Atari 5200: Difference between revisions

Fix controller test (430 kOhm, not 100); add Atari diagnostic error codes, symptom checklist, tech tips 12-14/17; later-board cap parts; replace uncited PAL/price/'asterisk' claims with sourced statements; copyedit
 
(4 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 2: Line 2:
| name        = Atari 5200
| name        = Atari 5200
| image        = [[File:Atari-5200-4-Port-wController-L.jpg|250px]]
| image        = [[File:Atari-5200-4-Port-wController-L.jpg|250px]]
| caption      = Atari 5200 4-port model with controllers (1982)
| caption      = Atari 5200 four-port model with a CX52 controller
| manufacturer = Atari, Inc.
| manufacturer = Atari, Inc.
| type        = Home video game console
| type        = Home video game console
| release date = November 1982 (4-port)<br>May 1983 (2-port)
| release date = 1982 (four-port; shipped October 1982)<ref name="faq8" /><br>1983 (two-port)<ref name="fsm5200" />
| discontinued = 21 May 1984
| cpu          = Custom 6502 (Atari C014806) at U2/A2
| price        = US$269 (1982)
| memory      = 16 KB DRAM
| cpu          = MOS 6502C "Sally" @ 1.79 MHz
| storage      = ROM cartridge
| memory      = 16 KB RAM
| display      = ANTIC + GTIA
| storage      = ROM cartridge (4 KB - 32 KB)
| sound        = POKEY, 4 channels
| display      = 384 × 240 pixels maximum, 256 colors (16 hues × 16 luminance)
| os          = BIOS ROM (Atari C019156) at U8/A8
| sound        = POKEY 4-channel PSG
| dimensions  = 330 mm W × 260 mm D × 95 mm H
| weight      = 2.0 kg (4-port)
| os          = 2 KB BIOS (1 KB character ROM)
| predecessor  = [[Atari 2600]]
| predecessor  = [[Atari 2600]]
| successor    = [[Atari 7800]]
| codename    = PAM, Super Stella, Video System X
| model        = CX5200
| model        = CX5200
}}
}}


The '''Atari 5200 SuperSystem''' is a home video game console released by Atari, Inc. in November 1982. Based on the architecture of the Atari 8-bit computer line, the system features the 6502C processor running at 1.79 MHz alongside the custom ANTIC, GTIA, and POKEY chips. The console was discontinued on May 21, 1984, after selling approximately 1 million units.
The '''Atari 5200 SuperSystem''' is a home video game console made by Atari, Inc. Atari announced it in June 1982 and shipped it in October 1982.<ref name="faq8">Michael D. Current (ed.), ''Atari 8-Bit Computers: Frequently Asked Questions'', comp.sys.atari.8bit FAQ, last modified 29 November 2009, history timeline for 1982. [http://www.faqs.org/faqs/atari-8-bit/faq/ faqs.org]. Community reference.</ref> It uses the custom chips of the Atari 8-bit computers (ANTIC, GTIA and POKEY) with a modified 6502.<ref name="fsm5200" /> Atari's service manual covers NTSC units only; its power-up test treats a PAL GTIA as the wrong part for the unit.<ref name="fsm5200" /> The 5200 FAQ notes that the later boards have space for PAL circuitry.<ref name="faq5200">Keita Iida (ed.), ''Atari 5200 SuperSystem Frequently Asked Questions'', version 3.3, 9 April 2001, sections 4.8 (differences between the 2-port and 4-port models) and 4.11 (logic board IC functions). [http://www.atarihq.com/5200/5200faq/ atarihq.com]. Community reference.</ref>
 
Atari's ''CX5200 Field Service Manual'' is the primary source for most of the detail below.<ref name="fsm5200">Atari, Inc., ''CX5200 Field Service Manual'', FD100127 Rev. 4, July 1983 (ECN 0036, 21 June 1983, adds the 2-port model). Section 1 (board differences, pp. 1-1 to 1-8), Section 2 (silkscreens and schematics), Sections 3 and 3A (testing with the Diagnostic Cartridge version 1.1; Table 3-1 error codes, p. 3-9), Sections 4 and 4A (diagnostic flowcharts), Sections 5 and 5A (symptom checklists), Section 6 (game controller, pp. 6-1 to 6-13) and Section 8 (parts lists). Hosted here as [[Atari CX5200 Field Service Manual]] ([[:File:Atari CX5200 Field Service Manual.pdf|PDF]]).</ref>
 
