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2600/2600 A .
VCS DOMESTIC (M/N)
Field Service
Manual
FD100133
Rev. 02
ATARI®
E. C.R. NO. 0021
ATARI, INC.
Consumer Product Services ENGINEERING CHANG E. REQUEST
84.5 W. Maude Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94041 Latest
DATE REQUESTE R PART NO. REV.
1-21-83 S. Doyle FD100133 02
PART TITLE REASON FOR CHANGE REQUEST:
2600/2600A VCS DOMESTIC FSM Error in Flowchart s and Parts Lists
DESCRIPTI ON OF CHANGE:
Replace pages 4-25 · 6-21, 8-3 and 8-7 with the attached corrected pages.
Replace cover page with new (Rev. 02) cover page.
Retain this ECN as a record of these changes.
--~-------.---~------.-.-----.-.---
ENGINEER ING
REASON FOR
CHANGE
CHANGE
REQUESTE R- PLEASE
DENIAL OR COMMENTS:
COMPLETE ABOVE DOTTED LINE · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
PARTS DISPOSITION:
( ~EE '[) ES" t' It Ip 7"IDAI)
ENGINEERING CHANG E NOTICE
WHEN
E.C. A.
SIGNATURES AND LC.N.
BECOMES AN E.C.N.
NO. ARE PRESENT THIS E.C.N. NO. 0021
ATARI
V I D E O C O M P U TE R S Y ST E MTM
FIELD SERVICE MANUAL
MODEL 2600/2600A DOMESTIC (M/N)
Atari believes that the information described in this manual is accurate and reliable, and much
care has been taken in its preparation. However, no responsibility, financial or otherwise, shall
be accepted for any consequences arising out of the use of this material. Information contained
herein is subject to change. Revisions may be issued to advise of such changes .and/or additions.
Correspondence regarding this document should be forwarded to Manager of Technical Support,
Consumer Product Service, Atari, Incorporated, 8t,.5 W. Maude Sunnyvale, California 94086.
2600/2600A Domestic VCS
Table of Contents
Section Title
INTRODUCTION vii
THEORY OF OPERATION 1-1
Introduc tion 1-1
Overview 1-1
Game Console 1-2
Outer Casting 1-2
Switchbo ard 1-3
Motherb oard 1-4
2600A Model Differen ces - All Revisions 1-5
2600A Model Differen ces - Revisions 14 and 15 1-6
2600A Model Differen ces - Revisions 16 and up 1-6
Summary 1-7
2 SCHEMA TICS AND SILKSCREENS 2-1
3 TESTING AND TROUBLESHOOTING 3-1
Equipme nt Requirem ents 3-1
Test Procedu res and Methods 3-2
2600 Model Modifica tions 3-2
2600A Model Modifica tions 3-6
Testing with the Diagnost ic Test Cartridg e 3-7
(Version 2.6)
lnitialization 3-7
RAM Test 3-8
Color Bar Test 3-9
Gray Bar Test 3-10
D'iagnostic Matrix Test 3-11
Audio Tones Test 3-13
Paddle Control Lines Test 3-14
4 2600 DIAGNOSTIC FLOWCHART 4-1
5 SYMPTOM CHECKLIST 5-1
2600 Symptom Checklis t 5-2
2600A Symptom Checklis t 5-5
6 2600A DIAGNOSTIC FLOWCHART 6-1
7 GAME CONTROLLERS 7-1
Overview 7-1
Joystick (X-Y) Controll er 7-1
Joystick (X-Y) Controll er Check 7-3
Paddle Controll er 7-4
Paddle Controll er Check 7-5
Driving Controll er 7-6
Driving Controll er Check 7-7
Keyboar d Controll er 7-8
Keyboar d Controll er Check 7-10
8 ATARI CX2600 (M/N) PARTS LIST 8-1
AT ARI CX2600A (M/N) PAR TS UST 8-5
iii 2600/2600A Domesti c VCS
Table of Contents
Section
9 SER VICE BULLETINS 9-1
List of illustrations
Figure ~ Page
1-l 2600 Functional Diagram l-l
1-2 2600 Game Console l-2
