Atari 2600 Field Service manual

2600/2600

A

VCS

Field

DOMESTIC

Service

Manual

(MD)

FD100133

Rev.

02

ATARI,

consumer

845

JR

ATAR~

PART

2600/2600A

TITLE

Sunnyvale,

o~------

VCS

DSMZSTIC

Xeplace

INC.

Product

W.

Maude Avenue

CA

FSM

pages

Services

94041

4-25,

6-21,

E.C.R.

ENGINEERING

DATE

1-21

REASON

I

Error

8-3

and

-83

in

8-7

REQUESTER

S.

FOR

CHANGE

Flowcharts

with

NO.

0021

CHANGE

PART

Fill

Doyle

REQUEST:

and

Parts

the attached corrected

00133

Lists

REQUEST

Lat

est

NO.

pages.

R

EV.

02

ENGINEERING

Re~lace cover

this

Retain

CHANGE

ECN

REQUESTER-

page

as

with new (Rev.

a

record of

PLEASE

these changes.

COMPLETE

02)

cover page.

ABOVE

DOTTED

LINE

***

***

****-•

=-

(SEE

D~s~H/~~la~)

ENGINEERING

WHEN

E.C.

SIGNATURES

R.

BECOMES

AN

CHANGE

AN0

LC.N. NO.

E.C.N.

NOTICE

ARE

PRESENT

THIS

I

EmC,Nm

I

NO.

0021

ATARI

VIDEO

FIELD

MODEL

COMPUTER

SERVICE

2600/2600A

SYSTEMTM

MANUAL

DOMESTIC

(M/N)

Atari believes that
care has been taken
be accepted for
herein

is

subject

any

to

the

information described in this manual is accurate

in

its preparation. However,

consequences

change.

Revisions

arising out of

may

be

no

responsibility, financial or otherwise, shall

the

use

of

this material. Information contained

issued to advise of

such

changes

and

reliable,

and/or additions.

and much

Correspondence regarding this document
Consumer Product

Service,

Atari, Incorporated,

should

be forwarded

845

W.

Maude

to

Manager

of

Technical Support,

Sunnyvale, California

2600/2600A

Domestic

94086.

VCS

P

Section

Table

Title

-

INTRODUCTION

of

Contents

Page

THEORY

Introduction
Overview
Game Console

2600A Model Differences
2600A Model Differences
2600A Model Differences - Revisions
Summary

2 SCHEMATICS

3

TESTING
Equipment Requirements

Test Procedures and Methods

2600 Model Modifications
2600A Model Modifications

Testing with the Diagnostic Test Cartridge

Initialization
RAM Test
Color Bar Test
Gray Bar Test
magnostic Matrix Test
Audio Tones Test
Paddle

OF OPERATION

Outer Casting
Switchboard

:Motherboard

AND

(Version 2.6)

Control

-

All Revisions

-

Revisions

AND

SILKSCREENS

TROUBLESHOOTING

Lines Test

14

16

and

and

15

up

2600 DIAGNOSTIC FLOWCHART

SYMPTOM

2600 Symptom Checklist
2600A Symptom Checklist

2600A DIAGNOSTIC FLOWCHART

GAME
Overview
Joystick
Joystick
Paddle Controller

Paddle

Driving Controller
Driving Controller Check
Keyboard Controller
Keyboard Controller Check

ATARI

ATARI CX2600A

CHECKLIST

CONTROLLERS

(X-Y)

(X-Y)

Controller Check

CX2600

Controller
Controller Check

(M/N)

PARTS

(M/N)

iii

PARTS

LIST

LIST

2600/2600A Domestic

VCS

Table

of

hntents

Section

9

Figure

Title

-

SERVICE BULLETINS

List

of

Illustrations

Title

-

2600

Functional Diagram

2600

Game

2600

Switchboard and Motherboard Assembly

TV

Switchbox

2600A
2600A

2600/2600A
2600

Motherboard Silkscreen

2600

Channel 3 Switchboard Silkscreen

2600

Channel 3 Switchboard Schematic

2600

Channel

2600

Channel

2600A
2600A
2600A

Console

Game Console
Board Layout

IC

Pinouts

2-3

Switchboard Silkscreen

2-3

Switchboard Schematic
Motherboard Silkscreen (Revs. 1-1
Motherboard Silkscreen (Revs. 14
Motherboard Silkscreen (Revs.

16

3)

and

and

Page

9-1

Page

15)

up)

Inserted

2600
2600A
2600A
2600A

2600
2600

in

Front

Pocket

of

Notebook:

Motherboard Schematic

Motherboard Schematic (Revs. 1-1
Motherboard Schematic (Revs. 14 and 15)
Motherboard Schematic (Revs. 16

Trigger Circuitry with Static Modification
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

Bars

Grav

Screen
~iagnostic Matrix Screen (Shorting Plugs
Diagnostic Matrix Screen (Shorting

Plugs

Audio Tone Test Screens

iv

3)

and

up)

OUT)

IN)

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

List

of

Illustrations

(Continued)

Figure

Title

Switch Initialization Positions

Bars

Bars

(X-Y)

(X-Y)

Screen

RAM

Patterns

Screen

Bars

Matrix

Matrix
Matrix

Controller
Schematic

Screen
Screen (Shorting Plugs
Screen (Shorting Plugs
Screen with Defective Pattern

Color
Defective

Gray

Defective Gray
Diagnostic
Diagnostic
Diagnostic
Audio Tone Test Screens

RC

Waveforms
STC Address Line Waveforms
STC Data Line Waveforms

Joystick

Joystick
Paddle Con troller
Paddle Confroller Schema tic
Driving Controller
Driving Controller Schematic
Keyboard Controller
Keyboard 'Xriring Diagram
Keyboard Schematic

Page

OUT)

IN)

Table

-

4-1

List

of

~iile

Connected Pins on

Tables

VCS

Motherboard

4

Page

4-47

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

INTRODUCTION

The Video Computer systemT' (VCS) Field Service Manual is organized in nine
sections:

.

THEORY

a

basic assemblies look like.

SILKSCREENS

a

printed circuit boards.

a

TESTING

testing and repairing the VCS unit.

0

2600

technician to

0

SYMPTOM

failure parts and the flowchart entry point for that particular problem.

a

2600A

technician to

a

GAME

electrical schematics and recommended

a

PARTS

2600A

a

SERVICE

by the Manager of Technical Support. These bulletins will include changes
in recommended repair procedures and required modifications for units in
the field.

OF

OPERATION

AND

SCHEMATICS

AND

DIAGNOSTIC

TROUBLESHOOTING

FLOWCHART

test

and troubleshoot a defective

CHECKLIST

DIAGNOSTIC

test

and troubleshoot a defective

CONTROLLERS

LIST

-

detailed breakdown of all parts used in both the

.

BULLETINS

-

-

for the experienced technician, a list of the high

FLOWCHART

-

overview of hand controller construction with

-

section to be used to hold service bulletins released

overview of how the VCS works and what the

-

electrical drawings and layouts

-

overview of the procedures

-

thorough flowchart enabling

2600

unit.

-

thorough flowchart enabling the

2600A

test

and repair procedures.

unit.

of

2600

the

for

the

and

The manual is designed for use by both experienced and inexperienced service

The

personnel.
and repair procedures for technicians who are not yet completely familiar with the

VCS. The Symptom Checklist (Section

experienced technician.

Diagnostic Flowcharts (Sections 4 and

5)

provides a fast repair reference for

6)

provide detailed diagnostic

the

2600/2600A

Domestic

more

VCS

SECTION

1

THEORY

OF

OPERATION

There are currently four types of ATARI Video Computer Systems. The original model

PC

(2600) is composed of two

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'

also

hand-held controllers. They
of

each

game and the player difficulty (on a per player basis). Figure
diagram of the functional flow of the
controllers.

-

allow game players to select both a specific version

1-1

is a block

VCS

Model 2600. Section 7 describes the player

Figure

.

1

brar

Ellmcutor

(AX,

-1.

Adwmrt

120

VAC

2600

Functional Diagram

2600/2600A Domestic

VCS

GAME

The

VCS

the

RF

CONSOLE

game

radiation

console

is

shielded

composed

of an

motherboard.

outercasting

that

houses

the

switchboard

and

Outer

The

casting

base,

Cast

which

inq

consists of

holds

the

three

switchboard

pieces

of

plastic

and

motherboard

(see

Figure

assembly;

1-2).

The

the

top;

pieces

and

the

include

bezel.

the

Figure

1-2.

2600

Game

Console

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

Switchboard

The

switchboard assembly holds the player option switches, the power supply,

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.

the switchboard and the motherboard

All switches are connected between

by

1

2-conductor flexible ribbon

cable.

and

the

POWER

The power supply is composed of
and the power on/off switch. Unregulated

the battery eliminator.

SUPPLY

A

supply

a

+5

voltage regulator, filter capacitors,

DC

is supplied to the board from

of

+5

volts

is

routed through a filter
circuit to the RF modulator. The motherboard also receives its power
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

a

Interface Adaptor chip on the motherboard to
can receive and interpret.

Data between the RF module and the Television

frequency that a television

Interface Adaptor chip is passed via the 12-conductor ribbon cable which
connects the motherboard to the switchboard.
siqnal from the

RF

module

to

the switch box mounted on the bac!c of the

A

coaxial cable passes this

television.

