AT AR I V I D E 0 C 0 MP U T E R S Y S T E M

F I E L D S E R V I C E MA N U A L

P A L M0 D E L 2 6 0 0

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
REV 1
C018041
 NOTICE

TO ALL PERSONS RECEIVING THIS DOCUMENT

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

Reproduction is forbidden without the specific written permission of

Atari, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA 94086. No right to reproduce this document,
nor the subject matter thereof, is granted unless by written agreement
with, or written permission from the Corporation.

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
REV 1
 AT AR I

VI DR 0 C 0 MP U T E R S YS TE M

F I ELD S ERVI CE MA N U A L
P A L M0 D E L 2 6 0 0

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
REV 1
C018041
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION i

1. THEORY OF OPERATION 1-1

2. SILKSCREENS & SCHEMATICS 2-1
3. TESTING & TROUBLESHOOTING 3-1
- 2600 DIAGNOSTIC FLOWCHART 3A-1
- SYMTPOM CHECKLIST 3B-1
4. GAME CONTROLLERS 4-1
5. PARTS LIST 5-1
6. TOPIC INDEX 6-1
-~
7. TECHNICAL TIPS 7-1
8. SERVICE BULLETINS 8-1

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
REV 1
 LIST OF EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT TITLE

1-1 2600 Model

1-2 2600 Mother Board and Switch Board
1-3 VCS Block Diagram
1-4 TV Switch Box

2-1 Chip Pinouts

2-2 2600 Mother Board Schematic
2-3 Mother Board Silkscreen
2-4 2600 Switch Board Schematic
2-5 2600 Switch Board Silkscreen

3-1 2600 Static Modifications

3-3 Defective RAM Screens
3-4 Color Bars Screen
3-5 Grey Bars Screen
3-6 Diagnostic Matrix
3-7 Audio Tones Test

3A-1 Initialized Switch Settings

A-2 Color Bars Screen
A-3 Grey Bars Screen
A-4 Diagnostic Matrix, without shorting plugs
A-5 Audio Tones Test
A-6 Defective RAM Screens
A-7 Defective Grey Bar Screen
A-8 Diagnostic Matrix, with shorting plugs
A-9 Diagnostic Matrix, with errors

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
REV 1
 LIST OF EXHIBITS (Cont'd)

EXHIBIT TITLE

A-10 Diagnostic Matrix

A-ll Paddle Line RC Waveforms
-~. A-12 Signal Tracing Cartridge Signals
A-13 Signal Tracing Cartridge· connection ;chart

4-1 Joystick (XY Controller)

4-2 XY Controller Schematic
4-3 Game Paddle
4-4 Paddle Controller Schematic
4-5 Driving Controller
4-6 Driving Controller Schematic
4-7 Keyboard Controller
4-8 Keyboard Wiring
4-9 Keyboard Schematic

(~

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 19 81
REV 1
 INTRODUCTION

The Video Computer system (VCS) Field service Manual is organized in

eight chapters:

o Theory of Operation - an overview of how the VCS works and what

the basic assemblies look like.

0 Silkscreens and Schematics - the electrical drawings of the VCS

and the layouts of the printed circuit boards.
o Testing and Troubleshooting - the chapter which provides
detailed procedures for repairing the VCS unit.
o Game Controllers - an overview of hand controller construction
with electrical schematics and recommended test and repair
procedures.

o Parts List - a detailed breakdown of all parts used in the VCS.

o Topic Index - a quick reference to various topics dicussed in

the manual.

o Technical Tips - a compilation of ideas that have been found

useful in diagnosing and repairing VCS failures.

0 Service Bulletins - a section to be used to hold service

bulletins released by the VCS Manager of Technical Support.
These bulletins will include changes in recommended repair
procedures and required modifications for units in the field.
The manual is designed for use by both experienced and inexperienced
service personnel. The 2600 Diagnostic Flowchart (section 3A) provides
detailed diagnostic and repair procedures for technicians who are not yet
completely familiar with the VCS. The Symptom Checklist (section 3B)
provides a fast repair reference for the more experienced technician.

Updates and revisions to the manual will periodically be released by the

VCS Manager of Technical Support. All updates will have a "rev. number"
in the lower right hand corner of the page. When an update is received,
simply remove the old page and replace it with the new updated page.

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
i REV 1
 THEORY OF OPERATION

The Video Computer System (VCS) is a state-of-the-art microcomputer. It

receives instructions for the operation of many different games via the
plug-in Read Only Memory (ROM) cartridges. These cartridges supply
different sets of operating instructions to the microcomputer .

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EXHIBIT 1-1
2600 MODEL
The MODEL 2600 Video Computer System (See Exhibit 1-1) game console
consists of the plastic outer casing, the switch board assembly, the
mother board assembly, and the metal R.F. radiation shield.

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
1-1 REV 1
The mother board (see Exhibit 1-2) consists of a microprocessor chip, a
combination RAM-I/O (Random Access Memory-Input/Output device) chip, and
the TIA (Television Interface Adaptor) chip. The switch board assembly
consists of the player option switches, power ON/OFF switch, the power
supply, and the R.F. modulator module. The option switches are
double-pole, single-throw switches connected between the mother board and
power supply ground. All connections from the switch board to the mother
board are made through a flexible 12 conductor ribbon cable.

The power supply consists of a +5 volt regulator, filter capacitors, and

the power ON/OFF switch. The unregulated D.C. current is supplied from
the batte·ry eliminator thru the switch board to the mother board to
supply +5 volts (Vee). The supply voltage is also routed to the R.F.
module after · passing through a filter circuit, to supply operating power
for the R.F. modulator module. The R.F. modulator converts the signal
received from the TIA chip to a frequency which a television can receive.

The heart of the VCS (see Exhibit 1-3) is the 6507 microprocessor chip.
This device makes the decisions for the VCS on the basis of information
received from the player cartridge (which contains a ROM) and the 6532
RAM - I/0 chip. The player cartridge determines the rules of the game.
The RAM - I/0 chip provides temporary storage of data for the
microprocessor, scans the option switches and controller fire buttons,
and keeps track of time for the microprocessor. The TIA chip generates
both the audio and video signals that are required by the R.F. modulator.
The TIA chip also contains the Analog-to-Digital converter circuitry
which permits the microprocessor to understand the signals coming from
the hand controllers.

The outputs of the TIA are processed by additional circuitry into a

composite video, sound, and color signal which is routed to the R.F.
module located on the switch board. The R.F. module converts the
composite video signal to an R.F. signal acceptable to the television. A
coaxial cable transmits this R.F. signal from the .game console to a
switch box which can be mounted on the rear of a T.V. This switch box
(Exhibit 1-4) is used to allow the operator to display either a signal
2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
1-2 REV 1
 ~)
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Shorting
Plug R.F.
Modulator
Module
Power
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Plug

Switch
Board Game
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TIA
(A201)

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(l\200)
received by the antenna (for normal TV viewing) or the signal from the
Video Computer System for playing of the game.

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
1-3 REV 1
JC/11/CTIOM SWITCHES Fiff,E f 6ks ~· G.4!v1E EXHIBIT 1-3

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 SILKSCREENS AND SCHEMATICS

On the following pages are representative silkscreens and schematics for

the ATARI Video Computer System. Further understanding of the system's
operation can be otained by comparing these. Minor variations in design
may be encountered depending on the production date of the game, but
these schematics provide all details required for an in-depth
understanding of all 2600 units.

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
2-1 REV 1
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TESTING AND TROUBLESHOOTING EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

The technician will require seven basic pieces of equipment in order to

analyze failures in the 2600 Video Computer System (VCS). These items
include:

A 15MHz dual trace oscilloscope

A Video Computer System switchboard assembly that is known to be

operating properly

Video Computer System diagnostic test cartridge, version 2.6P

Two blue controller port shorting plugs, to be plugged into the

controller ports during the diagnostic test sequence.

Signal Tracing cartridge

VCS Field Service Manual for PAL Model 2600

Color television set (PAL standard)

Frequency Counter

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
3-1 REV 1
 .:····
j
\_ TEST PROCEDURES AND METHODS

Atari requires each 2600 model returned for service to be checked for
certain conditions. In some instances, a VCS unit must be modified to
conform to Atari standards. These changes are summarized below.

2600 MODEL
0 Each 2600 model which is opened must be modifed as shown in
Exhibit 3-1 to provide additional protection from static
discharge. A Zener diode is connected between the trigger
lines and ground, and static strips are placed on the switches
on the switch board. These modifications are crucial to
prevent component damage due to static discharge.

o Each connector and plug should be checked for a tight, secure

fit. Intermittent failures frequently result from a loose
connector or plug.
o Connectors J202, J203, should be checked for pushed or broken
pins.

0 Early production models should be checked for each of the

following:
If unit has a green J200 connector, insert cartridge
and wiggle. If unit shows intermittent problems,
replace J200.

Replace all early production joysticks (those containing

springs) with new joystick controllers.
0 Each board with Molex chip sockets with insertion aids should
have the insertion aid removed and the chip reinserted.

0 Check that all components (especially those on the perimeter of

the mother board) are properly soldered. Check for broken or
shorted trace lines.

OVERVIEW OF TESTS

The 2600 Dianostic Test Cartridge (version 2.6P) contains a variety of

test routines to assist the service technician in identifying the source
of problems within the VCS motherboard hardware . The test cartridge is
used in conjunction with the equipment listed at the beginning of this
chapter. The tests available in the cartridge are:
o Defective RAM test
2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
3-2 REV 1
 ') )
Install the static modification on all 2600 units. I: ... 1iiC1
Install CR202 and CR203 by removing C236 and C237 and .,.
01

inserting the C236 / CR202 and C237 I CR203 """

-
eSl!
tH
asRemblies (see detail - A, next page) in their CSI

place. CAUTION: Observe the polarjty on CR202 Ul on

and CR203 (the dark band must be toward the
J202 I J203 connectors). On the switch board, .,u••·~ AIOI
tiA
140 ....

install t.he static strips (as shown in Exhibit ••

AQ lil
or COL
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;J EXHIBIT 3 - 1
l PAGE 2 of 3

C€202 ,Ct?ZD3

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 o Color Bar test

o Grey Bar test

o Diagnostic Matrix test

o Audio Tones test
o Paddle Control Lines test
The technician also has a Signal Trace Cartridge available for tracking
mother board problems that are not identified by the Diagnostic Test
Cartridge.

TESTING WITH THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST CARTRIDGE (VERSION 2.6P)

All tests in the diagnostic cartridge are reviewed in this section.

Detailed procedures for use of the tests are detailed in the section
following this one, "2600 Diagnostic Flowchart".

INITIALIZATION
o Purpose: To prepare the VCS unit for testing by the diagnostic
cartridge.
o Format: Connect VCS unit to television and battery eliminator.
Set television to proper channel (channel 3). Set all 2600
switches to the up position. On the 2600A, ·set all front panel
switches up and rear panel switches to the left.

DEFECTIVE RAM TEST

o Purpose: To test the VCS 6532 RAM chip for proper operation.

o Format: The television will display diagonal lines of some

type if the RAM is defective. See Exhibit 3-3 for examples of
screens indicating a defective RAM.

COLOR BAR TEST

o Purpose: To test the 6507 microprocessor, 6532 RAM - I/0 chip,
and TIA chip for correct operation.
o Format: Set all switches to their initialized positions. A
screen of eight horizontal color bars should be displayed (see
Exhibit 3-4). The screen should be steady and unchanging. A
reference bar twice the width of the other bars will appear as
the third bar from the bottom of the screen. R211 should be
adjusted so that this reference bar is the color of gold.

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
3-3 REV 1
 EXHIBIT 3-3
DEFECTIVE RAM PATTERNS

ANY DIAGONAL LINES ON THE SCREEN INDICATE A FAILURE IN THE RAM

CHIP (A202).
 EXHIBIT 3-4
COLOR BARS SCREEN

..

~~

GOLD REFERENCE BAR

THE COLOR BAR SCREEN HAS EIGHT HORIZONTAL COLOR BARS, ONE OF WHICH IS
THE REFERENCE BAR. THE REFERENCE BAR IS TWICE THE WIDTH OF THE OTHER
BAR$ AND IS THE THIRD BAR ABOVE THE BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN. R211 SHOULD
BE ADJUSTED SO THAT THE REFERENCE BAR IS GOLD IN COLOR. THE COLOR OF
THE OTHER BARS IS NOT CRUCIAL. IT IS NORMAL FOR THE BARS TO HAVE SOME
UNEVEN AREAS ON THEIR TOP AND BOTTOM EDGES, BUT THE BARS SHOULD HAVE
THE SAME COLOR ACROSS THEIR ENTIRE LENGTH.
 Proper operation of the unit is indicated by being able to make
this adjustment and by consistent color within the span of each
bar on the screen. The exact color bar of the other bars is not
critical. Minor rough spots on the top and bottom edges of the
color bars are acceptable. Leave this test on for at least ten
seconds in order to catch any intermittent problems, such as a
bar momentarily changing colors or blanking out.