1-3 2600 Switchboard and Motherboard Assembly 1-3
l-4 TV Sw itchbox 1-4
1-5 2600A Game Console 1-5
1-6 2600A Board Layout 1-6
2-l 2600/2600A IC Pinouts 2-3
2-2 2600 Motherboard Silkscreen 2-4
2-3 2600 Channel 3 Switchboard Silkscreen 2-6
2-4 2600 Channel 3 Switchboard Schematic 2-7
2-5 2600 Channel 2-3 Switchboard Silkscreen 2-8
2-6 2600 Channel 2-3 Switchboard Schematic 2-9
2-7 2600A Motherboard Silkscreen (Revs. 1-13) 2-10
2-8 2600A Motherboard Silkscreen (Revs. l 4 and 15) 2-11
2-9 2600A Motherboard Silkscreen (Revs. 16 and up) 2-12
Inserted in Front Pocket of Notebook:
2600 Motherboard Schematic
2600A Motherboard Schematic (Revs. 1-13)
2600A Motherboard Schematic (Revs. 14 and 15)
2600A Motherboard Schematic (Revs. 16 and up)
3-1 2600 Trigger Circuitry with Static Modification 3-3
3-2 2600 Static Modification Zener Diode 3-4
3-3 Location of Colored Dot Over Trace 3-4
3-4 2600 Switchboard Static Modification 3-5
3-5 2600A (Revs. 1-13) Static Modifications 3-6
3-6 Switch Initialization Positions 3-7
3-7 Defective RAM Patterns 3-8
3-8 Color Bars Screen 3-9
3-9 Gray Bars Screen 3-10
3-10 Diagnostic Matrix Screen (Shorting Plugs OUT} 3-11
3-11 Diagnostic Matrix Screen (Shorting Plugs IN) 3-12
3-12 Audio Tone Test Screens 3-13
iv 2600/2600A Domestic VCS
List of illustrations (Continued)
Figure Title Page
4-1 Switch Initialization Positions 4-35
4-2 Color Bars Screen /.i.-36
4-3 Defective RAM Patterns /.i.-37
4-4 Gray Bars Screen l/.-38
4-5 Defective Gray Bars Screen 4-39
·4-6 Diagnostic Matrix Screen (Shorting Plugs OUT) 4-40
4-7 Diagnostic Matrix Screen (Shorting Plugs IN) 4-41
4-8 Diagnostic Matrix Screen with Defective Pattern 4-42
4-9 Audio Tone Test Screens l/.-43
4-10 RC Waveforms 4-44
4-11 STC Address Line Waveforms l/.-46
4-12 STC Data Line Waveforms 4-46
7-1 Joystick (X-Y) Controller 7-1
7-2 Joystick (X-Y) Schematic 7-2
7-3 Paddle Controller 7-4
7-4 Paddle Controller Schematic 7-5
7-5 Driving Controller 7-6
7-6 Driving Controller Schematic 7-7
7-7 Keyboard Controller 7-8
7-8 Keyboard Wiring Diagram 7-9
7-9 Keyboard Schematic 7-9
List of Tables
Title Page
4-1 Connected Pins on VCS Motherboard /+-47
V 2600/2600A Domestic VCS
INTRODUCTION
The Video Computer System TM (VCS) Field Service Manual is organized in nine
sections:
· THEORY OF OPERATION - overview of how the VCS works and what the
basic assemblies look like.
· SILKSCREENS AND SCHEMATICS - electrical drawings and layouts of the
printed circuit boards.
· TESTING AND TROUBLESHOOTING - overview of the procedures for
testing and repairing the VCS unit.
· 2600 DIAGNOSTIC FLOWCHART - thorough flowchart enabling the
technician to test and troub.leshoot a defective 2600 unit.
· SYMPTOM CHECKLIST - for the experienced technician, a list of the high
failure parts and the flowchart entry point for that particular problem.
· 2600A DIAGNOSTIC FLOWCHART - thorough flowchart enabling the
technician to test and troubleshoot a defective 2600A unit.
· GAME CONTROLLERS - overview of hand controller construction with
electrical schematics and recommended test and repair procedures·
.
