AtariMI1978
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Posts posted by AtariMI1978
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No worries. He likes bothering people about threads and stuff.
Thank you.
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I'd like to get more details on how you did the orange paint around the bezel. Can you explain the process?
Darryl
I noted everything I did to the Atari over on my album (1st link below) via Flickr. Photo #2 explains everything in detail.
For the trim, I basically taped (2) craft foam sheets together and placed a layer of paint (mixed colors) and gently pressed the faceplate onto the paint. Painters tape is optional (see photo in album) I mixed Bright Orange or Cadmium Orange Hue and Burnt Umber, which I covered the entire craft foam sheets with. At first it was just White or Titanium White (2nd photo at the 2nd link below), but I noticed it made the Orange much lighter, but I needed it darker. I did not use White for this project. All the paint is Acrylic,which you might be able to find it at your local Dollar Tree, Dollar General, or Dollar Store. I wasn't able to. I purchased mine at Hobby Hobby (paint's called The Fine Touch, $2.99 per color), which they should have the colors mentioned above in the paint section.
Click the large arrow on the 'right' of each image for the next 4 photos to see the entire procedure for the trim. I would recommend to anyone not to blob the paint on or in thick layers. A good layer or two will do the job, if not, you can apply more paint onto the craft foam sheets.
PS I noted all the supplies as well.
Full Album - https://flic.kr/p/DUJmC9
Next 4 Photos (trim) - https://flic.kr/p/DUJmC9
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Sorry for your loss.
Thanks.
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I need to change my trackball buttons too, I would love to see what you've done so I could duplicate it. My skills in soldering are limited.
Are you replying to me or fdr4prez?
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Good Job!
Thank you!
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You did a marvelous job.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the nice comment.
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After 29 days (including waiting for parts) I finally restored (partially) my friends Atari 2600. It had been sitting in his Mom's closet for 25+ years and when I plugged it in, it worked like a charm. I placed a fresh coat of paint (trim) and restored his joystick with all new parts because the parts that were inside were very worn, especially the top of his joystick. I fixed and replaced much more (link provided). I gave his Atari 2600 a nice bubble bath w/ scrub (laughs) and a nice (small) moderate shine. The parts that can be washed that is. LMBO.
Enclosed is a before (top) and after (bottom) photo.
My friend died in 2007 from a chronic disease at age 38, thus last month his Mom sent me his Atari system as a gift. Enclosed is the entire project at the link below. Click on images for description. The story begins on photo #2. RIP Charley.
PS All the games were his (I cleaned and shined them up/contacts), excluding Donkey Kong, which I purchased.
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Yeah, my light sixer has some different years written over it as well, but the big fat sticker on the metal cover beneath the cart slot says 1981 and I'll be going on that one. It is a PAL console mfd in Taiwan.
Sorry for your loss. I have had friends pass away when they weren't even 20 and it is very hard to come over it.
Hope you have fun with your 2600. Looks very nice in the pictures.
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Actually, the Atari in the photos hasn't even been cleaned yet (outside),thus I did that today. The inside is clean (which it was quite spotless before) and a few things had to be replaced.
Thanks for responding. Mine says 1981 and also was manufactured in Taiwan. Through this website, I've been learning a lot about Atari consoles.
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I think I might have figured it out, without asking his Mom. The copyright 1977 might just mean when the Atari 2600 was first made/released. The chips that read 1981 are actually when the Atari 2600 was made. That's a lot of chips to replace. I'll have to ask if she remembers anything about having to have it repaired, but I highly doubt it. She probably got the years mixed up. She did say in an e-mail (several weeks ago) that they got it for Charley for Christmas, whatever year it was released. So she probably got the years off track, which is fine.
Though, it did come with Combat (black cover with just writing of the games on front, no graphics)
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There is another pointer, the wires going to the switch board, they were not used on the 77 model that way. I don't click on most videos, so I don't know if it was mentioned.
Thanks for the reply. I learned something else tonight.
