Volume knobs on early Atari machines

[cleverlyj]

yep, my tempest had one of those too. can't remember if my centipede did though. it's like trying to turn a slippery toothpick.

 

[jeffsgames]

Hey, these are going fast... I only have a few left. I'm just selling them at cost: $1 each + $3 S/H (any #). Please only take what you need. Thanks.

I'll take two if you still have some.

 

[pookdolie]

yep, my tempest had one of those too. can't remember if my centipede did though. it's like trying to turn a slippery toothpick.

Exactly. Some later Atari machines had this setup, too.

I might add the knobs eventually. But, since I've started this thread, I've been able to make the volume adjustments I needed to. (Fingers are red, though...)

 

[mattosborn]

Hey, these are going fast... I only have a few left. I'm just selling them at cost: $1 each + $3 S/H (any #). Please only take what you need. Thanks.

These are all gone now. If a reseller is interested, I think I can score another 50 or so (I found a stash of these at a local surplus shop).

 

[debaser138]

http://www.atarigames.com/sshop/store.php?crn=223&rn=429&action=show_detail

Good to know Scott.

Tonight I looked into this a little further and discovered that the AR board in this Asteroids cocktail had bad TDA2002's. Replaced those and no more scratchy or low volume.

 

[Muel]

I just bought a knob at Jameco that works perfectly on the Atari volume shafts (At least in my Tempest) It was a nice improvement for $1.95. Part# 290125

http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/st...amecoall&ddkey=http:StoreCatalogDrillDownView

 

[scottz29]

The practical (vice theoretical) difference between a "pot" and a "rheostat" is that the latter is generally intended to dissipate more power than the former (not the number of terminals). Many typical "pots" are designed for 250 or maybe 500mW. Rheostats, on the other hand, are typically rated for several Watts.

In games where the volume adjust is working on a low-level audio signal, a "regular" pot will suffice. However, because Atari wired their volume adjusts after the amplifier, something that can handle more power was used (a rheostat).

So, because of Atari's post-amp wiring scheme, does that mean a typical potentiometer cannot be used in place of the rheostat?

 

[mnrocketry]

All Electronics has several different knobs that will fit an 1/8" shaft, starting at $0.75
http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/category/310/Knobs/1.html

 

[KenLayton]

So, because of Atari's post-amp wiring scheme, does that mean a typical potentiometer cannot be used in place of the rheostat?

That is correct. Atari's gameboards of the time output the volume at full blast. The rheostat was connected to the speaker lines. A wirewound rheostat is used because of it's wattage handling ability.

 

[Yoeddy]

Need a replacement knob so your fingers can stop hurting?

http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=226-4096-ND

These work perfect for the Atari games!
Jason

 

[KaBoom1701]

Sweet thank you. Exactly what I was looking for.

These work perfect for the Atari games!
Jason