· PARTS LIST - detailed breakdown of all parts used in both the 2600 and
2600A.
· SERVICE BULLETINS - section to be used to hold service bulletins released
by the 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 Diagnostic Flowcharts (Sections If. and 6) provide detailed diagnostic
and repair procedures for technicians who are not yet completely familiar with the
VCS. The Symptom Checklist (Section 5) provides a fast repair reference for the more
experienced technician.
vii 2600/2600A Domestic VCS
SECTION l
THEORY OF OPERATION
INTRODUCTION
There are currently four types of AT ARI Video Computer Sy.stems. The original model
(2600) is composed of two PC Boards connected by a 12-pin ribbon cable with the
motherboard surrounded by a heavy aluminum casting.
The other models (2600A: Revisions 1-13, Revisions 14--15, and Revisions 16 and up)
are composed of a single board with a light aluminum shield. The single board models
differ slightly in the video output circuitry. Component differences are:
· Revisions 1-13 have no diodes on TIA lines L.\11 and Sync.
· Revisions 14-15 have diodes and pull-up resistors on TIA lines LMl and
Sync.
· Revisions 16 and up include the above mentioned diodes and resistors as
well as a timer chip. ·
The revision level is etched directly on the PC board.
OVERVIEW
The ATARI Video Computer System (VCS) Models 2600/2600A are state-of-the -art
microcompu ters. They receive instructions for the operation of different games from
individual Read-Only-M emory game cartridges and interpret data from the players'
hand-held controllers. They also allow game players to select both a specific version
,_
of each game and the player difficulty (on a per player basis). Figure 1-1 is a block
diagram of the functional flow of the VCS Model 2600. Section 7 describes the player
controllers. ·
,__ r------ -,
,-----. .__
r--- ----, I ;l:0?,'"' I
I
'
I
t
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IA!lle Rl'-tor
__ _______ _______ __ J I
... __
, _,,
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llOVAC
Figure 1-1. 2600 Functional Diagram
1-1 2600/2600A Domestic VCS
GAME CONSOLE
The VCS game console is composed of an outercasti ng that houses the switchboard and
the Rf. radiation shielded' motherboard.
OUter Ca.sting
The casting· consists of three pieces of plastic (see l'igure 1-2). The pieces include the
base, which holds the switchboa rd and motherboard assembly; the top; and the bezel.
Figure 1-2. 2600 Game Console
1-2 2600/2600A Domestic VCS
Switchboard
The switchboard assembly holds the player option switches, the power supplv, and the
RF modulator (See Figure 1-3). ·
· PLAYER OPTION SWITCHES
Switches Sl0l thru S104 are double-pole, single-throw. Switches Sl05 and
Sl06 are double-pole, double-throw. All switches are connected between
the switchboard and the motherboard by 12-conductor flexible ribbon
cable.
· POWER SUPPLY
The power supply is composed of a +5 voltage regulator, filter capacitors,
and the power on/off switch. Unregulated DC is supplied to the board from
the battery eliminator. A supply of +5 volts is routed through a filter
circuit to the RF modulator. The motherboard also receives its power (+5
volts Vee) from the switchboard via the same 12-conductor ribbon cable
referenced above.
· RF ~OOULA TOR
The RF modulator. converts the signal received from the Television
Interface Adaptor chip on the motherboard to a frequency that a television
can receive and interpret. Data between the RF module and the Television
Interface Adaptor chip is passed via the 12-conductor ribbon cable which
connects the motherboard to the switchboard. A coaxial cable passes this
signal from the RF module to the switch box mounted on the bad< of the
television.
....
....
----
..,.
Figure 1-3. 2600 Switchboard and Motherboard Assembly
1-3 2600/2600A Domestic VCS
Motherboard
The motherboard is composed of a PC board containing a microprocessor (MPU) chip, a
combination Random Access Memory - Input/Output (RAM-I/0) chip, and a Television
Interface Adaptor (TIA) chip (see Figure 1-3). The board also contains numerous
capacitors, resistors, transistors, and other assorted electronic components. These
parts are all listed in Section 8, PAR TS LIST.