(+5

Figure

1-3.

Ilarq-

(Amml

2600

Switchboard and Motherboard Assembly

v

1-3 2600/2600A Domestic

mchm

mrd
hm.r.1~

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

a

listed in Section

MICROPROCESSOR CHIP
The heart of the
makes decisions for
game cartridge and the

RANDOM ACCESS
Temporary storage
Access ~emory-Input/Output (RAM-1/01 chip.

8,

PARTS

VCS

the

LIST.

is

the

6507

VCS

based upon information it receives from the

RAM-I/O

microprocessor chip

(discussed

MEMORY-INPUT/OUTPUT

of

data from the

MPU

is

(MPU).

in

the next paragraph).

CHIP

provided

by

the

This chip also scans the

This device

6532

Random

all

option switches and the joystick 1/0 lines for information and maintains
time accounting for the

0

TELEVISION INTERFACE ADAPTOR CHIP
This ATARI proprietary
required

by

the

RF

also contains the analog-to-digital converter circuitry that allows the

MPU.

chip

modulator.

generates audio and video signals which are

The

Television Interface Adaptor

(TIA)

chip

MPU

to understand signals originating in the handheld paddle controllers.

TIA

outputs are processed

sound, and color signal which

by

additional circuitry into a composite

is

routed

board via the 12-conductor ribbon

a

composite signal to
cable transmits this

be

mounted

either
from the

on the

a

signal received

VCS

(for playing

RF signal acceptable to the television. A coaxial

RF

signal from the console to a selection

T.V.

This

switchbox (Figure

by

the antenna (for normal

a

game).

cable.

to

the

The

RF

module on the switch-

RF

module converts the

box

1-41

allows you to display

T.V.

viewing) or a signal

video,

that can

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

(2600) is that all of the components formerly on the switchboard are now located

(See

on the motherboard

switches (Power

modulator and power supply circuitry. The single board design eliminates

the ribbon cable,

ON/OFF,

which connected the switchboard to the motherboard on the 2600

Figure

COLOR/BW,

1-5).

This includes

GAME

VCS

(2600A)

the

player control function

SELECT and

and the original

GAME

RESET),

the

need

RF

for

VCS.

Gone, too, are the luminescence

of

all

transistors and its associated network has been eliminated and R227-R230 (paddle

control lines)

replaced by C236

which were contained in chip A203.

are

no longer present. C239, going to pin 7 on J202 and 3203, has been
and

C237 (See Figure

and

RF

output buffers and the two

In

the

oscillator circuit, one of the

1-6).

TIA

input buffers,

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
been changed. Instead of having the right and left difficulty switches placed on top of
the game, they are located
plugs.

game

The channel selector switch is also located

cartridge socket is no longer angled, but is mounted vertically on the board.

at

the rear of the console next to the game controller

at

of

several parts has also

the rear of the console.

The

2600A

Revisions 14 and 15 contain the model differences described above, and in addition

have new components on the TIA lines, LM1 and
prevent feedback on the lines and two additional pull-up resistors to insure the signal

To

is at +5v.
(R215) and

Revisions 16 and up contain
timer

the problem of power-on reset failures.

chip

compensate for any signal loss, R215 and 217 have been changed to 47K

24K

(R217).

2600A

(A205)

MODEL

DIFFERENCES

-

REVISIONS

Sync.

MODEL

added to the reset circuitry of the

DIFFERENCES

the

model differences described above; they also include

-

REVISIONS

14

AND

15

There are two IN914 diodes to

14

AND

UP

MPU

chip. This chip eliminates

2600/2600A Domestic

a

VCS

SUMMARY

The

VCS

is a microcomputer that receives its operational instructions from same

cartridges, the game console, and player controllers. The

motherboard assemblies are housed within

the

assemblies addressed in

remainder of this manual. The boards are connected by

12-conductor ribbon cable which passes not only power, but

an

outer casting and are the principle

also

boards.

2600

switchboard and

data between the two

a

Three chips of the notherboard allow for the interaction between the game
player.

These

Input/Output

The

2600A

on the switchboard. They are attached directly to
need for the switchboard

even

further additional components to improve the performance

chips are the microprocessor

(RAM

model differs primarily

I/O), and

and

the

Television Interface Adapter

in

the

ribbon cable. The

(MPU),

the location of

the Random Access Memory-

(TIA)

chips.

the

components formerly located

the

motherboard and eliminate the

2600A

Revisions

14

and

of

up

the output

circuitry.

and

the

include

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

SECTION

2

On the following

the

ATARI

VCS

models are located
design
schematics provide

including the various

may

pages

Video Computer System.

be encountered depending

SILKSCREENS

are

representative silkscreens and switchboard

in

the

pocket

all

details required

2600

A

model

AND

The

at

the

on

the

for

revisions..

SCHEMATICS

motherboard schematics for

front

of

this binder. Minor variations in

production

an in-depth understanding

date

of

the

of

schematics

all

2600/2600A

game,

all

but

2600

for

these

units,

2600/2600A Domestic

VCS

VOLTAGE

(Tap

REGULATOR

View)

A203

(Top

View)

NAT.

T.I.

78MC5C

L.kt3kO

win

version

(Channel

2

or

3)

Figure

2-1.

RF

2600/2600A

Mod.

IC

RF

Pinouts

Moduiator

(TOO

View)

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

Figure

2-2.

2600

Motherboard

Silkscreen

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

The

following

variations

may

appear

on

the

2600

switchboard:

CHANNEL

C102

may

C103

and/or

C103

and/or

C103

and/or

CHANNEL

The

holes

switches may

the

legs of

2-5

and

3

SWITCHBOARD:

or

may

not

be

C104

may

ClO4

may

ClO4

may

2

OR

3

SWITCHBOARD:

on

the

PC

not

be

wide

the

switch

2-6).

in

place.

or

may

be

mylar

be

ceramic

board

enough

must

not

be

bent in

be in

dipped

.Oluf

for

the

apart for

place.

.22

uf.

(See

CAME

the

so

they

Figures

RESET

switch
fit

into

2-3

legs.

the

and

and

holes

2-4).

GAME

To

correct

(See

SELECT

this

Figures

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

2-1

Silkscreen

1

(Revs.

14

and

15)

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

Figure

2-9.

2600A

Motherboard Silkscreen (Revs.

16

and

up)

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

SECTION

3

TESTING

EQUIPMENT

You require eight basic pieces of equipment in order to analyze failures in the
2600/2600A Video Computer Systems (VCS). These items include:

REQUIREMENTS

A

15

MHz

oscilloscope

A

Video Computer System switchboard assembly that is known

operating properly (not required for repairing

A

Video Computer System diagnostic test cartridge, version 2.6 (DTC)

Two blue controller port shorting plugs for use with the
diagnostic cartr

Signal Tracins Cartr idqe (STC or

VCS Field Service Manual for Domestic Model 2600/2600A

Color television set (properly adjusted)

Frequency Counter

idge

AND

TROUBLESHOOTING

KLUGE)

2600A

units)

2.6

to

be

(DTC)

2600/2600A

Domesric

VCS

TEST

PROCEDURES

AND

METHODS

Atari requires each 2600/2600A model returned for service to be

conditions.

In some instances,

unit must

be

modified to conform to Atari standards.

a

These changes are summarized below.

2600

MODEL

0

Each

2600

model opened must be modified

MODIFICATIONS

as

shown in Figure
provide additional protection from static discharge..
connected between the trigger lines and ground, and static strips are
placed on the switches on the switchboard (See Figures
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

If the unit has
the unit shows intermittent problems, replace

3202

and

3203

should

a

green 3200 connector, insert cartridge and wiggle it.

be

checked for pushed or broken pins.

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

are

motherboard)

properly soldered. Check for broken or shorted trace

lines.

checked

A

3-1,

for

Zener diode is

3-2

certain

3-1

and

3-41.

to

If

Check for an inductor and capacitor over

and

cap

out,

being careful not to cut the C201 or

If

unit has a standup regulator and heatsink, inspect for hairline fractures

C201

and

R206. Cut the inductor

R206

leads.

between the regulator and switchboard. Also ensure that the regulator is

the

firmly secured to

Ensure that motherboards (Rev.

heatsink by a Tinnerman clip or rivet.

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

Two

types of 12-conductor cable assemblies

units, the flat-wire type and the ribbon type.

3-3).

have

When

been

used

on

2600

a

defect is found in the

model

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

by

removing C236 and
C2371CR203
Observe the polarity
the 3202/3203 connectors).
shown in

assemblies

Figure

on

3-4.

C237

in

CRZ02 and CR203 (the dark band must be toward

On

and inserting

their place (See Figure 3-2).

the switchboard, install the static strips

2600

units.

Install CR202 nd

the

C2361CR202

CR203

CAUTION:

2600/2600A Domestic

and

as

VCS

Figure

3-4.