GREY BAR TEST

o Purpose: To test the function of the luminescence lines (LMO,

LMl, 1M2) from the TIA chip.

o Format: Move the Color/Black & White switch to the down

position. There should be eight horizontal grey bars
. displayed, going from black at the top to white at the bottom
in even steps (see Exhibit 3-5). The screen should be steady
and unchanging. These lines may have minor glitches on their
edges. A thin white line will always appear just over the top
(black) bar. No color should appear anywhere on the screen.
The areas above the top (black) bar and below the bottom
(white) bar are of no importance to the test. This test should
be left on for at least ten seconds to ensure that there is no
"flashing" of any color or shifting of the gray bars.

DIAGNOSTIC MATRIX TEST

o Purpose: To test the proper function of the Input-Output

elements of the VCS unit.

o Format: Set all switches to the initial position, then move

the left difficulty switch down . A matrix of nine rectangles
should appear on the screen as shown in Exhibit 3-6. The
matrix will jump once every second. The television color
should be adjusted so that the upper right rectangle on the
screen is green surrounded by a field of blue. In general, I/0
problems are indicated by the appearance of pink or orange bars
within the rectangles of the matrix. The test will identify
I/0 line shorts, opens, and chip failures. The detailed
procedures for using this test are shown in the next section of
this chapter.

AUDIO TONES TEST

o Purpose: To test the function of the audio tone generation and

modulation circuitry.

o Format: The VCS unit should be in the initialized mode. Move

the Right Difficulty switch to the down position. The test

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
3-4 REV 1
 EXHIBIT 3-5

l ,.-..
GREY BARS
i
\

000

THE GREY BAR SCREEN HAS EIGHT HORIZONTAL SHADED BARS. IT IS NORMAL FOR THE
BARS TO HAVE SOME UNEVEN AREAS ON THEIR UPPER AND LOWER EDGES. THE BARS
MUST APPEAR (IN DESCENDING ORDER) AS GOING FROM BLACK TO WHITE IN EVEN STEPS.
THE SCREEN MAY NOT HAVE ANY COLOR IN IT. ALL EIGHT BARS MUST BE CONSISTENT
IN THEIR SHADE ACROSS THE ENTIRE BAR. THE AREA OF THE SCREEN OUTSIDE THE
BARS IS IRRELEVANT. THE WHITE LINE IMMEDIATELY ABOVE THE TOP BAR (BLACK) IS
NORMAL. THIS SCREEN TESTS THE OPERATION OF THE CHIP SET, ESPECIALLY THE
TIA (A202).

(
 EXHIBIT 3-6

DIAGIVOST/C MAT~/ X SCRE:E:N (WITH SHOK!Iii..JC:::, PLUC:t'S 1#.1)

E:XHI/3/T 3- Get

r\.
BL UE BLUE. BLUE.

PtJJ PIN PIN PIN PIN PIN PIAl PIN NOT I?IGHT ~aT
15 14 /3 /%. II /0 oq c::e USED NaT USEO
USED !TRIGGER

~~ I~
LEI=/
)( \[ Tli'l~
~
~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
""{
~ ~ ij) ~ ~ ~ ~ -J
~
~ ~ 10
-.J ~ ~ i Q'j en ~

!8L ~E . Bt...UE/C:J~eEN oe BLUE.

YELLOW/O~ANGE

PJJJ P11-J PI~ P/JJ Pti.J PIIJ PIN Pt/J NOT" USEO NOT USED
IS 14 13 12. II 10 Q~ oe

~
~
~
~
· UJ
:::::>
tif
~
....J
llQ
~~ J ~
~ ~
~
...J
f()
~ ~ ~
~ [X ~
~
ci:l
~
~·
~
~
'g
~

BL ~E t3LUE . f3t..UE.

PfiJ PIN PIIJ PIIJ PIIJ PAJ PN PIN C:.A.JV:E GAMe G4Mc
15 14 13 12 II 10 oq OS ~ESE:T SeLECT ~ESET AK:JT UScO
swrrcH SWI7CH SWI1CH
 will display two alternating patterns on the screen (as shown
in Exhibit 3-7) while two alternating tones are heard. The
tones will change in sync with the screen. This test pattern
will continue for one full cycle after the Right Difficulty
switch has been switched to stop the test.

PADDLE CONTROL LINES TEST

o Purpose: To test the proper operation of the Paddle Control

Lines by viewing the analog waveforms at the Analog-to-Digital
conversion inputs of the TIA chip.

o Format: Pins 37, 38, 39 and 40 of the TIA chip are checked
with the oscilloscope with the VCS unit in Diagnostic Matrix
mode and with the shorting plugs in place. This test is
required only if there is a problem with the hand controller
lines. The procedure for this test is detailed in the
following section of this chapter. See page A-23.

The next two sections are detailed flowcharts that should be used to
troubleshoot 2600 VCS units.

(
"\ ., --

.~

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
REV 1
 EXHIBIT 3·-7

AUDIO TONE TEST SCREENS

i
- !
 2600 DIAGNOSTIC FLOWCHART

This section contains the Diagnostic Flowchart which is the primary aid
in troubleshooting the 2600 unit. The flowchart is easy to use. Simply
follow the instructions as they are given to you. When you come across a
box that asks you a question, follow the line from that box that best
applies to your units's condition. When you come to a circle with a
letter inside, it means that you must turn to the page indicated beside
the circle, find that same letter on that page, and continue from that
point. The flowchart will tell you when to perform various tests, such
as the Color Bars Test, and when to replace components. The flowchart
process is only completed when the unit has been burned in for at least
two hours, as indicated by the flowchart.

In extreme cases, when the problem is difficult to diagnois, the

flowchart will take you to "J" on page A-24. This is.the Signal Tracing
Cartridge (STC) routine, and is only used as a last resort. This routine
i•...
is not drawn up as a flowchart due to the repetitive nature of the
procedure. When you are directed to this routine simply read the
procedure and follow .the directions. If the STC procedure fails to
locate the problem, try swapping out the three chips after carefully
inspecting the mother board and switch board assemblies for shorted or
r~

open trace lines and solder bridges. Be sure to always burn-in the unit
for two hours after repairs have been completed. This will help to
ensure that no other intermittent problems are present in the unit and
will greatly increase customer satisfaction with your repair work.

THE SWAP OUT PROCEDURE

At many places in the diagnostic flowchart, a box will tell you to "swap
out" a chip or a number of chips . in a particular order. The "swap out"
instruction means that you should replace the indicated components ( one
at ! time) with a known-good component of the same type. The VCS unit
should then be tested with the new, known-good component in place to see

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
3-6 REV 1
whether the swap out solved the problem being checked. If the swap out
did not fix the problem, the known-good component should be removed, and
the origibal component reinserted. In this way, you will avoid
needless!~
• I
replacing good components. This method is used on the 2600 to
learn if the mother board or the switch board contains the fault. The
method is \ also used in isolating problems with one of the three majors
chips in the VCS.

CAUTION:
Extreme care should be taken when handling the integrated circuit chips
(A200, A201, A202, A203). They are all~ sensitive to static
electricity and can easily be destroyed by careless handling. Always
keep the chips in their plastic carrier tubes or in conductive foam when
not handling. Always make certain that you are well grounded when
handling the chips. Wear a conductive grounding band (which ties from
your arm to ground) while handling the chips.

The chips are also susceptible to damage from stress when being removed
from or inserted into the sockets. Always use a chip-puller when
removing the chips. Do not pry the chips out with a screwdriver or any
other tool.

Failure to follow the above guidelines will result in unusually high chip
failure rates and a lot of extra expense.

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
3-7 REV 1
 2600 DIAGNOSTIC FLOWCHART

PG A-1

SKITCHES, JACKS
AND CONNECTORS. SWAP OUT
MAKE CERTAIN NO 1) A200
SHORTED OR OPEN 2) A202
TRACES OR SOLDER
BRIDGES ARE ON
THE BOARD (S).
J~
·~. I) _o.--t-J 1\Jr:-
I" , NO
~------~~ ,~
CONNECT VCS TO DOES ANY ~~
,if.
TV AND BATTERY DEFECTIVE · REPLACE THE DOES UNIT NOW
ELIMINATOR. SET A202. t----41, SHOW THE COLOR YES
TV TO CHANNEL 3 • BARS PATTERN?

PG A-1
INSERT DIAGNOS-
TIC CARTRIDGE
f•.. (DTC), INITIALIZE
(SEE EX. A-1),
AND TURN ON.
OF SCREEN?
NO .CHECK VCS
5i it>'~ 4"''"{~
IS THERE "SNOW" CONNECTIONS
ARE · COLOR BARS ..., ON THE SCREEN? TO TV AND
PRESENT? (SEE 1--N::.;,O,::__ _.:;.tiS ANY OTHER (NO MODULATION) CHANNEL SETTING.
EX. A-2 ). TEST PATTERN
ON THE SCREEN NO Jr
YES TEST VCS WITH
(SEE EX.A-3, KNOWN - GOOD
A-4, A-5)? BATTERY ELIMI-
COLOR BARS
A."U: YES IS ANY NATOR.
MODULATION
PROPERLY ADJUSTED
(SEE EX. A-2 )?
YES

CHECK YOUR
PRESENT .ON
SCREEN?
IS "SNOW" ON
SCREEN GONE?
I
NO SWITCH SET-
TINGS. ARE YES NO YES
PG NO
THEY CORRECT?
NO YES

PG A-16 PG A-1
PG A-1
PG A-10 PG A-12 PG A-1

A-1
 EXHIBIT A-1

2600 INITIALIZED SWITCH POSITIONS

LEFT ·
POWER TV TYPE DIFFICULTY D/FFICUL7Y 'SELECT
A

_{

\
 EXHIBIT A-2
COLOR BARS SCREEN

'

~ ~

GOLD REFERENCE BAR

THE COLOR BAR SCREEN HAS EIGHT HORIZONTAL COLOR BARS, ONE OF WHICH IS
THE REFERENCE BAR. THE REFERENCE BAR IS TWICE THE WIDTH OF THE OTHER
BARS AND IS THE THIRD BAR ABOVE THE BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN. R211 SHOULD
BE ADJUSTED SO THAT THE REFERENCE BAR IS GOLD IN COLOR. THE COLOR OF
THE OTHER BA..~ IS NOT CRUCIAL. IT IS NORMAL FOR THE BARS TO HAVE SOME
UNEVEN AREAS ON THEIR TOP AND BOTTOM EDGES, BUT THE BARS SHOULD HAVE
THE SAME COLOR ACROSS THEIR ENTIRE LENGTH.
 EXHIBIT A-3

GREY BARS

e
......
(

000

THE GREY BAR SCREEN HAS EIGHT HORIZONTAL SHADED BARS. IT IS NORMAL FOR THE
BARS TO HAVE SOME UNEVEN AREAS ON THEIR UPPER AND LOWER EDGES. THE BARS
MUST APPEAR (IN DESCENDING ORDER) AS GOING FROM BLACK TO WHITE IN EVEN STEPS.
THE SCREEN MAY NOT HAVE ANY COLOR IN IT. ALL EIGHT BARS MUST BE CONSISTENT
IN THEIR SHADE ACROSS THE ENTIRE BAR. THE AREA OF THE SCREEN OUT1DE THE
BARS IS· IRRELEVANT. THE WHITE LINE IMMEDIATE~Y ABOVE THE TOP BAR -(BLACK)
IS NORMAL. ~. THIS SCREEN TESTS THE OPERATION 0~ THE CHIP SET, ESPEC ALLY THE
TIA (A202). I \
.~
C~..e-t..h:t..~ .
~~r~
JIVL ~
~
 _OL~g,_"d._O_STJC MAI~JX SCeEEIV {wrTI101.11 SH0£!1"1'-JCI PLUGS)
~S5Z Of:? COI07"50 E><HifSfT A- 4

y ~LL 0~ Vc -/?AI- ~GE '(E .L PW./c I?A ~GE. BLUE

""""'-,:

·~· ~ PIN PIAl PIN PIN PIN P/IJ PIN NCJr 1?/GI-fT NC1T
#JOT USEO
15 14 IS I'Z. II 10 oq 08 USED iT'RIGGE:R USED

LEFT
77('~
\lJ Uj 'g I'! ~ ~ 'g 'g 'g ~
::;:, ::::J ~ lU
::. ~ ~-J _, _,
-J
~
...J
IX)
-J
IX)
-J
I() till ijj Ill
BLUE.
Ill ~ ~
-J
(() 10 ~ li1
&UE/GREEIV Of? BLUE
BL KJE YELLOW/ OI?A./'o..JGE.