· MICROPROCESSOR CHIP
The heart of the VCS is the 6507 microprocessor chip (MPU). This device
makes decisions for the VCS based upon information it receives from the
game cartridge and the RAM-l/0 (discussed in the next paragraph).
· RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY-INPUT/OUTPUT CHIP
Temporary storage of data from the MPU is provided by the 6532 Random
Access Memory-Input/Output (RAM-I/0) chip. This chip also scans the
option switches and the joystick I/0 lines for information and maintains
time accounting for the MPU.
· TELEVISION INTERFACE ADAPTOR CHIP
This ATARI proprietary chip generates audio and video signals which are
required by the RF modulator. The Television Interface Adaptor (TIA) chip
also contains the analog-to-digital converter circuitry that allows the MPU
to understand signals originating in the hand-held paddle controllers.
TIA outputs are processed by additional circuitry into a composite video,
sound, and color signal which is routed to the RF module on the switch-
board via the 12-conductor ribbon cable. The RF module converts the
composite signal to a RF signal acceptabl~ to the television. A coaxial
cable transmits this RF signal from the console to a selection box that can
be mounted on the T.V. This switchbox (Figure 1-4) allows you to display
either a signal received by the antenna (for normal T.V. viewing) or a signal
from the VCS (for playing a game).
Figure 1-4. TV Switchbox
1-4 2600/2600A Domestic VCS
2600A MODEL DIFFERENCES - ALL REVISIONS
The major difference between the newer single board VCS (2600A) and the original
VCS (2600) is that all of the components formerly on the switchboard are now located
on the motherboard (See Figure 1-5). This includes the player control function
switches (Power ON/OFF, COLOR/SW, GAME SELECT and GAME RESET), RF
modulator and power supply circuitry. The single board design eliminates the need for
the ribbon cable, which connected the switchboard to the motherboard on the 2600
vcs.
Gone, too, are the luminescence and RF output buffers and the two TIA input buffers,
all of which were contained in chip A203. In the oscillator circuit, one of the
transistors and its associated network has been eliminated and R227-R230 (paddle
control lines} are no longer present. C239, going to pin 7 on J202 and J203, has been
replaced by C236 and C237 (See Figure 1-6).
Figure 1-5. 2600A Game Console
1-5 26.00/2600A Domestic VCS
Figure 1-6. 2600A Board Layout (Revs 1-13)
In addition to the component changes, the physical location of several parts has also
been changed. Instead of having the right and left difficulty switches placed on top of
the game, they are located at the rear of the console next to the game controller
plugs. The channel selector switch is also located at the rear of the console. The
game cartridge socket is no longer angled, but is mounted vertically on the board.
2600A MODEL DIFFERENCES- REVISIONS IIJ AND 1.5
Revisions 14 and 1.S contain the model differences described above, and in addition
have new components on the TIA lines, LM 1 and Sync. There are two 1N914 diodes to
prevent feedback on the lines and two additional pull-up resistors to insure the signal
is at +5v. To compensate for any signal loss, R215 and 217 have been changed to 47K
(R21.5) and 24K (R217).
2600A MODEL DIFFERENCES - REVISIONS 16 AND UP
. Revisions 16 and up contain the model differences described above; they also include a
timer chip (A205) added to the reset circuitry of the MPU chip. This chip eliminates
the problem of power-on reset failures.
2600/2600A Domestic VCS
SUMMARY
The VCS is a microcomputer that receives its operational instructions from game
cartridges, the game console, and player controllers. The 2600 switchboard and
motherboard assemblies are housed within an outer casting and are the principle
assemblies addressed in the remainder of this manual. The boards are connected by a
12-conductor ribbon cable which passes not only power, but also data between the two
boards.
Three chips of the motherboard allow for the interaction between the game and the
player. These chips are the microprocessor (MPU), the Random Access Memory-
Input/Output (RAM 1/0), and the Television Interface Adapter (TIA) chips.
The 2600A model differs primarily in the location of the components formerly located
on the switchboard. They are attached directly to the motherboard and eliminate the
need for the switchboard and the ribbon cable. The 2600A Revisions 14 and up include
even further additional components to improve the performance of the output
circuitry.
