Newbie: Tryin to get it to work

[juniorbacon85]

I just recently pulled my Atari 5200 out of the attic, of course it doesn't work. This is whats happening. I plugged everything together, and press the power button. The power light comes on, but nothing shows up on the screen. Need a little help here. Suggestions??

[sku_u]

How do you have it plugged into your TV? If you have a 4 port system (meaning the system has 4 spots for controllers), there is a pecial switchbox you need. If it's the 2 port (spots for 2 controllers), you need to get a standard TV/game adapter or one of these:

 

http://www.atariage.com/store/product_info...&products_id=42

 

in order to connect your system directly to your cable line. Since 5200s like most older systems use RF, they can only be connected to your TV through the cable.

 

you should also check to make sure that the channel your system has selected is the same as the one on your TV (2,3 or 4 I can't remember if 5200s used 2 and 3 or 3 and 4 as their standard channels).

 

Finally, make sure that a game cartridge is completely inserted and making correct contact.

 

Are you getting any signal to your TV (like a green screen) or nothing at all?

[JB]

How do you have it plugged into your TV?  If you have a 4 port system (meaning the system has 4 spots for controllers), there is a pecial switchbox you need.  

If it's a 4-port he's made it this far, sicne the power LED comes on.

[elliott]

Dirty carts have caused this problem for me. Particularly Parker Bros and Activision, since they don't have the cover to protect them.

[juniorbacon85]

I have a 2-port system. I like the idea of the game straight to cable, cause i have the box thing that connects to the cable, but i think the power is bad in it. But yes i'm getting no signal whatsoever to the tv. It is just static. Can i get a game to cable plug from like Best Buy or Radio Shack?