== The three main boards ==
 
Atari's manual describes three main boards. Unless it says otherwise, the manual refers to the original board, and it warns that chip designators change from U to A on the later boards.<ref name="fsm5200" />


== System Architecture ==
<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />
<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:100%;"
! Sub-system !! Specification
|+'''Production boards'''
|-
! Board !! Ports !! Designators !! Identification !! Differences
| '''CPU''' || MOS 6502C "Sally" @ 1.79 MHz<br>Custom 6502 variant with HALT line for DMA operations
|-
| '''Graphics''' || GTIA (CO14805 NTSC / CO14889 PAL)<br>256 colors from palette of 256 (16 hues × 16 luminance)
|-
| '''Display Controller''' || ANTIC (CO12296)<br>Alphanumeric Television Interface Controller<br>Hardware display list processing, character/bitmap generation
|-
| '''Audio/I/O''' || POKEY (CO12294)<br>4-channel square wave/noise generation<br>Keyboard scanning, serial I/O, timers
|-
|-
| '''RAM''' || 16 KB (8× 4516 DRAM chips @ 150ns)
| CA018087 (original four-port) || 4 || U1–U29 || || Needs retrofit kit CA023019 to work with the CX55 VCS cartridge adaptor
|-
|-
| '''ROM''' || 2 KB BIOS (CO19156A)<br>1 KB character set, 1 KB boot/initialization code
| CA020108 (four-port "universal") || 4 || A1–A28 || Serial number on the base has a + as its third character, e.g. AT+213 || U4 and U15 (74LS244) removed; U14 and U28 replaced by a 74LS125 at A14 and a 74LS51 at A15; provision for the VCS cartridge adaptor added
|-
|-
| '''Video Modes''' || 14 display modes<br>Text: 40×24, 20×24, 20×12 characters<br>Graphics: 320×192 (2 colors), 160×192 (4 colors), 80×192 (16 colors)
| CA021374 (two-port) || 2 || A1–A28 || Two controller ports || As the universal board, plus: ports 3 and 4 and their components removed; A12 and A13 removed; manual switchbox and standard RF cable; the power adaptor plugs into the console
|-
| '''Sprites''' || 4 players (8 pixels wide) + 4 missiles (2 pixels wide)<br>Hardware collision detection
|-
| '''Controller Ports''' || 4 ports (4-port model) or 2 ports (2-port model)<br>Analog joystick with 12-key keypad support
|}
|}


== Memory Map ==
The manual counts 28 ICs on CA018087, 26 on CA020108 and 24 on CA021374.<ref name="fsm5200" />
<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />
 
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:center;"
== Integrated circuits ==
|+'''6502C Address Space'''
! Range !! Size !! Purpose
|-
| $0000-$3FFF || 16 KB || RAM
|-
| $4000-$BFFF || 32 KB || Cartridge ROM space
|-
| $C000-$C0FF || 256 bytes || GTIA chip registers
|-
| $D400-$D5FF || 512 bytes || ANTIC chip registers
|-
| $E800-$E8FF || 256 bytes || POKEY chip registers
|-
| $F800-$FBFF || 1 KB || Character set ROM
|-
| $FC00-$FFFF || 1 KB || System ROM/BIOS
|}


== Custom Chip Registers ==
<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />
<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:80%; text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:95%;"
|+'''Key Hardware Registers'''
|+'''Chip locations'''
! Chip !! Address Range !! Function
! Function !! Device !! CA018087 !! CA020108 / CA021374
|-
|-
| '''GTIA''' || $C000-$C01F || Player/missile graphics, collision detection
| Microprocessor || Custom 6502, Atari C014806 || U2 || A2
|-
|-
| || $C020-$C02E || Color palette registers
| Display processor || ANTIC, Atari C012296 || U3 || A3
|-
|-
| || $C02F || Console keys (Start/Select/Option)
| Graphics || GTIA, Atari C014805 || U5 || A5
|-
|-
| '''ANTIC''' || $D400-$D40F || Display list, DMA control, interrupts
| Sound, pots, keypad scan || POKEY, Atari C012294 || U7 || A7
|-
|-
| || $D410-$D5FF || Hardware scrolling, display mode
| BIOS ROM || Atari C019156 || U8 || A8
|-
|-
| '''POKEY''' || $E800-$E80F || Audio frequency/control registers
| Reset and video buffer || 4050B || U1 || A1
|-
| || $E810-$E81F || Paddle/keyboard input, serial I/O
|}
 