1-7 2600/2600A Domestic VCS
SECTION 2
SILKSCREENS AND SCHEMATICS
On the following pages are represen tative silkscree ns and switchbo ard schemat ics
for
the ATARI Video Compute r System. The motherb oard schemat ics for all 2600/2600A
VCS models are located in the pocket at the front of this binder. Minor variation s in
design may be encounte red depending on the producti on date of the game, but these
schemat ics provide all details required for an in-depth understa nding of all 2600 units,
including the various 2600A model revisions··
2-1 2600/2600A Domesti c VCS
NOTES
2-2 2600/2600A Domestic VCS
0
VOL TAG! REGULA TOR NAT. L.'A3"0
(Top View) T.l. i1Mo,c
In gnd OU'C
40 21
c:::::::~: : : : ~]
1 20
A20 l and A202
(Top View)
2t::::::::::J
1 14
A200
(Top View)
A203
(Top View)
,-pin version
(O,anneJ 2 ar 3)
P-,n I~ 111
Pin I RFMad. I
I RF ModuJatat
(Top View)
I,,) l
3-pin versian
I I
(Oianne1 2 ar 3) RF Modulatar
Pin RFMod. (Top View)
Pin
Cathode
-a:::>- Anode Diode
Figure 2-1. 2600/2600A IC Pinouts
2-3 2600/2600A Domestic VCS
Figure 2-2. 2600 Motherboard Silkscreen
2-4 2600/2600A Domestic VCS
The following variations may appear on the 2600 switchboa rd:
CHANNEL 3 SWITCHBOARD:
Cl02 may or may not be in pJace.
Cl03 and/or ClOt,. may or may not be in place.
C1_03 and/or C104 may be mylar dipped .22 uf.
Cl03 and/or Cl04 may be ceramic .Oluf (See Figures 2-3 and 2-4).
CHANNEL 2 OR 3 SWITCHBOARD:
The holes on the PC board for the GAME RESET and GAME SELECT
switches may not be wide enough apart for the switch legs. To correct this
the legs of the switch must be bent in so they fit into the holes (See Figures
2-.5 and 2-6).
2-.5 2600/2600A. Domestic VCS
~
\J
D
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~00
"2 0
-
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Figure 2-3. 2600 Channel 3 Switchboard Silkscreen
2-6 2600/2600A Domestic VCS
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Figure 2-4. 2600 Channel 3 Switchboa rd Schematic
2-7 2600/2600 A Domestic VCS
·0 8o
II\
Figure 2-5. 2600 Channel 2-3 Switchboard Silkscreen
2-8 2600/2600A Domestic VCS
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2-11 2600/2600A Domestic VCS
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VI
SECTION 3
TESTING AND TROUBLESHOOTING
EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
You require eight basic pieces of equipment in order to analyze failures in the
2600/2600A Video Computer Systems (VCS). These items include:
· A 15 MHz oscilloscope
· A Video Computer System switchboard assembly that is known to be
operating properly (not required for repairing 2600A units)
· A Video Computer System diagnostic test cartridge, version 2.6 (OTC)
· Two blue controller port shorting plugs for use with the 2.6 (OTC)
diagnostic cartridge
· Signal Tracing Cartridge (STC or KLUGE)
· VCS Field Service Manual for Domestic Model 2600/2600A
· Color television set (properly adjusted)
· Frequency Counter
3-1 2600/2600A Domestic VCS
TEST PROCEDURES AND METHODS
Atari requires each 2600/2600A model returned for service to be checked for certain
conditions. In some instances, a unit must be modified to conform to Atari standards.
These changes are summarized below.
2600 MODEL MODIFlCA TIONS
· Each 2600 model opened ~ be modified as shown in Fi~ure 3-1 to
provide additional protection from static discharge.· A Zener diode is
connected between the tri!~ger lines and ground, and static strips are
placed on the switches on the switchboard (See Figures 3-l, 3-2 and 3-4).
These modifications are crucial to prevent component damage due to static
discharge.
· Each connector and plug should be checked for a tight, secure fit.
