Welcome to Frequently Asked Questions: This is where we attempt to answer as many of your questions as possible.  If you have any additional questions you want us to answer, please send them to:service@atari-garage.com Q:  What are the differences among the Atari 2600 Consoles? A:  There were 5 main versions of the Atari 2600 with some less noticeable sub-variations in between.  But for simplicity’s sake, we will discuss the major changes:

Model: Date Introduced: Notes: Atari VCS 1977 Nicknamed the "heavy sixer".   Atari designated this unit the VCS  - not 2600.  This unit has 6 switches on top and is heavier than any of the others  due to a thick bottom casing, and a thick casing for the motherboard. Atari 2600 1978 This unit looks generally the same as the previous except for some small cosmetic changes and the heavy bottom casing was replaced with a lighter one.  This one was lighter than the previous. Atari 2600A 1980 This unit has 4 switches on top, and its two difficulty switches on the back of the console.  There were a lot of internal changes made from the previous two.. Atari 2600A 1980+ Same as above, but with a black front instead of the traditional woodgrain look..  Everything else is the same. Atari 2600Jr 1986 This is Atari's attempt to revive the 2600.  As you can see it has a totally re-disigned case.  There are some internal changes aswell.

Q:  How do you repair an Atari? A:  Before we get into talking about the process and procedures of repairing your console, lets get some definitions set: Motherboard – This is the main board which contains the “brains” and cartridge slot for the 6-switch Atari consoles.  For the 4-switch and Atari Jr’s, the motherboard contains all of the internal components which make the Atari play games. Switchboard – this is only on the 6 switch models…  Primarily, this board contains the 6 switches and the components which send the audio/video to the TV/Game switch-box via the RF cable. RF cable –  Cable which connects the TV to the Atari. Accessories –  I will define this as the power supply, TV/Game switch-box, and the RF cable. Controllers – The Joysticks, Paddles, keypads, etc. OK, now that we have definitions cleared up, here is the procedures we use to fix your console: When we first receive your console, we’ll inspect and take note of obvious problems - broken accessories, broken switches, damaged RF cables, etc. Then we will go ahead and connect your console, and all accessories, and controllers you supplied us to a working TV.  Next we will insert a special diagnostic cartridge which will help us determine the problems with your console..  Finally, we will power-on the console, and try to reproduce its problems based on what you told us.. Once the problem has been reproduced, we will swap out your accessories one at a time with known good ones, and re-test.  A lot of the time bad power supplies, RF cables, and TV/Game switch-boxes can cause problems and we want to eliminate them as variables. If the problem(s) is not corrected by the swap-out, or the problems are obviously not caused by the accessories or controllers, then we'll open the console up to inspect. Once open, we will use a variety of measuring instruments, tools and supplies to identify the problem and repair it. Once the repairs are complete, we'll re-test and burn-in you console to make sure everything is OK.  This process takes a minimum of 3 hours. If your console passes this pre-burn-in, we'll go ahead and clean the motherboard, switch-board (if any), all contacts, switches and the case. Next we will add static strips for static shock protection, and replace any missing switch dust guards. Your console will be assembled, and connected to all accessories and controllers you sent for a final burn-in.  This will last about 12 hours.  The reason for the two burn-in’s is to verify that there are no "weak" components which will fail after getting too hot; your console is not supposed to fail after just a few hours..  How else are you supposed to play “Video Chess” on level 7 if your console keeps crapping out every two or three hours??  :) Finally, you will be notified that repairs are complete, and will be sent an invoice via Paypal. Upon payment, we'll send your console back home.  :) Q:  How long does it take to fix an Atari? A:  This process can take as much as a week to complete. Q:  Do you repair controllers? Y:  Yes, even though the labor cost to services them will not go up from the $25.00, the cost for parts to refurbish them may increase your cost depending on the type of controller.  If it is a joystick or keypad, you need repaired, the cost will be about $15.00.  Paddles are generally a lot cheaper to no cost.  Understand, that once refurbished, these controllers will easily last another 10 - 20 years with normal use! Q:  What is the total cost to cost to repair an Atari system? B:  In short one should budget about $65.00 for a repair and $50.00 for cleaning/tuning.   These amounts are estimates and include shipping, service, and parts for the console.   Please budget and additional $10.00 extra for each broken controller. Q:  What happens if the cost is too high? A:  If we discover a lot of issues with your Atari console/controllers, and you feel it will be   too expensive for your budget too repair, then we can offer you a trade-in  where we sell you one of our fully reconditioned systems at full price minus the value of your non-working system.  We understand that different people have different ceilings as to what is too much.   It all depends nostalgic value of the console. Q:  Do you buy old consoles and accessories? A:  Yes we do.  If you have consoles, controllers, accessories, or full systems that you want to get rid of, we will buy them from you, and promise to clean them up and give them a new home!  We offer $10.00 per system (console, controllers and accessories), $1.00 per controller, $1.00 per accessory, and $.50 per cartridge.  Plus you will be reimbursed for your shipping expenses.  Please contact Sales for more information, or to get the ball rolling. Q:  Why are your sales prices so high as compared to auction sites? A:  There are two reasons for this:   When getting a system ready for the store, any and all bad components are replaced   with new ones - such as switches, chips, capacitors and such.  These new components are more pricey than parts recycled out of broken Atari's. Doing this will keep the systems we put for sale operating much longer than ones you would buy at auction sites/some other places you can by Atari 2600 system.   We put about 20 hours into each system before putting it up for sale.  This time is spent inspecting, repairing, cleaning,  testing and burning-in them in.  Following these steps assures a clean, and fully operational system, which is what you want right? Q:  Do you accept checks or money orders?  If so, how do I make a purchase? A:  Yes.  Please click on the About Us button to get all of the details.