P!IJ Pti-J Pf/<J P/IJ pt/<J Pt}.} PIN Pti-J ,..ar USED NOT USEO
15 14 13 /2 II /0 OCJ 09

~ ~ ~
..... ¥5 u. ~ ~ BLUE Ill
::> ~~ ~
llJ
::::J ~
lit
'g
~
~Iu1·
~ ~
-1
·/~ -J
10 Iii: ~ ~ li ~
~ Ill
I
BLUE BLUE.
1§_!: !j_E
Pt/J PtN PtiJ PIN PIN PIIJ PIN PIN GAME GAME GA.ME
IJCfT USEO
1"5 ltl/ 13 /2 II. 10 oq OB RESErr SELECT RESET
SWrTCH SWI"1Ci-1 SWITCH

.THE DIAGNOSTIC MATRIX SCREEN WILL APPEAR AS ABOVE, ON A BLACK BACKGROUND, WHEN
THE SHORTING PLUGS ARE NOT INSERTED. THE THREE LEFT RECTANGLES AND THE
BLUE/BLACK GRID JOINING THEM INDICATE THE STATUS OF THE I/0 LINE CONNECTIONS
TO THE 6532 RAM CHIP (A202).
 EXHIBIT A-5

AUDIO TONE TEST SCREENS

r<'>-
1 '.

,.r·--
!···~....::
 EXHIBIT A-6
DEFECTIVE RA.M PATTERS

illY DIAGONAL LINES ON THE SCREEN INDICATE A FAILURE IN THE RAM

;HIP (A20 2) •
COLOR BAR TEST PROCEDURE

RECONNECT VCS
AND INITIALIZE.

ARE COLOR BARS

PRESENT ON ~N~O~--~
SCREEN?
YES PG A-1 ·

ADJUST R211 SO
THAT COLOR IS
ALIGNED
PROPERLY (SEE
EX.A-2).

IS VCS TUNABLE
TO PROPER
SHADES?

NO YES

PG A-3

A-2
 GREY BARS TEST PROCEDURE

PLACE COLOR-
BLACK & WHITE
SWITCH IN
B & W POSITION

DID SCREEN
NO PATTERN CHANGE
'IE-----tWHEN SWITCH
WAS MOVED?
PG A-10
YES

IS PROPER
YESGREY BAR
~----I PATTERN
PRESENT (SEE
PG A-5 EX.A-3)?

IS A PARTIAL
SEGMENT MISSING
OR IS ANY COLOR
PRESENT (SEE
EX.A-7)?
NO YES

PG A-4 PG A-24

A-3
 EXHIBIT A-7
G~EY BARS_
/

000

THIS SCREEN SHOWS AN EXAMPLE OF A DEFECTIVE GREY ,BARS TEST SCREEN. THE
APPEARANCE OF A BLACK RE9TANGLE IN THE MIDDLE OF A LIGHT GREY BAR MEANS THAT
THE DATA FOR THAT PART OF THE SCREEN HAS FAILED TO BE TRANSLATED PROPERLY
TO THE TV. ANY DISRUPTION OF THE STANDARD GREY BARS PATTERN (SEE EX. A-3)
OR ANY COLOR IN THE GREY BARS SCREEN INDICATES A FAILURE.
 GREY BARS TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE

!cHECK R222-R224
iwi TH OHM METER.
REPLACE ANY
8T
FAILED OR IS THERE A 3-Sv p-p
OFF-VALUE YES SIGNAL ON THE A203
RESISTORS. SIDE OF R222,
R223, R224?
NO

J
DO ALL OF PINS 2, 12, THERE IS AN
- PG _A--2;:-
4_ _ _ _ _-..:::N.::::O-IAND 15 ON A203 HAVE YES OPEN LINE
A SIGNAL PRESENT? BETWEEN A203 B
AND THE
PG A-2
CHECK INPUTS RESISTORS.
OF A203 (PINS FIX IT.
3, 11, 14).
DOES EACH HAVE ;...;N~O::.._~ DO ALL OF PINS 5, 7,
A SIGNAL PRESENT? : 8 ON A201 HAVE A
SIGNAL PRESENT?
YES
NO YES
REPLACE A203~
~-------' ~
CHECK FOR OPEN
PG A-1 LINES BETWEEN
A201 AND A203.
FIX.
SWAP OUT A201

-----------, CHECK
MAKE SURE
R-218, R219, R218, R219,
R220 HAVE +Sv I--~ R220 FOR
PICTURE NOW OK?
NO CONNECTED TO PROPER
(SEE EX.A-3) 1--------------------"'1· TOP SIDE. VALUES.
YES l
PG A-5 IS PICTURE INSPECT TRACES
YES NOW OK? ~---~AROUND LM
H
~---~--1 (SEE EX.A-3) LINES FOR
GO TO MATRIX
SHORTS OR OPENS.
TEST
NO
YES
YES
IS PICTURE NOW ~SWAP OUT A200
OK? (SEE EX.~)?' AND THEN A202.
I
H

PG A..,.S

PG A-24

A-4
 MATRIX TEST PROCEDURES

INITIALIZE
SWITCHES, THEN
PUSH "LEFT
DIFFICULTY"
SWITCH DOWN.

DOES SCREEN
NO
MATCH EX.A-4?

YES

PUT IN
SHORTING PLUGS

EX.A-8?

{ PG A-6
YES
~-

PUSH DOWN
"GAME SELECT"
SWITCH (S106)

/~.
DID LOWER
MIDDLE BLOCK
NO
ON SCREEN _·
TURN BLACK
IN CENTER?
YES

PUSH DOWN
PG A-10
"RESET"
SWITCH (S105)

DOES LOWER
MIDDLE BLocK
NO TURN BLACK ON YES
LEFT AND
i PG A-10 RIGHT _ ENDS? PG
'

A-5
 EXHIBIT A-8

OIAGJ.JOST/C MAT~/ X SCREE"-1 (WITH SHO;;:t/IVG PLUCYS t/>J)

,.l . BL UE. BLUE. BLUE.

AAJ PtJJ PIN PfiJ PIIJ PIN ptJ.) PIN NOT I?IGHT IJdT
NOT USED
15 14 13 I'Z. II /0 O<l OB USED jTRIG/"d:R USED

~ lni lui ~~
LEI=T
~ Tfi'lc.c.E/?
~ \.) ~ ':!.i. ~ ~
~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
q1 ~
~ ~ .....
~-
~ eX) -.1
~ tXi en
...J
~
iii iXi IXl IQ
~ iO
BLUE/~~EE::J..J oe
lBL UE YELLDW/OR'ANGE
t3LUE.

PpJ PIN FN P/IJ Pt>J Pn.J PJIJ P!!J /'o.K$ USED NOT USED
IS 14 13 1'2. II 10 09 oe

/~
~~ ~ ~ ~ ~
\lJ
lU
::::> ::::, ~ f- ~ ~ ~ 'g
-.J -.J
~ ({\ ~
l.:d ~ &1 ra jl( ra ~ ~ ~ Q'j
l\\\
BL ~E l3LUe . BLue.

PIJJ PIN Pi!J PIIJ PIIJ PIIJ PN PI!J GAJ..t1E G4Mc G4/.1t:
~ USE:D
1'5 14 13 12 II 10 oq 08 RESeT SELECT RESET
SWrTCH SW!7CH SWITCH

- .
 DEFECTIVE MATRIX TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES

IS BLUE-BLACK *
NO GRID PATTERN
DISRUPTED?
IS UPPER LEFT (SEE EX.A-9
BLOCK ON SCREEN FOR E~LE
YES DEFECTIVE? (SEE BAD PATTERN)
EX.A-4 OR A-8 FOR
YES
PG A-20 CORRECT PATTERN)
NO
SWAP OUT
l) A200
ARE EITHER THE 2) A202
MIDDLE LOWER OR 3) A20l
THE LEFT LOWER NO
BLOCK DEFECTIVE.
(SEE EX.A-4 OR
A-8 FOR CORRECT
PATTERN)
·scREEN?
YES ** PG A-24
YES
( SWAP OUT
l) A202
2) A200 PG A-5
3) A20l

PG A-24
ARE MIDDLE LEFT IS UPPER
AND LOWER LEVEL MIDDLE BLOCK
BLOCKS NOW DEFECTIVE?
PG ~
PG A-20 CORRECT (SEE
EX.A-4 OR A-8)?
YES NO
NO
IS MIDDLE SWAP OUT IS MIDDLE
YES
MIDDLE BLOCK l) A200 MIDDLE BLOCK
DEFECTIVE? 2) A202 NOW OK?
PG A-5
3) A201

NO YES

IS LOWER
YES
* PATTERN IS DISRUPTED HIDDLE BLOCK
IF BLUE OR BLACK LINES DEFECTIVE? PG A-5
PG A-10
ARE HISSING OR SOME NO
PORTION OF THE MATRIX
FAILS TO APPEAR ON THE
TV SCREEN. PG A-5 ** _THE PATTERN MAY HAVE ERRORS,
BUT ALL NINE BLOCKS ARE
PRESENT ON SCREEN.

A-6
 EXHIBIT A-9

EXAMPLE:. 0/A..GNOSTIC /VfAIR?I >< 5CI?EE.IV WrTH DEI=ECTIVE PATTEfaJ

~'53Z of? COtO?So

YE 1-LO
-- ~~ ~_A lk;t YE'LupvY/OR'A!jJG~ BLUE
i- t- --I I--

.F11J Pt/o.J PIN P/1-J Pt/o.J PIN PIIJ PI!\/

IS 14 /3 t'Z. II /0 oq oa
NOT
USED
ITRIGGF.R
RIGHT 1-/0T
USED f..IOT useo

~ ~_, ~ ~
-~
lU
::::>
UJ
;::, ~ Ii
rul
-.I
~ co
-!
Qj ro CtJ 11)
I
ieLiue I i 8LUE/GR'EE.N OR'
BLUE.
I YELLOVV'/Oe4NGE:

P/1-.1
15
Ptf.J
14
P!Nj
13
::1I'' "'"I"'"I"'N
I~
Ptlo./
10
I
0'"1 OS
I
NOT" USED NoT useo

I I I
I
llU I
~'
llJ
~
IU
~ ::::l ~ ~
~
::::>
-1
Q) ro
_, -1
lbj
....J
C(l
-.I
[\)
-.1
t:!) ,~, I'
eu(_e: BLUE
I
PIIJ PtNjPIIJ PtNiPt/J ~IJ IPrN IPiN GAME IJO/ USEO
15 14113 12 II tO !O"t 08 RESE:T

I !:.WrTCH

I I

ANY MISSING GRID LINES OR DISRUPTED RECTANGLES INDICATE AN

I/0 LINE FAILURE. THE SCREEN PICTURED ABOVE WOULD INDICATE
A FAILURE ON THE I/0 LINE CONNECTING TO PIN 13 OF THE 6532
RAM CHIP (A202}.
 AUDIO TEST PROCEDURE

REINITIALIZE
SWITCHES. PRESS
DOWN THE II RIGHT
DIFFICULTY"
SWITCH.

USE SCOPE OR ~ NO IS THERE A

FREQUENCY ' CLEAR TONE?
COUNTER TO
MEASURE FREQ YES
AT EMITTER
OF Q202.

\1
TUNE AUDIO TO ARE THE TWO
5.5 MHZ BY PATTERNS IN >
1-N:..:.O;:::__ _ _~ S
ADJUSTING EX.A-5
L201. ALTERNATING ON PG A-18
THE SCREEN?
.YES

ADJUST TO DO THE PATTERNS SWAP OUT

+ .06 MHZ. ...... 1) A201
ALTERNATE WITH 1-N-O~~
/
LOOK FOR STABLE THE TONES? 2) A200
FREQUENCY. 3) A202
YES 1[\
\V
CAN UNIT BE ARE BOTH COLORS
ADJUSTED AND YES AND TONES ~NO~--~
'V
IS SOUND CLEAR? CONSISTENT ARE PATTERNS
EACH CYCLE? NOW CORRECT? YES
NO ,.,. N
(AS IN EX.A-5
YES -- PG A-7
NO
'II
GO TO AUDIO PUT SWITCHES .
TROUBLESHOOTING BACK TO
PROCEDURE. INITIALIZED
POSITIONS. J

~
PG A-24
VCS WILL GO
THROUGH ONE
LAST CYCLE
PG A-18
BEFORE CHANGING
TO COLOR BAR TEST.

0
PG A-8

A-7
 CARTRIDGE TEST PROCEDURE

DTC WORKS, BUT VCS PLUG IN CUSTOMER

UNIT IS STILL
SUSPECT 1-------,~.~C-AR--TR_I_D~G-E_,_·
_AVAILABLE _I_F__~I---~N~O~T~~~--------:~~X
AVAILABLE ~· .