== Model Variants ==
<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:90%; text-align:center;"
|+'''Production Models'''
! Model !! Years !! Ports !! PCB !! Key Features
|-
|-
| '''4-Port Original''' || 1982-1983 || 4 || CA018087 || Combined power/RF switchbox, controller storage
| Address decode || 74LS139 || U6 || A6
|-
|-
| '''4-Port Universal''' || 1983 || 4 || CA020108 || CX55 2600 adapter compatible (with asterisk serial)
| Keypad multiplexers || 4052 || U9–U13 || A9–A13 (A12, A13 absent on the two-port)
|-
|-
| '''2-Port''' || 1983-1984 || 2 || CA021374 || Separate power supply, standard RF switch, CX55 compatible
| DRAM address multiplexers || 74LS258 || U16, U17 || A16, A17
|}
 
The 4-port models use a unique switchbox that combines RF output with power delivery through a single cable. The 2-port model reverted to a conventional separate 9V DC power adapter and standard RF switch box.
 
== Motherboard Revisions ==
<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:90%; text-align:center;"
! PCB Number !! Controller Ports !! ICs !! Notes
|-
|-
| CA018087 || 4 || 28 || Original design, not CX55 compatible without modification
| RAM, eight 16K × 1 DRAMs || Atari C018082 || U18–U25 || A18–A25
|-
|-
| CA020108 || 4 || 26 || Universal board, late units with asterisk serial support CX55
| Power on/off latch || 4013B || U29 || A26
|-
|-
| CA021374 || 2 || 24 || Cost-reduced, natively supports CX55 2600 adapter
| +5 V regulators || 78M05 (Atari C014348) || VR1, VR2 || VR1, VR2
|}
|}


== General Maintenance ==
Locations and part numbers are from Atari's parts lists and schematic;<ref name="fsm5200" /><ref name="schem5200">Atari, Inc., ''Atari 5200 Programmable Video Game System'' schematics: sheet 1 (processing, I/O, ROM and RAM) and sheet 2 of 2 (RF switchbox, modulator and power supply), 23 February 1983. See [[:File:Schematic Atari5200 4000.png]] and [[:File:Schematic Atari5200 RFSwitchbox 2000.png]].</ref> the functions are from the 5200 FAQ and the Console5 TechWiki, both secondary sources.<ref name="faq5200" /><ref name="console5-5200">Console5 TechWiki, [https://wiki.console5.com/wiki/Atari_5200 "Atari 5200"], chip info and capacitor list. Secondary source (a capacitor-kit vendor's component list).</ref>
{{Main|Atari 5200 General Maintenance}}


The Atari 5200 requires periodic maintenance to address controller degradation and RF modulator oxidation. The non-centering analog controllers are prone to flex circuit failure and require regular cleaning of the carbon contacts with isopropyl alcohol. The 4-port model's combined power/RF switchbox frequently develops cold solder joints that cause intermittent power loss. Controller storage compartments should be kept clean to prevent dust accumulation on the exposed controller ports.
The schematic draws the RAM as MB8118-12 with the note "typical 8 chips", and the ROM at U8 as "4096 × 8". The 5200 FAQ lists MK4516 RAMs and describes the ROM as a 2 KB BIOS holding the character set.<ref name="schem5200" /><ref name="faq5200" />


== Troubleshooting Guide ==
== Power ==
{{Main|Atari 5200 Troubleshooting Guide}}


Common failures include blank screens from dirty cartridge edge connectors, controller drift from worn potentiometers, and power issues in 4-port models from faulty switchbox connections. The POKEY chip (CO12294) can fail causing loss of controller input or audio. Video problems often stem from failed GTIA (CO14805) or aging electrolytic capacitors. The 7805 voltage regulators run hot and may require heatsink replacement or upgraded thermal compound.
=== Four-port: power through the switchbox ===


== Capacitor Replacement ==
The original and universal four-port consoles have no power connector of their own. Power and RF share one cable to the CX522 switchbox, which also contains a relay that switches the television between aerial and console.<ref name="fsm5200" /><ref name="schem5200" />
{{Main|Atari 5200 Capacitor Replacement Guide}}


