Atari Help

[Rob64]

Okay, I have a 2600 with joystick controllers and other kinds of controllers. Everything works except Pong. For some reason I cannot get any multiplayer function to work because on the multi cart "Videolympics", it has everything with Pong style controls.

I tried the game reset switch, and it starts the game with the blue paddle only the orange paddle goes missing. The game select switch just changes the type of field and game. Does anyone know how to get the multiplayer function to work? It can handle up to 4 players but I can't even get two yet.

[133MHz]

Your second paddle could be bad. Do you have another paddle game to test it out?

[Rob64]

Well I have 2 sets and I tried both and got nothing.

[133MHz]

The pin that reads the second paddle on the console connector could be bad (cold solder joints) but I don't know how likely it is to happen on Atari systems.

Try cleaning the controller port and wiggling the connector while it's plugged in and see if you can get a response.

[nintendodork]

I HAD/HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM.  IT BUGS ME SO MUCH!!
I've tried like 4 different sets of paddles in both controller ports with all of my paddle games and NONE of them work...
It pisses me off A LOT

[133MHz]

Resolder your DB-9 connectors.

[nintendodork]

I have no soldering tools...

[133MHz]

Get some .
I've been able to get soldering irons for as low as $2 and an electronics solder tube for $1.
You don't need expensive soldering gear for a quick job, the crappy gear from the dollar store is more than enough.

[nintendodork]

Do I have to open up the paddle?

[133MHz]

For a quick test, open up your paddles and see if the three wires are connected to the potentiometer (the metal thingie with three legs). I've seen Atari paddles whose wires had fallen off the potentiometers and therefore didn't work.

If the paddles seem to be OK, the problem could be in the plug (either the plug on the paddle or on the console itself).

Rob tried two sets of paddles and none of them work so I think that his problem lies in the Atari's controller plug.
After years of plugging and unplugging stuff the connection between the connector and the board becomes weak and intermittent. Putting some fresh solder on the connector contacts is the cure in most cases.

Also, don't overlook the power of corrosion. Check the pins of the male controller plugs under a bright light and check out for signs of corrosion (corroded pins won't conduct electricity). If corroded pins are found, scrape them with the tip of a screwdriver until they shine again.

[nintendodork]

I've tried four sets of paddles Unless none of them have the wires connected.  I guess I'll look at that later...
I don't know what it is though because I bought them on eBay and the guy I bought them from guaranteed them to work, and since the first set didn't work, he sent me another set.  Which didn't work either, so he refunded my money, and I got to keep the paddles and 3 games he sent.  He was nice, so I don't think he was lying.  The regular controllers work just fine...

I'm completely lost

[133MHz]

What games are you using for testing?
Does the on-screen character goes all the way to one side of the screen or the other, moves erratically, or doesn't move at all?

[nintendodork]

I've used multiple games.  Video Olympics and Warlords are two of them.  I can't remember the other two or three...
None of the characters move at all no matter which way I turn the paddle.

[Rogles]

If the plug on the console is the problem, you could rip the controller port out of a Sega Genesis, Master System, or pretty much any 8-bit computer, as they all use the same D-subminiature connector, and solder that one to the board or whatever.

[nintendodork]

I don't have the ability! lol I have no idea how to do this kind of stuff..I just filed the sides of my BBC today