PG A-9
AVAILABLE

ll
DOES CORRECT VIDEO CONNECT, REPLACE WITH
[ PATTERN FOR THAT 1-------~~ INITIALIZE, AND GOOD CARTRIDGE
i GAME APPEAR? TURN VCS ON WITH
I'
CUSTOMER'S GAME
YES NO
CARTRIDGE

PLAY GAME. DOES CHECK CUSTOMER

IT PLAY OK? NO CARTRIDGE ON NO
KNOWN GOOD GAME.
YES IS IT OK?
YES

PG A-9

(~
SWAP OUT
1) A201 '
2) A200
3) A202

'v
DOES GAME NOW
!OPERATE
PROPERLY WITH
NO
- J

GAME CARTRIDGE? PG A-24

--
YES

lt

/ - -· T
PG A-8

A-8
 BURN-IN PROCEDURE

PLACE CUSTOMER
CARTRIDGE IN
GAME, IF
AVAILABLE.
OTHERWISE, USE
OTHER GAME

RUN GAME FOR 2

HOURS, MINIMUM.
DO NOT TURN OFF
DURING THIS
PERIOD

CHECK GAME'S
... OPERATION
-f
~'- -

IS GAME WORKING 1--...;;..;;:;,;;,_

YES _ ___:,... END OF TEST
PROPERLY? SEQUENCE
NO

PG A-1

A-9
 DEFECTIVE SWITCH TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE

c~--~~~~~~~
ON 2600 UNITS, USE
SWAP OUT* PROCEDURE
SWITCHBOARD BAD TO IDENTIFY BAD
y " BOARD
MOTHER
PG A-ll
BOARD BAD

WITH INOPERATIVE I
IS ¢v NOW CLOSE THE SWITCH IN UP I

PRESENT AT E--- SWI'XCH IE--'Y:.;E~S~POSITION (OPEN) , IS

THE RAM PIN . +Sv PRESENT AT J20l
YES FOR THAT PIN FOR THA~ SWITCH? (SEE
r---------~SWITCH? (SEE CONNECTION
CHART BELOW) NOl CHART BELOW
NO
CHECK RAM (A202) !
PIN FOR THE SWITCH
SWAP OUT IS THERE AN ~----------------~Y~E~S~FOR +Sv. IS IT :
l) A202 OPEN BETWEEN PRESENT?
2) A200 ~ J201 AND RAM YES
NO
3) A201 PIN?

0
PG A-10
CHECK FOR SHORTED
TRACE LINE. REPAIR
AS NECESSARY

DOES SWITCH NOW I PG A-1

DOES SWITCH DOES SWITCH REPAIR OPEN
WORK? YES
-
NO\\' KORK? :!Q NOW CHANGE ~---+ TRACE F
THE PATTERN NO
ON SCREEN?
I
YES
SWAP OUT A202 I
l I
I
CHECK WHETHER O DOES SWITCH
CAPACITOR ON ~NOW WORK?
YES I
THAT RAM LINE
IS SHORTED TO
GROUND.
* REPLACE AS
NECESSARY.
CONNECTION CHART
J20l PIN NO. A202 DOES SWITCH NO SWAP OUT
SWITCH (2600,0NLY) PIN NO. NOW WORK? ~~~ 1) A200
COLOR/BLACK 2) A201
YES
M·!D HHITE 4 21
LEFT DIFFICULTY 5 17
RIGHT DIFFICULTY 7 16
SELECT 9 23
RESET 8 24

A-10
 DEFECTIVE SWITCH TROUBLZSHOOTING PROCEDURE

PUT INOPERATIVE
SWITCH IN UP
(OPEN) POSITION

PUT SWITCH IN IS +Sv PRESENT IS TRACE LINE REPAIR

DOWN (CLOSED)~_ _.;:;;YE~S~AT THE J201 ~N:..;;O_ _~SHORTED TO YES
POSITION PIN FOR THAT 'GROUND?
SWITCH (SEE
CONNECTION NO
CHART BELOW)?

IS ¢v NOW IS THERE CHANGE

PRESENT ON YES YES CONTINUITY NO J201
J20l PIN FOR~..;;..__-~ F ~----------~~ACROSS J201
THAT .SWITCH PG A-1 CONNECTOR?
(SEE CHART)?
NO

IS ONE SIDE
OF S~-HTCH ~--------~'REPLACE SWITCH
TIED TO YES 'L---....,_.------1
GROUND AS
SHOWN IN
SCHEMATIC?
NO

CONNECTION CHART
REPAIR OPEN SWITCH JlOl PIN NO.
BETWEEN
COLOR/BLACK & WHITE 4
SHITCH AND 5
LEFT DIFFICULTY
GROUND 7
RIGHT DIFFICULTY
SELECT 9
RESET 8
DOES PATTERN
ON SCREEN
CHANGE WHEN
SWITCH IS
FLIPPED?

A-ll
 SNOWY SCREEN TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE (MOTHER BOARD)

PG~

z YES IS +Sv PRESENT USE SWAP OUT

~--------~AT J201 PIN 1?~~B~AD~~M~O~TH~E~R~B~O~ARD~--~PROCEDURE TO BAD SWITCH
NO IDENTIFY WHICH~B~O~ARD==~~
IS +9v BOARD I 5 BAD .
PRESENT AT AA
J201 PIN 2? PG~
NO
IYES
....__ _~SWAP OUT
1) A202
IS MODULATION
t----'liEVIDENT ON YES
F
2) A200 "' THE TV SCREEN?
3) A201 PG A-1
NO

IS THERE IS THERE IS THERE

CONTINUITY CONTINUITY YES CONTINUITY
ACROSS J201 ACROSS J201 BETWEEN +Sv NO
PIN 2? NO PINS 1, 3, 6, LINE AND
10, 11? GROUND? *
YES IS THERE AN
NO YES NO OPEN TRACE ON
~EITHER +Sv OR
IS +7.5-9.0v GROUND?
PRESENT AT
J204 (THE
POWER JACK)? REPLACE J20l.
REPLACE
CONNECTOR.
CHECK FOR
AND REPAIR
ANY SHORTED
YES 1
CHECK AT TRACES OR
, REPAIR
BOTTOt-1 OF SOLDER BRIDGES
BOARD. ~
.It
.r---. NO lYEs F -
YES IS MODULATION
.1 CHECK FOR OPEN EVIDENT ON THE
TRACE LINE PG A-1 SCREEN?
BETWEEN J204 NO
& J201.
IS J204 OK? YES IS MODULATION

G
jEVIDENT ON CHECK FOR AND
NO THE TV REPLACE
SCREEN? SHORTED CAPS: *CAUTION:
C204, C201, OBSERVE

(b
PG A-12 YES
REPLACE C220, C239 POLARITY OF
J204. IC200, C214. CONTINUITY
CHECKER. DO
F
NOT PUT +
IS MODULATION~
PG A-1 PG A-12 PROBE ON
EVIDENT ON
GROUND.
THE SCREEN?

PG A-1 PG A-12

A-12
 SNOWY SCREEN TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE

tr---,------..:.Y==.ES~I J201 PIN 12?

9
IS THERE ¢v ONl
t-=-:-NO::;....__::lof F
PG A-1
IS THERE +Sv
ON PIN 20 OF 1-N:..:.O~----~ IS THERE AN
A201? OPEN LINE
BETWEEN PIN YES REPAIR
YES 20 AND +Sv?
NO l
IS THERE
CONTINUITY
ACROSS J201 SWAP OUT IS THERE
PIN 12? A201 MODULATION? t--Y_E_S_ _'lll,. F
NO YES PG A-1

REPLACE
( J201 IS J201 PIN 12
SHORTED TO ~N~O-----~SWAP OUT
'-· GROUND? {CHECK A201
CONTINUITY)
YES

l
ARE C221, OR CHECK FOR IS THERE
YES
PG A-1 F R223 SHORTED 1--....:.;N,;:;.O_____::.IsoLDER MODULATION? F
TO GROUND? BRIDGES OR
NC PG A-1
YES TRACE SHORTS

'--- REPLACE
Ql SWAP OUT
1) A200
2) A202

A-13
 SNOWY SCREEN TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE (SWITCH BOARD)

CHECK FOR AND

AA
REPAIR DEFECTIVE
JlOl OR OPEN ,
. TRACE BE'IWEEN
JlOl PINS AND AlOl
YES
IS +5v PRESENT IS +5v AT THE IS UNREGULATED CHECK FOR BAD
AT JlOl PIN 1 NO OUTPUT OF THE NO +7 .5-9v AT YES REGULATOR
ON THE SWITCH VOLTAGE VOLTAGE (AlOl) OR OPEN
H
BOARD? REGULATOR REGULATOR INPUT BETWEEN GROUND
(A101, PIN 3)? (A101, PIN 1)? AND A101.
YES
NO

IS +5V AT THE CHECK FOR OPEN IS +7.5-9v

R.F. MODULATOR, NO BE'IWEEN A101 PRESENT ON THE YES
I
REPLACE S101 ~
PIN 3 (5 PIN PIN 3 AND R.F. JlOl SIDE OF
MOD) OR PIN 2 MOD PIN 3 S101?
(3 PIN MOD)? NO
YES

DOES R.F. MAKE SURE R.F. DOES J101 PIN

MODULA't'OR, PIN YES MOD OUTPUT IS 2 HAVE NO
1 HAVE rUNED IC:. 61. 2 5 CONTINUITY? ·
CONTINUITY TO MHZ. (+ .15 MHZ)
YES
GROUND?
NO

II
CHECK FOR AND IF THERE IS IS Jl01 PIN 2 REPLACE J10 1 ~
REPAIR OPENS STILL A WHITE SHORTED TO YES
BETWEEN R.F. SCREEN, CHECK GROUND?
MOD PIN 1 AND THE J102
NO
J101 PINS 6 CONNECTOR.
' 10 (GROUND) REPLACE AS
REQUIRED.

IS THERE
MODULATION? IF NO CHECK THAT
MODULATION, Cl03 OR Cl06
YES NO THE R.F. MOD HAVE NOT
IS BAD. REPLACE. SHORTED TO
GROUND.
F AA
PG A-1 PG A-14

A-14
 COLORED SCREEN TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE (SWITCH BOARD)

H PG A-5

G REPLACE
REPLACE
VOLTAGE
ClOl REGULATOR
BAD
(AlOl)
SWITCH .,.
BOARD
YES ]No
IS R.F. MOD IS +5v AT
YES JlOl PIN 1? IS ClOl
r--------.:.N:.::O::.....jOUTPUT TUNED K=----==~ ~
TO 61.25 MHzt SHORTED?
·I (CHANNEL 3,
TUNE R.F. MOD ;t.l5 MHz)
AT ADJUSTMENT ,
YES
HOLE
YES
IS SIGNAL
PRESENT AT
REPLACE R.F.
1-'"Y""E;.;;;;S_ _~ MOD
J IS +9v PRESENT
1AT JlOl PIN 2?
I
IF R.F. MOD R.F. MOD
NO
CANNOT BE OUTPUT*?
TUNED TO NO
(
\. ___ - ,
61.25 MHZ I
REPLACE IT. IS VIDEO CHECK THAT
JlOl PIN 1 OR
I
SIGNAL
PRESENT AT
J101 PIN 12?
~~N(O~-----~
•
~H~!T:TTO II
GROUND.
YES IS J101 PIN
F PAGE A-1 12 SHORTED
TO GROUND? CHECK THAT ClOl
CHECK FOR Cl03, OR ClOG
YES
OPEN TRACE ARE NOT SHORTED
OR BAD REPLACE IF
~----------------~CONNECTION SHORTED.
CHECK FOR
BETWEEN
SHORTED TRACE.
J201 AND
IF NONE IS
R.F. MOD IF +9v IS STILL
FOUND, THE
PIN NOT PRESENT AT
R.F. MOD IS
JlOl PIN 2,
SHORTED AND
THEN REPLACE
MUST BE
~--------------------------------4REPLACED. ·
THE REGULATOR
(A101).