Critical capacitors include the main filter capacitors near the voltage regulators and various bypass capacitors throughout the board. The 4-port models contain larger filter capacitors due to the switchbox power design. All electrolytic capacitors should be replaced with 105°C rated equivalents. The styrene capacitors used for audio coupling are particularly failure-prone and should be replaced with polystyrene or ceramic types.
* The power pack is the CX521 AC/DC power adaptor, Atari C018187, output 9.3 V DC at 1.95 A.<ref name="fco5200">Atari, Inc., ''Atari 2600 and Atari 5200 Field Change Orders, Upgrade Bulletins, Tech Tips'': Tech Tip 6 (CX5200 power adaptor, 17 November 1982), Tech Tip VCS 7 (Rockwell 6502, 20 January 1983), Tech Tip VCS 8 (controller boots, 20 January 1983), Tech Tips 9 and 10 (knob puller, fire button, 8 April 1983), Tech Tip 12 (6 June 1983), Tech Tip 13 (7 July 1983), Tech Tip 14 (8 July 1983), Tech Tip 17 (2 August 1983), and Upgrade Bulletins 01 and 01A (7 July 1983, 16 January 1984). Hosted here as [[Atari 2600 and 5200 Field Change Orders and Tech Tips]] ([[:File:Atari 2600 and 5200 Field Change Orders and Tech Tips.pdf|PDF]]).</ref> It is a linear supply: a transformer, an MDL-5 fuse, a bridge rectifier and a 3300 µF 25 V reservoir, all inside the pack.<ref name="schem5200" />
* Atari's Tech Tip 6 warns not to use an HCD power adaptor with the CX5200, as it will damage both the adaptor and the switchbox.<ref name="fco5200" />
* The switchbox select switch has two positions: NORMAL, which lets the console switch the television automatically when the power switch is pressed, and STANDBY, which allows television viewing while the console is on.<ref name="fsm5200" />


== Power Supply ==
=== Two-port ===
The power requirements differ between models:
* '''4-Port Models:''' 9.3V AC @ 3.5A via switchbox
* '''2-Port Models:''' 9V DC @ 1.95A via barrel jack (5.5mm × 2.1mm, center positive)


Internal regulation provides:
The two-port console takes its own adaptor (Atari A.C. adaptor assembly CA021673) into a power jack at the rear of the case, and uses a manual switchbox.<ref name="fsm5200" />
* '''+5V:''' Logic supply via dual 7805 regulators (VR1, VR2)
* '''Unregulated:''' Direct to analog circuits


Both voltage regulators should measure 4.85-5.15V output. Heat sinking is critical as regulators run at elevated temperatures.
=== Inside the console ===


== Controller System ==
Regulation is by two +5 V regulators, VR1 and VR2, on a heatsink assembly (CA019069 on the original board, CA020161 on the later boards). Atari's parts list gives the device as a 78M05 (C014348); the schematic prints LM340T-5. Each regulator works with an MJE-210 power transistor (Q6, Q7), and a +9 V source is taken from the supply as well as the +5 V rails.<ref name="fsm5200" /><ref name="schem5200" />
The 5200 controllers use analog potentiometers for X/Y positioning with a 12-button keypad matrix and dual fire buttons. Key specifications:
* '''Potentiometers:''' 500KΩ linear taper
* '''Keypad:''' 4×3 matrix scanned by POKEY
* '''Flex Circuit:''' Carbon traces on mylar substrate
* '''Connection:''' 15-pin connector per port


The non-centering design uses a rubber boot instead of springs, leading to the notorious control issues. The flex circuits deteriorate over time, causing button failures.
Readings from Atari's four-port snowy-screen flowchart (p. 4-9):<ref name="fsm5200" />


== Cartridge Slot ==
<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />
The 36-pin edge connector accepts cartridges up to 32 KB:
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:85%;"
* '''Standard 4K/8K:''' Direct mapped
! Test point !! Expected !! If wrong
* '''16K:''' Two 8K banks
|-
* '''32K:''' Four 8K banks (rare)
| Core of J3 (power/RF input) || 10–12 V DC || RF cable, switchbox or power pack
|-
| Input of VR2 || +12 V ||
|-
| Pin 13 of U29 (A26), the 4013 latch || Changes between 13 V and 0 V when the power switch S2 is pressed || Power latch circuit (flowchart D2, p. 4-11)
|-
| Pin 3 of the RF module || +5 V || L13, the RF module, or an open to VCC2
|}


