Atari Fuse Block Covers

DarrenF

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A recent occurance has me interested in Atari fuse block covers... (on the transformer assembly in late 70s and early 80s Atari games, over the 5-position fuse block).

I've got three Ataris (Dig Dug, Asteroids, and Battlezone). None of them came with any sort of cover over the fuse block. I didn't even know there was originally one there until browsing the manuals' parts diagrams (looks like it was Atari P/N 034544-01).

I was recently working on the CP of my BZ, and accidentally dropped a screwdriver down into the machine (which was on...). Luckily, it didn't land on the fuse block, but I now understand why they put them on at the factory. A screwdriver (or coin/token, or loose screw/nut/washer, etc.) could easily fall from or into the cabinet and short from fuse to fuse.

So now I want some. Where they plastic, or just cardboard?? If they are plastic, does anyone sell them (NOS, used, or repro, I don't care...)? If cardboard, does anyone have a template (or measurements) so I can cut myself some?
 
I have found plastic ones. I must have at least 5 or so, but they are currently packed up for my gameroom project. If I come across them I will shoot you a pic and measure the dimensions. Sorry I could not be more help.
 
All the ones I've seen for Atari and Bally Midway too are a cardboard of some type..they have a small lip on each side to fit into the slot on each end of the fuse block..similar to how a cereal box closes..I might have one to dig out for you to match...
 
They are fishpaper and are very easy to make... I've done it several times.

SW-UR-NewPowerBlock.jpg
 
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I found one yesterday. I have scanned it in and added some measurements. There is a hard crease 3/4" in for creating the arch to go up and over the fuses. Hope this helps someone.
 

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I found one yesterday. I have scanned it in and added some measurements. There is a hard crease 3/4" in for creating the arch to go up and over the fuses. Hope this helps someone.

Thanks for the scan and measurements, arcadeannex! That's exactly what I needed. I'll convert that to DXF and Gerber cut some once I procure some fish paper...
 
It isn't critical, but as thick as can be while still being able to be bent should be fine.

I'm not sure if fishpaper comes in different thicknesses, but the stuff I've ordered is maybe a little thinner than a macaroni and cheese box. (Maybe 2/3 the thickness.)
 
Ok, I grabbed an original one off of an Asteroids brick, and my calipers say 0.022" (0.56mm).

You could probably get by with thinner, as you'll need a sharp blade to cut these by hand. Also, you don't need 50 feet of it, per that link.

I got smaller sheets of it on eBay for like 10 bucks shipped, and it looks to be from the same 145ptags place (and I think it's also 0.01", here):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/122254627344
 
I just used black poster board, traced and cut them out.

Worked great.

PowerBricks.jpg
 
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