~
PG A-5

A-15
 BLACK OR SOLID COLORED SCREEN TROUBLESHOOTING

q) 0 A-1~
PG A-15
PG I
T
USE SWAPOUT OPEN TRACE BETWEEN OPEN ON LINE OPEN 0~
PROCFJ)tJRE TO DEFECTIVE PIN 26 A201 AND TO +5 OR SHORTED
IDENTIFY SWITCH PIN 39 A202. GROUND. LINE.
WHICH BOARD BOARD
NO
IS BAD •. iNO
l~EFECTIVE NO
MOTHERBOARD
IS 4-Sv p-p IS 4-Sv p-p ¢2 IS THERE +Sv RESET AND
~2 SIGNAL YES SIGNAL PRESENT YES AND GROUND ON YES READY LINES
PRESENT ON ON A201 PIN 26? ALL OF A200, GOOD?
iA202 PIN 39? A201, A202,
to SWAP OUT
A203?
YES

IS 4-Sv p-p. 1) X200

F
psc. SIGNAL NO 2) Q200
PRESENT BETWEEN 3) . Q201 PG A-1
IC203 AND R203? 4) OTHER CLOCK
1YES CIRCUIT
COMPONENTS
IS 4-5 p-p
OSC. SIGNAL NO OPEN BETWEEN PIN 4 A201 SWAP OUT
PRESENT ON C203 AND SHORTED. 1) A200
PIN 11 A201? PIN 11 A201. 2) A202
!YES 3) A201
NO
IS 4-5v ~p SWAP OUT DOES UNIT .
¢0 SIGNAL NO ~
1) A201 FUNCTION? DOES UNIT
PRESENT ON 2) A200 OPERATE YES

8s
1
PIN 4 A201? PROPERLY?

.0
rES
IS 4-Sv p-p OPEN BETWEEN
PG A-1
~-24
¢0 SIGNAL NO PIN 27 A200
PRESENT ON AND PIN 4 A201 1\ PG
PIN 27 A200?
!YES YES
IS 4-Sv p-p SWAP DOES UNIT PIN 28
¢2 SIGNAL NO NO
1) A200 FUNCTION? A200 IS
PRESENT ON 2) A202 SHORTED
PIN 28 A200?
~YES
IS 4-Sv p-p
¢2 SIGNAL
PRESENT ON
NO
OPEN . BETWEEN
PIN 26 A201 AND
~------~PIN 28 A200.
0
PG A-1

PIN 26 A201?
ES

OPEN BETWEEN
PIN 39 A202 AND
PIN 28 A200.

A-16
 COLOR TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE (MOTHER BOARD)

USE SWAPOUT
PROCEDURE TO DEFECTIVE
AC
DETERMINE WHICH SWITCH BOARD
BOARD IS BAD. PG A-19

X200 FREQUENCY DEFECTIVE

CORRECT? ~ X200
(3.546 _:!:.04 MHZ)

YESl
SWAP WITH R2ll FULLY IS COLOR VERY SWAP OUT
_ 1) A201 _, YES COUNTERCLOCKWISE,~YES WEAK OR NOT NO 1) A201
2) A200 IS THERE 6.5-7.5v PRESENT AT 2) A202
3) A202 ON PIN 10 A201? ALL?
3) A200

DEFECTIVE
NO

IS THERE +6-7v ON
l
DOES SCREEN
~ C208, C209, IE----tTHE CATHODE OF NOW HAVE
YES
R211 OR YES CR201? COLOR?
~----N-,-------------~
OPEN TRACE
BETWEEN
0
NO
CR201 &
PIN 10 A201

IS THERE A 3-5v p-p IS 3.5-5v p-p DEFECTIVE

· t-IDEFECTIVE
, CR200
l YES SIGNAL ON CATHODE
r~---ICR200?
SIGNAL,PRESENT YES
BETWEEN C213
R215

~------,----------------~ AND R215?

NO
NO
!DEFECTIVE ~ES IS THERE A 3-Sv p-p
. ~CR201 ..,,------tSIGNAL ON CATHODE
1
IS 3.5-Sv p-p DEFECTIVE
CR200? SIGNAL PRESENT YES C213
BETWEEN C212
NO
AND C213?
\
NO
OPEN OR SHORTED
F ~-----------!TRACE TO DIODES It
(CR200 OR CR201) IS 3.5-Sv p-p DEFECTIVE
PG A-1
SIGNAL PRESENT S C212
PIN 9 A201? YE
NO