2600

Switchboard Static Modification

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

Each

2600A

2600A

(Revs

MODEL

1-1

3) model must have static strips placed on the front

MODIFICATIONS

panel switches (See Figure 3-51.

a

Check

each

connector and plug for a tiqht, secure fit. Intermittent

failures frequently result from a loose connector or plug.

a

Check that all cornponenets
shorted

trace

lines.

are

properly soldered, and check for broken or

If a unit exhibits

e

RF

interference that does not clean up using normal

adjustment methods, or if a series of lines and bright qr id distortions on the

are

screen
defective or leaking capacitor may
microfarad) and/or C242

accompanied by a loud hum even when properly adjusted,

be

at fault. Replace C24l (.I

(-1

microfarad) located respectively between the

power jack and voltage requlator.

a

Figure 3-5.

2600A

(Revs.

1-13] Static Slodifications

3-6

2600/2600A

ing

.

Domestic

VCS

TESTING

The

2600

Diaqostic Test Cartridge (version

assist the service technician in identifying the source of problems within

switchboard and motherboard hardware. The

the equipment listed at the beginning

WITH

THE

DIAGNOSTIC

TEST

of

this section. Each

CARTRIDGE

2.6

DTC) contains a varietv

test

cartridge is used in conjunction with

(VERSION

2.6)

of

test

is reviewed in the

tests

the

to

VCS

remainder of this section. Detailed procedures for use of the tests are described in

Section
The

tests

a

4,

Diagnostic Flowchart, and Section

2600

available in the cartridge are:

RAhi

Test

6,

2600A

Diagnostic Flowchart.

Color Bar Test

a

GrayBarTest
Diagnostic Matrix Test

a

Audio Tones Test
Paddle Control Lines Test

The

technician also has a Signal Trace Cartridge

tracking motherboard problems that are not repairable with

(STC

or

KLUGE)

available for

the

Diagnostic Test

Cartridge.

Purpose:

a

a

Format: Connect

To

prepare the

VCS

VCS

unit to television and battery eliminator. Set
television to proper channel (channel
cartridge.

Set

all

2600

switches to the up position.

front panel switches up and rear panel switches to the left (See Figure

initially

unit

to

the

for

left

testinq

3).

by

the diagnostic cartridge.

Plug in the

On

the

2.6

diagnostic

2600A,

set

all

3-6).

Figure

3-6.

Switch Initialization Positions

3-7

260G/2500A

Domestic

VCS

RAM

mT

Purpose: To test the

Format:

the

defective

NOTE:

chi.

is

not

RAM

The

is

sound,

verified

On

power-up

is

defective. See

RAM.

absence

only

the

by

this

6532

RAM

chi0

for

proper

the

television displays diagonal lines

of

defective

RAM.

test.

Figure

The

3-7

for examples

patterns

operation

is

of

no

the

operation.

of

screens indicating

assurance

I/O

and

of

some

that

Timer

type

the

entire

functions

if

2

Figure

3-7.

Defective

RAM

Patterns

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

COLOR

BAR

TEST

NOTE:

Purpose: To
chip for correct operation.

a

Format: Set all switches to initialization position. A screen of horizontal
color bars is displayed (See Figure
unchanging.

about three bars from its bottom. This reference line is thinner than the
bars around it. R211
bars immediately above and below the reference line are within one
of each other. Proper operation of the unit

make

this adjustment and
bar on the screen. Minor glitches on
acceptable.

any

intermittent problems, such

blanking out.

This

figure

is

test

A

Leave

a

black

the

6507

microprocessor,

3-81.

gray

or blue horizontal reference line runs across

(R213

this test on for

and

white

on the 2600A board) should be adjusted

by

consistent color within the entire span of each

at

as

a

representation

6532

RAM

The screen should be steady

is

indicated

the

edges of the color bars are

least ten seconds in order to catch

bar momentarily changing colors or

of

a

color

-

1/0

by

television

chip,

being able to

screen.

and

the

TIA

and

screen

so

the

shade

Figure

3-8.

Color Bars Screen

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

GRAY

BAR

TEST

Purpose:

from

the

To

test

TIA

chip to the

the

function

RF

Module.

of

?he

luminescence lines

(LLIO,

LW,

LV2)

Format:

position.

black

The screen should

litches on their edges.

black)

S

above the top (black) bar and below the bottom (white) bar are of no
importance
to ensure that there is no "flashing"
bars.

Move the Color/Black

There should be eight horizontal gray bars displayed, going from

the top to white at the bottom in even gradations (See Figure

at

be

steady and unchanging.

A

thin white line always appears just over

bar.

No color should appear anywhere on the screen. The

to

the

test.

This

&

White switch to the Black and 'White

test

should be left

of

fhese

on

for

any

color or shifting

lines

may

have

at

least ten seconds

of

3-9).

minor

the

top

areas

the gray

Figure

3-9.

Gray

Bars Screen

2600/2600A

Domestic VCS

DIAGNOSTIC

MATRIX

TEST

Puroose: To test the proper function of the Input-Output ports of the

VCS

unit.

Format: Set all switches to the initialized position, then move the Left

"8"

Difficulty switch to the

1.

With the blue shorting plugs removed, the matrix of nine rectangles

position.

on the screen should look like Figure

The shorting plugs are

2.

3-1

the

3.

Figure

Press

1.

CAME

then

SELECT

The

test

is performed in two parts:

3-10.

inserted and the pattern should look like

switch. If the switch is properly

functionins, that area sf the matrix will black out. Release the

GAME

RESET

SELECT

switch.

switch and repeat the

procedure with the

GAVE

The Ciatrix jumps once every second.

Gr

un

Not

Und

Figure

Plnk

a

Not

used

Came

kkct

hitch

3-1

0.

Diagnostic Matrix Screen

(Shorting Plugs

Green

a,

CIma

Rc¶et

Svltch

;o'

OUT)

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

Pink

Not

a

Urd

Gmr

Gama

Rmt

hrltch

Not

Gem

UYed

Figure

3-1

1.

Diagnostic

Matrix

Screen

(Shorting

Plugs

IN)

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

AUDIO

0

TONES

TEST

Purpose:

To

test

the function

of

the audio tone generation and modulation

circuitry.

Format: The

Difficulty switch to the

VCS

unit should

"8"

be

in the initialized mode. Move the Right

position.
patterns on the screen (as shown in Figure
tones are heard.
pattern continues

The

tones change in sync with the screen. This

for

one full

cycle

after the

been returned to the initialized position.

The

test

displays two alternating

3-12)

while two alternating

Right

Difficulty switch

test

has

Figure

3-12.

Audio Tone Test Screens

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

PADDLE

CONTROL

LINES

TEST

-

-

Purpose:

a

the

chip.

Format:
oscilloscope with the
shorting plugs

hand

the

To

test the proper operation

analog waveforms

Pins

in

controller lines. The procedure for

at

37,

38, 39,

VCS

place. This

of

the Paddle Control

the analog-to-digital conversion inputs

and

40

unit

test

of the

in

Diagnostic Matrix mode and with the

is required only if there

TIA

this

chip

test

is detailed

are

Lines

checked

is

a

problem

in

by

viewing

of

the

with the

Section

TIA

with

4.

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

42a

Tlh

4040

COL

2600

Motherboard

Schematic

2600

DIAGNOSTIC

SECTION

4

FLOWCHART

The Diagnostic Flowchart is intended to be easy to use and the primary aid when
troubleshooting the 2600.

Follow the prompts in the order presented. When

a

quesrion
is asked, follow the line from that box which best applies to the unit's condition. The
figures referenced
line terminates with a letter inside a circle, note that a page number (i.e., pg.
near it. Turn to that page, locate the letter in another circle,

in

the flowcharts are located

at

the end of this section. When

and

continue the

4-31

a

is

diagnosis. The flowchart leaves nothing to chance, it tells you when to perform a
specific test, and when to replace components, and even when and how long to "burn-

in"

the unit. "Burn-in" the unit for

at

least two hours after completing repairs.

When a problem is extremely difficult to diagnose, the flowchart sends you
Signal Tracing Cartridge (STC) routine,
the STC routine, no flowchart is used.

"D"

page 4-47. Due to the repetitive nature of

Read and follow the instructions

to

as

directed.

the

Should the STC procedure fail to isolate the problem, after carefully inspecting the
switchboard and motherboard assemblies for shorted and/or open trace lines, and
solder
persist, call

bridges swap all three chips (6507, 6532, and

ATARI,

Outside California

TIA).

Techline Specialist: Inside California at [phone]

at

[phone].

Be

certain to always burn-in the unit for two

Should the problem still

and

hours after completing repairs. This helps to ensure that intermittent problems are
found and also greatly increases your customer's satisfaction with your repair work.

SWAP

Many

number of chips in
should replace the indicated components one

of

component in place to see whether the "swapout" solved the problem being checked.

OUT

PROCEDURES

places in the diagnostic flowchart, a box tells you to "swapout" a chip or

a

the same type. The

order.

VCS

should then be tested with the new, known-good

The "swapout" instruction means that you

at

a time with a known sood component

a

If

the swapout did not fix the problem, the known-good component should be left in, and

the next component inserted. Once the problem is solved, you then place the

bad

suspected

pulled out are truly defective.

chips one by one into the system to determine whether or not those you

In

this way, you avoid needlessly replacine, gbod

components.