Unlike the 2600, the 5200 cannot use bank-switching schemes beyond basic 32K mapping due to BIOS limitations.
The two-port chart (p. 4A-10) checks for the LED, +5 V at the output of VR2, at least +7 V DC at its input, and the base-to-emitter drop of Q7 (0.7–1.0 V).<ref name="fsm5200" />


== Video Output ==
=== The cartridge carries a +5 V link ===
The system generates composite video internally, output through RF modulator on channel 2 or 3:
* '''Horizontal:''' 228 color clocks per line
* '''Vertical:''' 262 lines (NTSC), 312 lines (PAL)
* '''Frame rate:''' 59.92 Hz (NTSC), 49.70 Hz (PAL)
* '''Color burst:''' 3.579545 MHz (NTSC)


Common modifications include composite and S-Video output by tapping signals from the GTIA chip.
The schematic marks a link between J1 pins 36 and 18 as "jumper in plug-in ROM cartridge", joining the two halves of the supply.<ref name="schem5200" /> A 5200 with no cartridge fitted is therefore not fully powered, which matters when probing a "dead" console with an empty slot.


== Audio System ==
== Capacitors ==
POKEY generates four independent audio channels:
* '''Frequency control:''' 8-bit divisor
* '''Volume:''' 4-bit per channel (0-15)
* '''Waveforms:''' Pure tone, polynomial noise
* '''Clock source:''' 1.79 MHz or 64 kHz


Audio output is mixed to mono and routed through the RF modulator or can be tapped for line-level output modifications.
The 5200 has one aluminium electrolytic, C45, whose value depends on the board:<ref name="fsm5200" /><ref name="console5-5200" />


== Common IC Identification ==
<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />
<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:90%;"
! Atari Part !! Function !! Location
! Ref !! CA018087 (original four-port) !! CA020108 and CA021374 !! Type
|-
| CO14806 || 6502C CPU || A2/U2
|-
|-
| CO12296 || ANTIC || A3/U3
| C45 || 4700 µF 25 V (Atari C016033) || 47 µF 25 V (Atari C020121) || Electrolytic, radial
|-
|-
| CO14805 || GTIA (NTSC) || A5/U5
| C41, C42, C119, C144 || 10 µF 20 V || 10 µF 20 V || Tantalum, axial
|-
|-
| CO14889 || GTIA (PAL) || A5/U5
| C13, C14 || 820 pF 25 V || 820 pF || Polystyrene (C018621; an auto-insertable part, C018261, on the later boards)
|-
|-
| CO12294 || POKEY || A7/U7
| C43, C44 || 0.22 µF 100 V || 0.22 µF 100 V || Polyester, radial
|-
|-
| CO19156A || ROM/BIOS || A8/U8
| C19, C99–C106 || 0.047 µF 100 V || 0.047 µF 100 V (two-port: C19, C99, C100, C105, C106 only) || Polyester, radial
|}
|}


== Controller Port Pinout ==
The rest are ceramic axials. Each column is from that board's own parts list.<ref name="fsm5200" />
 
== Diagnostics ==
 
Atari's test cartridge for the 5200 is the Diagnostic Cartridge version 1.1, used with a Port Board (loop-back board) that makes it cycle through all its tests automatically. The menu keys are 1 Any Video, 2 Color Bars, 3 Gray Bars, 4 Port Test, 5 Pokey Adjust, 6 Tone Test, 7 RAM Test and 8 Verify OS ROM. The power-up screen shows NTSC if the GTIA is the right part for the unit.<ref name="fsm5200" />
 
<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />
<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:70%; text-align:center;"
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:85%;"
|+'''15-pin Controller Connector'''
|+'''Diagnostic error codes (Atari Table 3-1)'''
! Pin !! Signal !! Function
! Code !! Failure
|-
|-
| 1 || Keypad Row 0 || Keyboard matrix scanning
| 0–7 || RAM chips 1–8: U25, U24, U23, U22, U21, U20, U19, U18 in that order
|-
|-
| 2 || Keypad Row 1 || Keyboard matrix scanning
| 8–11 || Ports 1–4, keyboard data
|-
|-
| 3 || Keypad Row 2 || Keyboard matrix scanning
| 12–15 || Triggers 0–3
|-
|-
| 4 || Keypad Row 3 || Keyboard matrix scanning
| 16–19 || Soft fire 0–3
|-
|-
| 5 || Keypad Column 2 (Reset) || Reset button input
| 20, 21 || Serial port 0, 1 (not used)
|-
|-
| 6 || Keypad Column 0 || Keyboard matrix scanning
| 22–29 || Pot lines 0–7
|-
|-
| 7 || +5V || Power supply
| 30 || OS ROM (U8)
|}
 
