KreatorKat Posted January 21, 2016 Share Posted January 21, 2016 Hi. I have a question related to compatabilty and modification of an Atari 5200. I know it is recommended that you purchase a 2 port system since the 4 port ones run power and rf through a proprietary prone-to-breaking switch box that is hard to replace. However, if I purchase a system I will be getting it s video modded. Does anyone know if the modification bypasses this switchbox (I know there is a power jack mod too), which would negate any issues and actually make the 4 port a superior option? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+-^CrossBow^- Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 I can answer this pretty easily. Regardless of which mod you go with, far as I know, all of them completely disable the RF modulator. Because of this, if you go with the four port unit you still have to leave the RF cable attached and would still require the odd switchbox just for the power. So it is best to do the Power mod as well on the 4 port at the same time. The 2 port model doesn't the switch box, but you still lose the RF output when you video mod it. Additionally, the 2 port units aren't compatible with Pitfall, Mountain Climber, Krazy Shootout, and one other game that I know of. You can correct this by also having the BIOS chip replaced with a 4 port bios chip. It is also worth noting that all the AV mods I've seen will also break the use of the VCS adapter regardless of whether you have a VCS adapter compatible 4 port or 2 port 5200 system. So do keep in mind that while the video mod (Especially the s-video), look fantastic, you will lose the ability to use the VCS adapter for 2600 backward compatibility and in the case of the 4 port, still have to deal with the switch box to provide the power. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerG Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 but s-video sure is worth it :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+sramirez2008 Posted January 22, 2016 Share Posted January 22, 2016 I just picked up a new switch box from Best Electronics for my 4-port. I'm keeping this one original. BTW, they only have a few left in stock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KreatorKat Posted January 22, 2016 Author Share Posted January 22, 2016 Thanks guys! If I get a 4 port I will defiantly do the power mod too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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