATICS
On the following
pages
are
representative silkscreens and switchboard
schematics
for
the
ATARI
Video Computer System.
The
motherboard schematics for
all
2600/2600A
VCS
models are located
in
the
pocket
at
the
front
of
this binder. Minor variations in
design
may
be encountered depending
on
the
production
date
of
the
game,
but
these
schematics provide
all
details required
for
an in-depth understanding
of
all
2600
units,
including the various
2600
A
model
revisions..
2600/2600A Domestic
VCS
NAT.
L.kt3kO
T.I.
78MC5C
VOLTAGE
REGULATOR
(Tap
View)
A203
(Top
View)
win
version
(Channel
2
or
3)
RF
Moduiator
RF
Mod.
(TOO
View)
Figure
2-1.
2600/2600A
IC
Pinouts
2600/2600A
Domestic
VCS
Figure
2-2.
2600
Motherboard
Silkscreen
2600/2600A
Domestic
VCS
The
following
variations
may
appear
on
the
2600
switchboard:
CHANNEL
3
SWITCHBOARD:
C102
may
or
may
not
be
in
place.
C103
and/or
C104
may
or
may
not
be in
place.
C103
and/or
ClO4
may
be
mylar
dipped
.22
uf.
C103
and/or
ClO4
may
be
ceramic
.Oluf
(See
Figures
2-3
and
2-4).
CHANNEL
2
OR
3
SWITCHBOARD:
The
holes
on
the
PC
board
for
the
CAME
RESET
and
GAME
SELECT
switches may
not
be
wide
enough
apart for
the
switch
legs.
To
correct
this
the
legs of
the
switch
must
be
bent in
so
they
fit
into
the
holes
(See
Figures
2-5
and
2-6).
2600/2600A
Domestic
VCS
Figure
2-3.
2600
Channel 3 Switchboard
Silkscreen
2600/2600A
Domestic VCS
Figure
2-4.
2600
Channel
3
Switchboard
Schematic
2600/2600A
Domestic
VCS
Figure
2-5.
2600 Channel
2-3 Switchboard Silkscreen
2600/2600A
Domestic
VCS
Figure
2-8.
2600A
Motherboard
Silkscreen
(Revs.
14
and
15)
2-1
1
2600/2600A
Domestic
VCS
Figure
2-9.
2600A
Motherboard Silkscreen (Revs.
16
and
up)
2600/2600A
Domestic
VCS
SECTION
3
TESTING
AND
TROUBLESHOOTING
EQUIPMENT
REQUIREMENTS
You require eight basic pieces of equipment in order to analyze failures in the
2600/2600A Video Computer Systems (VCS). These items include:
A
15
MHz
oscilloscope
A
Video Computer System switchboard assembly that is known
to
be
operating properly (not required for repairing
2600A
units)
A
Video Computer System diagnostic test cartridge, version 2.6 (DTC)
Two blue controller port shorting plugs for use with the
2.6
(DTC)
diagnostic cartr
idge
Signal Tracins Cartr idqe (STC or
KLUGE)
VCS Field Service Manual for Domestic Model 2600/2600A
Color television set (properly adjusted)
Frequency Counter
2600/2600A
Domesric
VCS
TEST
PROCEDURES
AND
METHODS
Atari requires each 2600/2600A model returned for service to be
checked
for
certain
conditions.
In some instances,
a
unit must
be
modified to conform to Atari standards.
These changes are summarized below.
2600
MODEL
MODIFICATIONS
0
Each
2600
model opened must be modified
as
shown in Figure
3-1
to
provide additional protection from static discharge..
A
Zener diode is
connected between the trigger lines and ground, and static strips are
placed on the switches on the switchboard (See Figures
3-1,
3-2
and
3-41.
These modifications are crucial to prevent component damage due to static
discharge.
Each connector and plug should be checked for
a
tight, secure fit.
Intermittent failures frequently result from a loose connector or plug.
Connectors
3202
and
3203
should
be
checked for pushed or broken pins.
If the unit has
a
green 3200 connector, insert cartridge and wiggle it.
If
the unit shows intermittent problems, replace
5200.
Each board with Ltlolex chip sockets with insertion aids should have the
insertion aids removed and the chip reinserted.
Check that all components (especially those on the
p&imetei of the
motherboard)
are
properly soldered. Check for broken or shorted trace
lines.
Check for an inductor and capacitor over
C201
and
R206. Cut the inductor
and
cap
out,
being careful not to cut the C201 or
R206
leads.
If
unit has a standup regulator and heatsink, inspect for hairline fractures
between the regulator and switchboard. Also ensure that the regulator is
firmly secured to
the
heatsink by a Tinnerman clip or rivet.
Ensure that motherboards (Rev.
8
or lower) have a colored dot over the
trace on the upper-left corner of the board. This prevents shortinq the
board and the casting (See Figure
3-3).
Two
types of 12-conductor cable assemblies
have
been
used
on
2600
model
units, the flat-wire type and the ribbon type.
When
a
defect is found in the
flat-wire type cable assembly or its male connector on the switchboard,
the flat-wire cable assembly should
be
replaced with the ribbon cable
assembly and the 12-pin male switchboard connector should be replaced
with the 1Gin female switchboard socket.
2600/2600A
Domestic
VCS
Figure
3-1.
2600 Trigger Circuitry with Static Modification
Install the static modification on all
2600
units.
Install CR202 nd
CR203
by
removing C236 and
C237
and inserting
the
C2361CR202
and
C2371CR203
assemblies
in
their place (See Figure 3-2).
CAUTION:
Observe the polarity
on
CRZ02 and CR203 (the dark band must be toward
the 3202/3203 connectors).
On
the switchboard, install the static strips
as
shown in
Figure
3-4.
2600/2600A Domestic
VCS
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