CAUTION

- - -

-

-

-

-

-

Extreme

AZ02,

damaged

on conductive foam
when
grounding

care

A203).

by

careless

handling

band

should

They

be

are

taken

all

handling.

the

when

chips.

not

Atari

(which ties from

when handling

the

very sensitive to

Always

handling

your

keep

them.

strongly

arm

to

the

recommends that

ground) when handling

integrated circuit

static

chips

Make

electricity

in

their

plastic

certain

you are

you

chips

and

(A200,

can

carrier

well

A20

easily

tubes

be

or

grounded

wear a conductive

the

chips.

1,

The

chips

inserted

pry

chips

Failure

extra

to follow

expense.

are

into

out

also

the

sockets

with

'

susceptible

Always

a

screwdriver or

the

above

guidelines

to

damage

use

any

from

a

chippuller

other

results

tool.

in

stress

when

when

unusually

being

removing

high

chip failure

removed

the

chips.

from

Do

rates

or

not

and

2600/2600A Domestic

VCE

Connect

N

nator.

Insert

Catnidge

it-

I

barmy

Diagnostic

(Figure

and

VCS

elimi-

Set

TV

(DTC),

aPn

on.

to

to

in-

4-11

2600

I

Diagnostic Flowchart

I

bCS

fective

P.m

muse#r(sec

Fig.

Replace

Does

unit

cobr

bus

I

MY

RAM

apQear

4-31.

the

I

I

now

panem?

A202

~IOW

the;

No

-

No

A

Y

k

warped

on

of

5w-

I)

2)

picave

and

ragged

left

side

m?

Am

A202

-

9howtfitcobr

bars

panern?

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

2600

Diagnostic

Flowchart

(Continued)

i

Are color bars

present?

'See

Figure 4-21.

I

No

I

Is

any

other

pattern on the

screen?

(See Figure 4-4,

4-694-9)-

A

Is

there "snow" No

on

the

(no modulation) ~resent on screen? No

I

Check

connections

to

Test

known

battery

test

I

screw?

1

VCS

TV

and

VCS

with

-

good

eliminator.

P

Yes

b

J

4

,Yes

a

1

Are

color

properly

(See Figure 4-2)

Check

switch

Are they correct?

modulation

adjusted?

No

settings.

Is

ANY

bars

1

your

2

Yes

r

m

No

I

w

Pg.

w

Pg.

4-7

4-9

w

J

Pg.

4-6

I

IS

"snow"

screen gone?

Pg.

4-1

on

1

Yes

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

Bad

Video

Troubleshooting

I

at

I

procedure

identify

DotJ

pod

Va

pin

8)

(at

k

a

b5v

signal

pin

S

pattern

bad.

A203

have

(+Sv

and

ground

pin

1

I?

pg

pmcnt

of

A203?

an

the

KO

at

'

N?

No

-

Bad

switchboard

Repair

open

Das

unit

now

a

picture?

Rcpke

trace.

have

A203.

b

Yes

'

1

Cheek

R221,

OK?

Chcck

the

trace

from

A201 pin

is

not

droned

toanother

Is a picture

now

present

the

Pg.

Is

(33K)

I

Yes

that

line

2

Line.

I

on

TV?

4-2

it

No

-

Replace

Swapout

1)

A200

2)

A202

RZ21

I

b

-

1s a picwe

now

pmmt

0

Pg.

f6-4

b

a

picture

on

the

No

now

present

r

h

-

Yes

Yes

on

N?

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

Gray

Bars

Place

color/

black

&

switch

Did

change when

in

.

posit

screen

was

moved

Is

proper gray

bar

pattern

present?

Figure

ion.

4-4).

white

BhW

pattern

switch

?

(See

Test

Procedure

Pg.

4-7

Is

a

partial

segment

or

is

any

present?

Figure

missing

color

(See

4-51

pg.

4-45

2600/2600A

Domestic

VC

Color

and

Bars

initialhe.

u

Are

mesent

Ad

just

color

properly.

Figure

color

on

R211

is

4-21.

screen?

I

that

Test

bars

SO

aligned

(See

Procedure

I

Pq*

4-2

Is

to

VCS

proper

Pg.

tunable

shades?

4-23

2600/2600A

Domestic

-

VCS

With

inqxrative

switcb

,in

(open).

u

at

3201

switch?(See

+Y:

pin

position

prnmt

for

that

Chart)

Defective

Switch

Troubleshooting

Procedure

bdvnotwpresent

the

RAM

at

for

that

(see

fhes

~witCfi

i

Pg.

pin

switch?

chart)

Yes

now

work?

4-7

I

No

b

Yes

h

there

ktareen

RAM

an

1201

pin?

and

Lait

Right

kkt

Rest

open

and

No

White

Difficulty

Difficulty

t

-

Repair

Yes

CONNECflON CHART

open

trace.

-

Does switch

now

chnge

~rm

on

screen?

I

Yes

b

2600/2600A

Domestic

VC

Defective

Switch

(A2021

the

Troubleshooting Procedure

Check

RAM

pin

for

switch

+5v.

present?

for

Is

it

Pg..

(continued)

4-9

Check

trace

as

necessary.

Does

Swapout

for

shorted

Line.

switch

work?

Repair

now

A202

2

Does

switch

now

work?

Chd

whether

citor

on

line

b

ground

necessary.

now

capa-

that

RAM

shorted

Replace

Does

work?

to

switch

as

Pg.

4-2

2500/2600A

Domestic

VCS

Use

procedure to

identify

board

b

Is

d2

prexnt on

A202

Is

ox.

present betureen

C203

#

Is

ox. signai

prexnt

pin

Black

or

Solid

Colored Screen

swapout

which

is

bad.

Defective .Motherboard

I

4-E,

p-p

signal

pin

392

4-5v

p-0

signal

and

R203?

I

4-jv

p-p

on

11 .4201? A20

Defective switchboard

J

Yes

1)

X200

2) Q200

3) 4201

4)

Other

Circuit Components

v

0

Opm

C203

and

Clock

between

pin

1.

Troubleshooting

Pg.

4-16

Pg.

4-1

0

b

-

1

I

-

Reoalr

-

I

L

i

b

I

Is (C-5v

p-p

dO

signal

present on

pin

4

A201?

I

b

4-5v

do

signal

present

pin

27 A200?

I

b

4-5v

d2

signal

prexnt

pin

28 AMO?

b

4-5"

62

signal present

on

A201

pin

Ooen

between

Pin

39 A202

pin

28

A200.

p-p

on

Yes

p-p

on

&

26?

and

1) A201

2)

A200

b

No

-

No Swapout

-

-

N~

Openbemeen

Pin

and

b

Open

Pin

Pin

27 A200

Pin

4

1) A200

2) A202

between

26 A201
28 AZOO.

A20 1.

and

I

b

-

L

Does

unit

Pin

Q

A201

Does

unit function?

Pin

28 A200

function?

shorted.

Reoair

is

shorted.

Yes

-

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

Black

or

Solid Colored Screen Troubleshooting

(Continued)

a

I

Is

present

pin

Is

there

ground

AZOO,

Reset

lines

I

4-5v

p-p

d2

signal

26 A201?

Yes

+5v

on

A201,

A203?

and

ready

good?

Swapout

1)

A200

2)

A202

on.

and

all

of

A202,

L

.

No

I

No

Open

and

A202.

Open

+5

or

or

trace

pin

pin

on

line

ground.

shorted

26

39

I

between

A201

I

to

I

Open

d

b

t

line.

t

Does

unit

properly?

Repair

n

Pg.

4-2

operate

Pg*

4-45

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

Snowy

Screen

troubleshoot in^

Motherboard

Procedure,

Use

procedure to

.

identify which

board

1s

at

L

Is

there

across

i

Is

present at 3204

(the

Check

*

Is

swapout

is

bad.

Bad motherboard.

I

+5v

present

J2Ol

Pin

I?

continuity

5201

pin

Yes

+7.5-9.0~

power

jack)?

at

bottom

of

board

No

1

3204

OK?

I

2?

I

i

4

A

Bad

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

I

d

4

switchboard.

Replice 520

Check

trace

line

J204

and

Voltage

to ground.

Pg.

1.

for

open

between

J201.

shorted

4-18

r)

I

I

M

0

pg.4-ll

I

t

Pg.

4-12

Is

modulation

evident on

the

TV

Repair

J

Yes

screen?

No

0

-

Pg. 4-1

1

7

b

Replace

J204.

4

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

Snowy

Screen Troubleshooting Procedure,

Motherboard,

(Continued)

*Caution:

Observe

polarity of
continuity
checker.
=put
probe on ground.

Do

+

&

I

I

h

Is

there Replace connector.

continuity evident on

across J201

Pins

1,3,6,

10,l

l?

Is

there

continuity open trace on

between

line

and ground?* or ground?

Check

repair any

traces

Is

modulation

the

+5V

I

Yes

for and

shorted

or solder

bridges.

TV

screen?

No

i

Is

either

W

there

No

an

+5v

1

b

,

I

Is

modulation

the

screen?

'

Yes

Check

rtplace

caps:

C239,C200,CZl'l.

for and

shorted

~204,~01,~220,

Is

modulation

evident on

the

screen?

Yes

Pg.

4-2

Pg.

4-2

.

I

I

Pg.

