Constructing 5200 switch

[Veldar1]

Hi, I'm trying to put together the rf box for this console. I was wondering if this is ok to use instead of the aluminum box.

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005JC6BWK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1450259260&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=Hubbell+Raco+127+1-1%2F2-Inch+Deep+1%2F2-Inch+and+3%2F4-Inch+Side+Knockouts+4-Inch+Octagon+Box

 

I'm having a hard time finding one for a good price.

 

Thanks,

[+DamonicFury]

I'm not sure what you're trying to do here. If you have a 2-port 5200, you can use a either a straight RF adapter or a switchbox, neither of which is very expensive. If you have a 4-port 5200, you need either Atari's unique switchbox, or to perform a mod on the 5200 to separate the power and RF. Not sure how the box you linked to could help with any of these solutions unless you're trying to build a switchbox from scratch, but that seems unnecessarily complicated and expensive.

[Veldar1]

The switch is expensive on eBay if you can find it.

 

I found this

https://www.eskimo.com/~tmcintos/atari/5200.switchbox.html

 

And this

 

The aluminum box is supposed to act as the ground , just wondering if it could be swapped out.

[BigO]

Hi, I'm trying to put together the rf box for this console. I was wondering if this is ok to use instead of the aluminum box.

 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005JC6BWK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1450259260&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=Hubbell+Raco+127+1-1%2F2-Inch+Deep+1%2F2-Inch+and+3%2F4-Inch+Side+Knockouts+4-Inch+Octagon+Box

 

I'm having a hard time finding one for a good price.

 

Thanks,

I have seen DIY instructions for building a switch box. If that's what you're doing then the box you linked to would work. But, I gotta think it's kinda huge and a bit clunky for this application. Galvanized steel is way more robust than you need.

 

If you're strictly on a "Home Depot", local pickup type budget, you might find a shallow "old work" plastic box that, with a little trimming, might be better suited for what you're doing.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Carlon-1-Gang-8-cu-in-Zip-Box-Non-Metallic-Switch-and-Outlet-Box-Blue-B108B-UPC/100404057

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Carlon-1-Gang-8-cu-in-Flanged-Shallow-Old-Work-Box-B108R-UPC/100404058

 

I don't remember what, if any minimum purchase requirements they have, but you might check pactec.com for a more appropriate enclosure. Pretty sure I bought two little tiny boxes from them once.

http://www.pactecenclosures.com/product-models.php?classid=31&seriesid=64

 

Or search for "chassis box" or "project enclosure". Maybe you'll find something to your liking online.

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#tbm=shop&q=%22chassis+box%22+%22project+enclosure%22

 

Having said all of that, if you're able and willing to tackle building that device, you're probably capable of doing the mod on a four port to eliminate the need for the fancy-dancy-electronical-type switch box.

As was mentioned, if you have a two port 5200 then you don't need any of this. You just need an RCA to F connector adapter or simple switch box. They're available in a lot of places, including the AtariAge store.

[BigO]

Crossed posts...

 

If that's what you're building, and you really do want to build it, may I suggest this as an alternative enclosure:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altoids#/media/File:Altoid_and_tin.JPG

Edited December 16, 2015 by BigO

[Veldar1]

Thank you for the responses, never thought of the mint case. I keep a bunch for spare parts. As for doing the mod, the whole drilling into the motherboard put me off of it.

 

I bought this 4 port off eBay not knowing it needed a special switch. The seller just said it wouldn't turn on. I figured he didn't have the switch as well and the system is probably fine.

[BigO]

Heh. Yeah, it would be difficult to get it to turn on when there's no place to plug in power.

 

Drill into the mother board? I don't remember that being required, but it's been a while since I looked at the mod.

 

Is this what you were looking at?
http://atariage.com/forums/topic/20871-atari-5200-4-port-power-modification-warning-big/

 

 

Edit: I see, Mitch's version requires drilling.

http://atariage.com/forums/topic/17441-5200-4-port-power-mod-success/

Edited December 16, 2015 by BigO

[Veldar1]

I saw the bottom one. Might be the next step of the box doesn't work. Dunno if the system even works to begin with.

[0078265317]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Atari-5200-RF-Antenna-Switch-Box-Adapter-Untested-F-Ship-/252206522339?hash=item3ab8ae1fe3:g:E8MAAOSw7FRWaIbQ

[BigO]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Atari-5200-RF-Antenna-Switch-Box-Adapter-Untested-F-Ship-/252206522339?hash=item3ab8ae1fe3:g:E8MAAOSw7FRWaIbQ

Wow. $30 untested. Those things are like gold.

(Once more, I tell myself I should fix box full of broken ones I have sitting around here somewhere.)

Edited December 17, 2015 by BigO

[yell0w_lantern]

I've built the switch box and it was... okay, for RF with combined power, I guess. Try the homemade box then if your machine works and you like it, then out the cash to upgrade to composite.

Edited December 17, 2015 by yell0w_lantern

[Veldar1]

I'll most likely sell it if it works. I'd rather get a 2600.

[bohoki]

yea the 5200 is not for the average person with their constant controller failures

 

 

but unless you are doing a mega chain like i am just a rf seperator/voltage injector is all you need to make

 

my 2600 is the start of my chain since it doesnt autoswitch so i leave my old tv to channel 3 an go 2600,5200(auto),nes,sega,snes,genesis,playstation,n64