If a RAM chip swap does not cure a RAM error, Atari swaps U15, U16, U17 and U28 on CA018087, or A14–A17 on CA020108.<ref name="fsm5200" />
 
<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:100%;"
|+'''Four-port symptom checklist (Atari Section 5)'''
! Symptom !! Possible causes
|-
|-
| 8 || Keypad Column 1 || Keyboard matrix scanning
| Solid coloured screen || U7, U2, U3, U5, Y1, Q1, Q2, VR1
|-
|-
| 9 || POT0 (Horizontal) || X-axis potentiometer
| Vertically lined screen || J1, U2, U3, U5, U7, open or shorted data or address line
|-
|-
| 10 || POT1 (Vertical) || Y-axis potentiometer
| Snowy screen || VR2, U29 (A26), RF module
|-
|-
| 11 || +5V || Power supply
| Warped picture (sync loss) || RF module, U1, U5, U3
|-
|-
| 12 || Fire Button (Bottom) || Secondary fire button
| No colour || U5, Q3, C9, C11, Y1
|-
|-
| 13 || Fire Button (Top) || Primary fire button
| Weak colour || Q3, C11, C9, R29, R32
|-
|-
| 14 || Ground || Common ground
| Audio failures || U7, Q4, C14, C13, L1
|-
|-
| 15 || NC || Not connected
| Only a few tones fail || U7
|-
| Joystick does not work || Port, U5, U7, C91–C106, R106–R113
|-
| Keypad does not work || Port, U9–U12
|-
| Fire button does not fire || Port, U5, R114–R117, C107–C110
|}
|}


== Technical Specifications Summary ==
The colour adjustment is R8, set in the colour bar test so that the bars above and below the reference line are within one shade; the POKEY adjustment is R132, set so that port 1 horizontal reads 112 ± 1 on the Pokey Adjust screen.<ref name="fsm5200" /> Details are on the [[Atari 5200 General Maintenance]] page.
* '''Clock Speed:''' 1.79 MHz (NTSC), 1.77 MHz (PAL)
* '''Colors:''' 256 (16 hues × 16 luminance levels)
* '''Resolution:''' Up to 384×240 overscan, 320×192 standard
* '''Sprites:''' 4 players + 4 missiles, hardware collision detection
* '''Sound:''' 4-channel square wave/noise generation
* '''Controllers:''' Analog with 360° non-centering movement


== Service Information ==
== Controllers ==
Service documentation is available in the CX5200 Field Service Manual. The system uses all through-hole components except for some RF modulator sections. Common replacement parts:
 
* '''7805 voltage regulators:''' Standard TO-220 package, 1A minimum
The CX52 controller (Atari CA018107, all models) has an analogue joystick with two potentiometers, a 12-key keypad, two fire buttons on each side and three select buttons (START, PAUSE, RESET).<ref name="fsm5200" /> The keypad, fire buttons and select buttons run through a flex circuit.
* '''Power jack (2-port):''' 5.5mm × 2.1mm barrel connector
 
* '''Controller port connectors:''' 15-pin card edge
Atari's controller tests:<ref name="fsm5200" />
* '''Cartridge connector:''' 36-pin (2×18) edge connector
 
* With a console: on the Pokey Adjust screen, port 1 horizontal and vertical should read less than 25 with the stick at position 1 and more than 190 at position 2, and change evenly between them.
* Without a console: through the cable, pins 11 and 9 and pins 10 and 9 should read no more than 50 kΩ at position 1, and at least 430 kΩ more at position 2. Buttons read open when released and less than 50 kΩ when pressed.
* Pot alignment: with the arm off the wiper shaft, set the pot to 5–20 kΩ between terminals 2 and 3, refit the arm in position A of Atari's Figure 6-4, and repeat the cable test. If it still fails, replace the pots, and if the pots have already been replaced, replace the actuator plates, which come as a set with the slide block.
 