PIN 9 A201
SHORTED TO F ,
ANOTHER LINE
PG A-1

A-17
 PAL COLOR TROUBLESHOOTING

PG A-17 USE S'IS'AP OUT

PROCEDURE TO
IDENTIFY. WHICH
BOARD IS BAD PG A-19
BAD MOTHER BOARD
IS 4.43 MHZ IS .THERE A 4.43
PRESENT AT IE=--------Y:;.;E:::S=---!MHz SIGNAL AT
A201 PIN? R,::2:_:3:_:7_:?_:<:::!:.:_.:.·:3_:MH::::z:,.:>J..:.N:..;;0;..___-=1 IS A 90 0 KHz SIGNAL
L.: PRESENT AT A201,
NO NO PIN 12?
SWAP OUT YES
1} A201
2} A200
3} A202 IS ANY OSCILLATION
PRESENT BE'IWEEN
PG A-1 ARE COLOR BARS YES R237 AND X201?
YES NOW PRESENT ON NO
SCREEN?
NO
IS THERE A 900 KHz
IS THERE AN SIGNAL (OSCILLATING
OPEN LINE
L-------Y=.E!::!S~ BE'IWEEN ABOUT +3V
YES BETWEEN A201 AND +6V} PRESENT
PIN 8 AND THE BE'IWEEN C243 AND R239?
~~~~~--~COLLECTOR OF Q203?
NO
NO
PG A-1 DEFECT!~ C243, R239,
OR OPEN BETWEEN R239
r---..
REPLACE (IN ORDER} AND +SV.
1} C241
2} Q203
3) L204 IF THERE STILL IS NO
4.43 MHz SIGNAL AT
A201 PIN 8, THEN
CHECK/REPLACE OTHER
COMPONENTS IN

PG A-1

PG A-1

A-17A
 AUDIO TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE (MOTHER BOARD)

USE SWAPOUT
s PROCEDURE TO BAD SWITCH
1--------~'~

ISOLATE THE 1-~B~O~A~RD~------------~

, AC
BAD BOARD.
PG A-19
BAD MOTHER BOARD
\It
IS THERE A 2v p-p I.S +Sv AT REPAIR OPEN
SQUARE WAVE WHICH THE TOP OF ~N~O~----~TRACE BE~~ENI----------~W N PG A-7
ALTERNATES BETWEEN R208? J201 PIN 1
~~0 FREQUENCIES ON AND R208 I'
r> YES
PIN 13 OF A201?

YES NO

IS ONE FREQUENCY IS THERE

APPEARING AT :-NQ ~----------~CONTINUITY 1-Y=-E=S=------~SWAP OUT A201
THE PIN? FROM R208
TO A201 PIN
13?
YES
NO
,,
REPAIR OPEN
BETWEEN 1-------~~ N
R208 & A201
PIN 13 PG A-7

SWAP OUT THE

A201

,,
0
PG A-7

DOES SQUARE FIX OPEN TRACE CHECK THAT L201 CHECK/REPLACE:

KAVE SIGNAL 1-N:.:,:O:::.,___....;:....~ LINE BETWEEN IS GOOD {HAS 1) C206, C207
APPV.R AT C210 " C210 AND PIN CONTINUITY AND 2) Q202
YESl ~ 12/13 OF A201 r----7 I SN 'T SHORTED 3) L202
OR CRACKED)
IS THERE A 4.5
NHz, f·!ODULATED,
IS THERE +Sv
AT ONE END
YES
REPAIR TRACE FROM I
IF AUDIO IS
l
l-2v p-p AUDIO ~N~O~~~ OF L201? NO STILL D~~.
VMOD (+Sv) TO L20ll
SIGNAL AT C211
(EITHER SIDE)? ~
,;
l
CHECK THE TRAC:
LINES AROUND
r-----------------------~----~~----~C211 FOR OPENS
YESl l
~ IS THERE NOW AND SHORTS
NO
REPLACE AN ALTERNATING
, s PG A-18
1) C211 AUDIO TONE
2) R216 FROM THE TV? YES
- F PG Jl.-1
-

A-18
 BAD/NO COLOR, BAD/NO SOUND (SWITCH BOARD)

AC PG A-19 F PG

"
IS R.F. MOD CAN UNIT BE REPLACE
OUTPUT TUNED NO TUNED TO NO R.F.
TO 61.25 MHz? 61.25 MHZ MODULATOR
(CHANNEL 3) <.:!:. .15 MHz)? MODULE
YES YES

SHORT ACROSS IS COLOR

NO LlOl. DOES NO (OR SOUND)
COLOR (OR NOW OK?
SOUND)
YES
REAPPEAR?
YES

REPLACE R.F. REPLACE L101

MODULATOR
MODULE

F '
PG A-1

A-19
 DEFECTIVE I/0 LINES TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE

DETERMINE WHICH
LINES ARE
DEFECTIVE BY
REFERRING TO
EX. A-10.

CHECK THE LINES

INDICATED AS
DEFECTIVE FOR
+Sv AT J202 OR
J203 (SEE CHART
BELOW)

CHECK TRACE IS +Sv PRESENT SWAP OUT

YESLINE(S) FROM ON THE LINE (S) _,,
1--"Y.-E=S--~ 1) A202
,---_;-J.~;___;;;=-t DEFECTIVE PIN (S) JUST CHECKED? 2) A200
IREPAIR I FOR SHORTS TO
NO
3) A201
GROUND. ARE

(
THERE ANY.SHORTS?
CHECK THE RAM
l
DOES DIAGNOSTIC
'· NO (A202) PIN. IS MATRIX NOW LOOK YES
F
SWAP OUT A2 0 2 -1 .._ +Sv PRESENT CORRECT (SEE
THERE? 'EX. A-4 OR A-8)
l YES
IS +Sv NOW lNO
PG ~..;;.Y.::.E=---4S PRESENT AT THE
A-1 F ~ A202 PIN? REPAIR OPEN REPAIR LINE
TRACE BETWEEN SHORTED TO +Sv
A202 PIN AND (CHECK TRACE
THE J203/J203 LINES)
REPLACE THE
CAPACITOR ON
THAT LINE
(SEE CHART) 0
PG A-1
DEFECTIVE A202 CAP CONNECTOR
DOES THE (RAM) LINE NO. NO. PIN NO.
~-..:.Y.::ES:.<-t DIAGNOSTIC 15 C22B J202-PIN 4
MATRIX SCREEN 14 C229 " -PIN 3
NOW LOOK CORRECT 13 C230 " -PIN 2
(SEE EX. A-4)? 12 C231 n
-PIN 1
ll C232 J203-PIN 4
SWAP OUT 10 C233 . -PIN 3
... 1) A200 9 C234 " -PIN 2.
2) A201 B C235 " -PIN 1

A-20
 EXHIBIT A-10

DIAGNOSTIC MAT!?/ X SCREEN (WITH SI-/Oi:TIIVC::. Pt.Uu'S tAl)

BL UE. &UE. BLU/3;.

NcrT" I?IGHT NCiT

PtJJ PtJJ PIN PIN PIN PIN P/IJ PIN NaT USED
IS 14 13 I'Z. II 10 OCI CIS USED tTRIGGER USED -

~~
LEI=T

~
~
'-1 ~ ~
~ ~ ~ v.
.,J ~
Tli'l~
~ Ill ~ ~ ~ 'g
Iii ~ -J
ii1
&) ~
.,J

~
~
iii
.......
IX) ~ ~
ti ......
co
Iii ~ Iii IX) IXl·

. BL.Ue/~R"EEE~ oe BLUE.
l8L ~ YELLOW/Of?ANGE
1-

Pri.J Pp.J PIIJ Ptl<./ Pi/J PIN Pi/J NOT" USEO NOT USED
P!JJ
IS 14 13 1'2. II 10 0"1 0!!

~
iii
~
.,J
IX)
\lJ
::::,
~
~
...J
tO
~~ u
~
~
I{
~
-.J
tO
~ I'!
~ ~ Fi
~ ~
~
~
~
'g
~
'g
t3
BLUE.
~~ :IE_ l3LU/3; .
FW PttJ PIIJ PIN PIIJ AIJ PtN PIN GAJ./:E GAMe GAMe /..OT LISE:D
1'5 14 13 12 II 10 oq OB I?ESF:T SeLECT I?ESET
$WfTC.H swrrcH SWI1CH

- .
 TRIGGER LINE TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURE

~
o-1:- ~ '5 v (l;l. k t,.,eRe.... , · i). ~ ~,.,,....... ~ ,.)"
A 'l..£> j (~rn.,._,.c/-- ~ r .t!'-
~1'1 "l
vf "'~ ~c:.k~~ ·""-j '
IS +Sv AT A203 IS +Sv AT PIN 6 CHECK/REPAIR
PIN 7 (RIGHT ~-------Y.:;E:::S::........jOF J203 (RIGHT 1--"N.;.::O;__ _ _ _~TRACE LINES FROM:
TRIGGER) AND TRIGGER) OR J202 R225 TO J203,
PIN 9 (LEFT (LEFT TRIGGER)? PIN 6 (RIGHT),
TRIGGER)? NO R226 TO J202,
PIN 6 (LEFT)
YES
REPAIR OPEN TRACE
FROM:
· ~~~~~~~~s~-
R225 TO A203 (RIGHT) cHECK FOR VMO~ .,...d.
IS 4.5-Sv AT
R226 TO A203 (LEFT) (+Sv) AT TOP""OF
A203 PIN 6
R225 (RIGHT) OR
(RIGHT) AND
OR R226 (LEFT)
PIN 10 (LEFT)? NO
SWAP OUT A203 J
YES

L
SWAP OUT A201 IS TRIGGER LINE IS TRIGGER LINE
NOW OPERATING · ~ NOW OPERATING
CORRECTLY? CORRECTLY?
DOES TRIGGER

0:-21
YES. NO YES
LINE NOW WORK YES
F
PROPERLY?
PG A-1
NO F F
PG A-1 PG PG A-1
SWAP OUT
SWAP OUT
1) A200
2) A202 A203

DOES TRIGGER IS TRIGGER LINE

LINE NOW t-"Y'""""E!S_~ NO NOW OPERATING
F
WORK PROPERLY? PROPERLY?
PG A-1
NO

~-
CHECK/REPAIR:
C236, CR202 (LEFT)
C237, CR203 (RIGHT) PG A-1

0
PG A-1

A-21
 ~ ~C-~,~ · ~
BAD VIDEO TROUBLESHOOTING ' 1
REPAIR OPEN TRACE.~Y~~~
j~ --9 DOES UNIT NOW
1 HAVE A PICTURE? PG A-1

NO
USE SWAPOUT ~Wt,rtMJ.Ia.I.,Y.. ~,..tt(,­ DOES A203 HAVE
PROCEDURE TO GOOD Vee (+Sv AT
IDENTIFY BAD BAD MOTHER BOARD PIN 8) AND GROUND
BOARD (AT ?IN 1)?
YES

CHECK R234, C221

·--~--------., &'}Lc..o-'t"'" L.
IS A 4-Sv p-p SIGNAL '-1-SII 1• v· "'
r-.r rA
(t L"Y'/
~------------~AND R233. PRESENT AT R234 ON I
REPLACE AS THE SIDE TOWARD A203? c-J-~.i~vJ' fiW- M. C.A>i:J:
NECESSARY. NO ~ r}....t. . A~?>

EPLACE A203 IS A 4-Sv ..p-p SIGNAL

~--~Y~E~S~PRESENT AT PIN 5 OF

{; vl1 l'tfll & E fr. ')..e-1

IS A PICTURE
NO NOW PRESENT lf~~=-u-~ put-t.r "'- _vu:
ON THE TV? t---..1...---...,...:::.:-.. ~;..a.~ 1/.eNVy.;u.
PG A-22 DOES UNIT NOW HAVE ~
A TES~ PATTE~ ON
THE TV? \
PG
NO
PG A-1
PLACE R22l IS IT
w~ · ,
YES ·v-/ ~.,t\' ~ rl'
f;,r.N .,.., 'l. ~-~
'fe-'1'\JA v"'· \'~t,..
,..,..,.=-o::-::-Jt,-...,...,~-------..., t-!!'•
IS A PICTURE WAP OUT CHECK THAT THE
,.._.-..,......_,NOW PRESENT "-----l 1) A200 TRACE LINE FROM
ON THE TV? 2) A202 A20l PIN 2 IS NOT
PG A-1 SHORTED TO ANOTHER
NO
LINE.

IS A PICTURE NOW
PG -A-i24 ~-----------N_O_,PRESENT ON THE YES
,-
1 TV?
PG A-1

A-22
 PADDLE LINES TEST

PUT SHORTING CHECK TRACE

PLUGS IN. PUT LINES AND
VCS INTO RESISTORS FOR
DIAGNOSTIC OPENS.
MATRIX MODE.
NO

CHECK J202/J203 IS THERE CONTINUITY

FOR A RC WAVEFORM • BETWEEN THE J202
(SEE EX. A-ll). 1-=N.:.:0;__41 OR J203 PIN (SEE
/---..... IS A WAVEFORM CHART) AND THE A201?
PRESENT ON EACH YES
OF THE PINS SHOWN
IN THE CHART
BELOW?
REPLACE CAP (C215-C218)
YES ON THE FAILED LINE.

REPAIR OPEN DOES THE WAVEFORM DOES RC WAVEFORM NOW

TRACE BETWEEN JE:--.-N;.;.O~ APPEAR AT EACH OF AP"PEAR ON THE YES
t-----"~ F
A201 AND THE A201 PINS APPROPRIATE J202 OR
J202/J203 SHOWN IN THE CHART? J203 LINE? PG~

! YES
(SEE CHART BELOW)

DO PADDLE LINES
NON WORK OK?
I NO

SWAP OUT SWAP OUT

1) A201 1) A201
2) A200 2) A200
3) A202 3) A202

DOES PA,DDLE LINE NOW YES

F
WORK?
PG A-1
NO
CONNECTION CHART
A201 J202 J203
PIN PIN PIN CAP PADDLE LINE IS OPEN I , F
PLAYER NO.
-- NO. NO. NO.
-- OR SHORTED. I
1 40 PG A-1
5 C215
2 39 9 C216
3 38 5 C217
4 37 9 C218

A-23
 EXHIBIT A-ll
=
(--:=.-
~
.I
i
-6 I I
i
.
I '
1
i
I
, I
' I
j
-6 r
L , /.I
/:
! i
i
:
!
I :
I
; I 0
; I
, I •
. f : I I ;t I I I
I .J
·! : I I l I ! i I v
IL
I
o 0,1
I I I I i I I I
I I I I I I I I
I

2ms/div.

[dbO ~ Oo lv/div.
Pin 37 and Pin 39
.!".

b8"d
y ~0 ~
0 0
0 0 0~ .) J
r- .. •... .
I .._.:,. ....'·;'I
. • ::

c- ~

/g 0
~
i
'

1/
...,.I-'
I
1.-

l
"""'
I
v f ~
i
lo o oj !
2ms/div.
lv/div.

00
CJ

@0. 0
Pin 38 and Pin 40

~
yfo
~Q 0 0 0 Q0 .JIJ
W.:::~i!U::t.:. · ;
,...- -- ..:;?~;~ ~ ,~: ;:~ ~: :11
!
\ J SIGNAL TRACING CARTRIDGE PROCEDURE

INTRODUCTION
The Signal Tracing Cartridge (STC) is used to easily locate open or
shorted traces in the address and data lines of the 2600. The STC causes
the 6507 microprocessor (A200) to cycle through the entire SK memory
space that it can address while executing "no operation" instructions.
The value of this as a diagnostic aid is that it puts a known signal on
each of the address and data lines which can then be traced to the J200
connector, the TIA chip (A201), and the 6532 RAM chip (A202).

The STC procedure is not easily reduced to a flowchart, so the procedure

is presented as a series of written instructions and charts.

CAUTION: The STC procedure requires three known-good chips and a working
clock circuit. The STC should only be used as a last resort after all
other procedures have been tried.

GETTING STARTED
Insert the STC into the 2600. Turn on the unit. The television screen
should be gray or black. If it is "snowy" it indicates that the VCS is
not modulating and you should return to the start of the Diagnostic
Flowchart. Set the scope sweep to .5 usee/division and set the ve.rtical
to 2 or 5 volts/division.

ADDRESS LINES
Start by checking the address lines at the microprocessor (A200). Check
pins 5-17, starting with pin 5. A signal with a waveform similar to that
shown in Exhibit A-12 should be seen on each address line, with each
suceeding address line's waveform having a frequency half that on the
line before it (in other words, pin 6 should be half the frequency of pin
5). If one or more of the address lines shows no signal, it is likely
that the line is shorted to either ground or +5v. Check all traces and
pins for ~harts. If none are found, one of the three chips or the STC

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
A-24 REV 1
DATA L1!0E:"5 . EXI-I/BIT A -IZ
-oaa) oBz.) oa4
5V
. 5 p. SEC. DIV.
()'/ --~A~--~A~~A~---~
I I

=>V
• 51-A SEC. DIV.
ov

A DOI<ESS LIA...IES

5V

ov - 1~
 EXHIBIT A- J

CONNECTED PINS ON VCS MOTHER BOARD

J - 200 -
A 200 -
A 201 -
A 202
Connected (MPU) (TIA) (RAM)

ADORES s LINES:
8 5 32 7
7 6 31 6
6 7 30 5
5 8 29 4
4 9 28 3
3 10 27 2
2 11 -- 40
1 12 21 38
22 13 -- --
21 14 -- 36
19 15 -- -- ·
20 16 -- --
{
18 17 -- 37
\
DATA L INES:
17 18 34 26
16 19 33 27
15 20 19 28
14 21 18 29
13 22 17 30
11 23 16 31
10 24 15 32
9 25 14 33

Indicates no connection on that line

 itself probably has an internal short. Try swapping out the 6532 RAM,
the TIA, and the 6507 microprocessor, as necessary. As a last resort,
try a new STC, if available.

If all address lines do have signals present, trace those signals to the
present, trace those signals to the other chips and J200. Use Exhibit
A-13 to learn which address lines connect to which pins on the 6532 RAM,
the TIA, and J200. The same signal that is present on each of the
address lines of the microprocessor should also be present on each of the
pins which that address line connects to on the RAM, TIA, and J200. If
~

the same signal is not present, it means that the trace line or solder
joints between the _microprocessor and the dead pin(s) are broken. Check
the trace lines carefully to locate the break.

DATA LINES
The data lines are tested very much like the address lines. The only
difference is the waveform s~en on the data lines is different. Pins 21,
23, and 25 on the 6507 microprocessor will have similar signals (see
