How to Connect an Atari 2600 to a TV

At the fore of the early 1980s video game console craze was the Atari 2600. The system allowed gamers to play arcade classics at home on their TV. If you still have a 2600 or want to get one to relive a simpler age of video game playing, one obstacle will be connecting the Atari 2600 to your TV. With a few easy steps you will be able to once again chomp pellets with Pac-Man and dodge barrels with Donkey Kong.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Coaxial F-type adapter

1. Connect the RCA cable to your TV. If your TV is newer (manufactured after 1990) you will need an adapter to separate the left audio, right audio, and video signals that run through the same cable from the Atari 2600. The universal adapter for this separation is the coaxial f-type adapter.

2. Identify the type of connection needed for your model of TV. Most TVs will have a coaxial input (most commonly used for cable--also called "cable ready") Using this input is the easiest method for connecting your Atari 2600 to a newer TV.

3. Connect the coaxial f-type adapter to the RCA cable from the Atari 2600 system.

4. Connect the adapted cable to the coaxial input of your TV.

5. Improve your connection. For the clearer signal, you can opt to connect the adapted cable (coaxial f-type) to a VCR or an RF modulator and then connect to your TV using composite cables. Composite cables are red, white, and yellow. RF modulators can be purchased at electronic stores (such as Radio Shack) for under $30. Composite cables can be purchased for under $10.

References

• AtariAge
• Radio Shack
• Radio Shack