4-1

1

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

Bad/No

Color,

Bad/No

Switchboard

Sound

b

w'

L

10

(or

Is

RF

output

to 61.25

(Channel

Short

across

I.

Does

sound)

appear?

Replace

I

mod

tuned

MHz?

Yes

J

I

color

re-

LIOL.

3)

u

li

4

No

No

I

No

L

Can

unit

-15

MHz)?

color

sound)

OK?

MHz

RF

be

L

I

I

modulator.

RF

b

Yes

tuned to No Replace

61.25

(

2

I

L

I

Is

(or

now

Replace

modulator.

1

I

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

Gray

Bars

Troubleshooting

Procedure

Isthere

p-p

signai

A203

r

I

I

side

R223.R224?

Do

12,

and

have

a

Check

A203

(pins

Does

signal

Do

all

on

A20

I

a

3-5v

on

of

R222,

all

of

pins

15

on

signai

present?

I

inputs

3,11,14).

each

have

present?

of

pins

1

have

present?

a

the

2,

A203

of

a

5,7,8

signal

Yes

-

Yes

-

Yes

'll

Ohm

meter.

failed

There

between

resistors.

m

Replace

1

Check

linesbetwen

and

Replace

or

of

f-value

resistors.

is

an

open

A203

Fix

A203.

for

open

A203.

Fix.

line

and

it.

A201

any

the

I

Pg.

Pg.

Pg.

b45

4-5

4-2

Pg.

b15

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

Gray

Bars

Troubleshooting

Procedure

(Continued)

Make

R219, R220

+Iv

Check

RZ2O

Inspect

LM

Is

(See

I

Picture

OK?

(See

Figure

I

sure

connected
top

side.

I

RZl8,RZl9,

for

proper

traces

lines

for

or opens.

picture

now

Figure

Now

4-4)

1121

8,

have

to

around

shorts

OK?

4-4)

Yes

A

&

Yes

Go

to

test.

matrix

J

I

'and

then

A202.

picture

(See

Figure

I

now

4-41

L

Is

OK?

J

Yes

Pg.

4-20

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

Colored

Screen Troubleshooting Procedure

Switchboard

=?

Is

Is

RF

tuned to

(channel

signal

sent

Is

12 shorted

P

Bad Switchboard

+5v

at JlOl

Pin

I?

mod.

output

61.25

3,+

.I5

MHz)

Is

video

pre-

at

JlOl

pin

12?

I

JlOl

pin

to

ground?

I

MHz

Pg.

4-17

4

Tune

RF

No

b

at

B

Check

or

bad

tween

.

No

~efective 3101.

Replace

mod.

adjustment tuned

hole.

for open

connection

J2Ol

module

Repair,

and

pin.

trace

be-

RF

If

RF

mod

to

replace

cannot

61.25

it.

be

MHz,

Chdc

If

none

RF

module

and

must

for

is

Pg.

shorted

found,

is

shorted

be

replaced.

4-2

trace.

the

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

Colored

m

Is

+9v

present

at

JlOl

Pin

2?

v

Screen

Switchboard,

Yes

Troubleshooting

(Continued)

Is

ClO

1

shorted?

Procedure,

)

yes

L

t

Replace

C10

1.

b

P

I

shorted

Check that C10

C103,

are

Replace

If

not present

then rephce
the regulator

to

ground.

or

C106

not shorted.

if

shorted

1

+9v

is

still

JlOl

pin

2,

(A101).

Pg.

4-20

at

1,

I

I

I

-

I

Replace

regulator

voltage

(A10

1).

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

or

J

IS

+5v

at

3101

on

the

switchboard?

Is

+5v

at

modulator

(5

pin

pin

2

(3

Does

RF

pin

1

have

tinuity to

Snowy

present

pin

1

I

the

RF

pin

3

mod)

pin

mod)?

modulator

con-

ground?

Yes

Screen

A

t

No

L

*

Troubleshooting

Switchboard

Pg.

4-19

Open

between

pin

3

module

Check

repair

RF

module

and

3101

and

10

A10

and

RF

pin

3-

for

and

opens

pin

pins

(ground).

be-

Procedure,

1

1

6

-

4

Repair

RF

module

is

tuned

MHz.

r-=

If

tbere

a

white screen,

the

JlO2

Replace

If

no

the

bad.

output

to

6

(

RF

1.23

2

-15

MHz).

is

still

connector.

as

required.

modulation,

module

Replace.

check

is

r

I

Is

there

modulation?

I

.

I

A

-

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

Snowy Screen Troubleshooting Procedure,

Switchboard, (Continued)

Is

+5v

output

regulator

I

Is

47.5-9v

regulator

(A101,

I

on

-7.5-9v

the

at the

of

the

voltage

(A101,

unregulated

3101

pin

at voltage

input

Pin

l)?

I

present

side

of

3)?

yes

Check

bad

(AlOl)

between

and

RephCe

for

regulator

or

open

ground

A101.

SiOl.

-

I

Does"rh

2

have

continuity?

(

Yes

Is

JlOl

pin

2

I

Check

shorted

have

to

that

not

ground.

ground?

C103

or

shorted

C106

to

l$l

Replace

5

10 1.

u

itre()

Is

there

modulation?

Pg.

4-2

0

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

blatr

ix

Test

Procedure

I

match

I

..

Initialize

the?

push

difficuity

down.

Does

Put

in

plugs.

Does

match

Push

"Game

switch

switches,

"left"

swltCh

screen

Figure

shorting

screen

Figure

down

Select"

(5

106).

4-6?

4-7?

Pg.

4-23

turn

I

Did

lower

block

bia&

"Reset"

switch

Does

lo

block

turn

left

and

Pg.

middle

on

screen

in

center?

(SlOS)

wet

middle

black

right ends?

Yes

4-24

on

Pg.

4-7

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

Color Troubleshooting

?Jo

therboard

tive switchboard.

Procedure,

X200 frequency

correct? Defective X200.

1

Yes

Is

color

or

not

at

there

pin

very

present

all?

1

Yes

fully

6.5-7.5~

10 A201?

weak

With RZll

countcrciockwix

is

on

I

-

b

there

+6-7v

the

I

I

cathode

1s

there a 3-5v

signal

of CR201?

No

on

cathode

on

P*

Yes

8

I

Yes

Pg.

4-22

I

C208,C209,RZll

or

between

and

A

Detective

Defective

open

trace

CR2Ol

pin

LO

A201.

CR200.

1

P

-

I

signal

Open

trace

(CR2OO

on

cathode

CRZOO?

or

shorted

to

diodes

or

CR20

Defective

1

)

A

CR20

1

I

Replace

C

or

Repair

Pg.

2600/2600A

4-2

Domestic

VCS

I

I

Color Troubleshooting

Motherboard,

Does

screen

now

have

color?

Is

305-5~

p-p

signal

between

and

I

3.5-5v

prescn

C213?

pre-

1,zI-h

R215?

p-p

t

C212

I

sent

C213

b

signal

between

and

Procedure,

(Continued)

Defective

C213

Pg.

4-2

$

-

I

I

k

3.5-5v

signal

shorted

Replace

to

Pg.

p-p

present

another

or

Repair

4-2

I

I

4

Defective

C212

u

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

Partem

LS

blue or

.nusing

to

screen.

disrupted

black

or

appear

if

are
gortlon of me

farh

N

iines

some

.UPLX

a\

me

-

9

-

(5

blue

disrupted?

3-8

I3

.ire

lower

3-

Figure

Defective

I

bbck

gr~d

panern

(See

left

bbcK

me

the

left

or

panern)

Fisure

middle

lower

4-7

for example

panem)

upper

either

or

defutrve?

4-6

correct

block defecnve?

Man

Sad

on

(See

for

ix

troubleshoot in^

jwao~t

!)

A200

2)

A202

3)

A201

Pq.

G6

Swapou

t

1)

A202

2)

A200

3)

A201

Procedure

Re

sanern

3ur

all

nme blocks

b

J

Are

ma

blocks

rect

L

entire

now on

mtadle-left

lower-kvet

now

(See

a-6

or

may

?ave crrors,

are

I

matrix

%reen?

cor-

Figure

b7)?

'Jo

sresent

+

I

Yes

Yes

I

Is

lower-m~ddk

block

defective?

u

Pg. '(-20

Pg.

Pg.

L27

b27

A

-

Pq.

Pg.

'(-26

b-4

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

Audio

Reinitialize

switches. Press

down

difficulty

I

Is

there

clear

1

Use

frequency counter

to

measure

emitter

Test

the

'?right

"

switch.

a

tone?

scope

or

frequenq

of

QZOZ.

Procedure

at

I

Pg.

4-27

Tune

5.5
justing

Ad

just

Look for

adjusted

sound

audio

MHz

to

f

r

tquency.

Can

unit

Pg.

by

ad-

L2O

I

2

.06

stable

be

clear?

4-28

7)

to

1.

h

MHz.

is

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

I

Are

the

patterns

Figure

alternating

the

screen?

I

Do

the

patterns

alternate with

the tones?

1

Are

both

and

tones con-

sisten

t

cycle?

I

Put

switches

back

to

initialized

positions.

Audio Test Procedure (Continued)

two

in

4-9

on

Pg.