Intermittent failures frequently result from a loose connector or plug.
· Connectors J202 and J203 should be checked for pushed or broken pins.
· If the unit has a green J200 connector, insert cartridge and wiggle it. If
the unit shows intermittent problems, replace J200.
· Each board with Molex chip sockets with insertion aids should have the
insertion aids removed and the chip reinserted.
· Check that all components (especially those on the perimeter of the
motherboard) are properly soldered. Check for broken or shorted trace
lines.
· Check for an inductor and capacitor over C20 l and R206. Cut the inductor
and cap out, being careful not to cut the C20 l or R206 leads.
· If unit has a standup regulator and heatsink, inspect for hairline fractures
between the regulator and switchboard. Also ensure that the regulator is
firmly secured to the heatsink by a Tinnerman clip or rivet.
· Ensure that motherboards (Rev. 8 or lower) have a colored dot over the
trace on the upper-left corner of the board. This prevents shorting the
board and the casting (See Figure 3-3).
· Two types of 12-conductor cable assemblies have been used on 2600 model
units, the flat-wire type and the ribbon type. When a defect is found in the
flat-wire type cable assembly or its male connector on the switchboard,
the flat-wire cable assembly should be replaced with the ribbon cable
assembly and the 12-pin male switchboard connector should be replaced
with the 12-pin female switchboard socket.
3-2 2600/2600A Domestic VCS
I h
Ill
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t I
Figure 3-1. 2600 Trigger Circuitry with Static Modification
Install the static modification on all 2600 units. Install CR202 nd CR203
by removing C236 and C237 and inserting the C236/CR202 and
C237 /CR203 assemblies in their place (See Figure 3-2). CAUTION:
Observe the polarity on CR202 and CR203 (the dark band must be toward
the J202/J203 connectors). On the switchboard, install the static strips as
shown in Figure 3-l/..
3-3 2600/2600A Domestic VCS
c~zoz .,cRZ.o~ --...
(:tt C0/4 /80- 0S)
~ - - - - - - W~A P L.EA DS
I ,UR N i 5CL.OfER
'
Figure 3-2. 2600 Static Modific ation Zener Diode
C200
.01
A200
C214
(]D
A202
'
0
IZ
LZOJ
CHI
1.!.!!'!tl
Figure 3-3. Locatio n of Colored Dot Over Trace
3-4 2600/26 00A Domest ic VCS
+
0
D
II
0~0
Figure 3-4. 2600 Switchboard Static Modification
3-5 2600/2600A Domestic VCS
2600A MODEL MODIFICATIONS
· Each 2600A (Revs 1-13) model must have static strips placed on the front
panel switches (See Figure 3-5).
· Check each connector and plug for a tbJht, secure fit. Intermittent
failures frequently result from a loose connector or plug.
· Check that all companenets are properly soldered, and check for broken or
shorted trace lines.
· If a unit exhibits RF interference that does not clean up usin~ normal
adjustment methods, or if a series of lines and bright grid distortions on the
screen are accompanied by a loud hum even when properly adjusted, a
defective or leaking capacitor may be at fault. Replace C2lf.l (.1
microfarad) and/or C2lf.2 (.1 microfarad) located respectively between the
power jack and voltage re~ulator.
Mount Static Strips
onto Front Panel Switches
as shown in this drawing.
Figure 3-5. 2600A (Revs. 1-13) Static Modifications
3-6 2600/260OA Domestic VCS
TESTING WITH THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST CARTR IDGE (VERSION 2.6)
The 2600 Diagno stic Test Cartrid ge (version 2.6 OTC) contain s a variety of tests
to
assist the service technic ian in identify ing the source of problem s within the
VCS
switchb oard and mother board hardwa re. The test cartridg e is used in conjunc tion
with
the equipm ent listed at the beginni ng of this section . Each test is reviewe d
in the
remaind er of this section . Detaile d orocedu res for use of the tests are describ
ed
Section 4, 2600 Diagno stic Flowch art, and Section 6, 2600A Diagno stic Flowch in
art.
