What's the parts availability like for Atari CX-2600A consoles? I've been
offered one locally which the owner says "has a missing knob" - at the
moment I'm guessing that means one of the four control levers on the top
has been snapped off (but I'm awaiting clearer info). I'm totally
unfamiliar with these machines; if that is the case, I don't know if that
also means there's likely to be PCB damage or if it's more of a cosmetic issue?
They also say they can't find "a connector" to hook it up in order to test
it - that's a bit light on detail, too! Again, I'm totally unfamiliar with
these critters - do they have a built-in RF modulator and just use a
standard co-ax cable to the TV? Or are they composite video output? Or
something else entirely? What about PSU; is this internal, or an external
brick?
I expect its value in current untested state is peanuts (which might end up
being a problem if the seller equates age with value) - even tested,
complete units with a similar amount of games don't seem to sell for very
much. It'd be nice to get a handle on cost to fix any external issues
though (setting aside any electronic problems which might be lurking - are
there any gotchas in terms of these beasts being known for bit-rot?)
cheers
Jules (never an Atari owner!)