4-28

Yes Pn.

yes

colors

each

Yes

I

A

Swapout

I)

A201

2)

No

1

-

b

3)

A200
A202

J

b

Are

I

now

(As

in

4-24

I

patterns

correct?

Figure

4-9)

VCS

will go

through om

cycle before changing

color

to

Pg.

bar

4-30

last

test.

2600/2600A Domestic

Changed

ECN

#0021

1/29/83

VCS

per

Defective

1/0

Lines

Troubleshooting Procedure

De

(ermine

which lines are

defective

referring to

.

Check

the

indicated

defective for

at

3202 or 3203

(See chart).

I

Is

+5v

present

on

the

linds)

just checked?

A

I*H-h

from defective pin(s)

for

Are there

I

(A2021

prtxnt

Check

rhora

I

pin.

there?

trace linds)

to

any

by

lines

as

+Sv

Is

+5v

ground.

shorn?

J

Yes

-

L

Yes

-

Uefect~ve

(RAIM)L~~~No.

15

14

I3

b

Swapout

I)

2)

3)

berwecn

and

the

Repair

A202
A200
A201

AM2

3203D203.

202

pin

Cap.

No.

C235 3202-Pin
C234 3202-Pin

C233

.

-

I

Connector
PinNo.

3202-Pin 2

Does Diagnostic

Matrix

Figure

1-k

(~hcd<

cwrtct

u

3

now

4-6

trace

look

(See

or

4-7)?

lined.

I

I

Is +5v

I

present

A202

Replace

capacitor

that line

now

at the

pin?

(see

the

on

chard.

Yes

1

I

Does the Diagnostic Swapout

Matrix

screen

ook correct

now 1)

(see

Fig.

b-6)

l

Yes

2)

A200
A201

2600/2600A

Domestic

VC5

Trigger

Line

Troubleshooting Procedure

b

*

t

L

I

4

I

I

ls

+5v

at pin

of

3203

trigger) or

(left trigger)?

.I

I

1s

+Sv

at

pin

7

trigger)

and

(left trigger)

)

I

b

4.5-5v

A203

(right)

in

10

Swapout

I

Docs

trigger Yes

line

now

swapout

I)

A200

2)

A202

I

Does

trigger

now

WQd

6

(right)

1202

Yes

A203

(right

pin

Yes

at

pin

6

and

(left)?

Yes

A201

work

line

pmperly?

Check/repair

from:

No

-

(right),

C

Repair

No

-

9

1

L

No

I

I

Yes

'

R225

R226

pin

6

open

R225

(right)

R226

(left)

Swapout

trace lines

to

3203,

pin

to

3202,

(left).

trace from:

to

A203

to

A203

A203.

6

A

A

-

-

9

-

L

i

A

-

I

Check

for
at top of
(right) or

R226

(left)

Is

trigger Line

operating

properly?

I

Is

trigger

cofrectly

VMOD

(+Sv)

R225

now

nor operating

line

3

L

trigger

-

A

J

?

now

I

I

Line

operatins

correctly?

1

1

Yes

-

Check/Rtpair

C236,CRZOZ

(left)

C237,CR203

(right)

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

to

isolate

Isrhuea2vp-p
square wave whrd
alternates

two

frequencies

Pin

I

L

13

Don

wave siqnal

at

k

there

mduhtd 1 -2v

audio

(either

the

bad

I

BA

betweal

of

A201?

Yes

square

C210?

a

4.5

signal

side)?

Y

er

I

Replace

1)

all

21

RZ16

Switchboard

board.

mmcrbovd

on

appear

MHz,

p-p

at

C2

1

1

-

h

9

No

pg.

b

_r

Pg.

Audio

e

1

3

b one

quencY

at

Swapout

Fix

open

betareen
pin

12/13

4-29

Troubleshooting

.Motherboard

i

fre-

aPWarh5

the

pin?

A20

I

trace

C210

or

A201.

and

I.

line

Pg.

,.No

_I

4-24

b

L

Procedure,

Is

+5v

at

of

R2081

b

there

continuity

from

R208 to

pin

131

I

Yes

Swapart

A20

AD

Pg.

Is

there

nating

now

audio

the

N?

the

top

A201

I.

4-24

an

alter-

tone

from

J

-

NO

No

Repair

between

Rep%r

Pg.

4-2

open

trace

320

1

R201.

open

Pin

13.

pin

between

and

R208 & A201

J

1

-

L

.

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

I

shoned or

Audio

Is

there

at

one

L20

Check

is

good

tinuity

Troubleshooting Procedure,

Motherboard, (Continued)

+5v

end

1 ?

of

Repair

from

W

that

L201

(has

con-

and

isn't

cracked).

1

trace

VMOD

to 1201.

(+5v)

I

dead,

lines

for

I

If

audio

check

around

opens

Is

there

an

alternating

audio

the

Pg.

is

and

tone

TV?

4-28

still

the

C2

strons:

now

from

trace

1

1

J

Yes

Pg.

4-2

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

DTC

but

works,

VCS

Cartridge Test Procedure

unit

P

Plug

cartridge,

w

Connect,

and

customer's game

Do&

video

for

i

I

Play

play

a

Check

cartridge

good

I

in

customer Not

if

available.

I

Available

initialize,

turn

VCS

on

with

cartridge.

correct

pattern

that

game

appear?

Yes

game.

Does

it

OK?

No

customer

on

game.

known

Is

it

OK?

6

',

L

I

rn

No

Yes

Yes

Available

Pg.

4-31

Pg.

4-31

A

A

Swapout

I)

A201

2)

A200

3)

A202

I

b

v

Does

now

properly

game

Yes

game

operate

with

cartridge?

I

Replace

good

Pg.

with

cartridge.

4-31

Pg.

2600/2600A

4-45

Domestic

VCS

Place

customer cartridge

in

game,

if

Otherwise,

game cartridge.

Run game for

hours, minimum.

Do

during this period.

available.

use

not

turn

Check game's

operation.

Burn-In Procedure

other

J

2

off

I

Is

game

working

properly?

Pg.

4-2

I

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

3201

(see

I

Defective Switch Troubleshooting Procedure

Put

inoper-

ative switch

up

position.

pin

connection

(open)

for

that switch

in

chart)?

Is

line

to

trace

shorted

groud?

P

Yes

Repair

I

b

dv

now

present on

J2Ol

pin

that switch

(see

chart)?

Is

on

side

switch

tied

ground

as

in

schematic?

Does

panun

on

Screen

change when

switch

flipped?

for

of

,to

Shown

b

2'

i

Replace

switch

CONNECTION CHART

Switch

lad<

Left

Right Difficulty

select

Reset

Difficulty

h

White

11

0 1 Pin

4

S

7

9

8

No.

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

Snowy Screen

a

Troubleshooting

Procedure

Is

there

on

dv

J201

pin 12?

I

Is

there

pin

+5v

20 of

on

AZOI?

1

Yes

I

L

there continuity No

across

5201 pin 12?

I

Is

J20l

pin

12

shorted to

ground?

(check

continuity)

I

(

&

Swapout A20

I

No

'

1.

9

I

J

L

b

No

NO

yes

h

J

Swapout A201.

s

J

t

solder bridges

Is

there

an

open

and

Line

pin

+5v?

I

between

20

Replace J20

Are C221 or

R223 shorted

to ground?

I

1

No

Check

for

or trace

shorts.

r

Yes

L

I

w

m

4

1

Yes

c

h

J

I

I

J

Repair.

I

Is

there

modulation?

1

Replace

Repair

I

A

.

I

I

Yes

I

Is

there

modulation?

Yes

No

Swapout

1)

A200

2)

A202

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

Put

shorting

plugs

in.

VCS

into

Diagnostic

Matrix

mode.

Put

Paddle

Lines

Test

1

Checx

3202/3203

waveform

Is

each

I

(see

waveform present on

of

the pins shorn

in

char??

Is

there

tinuity

between

the 1202 or 3203

(see

pin

and

the A20 I?

I

k

RC

waveform

on

the

appropriate J202

or J203 lie?

Fig.

con-

chart)

Yes

(Set

for

4-10).

appear

Chart)

RC

J

Yes

-

'~c.~:~~~2~~~t

shown

in the

chart?

I

Swapout

0

A201

2)

A200

3)

A202

No

Check

nace

lines

-

resistors for opens

b

Yes

and

#

&

tiepav

open

trace between

and

3293.

12021

A201

DO

paddle lines now

work

b

OK?

2

b

.

rn

Line

or

now

work?

shorted.

Yes

Plaver A201 3202

--

1

2 39

3

4 37

Repair

Connection

Pin

40

38

Pin

5

9

-

-

r

Chart

Pi

203

-

-

5

9

Cap

CZ15

C216

C217

C218

2600/2600A

a

pg.

4-2

Domestic

VCS

NOTE:

Sections

in

Section

The following figures are referenced in

4

and

6,

3,

where the

and are included here

tests

are described in more detail.

for

your convenience. They can also

the

2600/2600A

Diagnosric Flowcharts,

Se

found

Figure

initially

4-1. Switch Initialization Positions

to

the

left

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

Figure

4-2.

Color

Bars

Screen

NDTE:

displayed (see Figure

Set all switches to initialized position. A screen of horizontal color bars is

4-2).

The screen should be steady and unchanging.