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I agree that it's a light sixer and probably from 1981. The chances of it being repaired and needing 3 new chips is very slim, unless Charley's mother remembers it being being repaired in 1981, I'd say she just got the purchase year mixed up. I'd also like to take the time to say I'm sorry for the loss of your friend. I'm 39 and I've lost a few friends my age, it's never easy.
My suggestion on the 2600 is to just get as much enjoyment out of it as you can and not worry too much about the conflicting dates.
x=urs(1536) beat me to the post.
I was typing my response as he was typing his. LOL
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Oh no, I'm not worried about the dates or anything like that. I love the system. I was just curious. Like you mentioned, 3 chips is a lot, and the board looks spotless for its age.
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Glad it helped. Couple of things:
It's possible that your friend received a unit for Christmas in 1977, but there are a some things with your unit that point to that not being likely.
1) If it's a light sixer, it wouldn't have been manufactured until 1978.
2) It contains ICs with 1981 datecodes on them.
Without receipts for repairs, etc. there's no good way to explain the datecodes on the ICs other than them being indicative of 1981 or later manufacture.
I hate to say it, but your friend's mother may not be aware of when the 2600 hit the market, or possibly be mistaken regarding when it was given to her son. All available evidence points to it being a unit from a 1981 run.
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You know, I was just thinking about that the other day... more so it was given to Charley for Christmas in 1978. Combat came with the system as well (black cover, no graphics, just words of the games enclosed), I think that was released in 1977, but I can't recall. I'll have to ask her, maybe she'll remember if they had to repair the unit.
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For the love of god, it's called a "thread".
I'm sorry.
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Take a look at the following video; it'll help with figuring out if it's a heavy or light sixer.
Given the Taiwanese manufacture and some cosmetic giveaways on the unit you have, I'd be leaning towards yours being a light model.
Other than that, I'd say that this unit was probably manufactured somewhere in 1981. The copyright dates on the box and on the motherboard do not necessarily reflect year of manufacture.
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Thank you so much for the reply. That was a great video and good explanation. You're correct, the Atari 2600 that was given to me is a light sixer. More than likely Charley received his Atari 2600 on Christmas 1977, since she said it was on the first Christmas that the Atari 2600 was released. Again, thanks!
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I know this is an old post, but I wanted to add my question into the correct post/forum, so hopefully I've done that, if not, I apologize. I’m looking to learn more about this Atari 2600 that was given to me.
Atari 2600
Property of Atari Inc. Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Manufactured: 1977
Manufactured by: TRW Electronic Components Company In Taiwan
Model: CX-2600
Box: Copyright Atari, Inc. 1978
Light or Heavy Sixer: Not sure? (looks like a light)
I have a question (or maybe questions) about my Atari 2600 (CX-2600) that was given to me several weeks ago. A friend of mine passed away in 2007 (age 38) due to a chronic disease that he had all his life, and I've kept in contact with his Mom for the past 6 years. She learned (from my e-mail signature) that I liked Atari. She asked if I wanted her son's (Charley) Atari 2600, because it had been sitting in the closet for 25+ years. I said yes.
She sent the Atari 2600 with the original box (Copyright Atari, Inc. 1978), but the motherboard and switchboard both read copyright logo © 1977. She said they got it for Charley the first Christmas that the Atari came out, so why would the box read 1978, unless it was made in late 1977 and they got it for him for Christmas 1978?
I opened the console and took it apart to clean the inside. I was shocked to see that it was spotless. The inside cover of the Atari console was a bit dusty, but other than that, it looks and works great.
The switchboard and main motherboard both read © 1977 (pictured), but 3 out of 4 chips (4th has no date on it) read 8108, 8120, and 8121, which I thought that meant the year (1981) and the 8th, 20th, and 21st weeks of that year. I noticed the piece of paper taped to the top of the EMI shield cover reads the letter Z (it could be 2), and also the date (in red) July 13th 1981.
From what I've gathered from the enclosed photos (with detail), my friend received his Atari 2600 in 1978 (made in 1977), but... had it worked on in July of 1981. Something must have happened to where they had to replace 3 out of the 4 chips inside the console. They didn't have to replace anything (chips) on the switchboard, just the main motherboard. I could be incorrect about my assumption(s). None of the boards have been replaced.
