Atari 2600: Difference between revisions
Note the 78M05 / 7805 discrepancy between Atari's parts list and the CX-2600A schematic |
Link the documentation page for each cited manual, keeping the File: link as the direct download |
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== How the machine is built == | == How the machine is built == | ||
Atari's field service manual divides the console into two assemblies, and knowing which is which saves a great deal of time when diagnosing:<ref name="fsm2600">Atari, Inc., ''Video Computer System Field Service Manual — Domestic Model 2600/2600A'', Consumer Product Service, Sunnyvale, California. Section 1, game console description; Section 2, silkscreens, schematics and switchboard variations; Section 3, model modifications; Sections 4–7, diagnostic flow charts and the Diagnostic Test Cartridge; Section 8, CX2600 and CX2600A parts lists; Section 9, service bulletins and tech tips. Hosted here as [[:File:Atari 2600 and 2600A Field Service Manual.pdf]].</ref> | Atari's field service manual divides the console into two assemblies, and knowing which is which saves a great deal of time when diagnosing:<ref name="fsm2600">Atari, Inc., ''Video Computer System Field Service Manual — Domestic Model 2600/2600A'', Consumer Product Service, Sunnyvale, California. Section 1, game console description; Section 2, silkscreens, schematics and switchboard variations; Section 3, model modifications; Sections 4–7, diagnostic flow charts and the Diagnostic Test Cartridge; Section 8, CX2600 and CX2600A parts lists; Section 9, service bulletins and tech tips. Hosted here as [[Atari 2600 and 2600A Field Service Manual]] ([[:File:Atari 2600 and 2600A Field Service Manual.pdf|PDF]]).</ref> | ||
* '''Switchboard''' (6-switch machines). Carries the player-option switches, '''the entire power supply''' — regulator, filter capacitors and the on/off switch — and the RF modulator. Unregulated DC arrives here from the external supply, which Atari calls the "battery eliminator". +5 V is routed through a filter to the RF modulator and to the motherboard. | * '''Switchboard''' (6-switch machines). Carries the player-option switches, '''the entire power supply''' — regulator, filter capacitors and the on/off switch — and the RF modulator. Unregulated DC arrives here from the external supply, which Atari calls the "battery eliminator". +5 V is routed through a filter to the RF modulator and to the motherboard. | ||
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== Video and audio timing == | == Video and audio timing == | ||
Figures from Atari's ''Stella Programmer's Guide'':<ref name="stella">Steve Wright, Atari, Inc., ''Stella Programmer's Guide'', 3 December 1979. Sections on TV display basics, the TIA and the 6532 PIA. Hosted here as [[:File:Stella Programmers Guide.pdf]].</ref> | Figures from Atari's ''Stella Programmer's Guide'':<ref name="stella">Steve Wright, Atari, Inc., ''Stella Programmer's Guide'', 3 December 1979. Sections on TV display basics, the TIA and the 6532 PIA. Hosted here as [[Stella Programmers Guide]] ([[:File:Stella Programmers Guide.pdf|PDF]]).</ref> | ||
* An NTSC frame is '''262 scan lines''': 3 lines of VSYNC, 37 of VBLANK, 192 of picture and 30 of overscan. | * An NTSC frame is '''262 scan lines''': 3 lines of VSYNC, 37 of VBLANK, 192 of picture and 30 of overscan. | ||
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== Service documentation == | == Service documentation == | ||
* [[ | * [[Atari 2600 and 2600A Field Service Manual|Atari 2600/2600A Domestic VCS Field Service Manual]] ([[:File:Atari 2600 and 2600A Field Service Manual.pdf|PDF]]) — parts lists, schematics, flow charts and service bulletins | ||
* [[ | * [[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]]) | ||
* [[Stella Programmers Guide|Stella Programmer's Guide]] ([[:File:Stella Programmers Guide.pdf|PDF]]) | |||
== Related pages == | == Related pages == | ||