A

gray or

blue horizontal reference line runs across the screen about three bars from its bottom.

This

reference line is thinner than the bars around it. R211

(R213

on the 2600A board)

should be adjusted so the bars immediately above and below the reference line are

by

within one shade of each other. Proper operation of the unit is indicated

being able
to make this adjustment and by consistent color within the entire span of each bar on
the screen.

test

on for at least ten seconds in order to catch any intermittent problems, such

bar

momentarily changing colors or blanking out.

Minor glitches on the edges of the color

bars

are acceptable. Leave this

as a

2600/2600A Domestic

VCZ

ANY

DIAGONAL

(A2'02).

LINES

ON

THE

SCREEN

INDICATE

A

FAILURE

IN

THE

RAlU

CHIP

Figure

4-3.

Defective

RAM

Patterns

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

Figure

4-4.

Gray

Bars

Screen

The gray bars screen has eight horizontal shaded bars.

have

some uneven areas on their upper and

descending order) as going from black to white in even steps.

in

any color

-.

lhe

area
above the top bar (black) is normal. This screen
especially the TIA

it. All eight bars must be consistent

of

the screen outside the bars

(A202).

lower

is

irrelevant.

in

tests

It

edges.

their shade across the entire bar.

The white line immediately

the operation

is normal for the bars to

The

bars must appear (in

The

screen may

of

2500/2600A

not

have

-

-

the chip set,

Domestic

VCS

-

Figure

4-5.

Defective Gray Bars Screen

This screen shows
a

black

rectangle

an

example of a defective gray bars

in

the middle of a light gray bar means that the data for that part

the screen has failed to

bars

standard gray

pattern (See Figure

indicates a failure.

be

translated properly to the TV.

4-4)

or any color

test

screen.

The

appearance

Any disruption of the

in

the gray bars screen

2600/2600A

Domestic VCS

of

of

Gem

Not

Urd

Figure

4-6.

Diagnostic Matrix Screen
(Shorting Plugs OUT)

The Diagnostic Matrix Screen appears as above, on a black background, when the
shorting plugs are not inserted. The three left rectangles and the blue/black grid
joinin them indicate the status

(A2028.

of

the

110

line connections

to

the

6532

2600/2600A

RAM

chip

Domestic

VCS

Pink
Not

a

Getn

Ud

Not

C

r

een

Used

Cunc

Ret

Switch

Figure

4-8.

Came

kka

Switch

Diagnostic

Game

Rex

t

Switch

Va

tr ix Screen

with Defective Pattern

Any missing grid lines or disrupted rectangles indicate
Any missing

a

been

or

disrupted

blue

or black reference lines indicate that there has probably

microprocessor failure (see page

4-23).

an

I/O

line failure

Not

Gem

UA

(see

page

4-26).

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

Figure

The

test

displays two alternating patterns on the screen (as shown in Figure

two alternating tones are heard.

4-9.

Audio Tone Test Screens

The tones

change

in sync with the

screen.

4-9)

This

pattern continues for one full cycle after the Right Difficulty switch has
switched to stop the test.

while

test

been

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

2ms/div.

Iv/div

Pin

37

.

and

Pin

39

Zms/div.

Iv/div.

Pin

38

and

Pin

40

Figure

4-10.

RC

Waveforms

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

The Signal Tracing Cartridge

(STC)

is used to locate easily open or shorted traces in

the address and data lines of the 2600/2600A. The STC causes the 6507

microprocessor (AZOO) to cycle through the entire memory space while executing "no
operation" instructions.
address and data line. Then the signal can

This is valuable because it puts a known signal on each

be

traced through to the JZOO connector,

the TIA and RAM-I/O chips.

as

Since the STC procedure is not easily reduced to a flowchart, it is presented

a

series of written instructions and illustrations on the following pages.

CAUTION:

circuit.

The

The

STC

STC

procedure requires three

should

only

be

used

after

known-good

all

other procedures

chips

have

and a working

been

tried.

clock

GETTING STARTED

Insert the STC into the 2600/2600A.

Turn on the unit. The television screen should be

gray or black. If it is "snowy" it indicates that you should return to the start of the

.5

Diasnostic Flowchart. Set the scope sweep to

microsec/division and set the vertical

to 1 volt/division.

ADDRESS LINES

AB@-

AB12

Check the address lines at-the microprocessor (H200). Check address lines, startins

5.

A

wirh pin
seen on the address lines, with each succeeding address line's waveform having
frequency half that of the line before
frequency of
the line is either open or shorted to ground or +5v.

signal with a waveform similar to those shown in Figure 4-1 1 should be

it.

For example, A1 should be half the

.A@.

If one or more of the address lines shows no signal, it is likely that

Check all traces and pins for

a

shorts.

If you have a defective address line and it is not open or shorted, swapout the A200,
A202 and

A201,

If all address lines have signals, trace those signals to the
Table 4-1 illustrates which address lines connect to which pins on 3200,

in that order.

JZOO

and the other chips.

6532,

and the
A. The signal present on each address line of the microprocessor should also be
present on each pin of 3200,

6532,

and the

TIA

connected to that line.

If

the same
signal is not found, the trace line and/or solder joints between the microprocessor and
the dead pink) is (are) broken. Check the trace lines carefully to locate the break.

P

DATA LINES

DBO-7

Set the v~rtical on your scope to Zv/division. The data lines are tested very much like

the address lines. The only difference is that

different.

The signals you should see are illustrated in Figure 4-12.

the

waveform seen on the data lines is

If

any data lines

are completely inactive (simply remaining a constant voltage), it probably means that

the line is either open or shorted to ground

or

+5v.

Check the traces and pins for
shorts. If none are found, one of the three chips or the STC itself probably has an
internal short. Try swapping out the 6532, TIA, and the microprocessor. Also
carefully check J2OO for shorts between pins.

4-45 2600/2600A Domestic

VCS

If

all data lines have signals, trace those signals to JZOG and the other chips. Table 4-1

illustrates which lines connect to which pins of 3200,

present on each

3200,

6532

data

line of the microprocessor should also be present on

and the TIA connected to that line.

6532

and

the

TIA.

The signal

each

pin

of

If the same signal is not found, the
trace line and/or solder joints between the microprocessor and the dead pin(s) idare)
broken. Check the trace lines carefully to locate the break.

@,

Address lines

1

vldivision

7-12

Figure

I

t

.

,

Data Lines 0,2, and

2v/division
2 ms./division

I!,

4-1

I

4

'

I

1

1.

STC

Address Line Waveforms

Address

Lines

1

v/division

1-6

Data Lines 1,3,5-7

2v/division

2ms./division

Figure 4-12.

STC

Data

Line

Waveforms

2600/2600A Domestic

VCS

TABLE

4-1

ADDRESS

LINES

ABO

.

5

Connected

Pins

on Motherboard

A20

2

(TIA)

32

A202

(RAM)

7

5200

Connector

8

DATA

DBO

LINES:

--

25

Indicates

no

connection on

14

that

line

33

9

2600/2600A

Domestic

VC5

SECTION

5

The Symptom Checklist
rapid diagnosis

Diagnostic Flowchart

of

VCS

as

SYMPTOM

is

designed to assist the experienced technician arrive

problems. The checklist is not intended to replace

the

primary troubleshooting

CHECKLIST

supplement the flowchart.

Symptoms

have

been divided into six general categories of failure:

Logic

Video

a

Color

a

Audio

Controller

a

Other

by

some

Each symptom is accompanied

possible cuases and the best point to enter -the

Diagnostic Flowchart to locate the problem.

guide,

but

is

designed to

at

the

a

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

2600

FAILURES

LOGIC

POSSIBLE

SYMPTOM

Solid colored A200, A202, TIA A101,RFModule
screen X200, 4200, 4201,

Vertical lines ,4200,

(mother

open or shorted
Address or Data line

5200, open

shorted Address or

Data

A201,

line

CAUSE

board)

A202,

or

VIDEO

SYMPTOM

POSSIBLE

(mother

CAUSE

board)

FAILURES

POSSIBLE

(switchboard)

FAILURES

POSSIBLE

(switchboard)

CAUSE

CAUSE

DIAGNOSTIC

FLOWCHART

ENTRY

J,pg.4-9

J,

pg.

POINT

4-9

DIAGNOSTIC

FLOWCHART

ENTRY

POINT

Snowy

Weak

Wronrg

screen no power,

5201, J204

picture

Gray

Bars A201, A203,

N/

R2

18-R220

A

A203

A101, L101,
Module,

LlOl,RFModule, X,pg.4-18

RF

Cable

J

10 1

RF

L,

pg.

4-1

P,

pg.

4-14

2600/2600A Domestic

1

-

VCS

2600

FAILURES

(Continued)

SYMPTOM

No color

Only the
reference

bar

appears

Color won't

ad

just

Veak color

I

POSSIBLE

CDLOR

CAUSE

FAILURES

POSSIBLE

(motherboard) (switchboard)

C208, R211

R211, C208, C209

C212,

C213, R215

L101,

RF

RF

RF

Cable

N/

A

N/A

Module, LlOl

RF Cable

AUDIO

FAILURES

CAUSE

Module

DIAGNOSTIC
FLOWCHART

ENTRY

AA,

RA,

AA,

AA,

POINT

pg.