The stick does not centre itself. Atari published a boot replacement procedure with a revised top case (Tech Tip VCS 8), a knob puller tool FC100214 (Tech Tip 9) and a firmer replacement fire button C020501 (Tech Tip 10).<ref name="fco5200" />
 
== Factory changes and tech tips ==
 
* Rockwell 6502 MPUs with date code 8250 and later (stamped RC) have a timing defect. Atari's factory change adds an R–C network on the component side at U14A pin 1 and U6A pin 4; it need not be removed when another MPU is fitted (Tech Tip VCS 7).<ref name="fco5200" />
* On CA018087 boards, a blank dark screen or a garbled screen, sometimes only when the board is flexed near J1, can be a solder bridge between the A0 address trace and the feed-through pad of the REF line near J1 (Tech Tip 12).<ref name="fco5200" />
* Signetics 74LS258 chips at A16 and A17 on the later four-port and two-port boards can corrupt RAM data, giving a scrambled screen or no video. The fix is a second 390 pF capacitor in parallel with C145 and a 470 Ω resistor from C137 to R134, or replacement with another maker's 74LS258 (Tech Tip 13). Some two-port units were built with 74LS158s at A16/A17 and matching board changes (Tech Tip 17).<ref name="fco5200" />
* Paddle jitter on CA018087 boards comes from ripple on the POKEY supply and a weak ground at U7 pin 1. The fix is a 10 µF tantalum capacitor across U7 pins 1 and 17 and an extra ground jumper (Tech Tip 14).<ref name="fco5200" />
* Original CA018087 boards need retrofit kit CA023019 for the CX55 VCS cartridge adaptor. Atari's procedure solders wires to pins 24, 30 and 11 of J1 and warns that if the red jumper wire is grounded, the 5200 power adaptor will burn out (Upgrade Bulletins 01 and 01A).<ref name="fco5200" />
 
== Cartridge slot ==
 
The cartridge socket J1 is a 36-contact (18/36) board-mounted connector.<ref name="fsm5200" /> Its pins 18 and 36 carry the +5 V link described above.<ref name="schem5200" />
 
== Maintenance and repair ==
 
* {{Main|Atari 5200 General Maintenance}}


== Schematics ==
== Schematics ==
Line 252: Line 222:
|+Atari 5200
|+Atari 5200
!Motherboard
!Motherboard
!Control Panel
!RF Switch Box and Power Supply
!RF Modulator
!Accessories
|-
|-
|[[File:Schematic Atari2600 Console PAL.png|thumb|315x315px|Atari 2600 Console Schematic - PAL]]
|[[File:Schematic Atari5200 4000.png|thumb|315x315px|Atari 5200 Console Schematic]]
|[[File:Schematic Atari2600 Control Panel PAL.png|thumb|Atari 2600 Control Panel Schematic - PAL]]
|[[File:Schematic Atari5200 RFSwitchbox 2000.png|thumb|Atari 5200 RF Switchbox and Power Supply Schematic]]
|[[File:Schematic Atari 2600 Modulator PAL.png|thumb|Atar i2600 Modulator Schematic - PAL]]
|[[File:Schematic Atari5200 Accessories 2000.png|thumb|Atari 5200 Accessories Schematic]]
|}
|}


== Related Pages ==
== Service documentation ==
 
* [[Atari CX5200 Field Service Manual]] ([[:File:Atari CX5200 Field Service Manual.pdf|PDF]]): parts lists for all three boards, schematics, flowcharts, symptom checklists and controller service
* [[Atari 2600 and 5200 Field Change Orders and Tech Tips|Atari 2600 and 5200 Field Change Orders, Upgrade Bulletins and Tech Tips]] ([[:File:Atari 2600 and 5200 Field Change Orders and Tech Tips.pdf|PDF]])
 
== Related pages ==
* [[Atari 5200 General Maintenance]]
* [[Atari 5200 General Maintenance]]
* [[Atari 5200 Troubleshooting Guide]]
* [[Atari 5200 Capacitor Replacement Guide]]
* [[Atari 2600]]
* [[Atari 2600]]
* [[Atari 7800]]
 
== References ==
<references />
 
{{Navbox-AtariConsoles|state=collapsed}}


[[Category:Atari Systems]]
[[Category:Atari Systems]]