Does this all mean they had it repaired in 1981?
Why does the box read 1978 when it was built in 1977, unless it was built in late 1977?
Is this Atari 2600 a Heavy Sixer? It looks more like a light sixer.
I noted which chips were replaced. I apologize for the flashlight, but I wanted to note the dates perfectly.
Thank you for your help.
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I wanted to add my question into the correct post/forum, so hopefully I've done that, if not, I apologize. I’m looking to learn more about this Atari 2600 that was given to me.
Atari 2600
Property of Atari Inc. Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Manufactured: 1977
Manufactured by: TRW Electronic Components Company In Taiwan
Model: CX-2600
Box: Copyright Atari, Inc. 1978
Light or Heavy Sixer: Not sure?
I have a question (or maybe questions) about my Atari 2600 (CX-2600) that was given to me several weeks ago. A friend of mine passed away in 2007 (age 38) due to a chronic disease that he had all his life, and I've kept in contact with his Mom for the past 6 years. She learned (from my e-mail signature) that I liked Atari. She asked if I wanted her son's (Charley) Atari 2600, because it had been sitting in the closet for 25+ years. I said yes.
She sent the Atari 2600 with the original box (Copyright Atari, Inc. 1978), but the motherboard inside reads copyright logo © 1977. She said they got it for Charley the first Christmas that the Atari came out, so why would the box read 1978?
I opened the console and took it apart to clean the inside. I was shocked to see that it was spotless. The inside cover of the Atari console was a bit dusty, but other than that, it looks and works great.
The switch board and main motherboard both read © 1977 (pictured), but 3 out of 4 chips (4th has no date on it) read 8108, 8120, and 8121, which I thought that meant the year (1981) and the 8th, 20th, and 21st weeks of that year. I noticed the piece of paper taped to the top of the EMI shield cover reads the letter Z (it could be 2), and also the date (in red) July 13th 1981.
From what I've gathered from the enclosed photos (with detail), my friend received his Atari 2600 in 1978 (made in 1977), but... had it worked on in July of 1981. Something must have happened to where they had to replace 3 out of the 4 chips inside the console. They didn't have to replace anything (chips) on the switch board, just the main motherboard. I could be incorrect about my assumption(s). None of the boards have been replaced.
Does this all mean they had it repaired in 1981?
Why does the box read 1978 when it was built in 1977, unless it was built in late 1977?
Is this Atari 2600 a Heavy Sixer? It looks more like a light sixer.
I noted which chips were replaced. I apologize for the flashlight, but I wanted to note the dates perfectly. Again, I apologize for so many pictures, but I've read on here that people want pictures if someone is having a problem or question.
Thank you for your help.
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Have you tried or thought about buying a gold kit instead ?
Thanks for replying AtariBrian. I actually did for my first joystick and works great. I wanted to try something different, something more time consuming. I also just bought a soldering iron, so this will be my 2nd time putting it to the test.
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Okay, finally got around to soldering these on. After doing so, I sure as heck wouldn't want anything thicker than the 2.5mm switches I bought as I had to cut off more of the actuator nubs than I thought. Wasn't a big deal using a nail clipper. Nice, clean cut without grinding or filing down. Nail clippers worked great to cut off the unused switch leads and on the fire button shaft too, which btw: its spring is no longer necessary afterwards. Use caution when clipping! I did accidentally ruin one handle as I cut a nub too far down.
This "upgrade" (alternative really) to the dome switch method feels exactly like you'd expect it to. A whole lot of clicking going on, but I will say that it is super-responsive. Diagonals work perfectly too. All in all, this is a neat little hack - so if you're into super sensitive controls, can ignore all the clicking and don't mind playing Atari with a completely different feel to it - it's rather nice for what it is.
Glad it all worked out for you. I'll remember about the nail clippers.
I returned your private message. -
Per a YT vid I saw, I went ahead and bought a bunch of 6x6x2.5mm switches. They're really, really thin, obviously much thinner than what you're looking at. It looks like with the 2.5mm height, you only snip off the "nipple" on the bottom of the inner handle. Haven't soldered them in place yet, but am about to soon. Will give an update after I do....