4-21

pg.

4-21

pg. 4-21

pg.

4-21

SYMPTOM

No audio

'Afeak

DTC

test

audio

audio

fails

POSSIBLE

(motherboard)

C206,

CAUSE

C207,

L201

POSSIBLE CAUSE

(switchboard)

RF

module AH,

adjustment, 4202 adjustment

,4201, C206,

C207,

XF

module
L201 adjustment, adjustment
C20

1

.42C11,

A200,

A202

N/

A

DLAGNOSTIC

FLOWCHART

ENTRY

AH,

AD,

pg.

pg.

pg.

POINT

4-25

4-28

4-24

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

2600

FAXLURFc

(Continued)

CONTROLLER

POSSIBLE

SYMPTOM

Fire button A203, 5202, 5203,
does

not work

Joystick

not work

Dr

ivin?

Cunlroiier

Paddle A20 1, C215-C218,

Controllers 5202

does

s

(motherboard) (switchboard)

defective

A202, 5202, 3203,
defective Joystick

A202, J202, 5203

defective Con troller

defective controller

-

3203,

CAUSE

Con

troller

OTHER FAILURES

FAILURES

POSSIBLE

N/A

N/A

N/

A

N/

A

DIAGNOSTIC

'CAUSE FLOWCHART

ENTRY

AG,

AF,

AF,

pg.

pg.

pg.

pg.

4-34

POINT

4-27

4-26

4-26

POSSIBLE

SYMPTOM

Switches A202, C222-C227 S102-S106,
not working

(motherboard) (switchboard)

CAUSE

POSSIBLE

CAUSE

JIOl

2600/2600A

DIAGNOSTIC

FLOWCHART

ENTRY

AL,

POINT

pg.

4-32

Domestic

-

VCS

2600A

FAILURES

SYMPTOM

Solid colored

screen

Vertical lines

SYMPTOM

Snowy screen

LOGIC

VIDEO

F.ULURES

POSSIBLE

A200, A202, A20
X200, 4200,

RF

Module

A200,

3200, open or

shorted

Data

line

FAILURES (2600A)

POSSIBLE

A203,

RF

Vodule, L205

(2600A)

CAUSE

1,

A201, A202,

Address

or

CAUSE

5201,

DIAGNOSTIC

FLOWCHART

ENTRY

I,

pg.

I,

pg.

DIAGNOSTIC

POINT

6-10

6-10

FLOWCHART

ENTRY

K,

POINT

pg. 6-12

Weak picture

Vrong Gray Bars

-1

Revisions 1

Wrong Gray
Revision

Warped picture
Revisions 1-13

Warped picture
Revision 14

3

Bars

14

RF

Module,

RF

Cable

K,

M,

N,

C,

Cl,

..

2600j2600A

pg. 6-12

pg.

6-14

pg.

6-15

pg.

6-4

pg.

6-5

Domestic

VCS

2600A

FAILURES

(Continued)

SYMPTOM

No

color

Only

the

reference bar appears

Color won't

ad

just

Weak color

SYMPTOM

COLOR

AUDIO

FAILURES

POSSIBLE

X200,

RF

RF

C211,

A201,

Cable

Module, C210,

RtlO,

FAILURES

POSSIBLE

(2600A)

CAUSES

C210,

RF

Cable

(2600A)

CAUSES

C211

DIAGNOSTIC

FLOW

ENTRY

P,

P,

pg.

pg.

CHART

POINT

6-16

6-16

DIAGNOSTIC
FLOW

ENTRY

CHART

POINT

No

audio

4

Weak

audio

Diagnostic

cartridge

test

fails

test

audio

C206,

.

C207,

420

R F Module ad just

A201,

C2O6,

RF

C208,

C207,

R207,

Module adjustment

1,

ment

X,

pg.

X,

pg. 6-24

6-24

2600/2600A Domestic

VCS

2600A

FAILURES

(Continued)

SYMPTOM

Fire Button

not

does

Joystick

work

does

not work

Driving
Controllers

Paddle
Controllers

SYMPTOM

CONTROLLER

POSSIBLE

5202, 5203

Defective Controller

A202, 5202, 5203,

Defective Joystick

A202, 5202, 3203,

Defective Controller

3202, 3203,

Defective Controller

OTHER

POSSIBLE

FAILURES

CAUSES

FAILURES

CAUSES

(2600A)

(2600A)

DIAGNOSTIC

FLOW

ENTRY

W,

V,

V,

pg. 6-29

CHART

POINT

pg. 6-23

pg.

6-22

pg.

6-22

DIAGNOSTIC

FLOW

ENTRY

CHART

POINT

Switches
not working

G,

pg.

6-8

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS-

SECTION

6

2600A

DIAGNOSTIC

FLOWCHART

The Diagnostic Flowchart is intended to be easy to use and the primary aid when
troubleshooting the 2600A.

referenced in the flowcharts are located at the end of Section

Follow the prompts in the order presented.

4,

beginning on page

The figures

4-37.

'When a question is asked, follow the line from that box which best applies to the unit's
situation.
(i.e.,

pg.

6-3)

continue the diagnosis. The flowchart leaves nothing to chance, it
perform

a

specific test, and when to replace components, and even when and how long to

a

When

line terminates with a letter inside a circle, note that a page number

is near it. Turn to that page, locate the letter in another circle, and

tells

you when to

"burn-in" the unit. "Burn-in" the unit for at least two hours after completing repairs.

When a problem is extremely difficult to diagnose, the flowchart sends you to the Signal

Tracing Cartridge (STC) routine,

STC

routine, no flowchart is used.

"D",

Read

page

4-47.

Due to the repetitive nature of the

and follow the instructions

as

directed. Should
the STC procedure fail to isolate the problem, after carefully inspecting the
motherboard assembly for shorted and/or ooen trace lines and solder bridges, swap all
three chips (6507, 6532, and TIA). Should

at

Specialist: Inside California

(800)

the

672-1

problem still persist, call

466

and Outside California at

ATARI,

(800)

538-1

Techline

535.
Be certain to always burn-in the unit for two hours after completing repairs. This helps
to ensure that intermittent problems are found and also greatly increases your
customer's satisfaction with your repair work.

SWAP

OUT

PROCEDURES

,

P

Many places in the diagnostic flowchart; a box tells you to "swapout"
of chips in
the indicated components one
The

VCS

a

particular order. The "swapout" instruction means that you should replace

at

a

time with a known good component of the same type.

should then be tested with the new, known-good com~onent in place to see

a

chip or a number

whether the "swapout" solved the problem being checked. If the swapout did not fix the
~roblern, the known-good component should be left in, and the- next component inserted.
Once the problem is solved, you then place the suspected bad chips one

or

system to determine whether

not those you pulled out are truly defective. In this

by

one into the

way, you avoid needlessly replacing good components.

CAUTION:

Extreme care should

A202,

by

AZ03).

They

careless handling.

conductive foam when not

handling

band

The

inserted

chips out

Failure

extra

the

(which

chips

into

with

to

expense.

chips.

ties

are

the

a

follow

be

are

taken

all

when

very

sensitive to static electricity and

Always

handling

Atari

from

also

susceptible to damage

sockets.

screwdriver or

the

strongly recommends that you

your

arm

to

Always

any

above

guidelines results

handling

keep

them.

the

the

chips

Make

intergrated circuit

in

certain

ground) when handling

from

stress

use

a

chip-puller when removing

other

tool.

in

unusually

their plastic

you

are

wear

a

the

chips.

when

being

high

chips

can

carrier

well

(A200,

easily

grounded

be

tubes or on

A201,

damaged

when

conductive grounding

removed from or

the

chip

chips.

failure

Do

rates

not

pty

and

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

n

Visually

in&

jacks

and

Makeccnainno

I

oc

opn

traces

bridg-

board(s1.

Tf

bancry

nator.

In-

Diagnostic

Caruidge

itialize

(Figure

Does

Pam

onxsmn(xt

Fig.

switches,

connectors

rhocted

or

solder

are

on

the

elimi-

Set

TV

to

(DTC),

in-

b-1)

any

dt-

appeu

4-31.

2600A

Diagnostic

Is

picture

on

left

side

of

sixem?

Flowchart

C

-

C1

2600A

-

2600A

Pg.

Revs

Revs

6-5

1-L3

14

and

up

I

~unitnow&owthc

color

bars

pattun?

I

>

8

No

b

swapout

1)

A200

2)

&

A202

-

Does

unit

show

bars

b

now

the

color

pattern?

I.

J

No

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS

-

(See

4

Is

(See

2600A

Are

color

bars

present?

Figure

any

pattern on the

screen? Are they correct?

Figure

44,409).

No

other

4-21.

test

4-4,

Diagnostic

.Yes

,

Yes

properly

h

present on screen?

Flowchart

Pg.

Are color

adjusted?

(See

Figure

Check

switch

seeings.

6-7

your No

(Continue?)

bars

11-21

Pg.

6-6

1

Yes

Check

VCS

'

connections

N

and

to

cfiannel

battery eliminator.

setting.

Test

VCS

with

known

IS

screen gone?

-

I

-"snow"

good

on

I

I

Yes

r

Pg.

6-10

2600/2600A

Domestic

VCS