The tests availab le in the cartridg e are:
· RAM Test
· Color Bar Test
· Gray Bar Test
· Diagno stic \.\atrix Test
· Audio Tones Test
· Paddle Control Lines Test
The technic ian also has a Signal Trace Cartrid ge (STC or KLUGE) availab
le
tracking motherb oard problem s that are not repaira ble with the Diagno stic for
Test
Cartrid ge.
INITIALIZATION
· Purpose : To prepare the VCS unit for testing by the dia~nos tic cartridg e.
· Format : Connec t VCS unit to televisi on and battery elimina tor. Set
televisi on to proper channe l (channe l 3). Plug in the 2.6 diagnos tic
cartridg e. Set all 2600 switche s to the up position . On the 2600A, set all
front panel switche s up and rear panel switche s to the left (See Fi~ure 3-6).
init~al ly to th· left
-
~
y · n,---- :~- ~
Figure 3-6. Switch Initializ ation Position s
3-7 2600/25 00A Domest ic VCS
RAM TEST
· Purpose: To test the 6532 RAM chio for proper operation.
· Format: On power-up the television displays diagonal lines of some type if
the RAM is defective. See Figure 3-7 for examples of screens indicating a
defective RAM.
·NOTE: The absence ·of defective patterns is no aarance that the entire
chip Is sound, only the RAM. The operation of the 1/0 and Tuner functions
is not verifled by this test.
/
Figure 3-7. Defective RAM Patterns
3-8 2600/2600A Domestic VCS
COLOR BAR TEST
· Purpose: To test the 6507 microprocess or, 6532 RAM - I/0 chip, and TIA
chip for correct operation.
· Format: Set all switches to initialization position. A screen of horizontal
color bars is displayed (See Figure 3-8). The screen should be steady and
unchanging. A gray or blue horizontal reference line runs across the screen
about three bars from its bottom. This reference line is thinner than the
bars around it. R21 l (R213 on the 2600A board) should be adjusted so the
bars immediately above and below the reference line are within one shade
of each other. Proper operation of the unit is indicated by being able to
make this adjustment and by consistent color within the entire span of each
bar on the screen. Minor glitches on the 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.
NOTE: This figure is a black and white representation of a color television screen.
Figure 3-8. Color Bars Screen
3-9 2600/2600A Domestic VCS
GRAY BAR TEST
· Purpose: To test the function of the luminescence lines (LMO, LMl, LM2)
from the TIA chip to the RF Module.
· Format: Move the Color/Slack & White switch to the Black and White
position. There should be eight horizontal gray bars displayed, going from
black at the top to white at the bottom in even gradations (See Figure 3-9).
The screen should be steady and unchanging. These lines may have minor
glitches on their edges. A thin white line always appears 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.
F:ig\lre 3·9. · Gray '&ars .Screen
3-10 2600/2600A Domestic VCS
DIAGNOSTIC MATRIX TEST
· Purpose: To test the proper function of the Input-Output ports of the VCS
unit.
· Format: Set all switches to the initialized pos1t1on, then move the Left
Difficulty switch to the 11B 11 position. The test is performed in two parts:
1. With the blue shorting plugs removed, the matrix of nine rectangles
on the screen should look like Figure 3-10.
2. The shorting plugs are then inserted and the pattern should look like
Figure 3-11.
3. Press the GAME SELECT switch. If the switch is properly
functioning, that area of the matrix will black out. Release the
GAME SELECT switch and repeat the procedure with the GAME
RESET switch.
The :\iatrix jumps once every second.
I
Pink Pink
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Not Used
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i J .l ! i ! 1
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Green
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. . . . 2 g 0
~ ! ~ PIMorG,een Not Used
.s .s .s I.
.s .s ... I. ...
.5 Notu-i
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l
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Creen
c,...,,.
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Game CrMn
..s ..s ..s
'.'.: ! ~ 2 Reset Select llffet Not Used
.s
a.
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a.
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a. .s .5
a. Switch Switch Switch
6''2
I
Figure 3-10. Diagnostic Matrix Screen
· (Shorting Plugs OUT)
3-11 2600/2600A Domestic VCS
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Right
Trigger i=