Exhibit A-12), but these signals will be different from those appearing
on pins 18, 19, 20, 22 and 24. If any data lines are completely inactive
(simply remaining a constant voltage) it probably means that the line is
shorted to either ground or +5v. Check the traces and pins for shorts.
If none are found, one of the three chips or the STC itself probably has
an internal short. Try swapping the 6532 RAM, TIA, and the
microprocessor, as necessary. Also carefully check J200 for shorts
between pins.

If all address lines do have signals present, trace those signals to the
other chips and J200. Use Exhibit A-13 to learn which data lines connect
to which pins Qn the 6532 RAM, the TIA, and J200. The same signal that
is present on each of the address lines of the microprocessor should also
be present on each of the pins that that data line connects to on the
RAM, TIA, and J200. If the same signal is not present, it means that the
trace line or solder joints between the microprocessor and the dead
pin(s) are broken. Check the trace lines carefully to locate the break.

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
A-25 REV 1
 SYMPTOM CHECKLIST

The Symptom Checklist is designed to assist the experienced technician

arrive at a rapid diagnosis for VCS problems. The checklist is not
intended to replace the Diagnostic Flowchart as the primary
troubleshooting guide, but rather, is designed is supplement the
flowchart.

Symptoms have been divided into six general categories of failure:

0 Logic Failures

0 Video Failures

0 Color Failures

0 Audio Failures

0 Controller Failures

0 Other Failures

Each symptom is accompanied by some possible causes and the best point to
enter the Diagnostic Flowchart to locate the problem.

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
3B-1 REV 1
 LOGIC FAILURES

DIAGNOSTIC
POSSIBLE CAUSES POSSIBLE CAUSES FLOW CHART
SYMPTOM (motherboard) (switchboard) ENTRY POINT
Solid colored A200, A202, A201, AlOl, R.F. Module E , page A-lt
screen X200, Q200, Q201,
open or shorted
Address or Data line

Vertical lines A200, A201, A202, N/A E , page A-ll

J200, open or
shorted Address or
Data line

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
3B-2 REV 1
 VIDEO FAlLURES

DIAGNOSTIC
POSSIBLE CAUSES POSSIBLE CAUSES FLOW CHART
SYMPTOM (motherboard) (switchboard) ENTRY POINT
Snowy screen no power, A203, A101, L101, R.F. D , page A-12
J201, J204 Module, J101

0 .weak picture N/A L101, R.F. Module, AA , page A-14

R.F. Cable

Wrong Grey Bars A201, A203, N/A K , page A-4

R218-R220

2600 - PAL
SEPTENBER 1981
3B-3 REV 1
 COLOR FAILURES

DIAGNOSTIC
POSSIBLE CAUSES POSSIBLE CAUSES FLOW CHART
SYMPTOM (motherboard) (switchboard) ENTRY POINT
No color X200, A201, Q203 LlOl, R.F. Module AD, page A-17.A
Y201, C241

f '·
Only the C208, R211 N/A AD, page A-17A
reference
bar .appears

Color won't R211, C208, C209 N/A AD, page A-ln.

adjust

Weak color C212, C213, R215, R.F. Module, LlOl AD, page A-ln.
Y201, C241, Q203
...•

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
3B-4 REV 1
 AUDIO FAILURES

DIAGNOISTIC
POSSIBLE CAUSES POSSIBLE CAUSES FLOW CHART
SYMPTOM (motherboard) (switchboard) ENTRY POINT

No audio C206, C207, L201 R.F. module S, page A-18

adjustment, Q202 (adjustment)

! ' · ..
Weak audio A201, C206, C207, R.F. module S, page A-18
L201,adjustment, ·(adjustment)
C210

DTC audio A201, A200, A202 N/A N, page A-7

test fails

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
3B-5 REV 1
 CONTROLLER FAILURES

DIAGNOSTIC
POSSIBLE CAUSES POSSIBLE CAUSES FLOW CHART
SYMPTOM (motherboard) (switchboard) ENTRY POINT
Fire button A203, J202, J203, N/A R , page A-21
does not work defective Controller

.~.
Joystick does A202, J202, J203, N/A Q , page A-20
not work defective Joystick

Driving A202, J202, J203, N/A Q , page A-20

controllers defective Controller

Paddle A201, C215-C218, . N/A page A-23

controllers J202, J203,
defective Controller

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
3B-6 REV 1
 OTHER FAILURES

DIAGNOSTIC
POSSIBLE CAUSES POSSIBLE CAUSES FLOW CHART
SYMPTOM (motherboard) (switchboard) ENTRY POINT
Switches A202, C222-C227 S102-S106, JlOl C , page A-10
not working

( '\
'

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
3B-7 REV 1
 CONTROLLER FAILURES

DIAGNOSTIC
POSSIBLE CAUSES POSSIBLE CAUSES FLOW CHART
SYMPTOM (motherboard) (switchboard) ENTRY POINT
Fire button A203, J202, J203, N/A R , page A-21
does not work defective Controller

r~. Joystick does A202, J202, J203, N/A Q , page A-20

not work defective Joystick

Driving A202, J202, J203, N/A Q , page A-20

controllers defective Controller

Paddle A201, C215-C218, N/A page A-23

controllers J202, J203,
defective Controller

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
3B-6 REV 1
 OTHER FAILURES

DIAGNOSTIC
POSSIBLE CAUSES POSSIBLE CAUSES FLOW CHART
SYMPTOM (motherboard) (switchboard) ENTRY POINT
Switches A202, C222-C227 S102-S106, JlOl C , page A-10
not working

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
3B-7 REV 1
The following pages contain descriptions, schematics, and test procedures
for the four game controllers used with the Video Computer System.

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
4-1 ·REv 1
 EXHIBIT 4-1

JOYSTICK

(X-Y) CONTROLLER)

SOURCE
I~~ .I
.
TITLE

NUMBER.
X-X CONTROLLER MSEMBLY
REDESIGN
CA012112
~ 1
REV _. _D_ SHEET _1_ OF _1_

Inside each joystick is a small PC board that has 5 calculator-type

keypads mounted on it. Four of these are positioned beneath the stick in
a square shaped pattern, and the fifth is located beneath the pushbutton.
When the stick is pushed forward, the bottom surface of the stick presses
against the forward keypad, causing it to make contact, and complete the
circuit that is connected to it. In the same way, pushing the stick
back, left and right causes the respective keypad underneath that
position to close and complete the circuit.

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
4-2 REV 1
 X-Y CONTROLLER CHECK

Equipment Needed

1) T.V. Set
2) Known good VCS unit
3) Surround cartridge

Procedure

1) Check for cosemetic damage.

2) Plug in cartridge and plug controller to be tested in the left
player port.
3) Press game select until game #14 appears.
4) Press game reset.

{
5) Move the joystick in the eight possible directions and see that
\
the cursor leave a trail.
6) Press and hold the button down while moving'the cursor on the
screen. The cursor should not leave a trail.
7) The test is now completed.

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
4-4 REV 1
 EXHIBIT 4-3

GAME PADDLE

SOURCE

TITLE PADDLE CONTROT.I.ER ASSEMBI.Y

CX-30 I

NUMBER CA010953-XX I I

c
-I
REV SHEET 1 OF 1

'
Each game paddle consists of 1 Megaohm potentiometer that, when varied,
causes different values to be seen and acted upon by the TIA. Also
contained in the paddle is a simple spring loaded push-to-make pushbutton
switch. There are 2 game paddles connected to each I/0 plug.

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
4-5 REV 1
 EXHIBIT 4-4

PADDLE CONTROLLER SCHEMATIC

"y" CABLE DUAL4 CONDUCTOR

_o_
( 0
BUTTON
CONTROL I
POT I
<~
1 GREEN
VIOLET
COlOSI0
~
PIN 3
~
PIN9
'
~ Vee 5 VOLTS
GND ,
YELLOW
BLACK
" PIN7
v PINS
"' "
....cL
BUTTON
CONTROL2
). BROWN
( 0 (, PIN4
POT2 RED '
PIN 5
"
~ \t:c 5 VOLTS
n TLE
SOURCE
SCJ!EMATIC; HODEL CX-30
GND ~"
y ~U
DUAL POT CONTROLLER
~CO~l0~96~l_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _

REV A SHEET l OF l

(
2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 19 81
4-6 REV 1
 PADDLE CONTROLLER CHECK

Equipment Needed

1) T.V. set
2) Known good VCS unit
3) Casino (Poker Plus) cartridge

~~-
Procedure

1) Check for cosmetic damage.

2) Plug in cartridge and plug controllers to be tested into the
left player port.
3) Press game reset.
4) Press the button on one of the controllers. A pair of numbers
should appear.
5) By turning the knob the numbers should go between 20 and 200 by
a step of 20. The numbers should not advance greater than a
step of 20.
6) Repeat steps 3, 4, & 5 for the other controller.

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
4-7 REV 1
 EXHIBIT 4-5

DRIVING CONTROLLER

i
SOURCE i
nTLE

N1JMI! ER
REV . _ _
D_
DRIVING CONTROLLER ASSEMBLY
CX-20
CAOl 08 66-XX
SREE:T l OF 1
' ' I
i

The heart of the driving controller is a switching device that generates

a full 2 bit grey code for each quarter turn of the controller knob.
Unlike the non-linear resistive game paddles, the driving controller
gives the user precise linear positional control over the complete
turning range of the knob. As with the game paddles, there is a simple
push-to-make pushbutton switch located on the side of the controller.

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
4-8 REV 1
 EXHIBIT 4-6

DRIVING CONTROLLER SCHEMATIC

TRUTH TABLE A
PIN 2 PIN4 C0~2 4
f-o

~
0 WHITE _,
PIN I
0

-
X 1--
X COI0802
BLUE
4 PIN2
BLACK
'.,
GNO.
... PINS
__c:]_
y - I ORANGE _,
PINS
ACCELERATOR
2 BIT GRAY CODE
y '-"
CLOCKWISE ROTATION
X. NO CONNECTION
0 GND NOTES• UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED
t. OCCURS 4 TIMES PER REV.
I . PIN I and 3-ARE INTERNALLY CONNECTED
ON COI0802

souaa
SOIDUTIC: HODEL CX-20
ST£EI1 MC (DalYlNC) COiftWJLL!I
C010960
U:V _ ._ SHUT -····-l _ Of _l

~Ei! ~ .r e:if6ii:i!iii!~§:~
.cc ·~ f40 ...... 1.!t.U vss

r!:::::: ..:iiiiiii
_.,.

. ;-----. l F
F
-~

:-;-.- ]l
•l -
•
· -- ctze~t~
..,.,. .
••
,•
....._
7

H~==
. -

The output of both the grey code generator and the pushbutton switch is
detected by the 6532 causing the program to respond accordingly.

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
4-9 REV 1
 DRIVING CONTROLLER CHECK

Equipment Needed

1) T.V. set
2) Known good VCS unit
3) Indy 500 cartridge

Procedure

1) Plug in Indy 500 cartridge and plug in driving controller to be

tested in left hand port.
2) Press game reset switch.
3) Turn controller knob and insure that car turns in the same
direction as the knob. Insure that car doesn't skip position

'
or wobble between positions. There should be 16 different
l"··-,
positions for the car.
4) Press down on the knob and lightly wiggle it back and forth.
The car should not move at all.
5) Press down on the red button. The car should move forward.
,r----.,
6) If the controller fails any of the above tests it is defective'.

(
2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
4-10 REV 1
 EXHIBIT 4-7

KEYBOARD CONTROLLER

SOURCE

nTLE KEYBOARD CONTROLLER ASSEMBLY

ex-so
Nt!MBER CA0ll932
REV _B_ SHEET _ 1 _ OF _1_

The keyboard controller is a 12 button calculator-type switch array that

functions like a small computer keyboard. When one of the pushbuttons is
pressed, the corresponding set of sense lines is closed, completing the
circuit.

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
4-11 REV 1
 EXHIBIT 4-9

KEYBOARD SCHEMATIC
R302
4.7K
A -
"'"'"' l ~'it: ~~f6W
. '!301
4:71<
+----~f--------+-----G"'-R.;;;;EE;;;:;N;.;..__-K, PIN5
VIOLET PIN7
51
52
.,.
"2"
53 • 3"
"4"
t-------t-----W.:..:..:....:.H:....:.IT-=E'--~-<, PINS 54
"5"
55
't----__::.G:...:;~c...:.;~'----+<~ PINS 56 "6"
"7"
57
BROWN , PINI 58 •a•
59 •g•
RED PIN2 510 •••
.~. 511 •o•
ORANGE PIN 3 512 •••
YELLOW , PIN 4

'---+-----=B:=LU:.:E=--.---1-<, PINS
CONTROLLER <4-----t----. CABLE
- SOUICE

ttTL! SCHEMATIC: HODEL CX-SO

UlflV!RSAL lEYBOA.RD
NUKI!a CA.Ol2253
REV _<_ SHEET _z_ OF _z_

(
\ICC AZ02 (40PINI 65SZ VS5

r;""GHO
4
-
-
'
2
I
J202
•
5
',
'-
"';".!lHO
4
s --
2
J20S I

"5
'
-- 1

The closure is detected by the 6532, and appropriate action is taken by

the program.

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
4-12 REV 1
 KEYBOARD CONTROLLER CHECK

Equipment Needed

1) T.V. set
2) Known good VCS unit