Thank you so much for the reply. Good luck with the soldering.
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I'm trying to figure out which is best for my 2nd Atari 2600 CX-40 joystick (less cutting down white joystick handle), Tactile Push Button Tact Switch Momentary (height) 5mm, 4.3mm, or 3.8mm?
Which does everyone else use? I've enclosed an image of the one(s) I'm looking at.
Thank you.
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How do you get the Joystick Sponge in when you clean it?
I just can't get it in
I too had the same exact problem. My boot was already off the CX40 joystick when I received my Atari 2600 from a friend. You can use a butter knife to push the ring up (if it's up) and to hold it up so you can get the sides of the boot under the ring. It's kind of hard to explain, but I'll give you the directions Best-Electronics gave me when I contacted them via e-mail.
This may or may not help you, and this is word for word their instructions, not mine. I'd use a butter knife instead of a sharp knife so you don't poke/rip the boot. I did contact them again and thanked them for their time in helping me.
Take a sharp knife tip and wedge it under the round Joystick ring that looks like part of the CX40 Molded top assembly. Another way is to take off the CX40 top case and look for the CX40 boot ring locking tabs that come thru the inside of the CX40 top case, at 12 Noon and 6 PM locations. Push on or more of those locking tabs and the thin CX40 boot Ring will pop off the CX40 top surface just a little.
If you need photos, please let me know.
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"This is one of the things that really infuriates me about branding mania: more value is put in the brand than in the products sold or manufactured under it."
On 1 of my videos from 1994 SCES, I talked off camera to a VP of marketing of Konami I think it was (some big company at the time, could have been US Gold or someone). Anywho, she told me that Konami's brand was what sold games. They only allowed so many games a year and never released some of them. The reason is people bought anything Konami based of of the name. the products were good, so the next one is good to. That is one way of how you brand. Create a view of the company and stick to it (what do you think of Starbucks? or Disney World? or Ritz Carlton? You may not have been to any of these places but you have a view of them. And yes, I've been to all 3. And you know what, I stayed free at the Ritz Carlton for a week and was not impressed at the $800 for a normal night. Starbucks is just overpriced coffie which I can't stand anyways. and Disney World, well I do live in Orlando so I am a bit biased).
I've always liked games by Konami, especially their handheld electronic games from back in the day, games like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Top Gun, Blades of Steel, and my favorite, Double Dribble. Fun times on long car rides.
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I second this, can we start a indygogo to raise money to buy Atari. Give it to AL and beg for jobs. Ill mop floors for sure as long as it has an Atari logo on it.
I like your profile photo of your Atari 2600.
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I'd have to look at the stock and shares, but I think the market value is about that much. Also, you are confusing the Atari Inc which is in New York city with it's parent AtariSA in France. Besides, someone could just buy the name from Infogrames, combine the 3 sub companies and release independent games on the AtariMintBox. That way they won't be competing with the main console systems.
atarisa stock price is 36 euro cents a share with a market cap of 82.95mil euro.
Awesome YouTube channel.
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Dating the Atari 2600 Systems
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@Sean39 - I'm so happy you replied to this post. I actually (partially) restored my friends Atari 2600. I basically cleaned it (inside and out) restored his joystick and also repainted the orange trim, which was 80% off. He died in 2007 from a chronic disease that he had all his life, thus his Mom gave me his Atari 2600 system last month, which had been sitting in her closet for 25+ years. That's why I had several questions about the date of the system, because I had no clue what year it was purchased. She told me they purchased it for Charley for Christmas. I have yet to ask her if they had to take it in for any repairs, because all the chips inside read (3 out of the 4) 1981, including the taped piece of paper on the EMI metal box. Though, the copyright is 1977, which, that could mean that's when the system was first released.
I actually completed it on Dec 3rd. Here's the entire album and a photo of Charley and myself (2nd photo in album) and the finished Atari 2600 is the 2nd to last photo, which includes everything that I did.
Complete Album https://flic.kr/s/aHsm6ZFZ3Q