Color problem with 6 switch 2600

[tkarner]

I seem to be having a bit of a color problem with my 6 switch 2600.

While playing a game, colors change at random intervals. Usually blues

will turn green, and greens will turn brown. For example, in Pac Man

Arcade the whole screen will flicker and the blue maze briefly turns

green. Similarly, while playing Atlantis or River Raid, the green ground

will turn brown.

 

The 2600 is connected to the TV's coax input without a switchbox,

using the F adaptor.

 

Any ideas? Is something inside the console dying a slow death?

[BeerGnome]

y'know..that dos sound lke the RF modulator is starting to die out..

although.. I'm no expert on these matters..

hell..the TV might even be playing with you

 

but it sounds like it might be time to attempt the ole Composite modification

[tkarner]

That's what I was afraid of. Might give me an excuse to pick up a

7800 now, or to do the composite mod. Only problem is I haven't

found instructions anywhere to modify the 6 switch, just the Jr.

Do these exist anywhere? Thanks.

[CPUWIZ]

Go to Radio Shack and buy item # 278-276, much cheaper and a better picture.

[tkarner]

I already have the F connector. Same exact one actually, the gold

Radio Shack. That's not the problem. You're right, it did clear up

the picture a lot in terms of RF noise, but my current problem is

colors changing at random. Must be internal to the 2600.

[tkarner]

I already have the F connector. Same exact one actually, the gold

Radio Shack. That's not the problem. You're right, it did clear up

the picture a lot in terms of RF noise, but my current problem is

colors changing at random. Must be internal to the 2600.

[Atari2600.com]

I believe it could be the TIA Chip. Strange color mutations are usually the result of a failed TIA graphics chip.

 

We can repair your console for $25 plus the cost of the chip which is $14.00. We'll install the service bulletin grounding straps and warrantee the work for 90 days.

 

https://www.atari2600.com/cgi-bin/cp/cp-app...g=prod&ref=5409

[tkarner]

After further observation, I've found that there are strange noises

that accompany the color shifts. There are cracking/hissing sounds

coming from the speaker that coincide with the color shifts.

 

Does this indicate a problem with the RF modulator or something

upstream of that, like the TIA chip as someone else suggested?

 

I'm trying to narrow down the cause. If it's the RF modulator I can

simply bypass that with a composite video mod. If the problem is

upstream then doing the mod will be wasted effort.