Atari 5200 Repair - Video Output

[TinfoilTuxedo]

Long time listener, first time caller...

I have an Atari 5200 console that I bought years ago only to find the seller was less than honest (they said it was 100% working). It powers on but the output is funky. Not garbage output but like the game isn't formatted correctly. Around the time I had found some information specific to the issue along with some repair notes but now I'm unable to find them again. If I can get some photos of the screen issue and upload them, might someone here be able to instruct me or direct me to information on how to repair it?

[Justin]

Welcome to the Atari I/O Forums, @TinfoilTuxedo!! Glad to have you calling in 

I think @Video 61 and @CrossBow would be the best guys to help you diagnose your issue with the Atari 5200.

[DegasElite]

It could be a video issue, but try this technique. Before you do anything drastic, try cleaning the cartridge port and the part of the cartridge that connects to it with rubbing alcohol. It could be dirty. The funky output sounds like that could be an issue as well. The leads may have been dirty for a while. If that isn't the case, then you could consider the problem a motherboard issue. It could be that simple.

Thanks for letting me share that information.Welcome to the Forum, by the way.

[RickR]

Definitely post a pic of the output, as it is really hard to diagnose without knowing what it looks like.

@DegasElite is right on the money....clean those cart pins with q-tip and alcohol and see if that helps.