Atari Video Pinball help

[ChristopherDrum]

Hi everyone,

Just purchased an Atari Video Pinball C-380 unit. Put fresh batteries in, plugged it into my RF adapter, turned it on and... nothing. I could use a little help in trying to troubleshoot what's wrong with this thing. It appears to be in really great condition. Just two tiny nicks in the plastic housing. I opened it up and everything inside looks really clean. I don't see any broken wires or circuits upon inspection. Tried an AC adapter and I just don't get anything on screen.

 

What I could use is some general knowledge about the unit. Does the TV need to be on channel 3? Does the RF cable running out of the unit typically plug directly into the RF adapter on the back of the TV or did it come with some other little device (the RF cable for my 7800 has some little black box that the cable passes through)? I know the RF adapter is good, as it works fine with my National Semiconductor Adversary and my Atari 7800. The power supply (known good; it runs the Adversary) is a universal with the 1/8" mini jack tip and set to 9V, but like I said... even with fresh C-cell batteries it gives no signal to the TV on channel 3 or 4. Does it run on batteries AND an AC adapter, or is this an either/or deal?

 

Any likely suspects? Any real way to see if it's even getting power to the logic board? Am I fighting a lost cause? I'm new to this whole "resurrecting lost systems" thing, so any information will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

Christopher Drum

[Rob Mitchell]

Batteries or AC adapter. 9v DC tip postive. Broadcasts on Ch3. You need to use the same RF box as the 7800/2600 to connect to your TV.

 

If the circuit is really dead, I can check and see if I can get you a working circuit board for it. I have one that is working but in poor cosmetic condition.

 

Rob Mitchell, Atlanta, GA

[Rob Mitchell]

Batteries or AC adapter. 9v DC tip postive. Broadcasts on Ch3. You need to use the same RF box as the 7800/2600 to connect to your TV.

 

If the circuit is really dead, I can check and see if I can get a working circuit board for you. I have one that is working but in poor cosmetic condition.

 

Rob Mitchell, Atlanta, GA

[ChristopherDrum]

Hi Rob,

Thanks for responding. The system seems DOA. Fresh batteries with a new RF box on channel 3 gets me nothing. Remove the batteries and try an AC adapter set as you specified gets me nothing. I am curious to know what you would ask for for the working circuit board.

Christopher