Please help me fix my 2600 I got for Christmas

[tigerwds]

My girlfriend bought a 2600A 4 switch console off ebay it is in like new condition It plays fine for awhile then the picture distorts and

goes to black and white. I use the on/off switch to get it back

to normal but it does it all over again. What is the problem?

Please help me with my christmas present.

[jjessop]

Sounds like the TV is loosing a lock on the 61.25 mhz carrier (channel 3). With a plastic hex tool you can adjust the RF output frequency (it's the access hole in teh RF modulator, the metal box) if you were to disable the console.

 

Other possible causes, but not likely.

 

3.59545 mhz xtal drifting off frequency, seen it but very rare! The 7805 +5 vdc regulator is going into oscillation and the +5 is drifting and or real noisy, very rare as well.

 

Try switching the console to channel 4 and or adjusting the TV's fine tuning if possible. Also make sure the TV is set to "TV" and not "cable" input.

 

Good luck,

 

jj

[jjessop]

Post Christmas burnout....

 

Sounds like the TV is loosing a lock on the 61.25 mhz carrier (channel 3). With a plastic hex tool you can adjust the RF output frequency (it's the access hole in teh RF modulator, the metal box) if you were to disable the console.  

 

Make that DISASSEMBLE the console

[tigerwds]

Which box the one were the cartaridge goes in or the one to the bottom

right? Which way do I turn it and how much? were do I get the plastic

hex tool? Can I use a metal one?