3) Brain Games cartridge
4) One good keyboard controller

Procedure

1) Check for cosmetic damage.

2) Plug in Brain Games cartridge and plug the known good keyboard
into the right-hand plug.
3) Plug the controller to be tested into the left-hand plug.
4) Press game select until game #19 appears and press game reset.
5) If an audio tone sounds the controller is defective.
6) Starting with the "1" key, press the keys in the following
order: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, *, O, 11. Each key should
generate a tone lower than the key before it.
7) Test is completed.

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
4-13 REV 1
 PARTS LIST: ACCESSORIES

Item Part Number Description

1 CA012994-03 X-Y Controller

2 CA012760-06 Paddle Controller
3 CA012759-03 Driving Controller
4 CA012758-0l Keyboard Controller
5 CA010112 Switch Box
~. 6 CA014034 A.C. Adapter

PARTS LIST: ACCESSORIES

Item Part Number Description

1 CA012287 Mother Board (PAL)

{
'(.
2 CA012233 Switch Board

PARTS LIST: CONSOLE PARTS

Item Part Number Description

1 C010307-01 Console Top
2 C016398 Console Base
3 CA010873 Bezel Assembly
4 COI0812 Cartridge, Socket Pad
5 A003647 Coaxial Cable Assembly
6 C012243 Rear Panel Label
7 C011960 Connector Cover
8 C010813 Switch Dust Cover
9 88-1004 Rubber Foot
10 C010776 Dust Cover
11 C010313 Casting

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
5-l REV 1
 PARTS LIST: X-Y PIECE PARTS

Item Part Number Description

1 C012107 Top Cover

2 C012116 Handle
3 C012109 Boot
4 C012114 Fire Button
5 C012951 Spring
(~ 6 C012108-02 Bottom Case
7 CA015396 Printed Circuit Board
8 CA014058 Cable
9 C012110 Retainer Ring

PARTS LIST: PADDLE PIECE PARTS

..
f'·
i"<. Item Part Number Description

1 C010737 Top Cover

2 C012766 Paddle Label
3 C010810 Cable
4 C010464 Pot, 1 Megaohm
5 C010457 Knob
/'~\
6 C010738 Bottom Cover
7 C010739 Button

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
5-2 REV 1
 PARTS LIST: ~1other Board CX2600 ,PAL #CA012287, REV. F

rem Part .Number ty. DESCRIPTION

1 ZC-001 4 CAP CER DISC .luf, C219,210,220,242 . :~
2 2B-Q07 12 II
" II
.01uf, C200,202,208,205,214,239,240,223,
THRU 227
3 2B-008 12 11
" " .OOluf, C203,209,222,238,228, THRU 235
4 2A-008 2 II II " 47pf, C212,211
5 2A-018 2 " " " 22pf, C213,243
6 2B-004 2 " " II 220pf. C237 ,236
7 2B-009 "1 II " " 150pf, C221
8 21-101683 4 CAP MYLAR DIPPED, . 068uf, 100V, C215 THRU 218
9 C010821 3 CAP POLYSTYRENE, 820pf, C206,207,241
10 C010336 1 CAP ELECTROLYTIC 4.7uf, C201
11 21-101104M 1 CAP MYLAR DIPPED, .luf, 20%, C204
12 2B-011 1 CAP CER DISC 56pf, C244
13
RES. CAR l/4W, 18K ohm, R209,233
14
1h
14-5183
14-5270
2
1 .. ... " 27 ohm, 5%, R200
1t. 14-5101 2 It ... " 100 ohm, 5%, R202,205
17 .14-5221 1 " II
" 220 oh~, 5%, R204
18
19 14-5471 2 " " " 470 ohm, 5%, R201,237
20 14-5102 5 " " " 1 K ohm, 5%, R212,214,216,208,235
21 14-5182 6 " '' " 1800 ohm, 5%, R203 ,227 THRU 231
22 14-5332 4 " " " 3300 ohm, 5%, R218 THRU 221
23 14-5472 3 " " " 4700 ohm, 5%, R207,232,239
11
24 14-5682 2 "
11
6800 ohm, 5%, R215,238
25 14-5912 1 " " " 9100 ohm, 5%, R210
26 14-5103 4 " " " 10 K ohm, 5%, ~225,234,226, 236
27 14-5123 1 " " " 12 K ohm, 5%, R222
28 14-5243. 3 " " " 24 K ohm, 5%, R223,217,206
29 14-5473 1 " " " 47 K ohm, 5%, R224
30 19-411504 1 POTENTIOMETER 500 K ohm, R211
31 31-1N914 2 DIODE 1~914, CR200,201
32 33-2N3906 2 TRANSISTOR 2N3906, Q200 ,201
33 34-2N3563 l TRANSISTOR 2N3563, Q202
OR 34-MPS3563 TRAI.~SISTOR HPS3563, Q202, (alt. for item 33)
3/~) C010816 1 40SOB HEX BUFFER, A203
35 C010745 1 6507 (CPU), A200
36 C010750 1 6532 (RIT), A202
37 C011903 1 CUSTOM I.C. (TIA) STELLA, A201
38 C010334 1 COIL 5.6uh, L203
39 C012749 1 COIL 1: 5uh, L204
40 C010823 1 12 1/2 TURN COIL, L201
41 C012285 1 CRYSTAL 3.546894 MHZ, Y200
42 C010978 1 COIL 1uh, L200
43 CA010808 1 CARTRIDGE SOCKET ASSEMBLY
44 C010887 1 CARTRIDGE SOCKET ASSEMBLY AID
45 C010448 2 9 PIN CONTROLLER SOCKET, J202,203 (SEE NOTE 1.)
46 C014386-08 1 28 PIN I.C. SOCKET
47 C014386-09 2 40 PIN I.C. SOCKET
48 C012776 1 RIBBON CABLE (ALTE&~ATE NOTED)
49 79-5918 1 3.Smm JACK, J204
50 COi6035 2 RIVET
51 C012284 1 CRYSTAL 4.433618 MHZ, Y201
52 C015925 1 COIL • 82uh L202
53 34-2N3904 1 Transistor 2N3904, Q203
54 C012283 1 P.C.B
55
(NOTE 1.) ALTERNATE FOR ITEM 45 IS C010727.
 PARTS LIST: Switch Board CX2600 #CA012233, REV. I

Item Part Number Qty. DESCRIPTION

1 2B-007 2 CAP. CER. DISC .01ufd, +20%, SOVDC, C101,C102

2 21-101224M 1 CAP. MYLAR .22uf, +20%,-100VDC, C103 .
3 C01437.2 1 CAP. ELEC. SPECIAL-4.7uf +100%, -10%, 35WVDC, C105
4 C014373 1 CAP.. ELEC. AXIAL 16 V 2 200uf, -10%, +50% , Cl06
5
6 C010820 2 CHOKE, 15uh STAND UP, L101,Ll02
7 C010819 1 REG. 78 MOS (T0-220), Al01
8 C~012174 1 a.F. MODULE ASSY.
9 C010373 4 SWITCH DPDT - SLIDE, S101,S102,S103,S104
10 C010388-XX 2 SWITCH DPST- SPRING RETURN, S105,S106
11 C014778-03 1 12 PIN IN-LINE SOCKET, J101
12 C011695 1 HEAT SINK
13 C010301-05 1 JUMPER 22AWG. 5/10n LONG
14 C012173 1 P.C.B. FABRICATION
15 C012241 1 SWITCH SPDT, S107
16 C012242 ALTE~A1'E FOR ITEM.l5
17 C010173 ALTERNATE FOR ITEM 16
{ 18
19 79-5903 1 PHONO SOCKET, Jl02
20 75-6604C 1 SCREW 116 x 1/4" LG. SHT METAL SCREW, TYPE "B"
PHIP. PAN (ALTERNATE LISTED)
21 78-06024 ALTERNATE FOR ITEM 12 (C011695)
22 72-1406F .ALTERNATE FOR ITEM 20
23 75-99514 NUT, KEP 4-40 (SEE NOTE 1)
24 78-16001 A/R · HEATSINK COMPOUND (DOW #340)

NOTES:
1. ITEM 23 REQUIRED ONLY IF ITEM 22 IS USED.
 INDEX

AUDIO TONES 3-4, A-7

BATTERY ELIMINATOR 1-2
BLOCK DIAGRAM 1-2
COLOR BAR TEST 3-3
CONSOLE 1-1
0 DEFECTIVE RAM PROCEDURES 3-3, A-1
DIAGNOSTIC MATRIX 3-4
DISPLAY, NO A-1
DRIVING CONTROLLER 4-8
GREY BAR TEST 3-4
JOYSTICK 4-2
KEYBOARD CONTROLLER 4-11
MOTHER BOARD 1-2, 2-2, 2-3
MPU 1-2
OPTION SWITCHES 1-2
PADDLE CONTROL LINES 3-5
PADDLE CONTROLLER 4-5
PARTS LIST 5-1
~\
I POWER SUPPLY 1-2, 2-4, 2-5
RAM, DEFECTIVE PROCEDURES 3-3, A-1
/ RAM, I/0 1-2
RF CABLE 1-2
RF MODULE 1-2
RIBBON CABLE 1-2

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
6-1 REV 1
 { TECHNICAL . TIPS

TECH TIP lfl

Green J200

On early production 2600's the J200 is green. We found that it is a very

unreliable connector after many insertions. This will appear to you as a
game that sometimes will not work with a cartridge. Replace the
connector.

TECH TIP 112

Audio Failures
On Audio Failures the primary suspects are the two polystyrene caps
C206/C207 on 2600A (C206 and C207). By putting pressure on the sound
caps the audio may come on again. Always replace both caps when you
replace one.

TECH TIP 113

Molex Sockets
~
I

Chip sockets made by Molex may have a low retention value in some cases.
This may cause an intermittent color or graphics problem. All sockets
with insertion aids should have the insertion aid removed and the chip
reinserted.

TECH TIP 114

Floating Ground on 2600

If. the ground signal has a lot of noise on i t (approx. 1 v.) chec.k
continuity on pins 3, 6, and 10 on the J101.

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
7-1 REV 1
 TECH TIP #5

Indy 500

If a unit works on everything except Indy 500 then pin 23 of the A202 is
probably shorted to a data line.

TECH TIP fl6

~·. Power Jacks

All power jacks should be tested for a snug fit . When the game is on,
lightly move power plug in a small circle, if the picture goes off,
replace the jack with a new one.

TECH TIP f/7

9-Pins

Check all 9-Pin connectors (J202, J203) for pushed or broken pins.
Replace all showing problems.

TECH TIP #8
r--,
R-220

Check that R220 is properly soldered. If they aren't, they will cause
intermittent gray bar problems.

TECH TIP #9

Solder Check

Check solder on the following components: C210, C211, C203, C220, C212,
C208, and C209. Long miscues on these caps prevented them from being
soldered properly, causing intermittent problems on the board.

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
REV 1
 TECH TIP /110

Hex Buffers

The· 4050 (A203) on the 2600 should be one of the first things checked for
any of the following problems: any trigger problem, no Sync., lose of
lum lines. This is a very high percentage of many returns.

TECH TIP 1111

~· J201 and J101 on the 2600

Both of these connectors should be checked for a good, secure fit.

TECH TIP /112

Cocked Switches

Inspect switches on 2600 switchboard to insure that they set flat and
perpendicular to the board. Reset all switches that do not meet these
requirements.

TECH TIP /113

r--,
f •

1200 and Chicklets on 2600

Be sure when assembling the motherboard into the casting that the 1200
and chicklets are back under the shroud of the casting.

TECH TIP /114

1201

Make sure the 1201 core has a snug fit when the 5.5 MHz audio carrier
frequency is set, or else the core may slip in handling. Also, some 1201
cores will be frozen or cracked in the jacket. Replacement is necessary
for these only if the audio carrier frequency cannot be adjusted to 5.5
MHz. ·

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
7-3 REV 1
( TECH TIP #15

Reassembly

When assembling the 2600 motherboard into casting make sure C220 and C239
are pushed away from J200 shroud.

TECH TIP !116

Excess Lead Length

Check lead length on model 2600 Taiwan games. Trim excessive lead length
on the bottom of the motherboard to avoid shorting on casting.

TECH TIP !117

Joysticks

All early production joysticks with springs should be replaced with new
( joystick controllers.

TECH TIP !118

R.F. Frequency

If a customer complains of incompatibility between the unit and various

televions receivers the R.F. carrier frequency may be slightly detuned.

2600 - PAL
SEPTEMBER 1981
7-4 REV 1
 CUSTOMER COMPLAINT CODES

•
(
Complaint '
Code
li -·;,· ..i
~
• I !

No picture COl
No sound C02
No color C03
Fuzzy or intermittent picture C04
r '·. Game only - no TV C05
- Erratic game play C06
Cord/cable loose or broken · C07
Controller fires by itself COB
Controller inoperative or erratic C09
Reset switch inoperative ClO
Channel 2-3 switch inoperative Cll
Sides of image missing C12
)
Damaged/broken console C13
Damaged/broken accessories C14
( ·

() {

( EXHIBIT A
 REPAIR CODES

( Every invoice requires a repair code of four digits. The first three
represent the system or sub-system and are listed below. The last or fourth
digit is either~ or 2 dependent on the operation performed. The 1
11 11 11 11

should be used when a part or assembly, described by the first three digits,
is replaced. The 2 should be used when a part or assembly is adjusted
11 11

or when no part is used (e.g., 9-pin plug replaced is 0151 or when its pins
are straightened or adjusted is 0152).
Repair Code Description
010 Motherboard
011 RAM Chip
012 MPU Chip
013 TIA Chip
014 Hex Buffer
015 Nine-Pin Plug
016 Power Jack
017 Ribbon Cable
018 Crystal
019 Audio Tuning Inductor (L201)
020 Audio Capacitor (C206 or C207)
() 021 Defective Cartridge Socket (J200)
022 Color Delay Pot R-211 (2600)
("'"',
. .' ' 023 Other Motherboard

100 Switchboard
101 Regulator-Power Supply
102 R.F. Module
103 Ribbon Socket
104 Slide Switch
105 Reset Switch
106 Select Switch
107 Color Adjust Pot R-213 (2600A)
108 ~ R-F Cable

( ) 109 12-Pin Socket

110 Other Switchboard (

EXHIBIT B
 Page -2-
RE: REPAIR CODES

( Repair Code Description

200 Console Top
201 Console Base
202 Bezel
203 Other Housing

300 Battery Eliminator

301 T.V. Switchbox
302 Game Cartridge
303 X-Y Controller
304 X-Y Retainer Ring
305 X-Y Rubber Foot
306 X-Y Handle
307 Fire Button
308 X-Y P.C. Board
309 X-Y Cable
310 Paddle Con~roller
311 Paddle Control Knob
( 312 Paddle Button
313 Paddle 1 Meg. Pot
314 Paddle Switch Assembly
315 Driving Controller
316 Driving Controller Button
317 Driving Controller Pot
318 Driving Controller Switch Assembly
319 Keyboard Controller
320 Keyboard P.C. Board

()
(

1
EXHIBIT B (CONT D)