bob@harpo.UUCP (06/03/83)
#N:harpo:25900001:000:792 harpo!bob Jun 3 11:10:00 1983 My Atari 800 has developed a problem. It is used with a TV as opposed to a monitor , and the problem exists when all peripherals are disconnected and unplugged. Bars of video distortion and noise (horizontal) drift slowly thru the screen at a steady rate. The bars (only one at a time) occupy about 1/5 of the screen, and the remainder of the screen looks less sharp than usual. Inserting and removing a program ROM a few times seems to clear up the problem, but the next time the computer is turned on, it is likely to be back. Looks like an interference problem to me , as I get the same results on another tv. Is my modulator dying? Bad grounding somewhere? Has anyone else encountered a similar problem? R. L. Carroll Bell Labs 201-386-2609 Whippany, N.J
rasp@bmcg.UUCP (06/13/83)
I have heard of others with the same trouble, a wavy line walking up the screen, so I'll broadcast an answer. The problem seems to be a "retrace snake". This would be caused if the ATARI were superimposing 60Hz onto the video signal. You might note that the frequency exhibited by the "snake" is that of the difference between 60Hz line frequency and the vertical refresh rate which is quite close. Look for any source of 60Hz. Bad grounding is certainly a candidate; but, the most likely culprit is something gone bad in the ATARI's power supply. If you have access to the appropriate tools, check for either a bad rectifier, a bad filter cap, or a bad regulator. If you're lucky, there is even the possibility that the problem is as simple as the end of the video cable that is plugged in INSIDE the case has partially worked loose and needs only to be reseated. Please let me know how you make out. Ron Perloff Burroughs Corp 16464 Via Esprillo San Diego, CA 92128 619-451-4519
padpowell@wateng.UUCP (PAD Powell[Admin]) (06/15/83)
his high voltage supply. If you don't know what you are doing, leave it alone! The usual penalty for ignorance is death, or at least a whopping good shock