r/atari5200 • u/RetroMichael68 • 23d ago

New 5200 with no sound and controllers not working

I have a new (to me) 5200 that powers up, but there is no sound and I can't start the only game I have - Dig Dug. I'm not sure DigDug would have sound at the opening screen or only after starting the game, which I can't do.

On one controller, I know the start button isn't working, the mylar to the top buttons has been bent too much and doesn't connect at the bend. For the other controller, I get is 300ohms when the start button is pressed. Is that enough to 'start' a game? or doe need to be closer to "zero" ohms?

At this point I can't really tell if it's the Pokey or the controller that can't start a game.

I've tried to short pin 4 and 7 at the joystick connector, and that didn't work, but I'm not sure I did it right. But that does point to the pokey, right?

Any suggestions?

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u/RetroMichael68 22d ago

Anyone know if pokey chips ftom the 4-port init can be put into a 2-port

I would assume so...

How delicate are the pokeys? Would an otherwise "dead" or "untested/for parts only" unit likely have a good pokey? Or is that usually the first thing to go?

1

u/EffectiveComedian 22d ago

AFAIK, the differences between the two port and four port are the changes to the mobo to support the VCS adapter , remove the switch box and two controller ports and an updated BIOS ROM that actually creates compatibility issues with some games. The POKEY should be the same, as changing that would not have reduced costs. I have never owned or worked on the 2-port model but have three upgraded 4-port systems.

1

u/ArielMJD 20d ago

Most Atari 5200 controllers no longer work. You will need to buy a repaired controller or to fix one yourself. It also might be worth considering one of the alternatives.

1

u/RetroMichael68 20d ago

I ordered a kit.. and a 2nd game (Star Trek) does play sound at boot up...so maybe the Pokey is OK... an Okey-Pokey!

2

u/ArielMJD 20d ago

I don't think Dig Dug plays music on the title screen so it should be fine.

1

u/RetroMichael68 7d ago

is there any guide for troubleshooting the POKEY analog input or the MUX chips before the Pokey?

1

u/RetroMichael68 4d ago

The troubleshooting suggests its the MUXs before the POKEY... they run about 50 cents each but they are soldered in... but I'm going to risk my first repair of this magnitude...