Atari 2600 CX-42 wireless joysticks receiver
| Preliminary Information | |
|---|---|
| Release Year | 1983 |
| Batteries | receiver uses no batteries, wireless joystick controllers use standard 9V batteries (1ea.) |
| Mounting Technology | all through-hole, has output cables |
| Capacitor Types | few electrolytics, few ceramics, many poly film |
| Destructive Entry | No |
Known Issues
Symptom(s) and/or Problem(s) to be Encountered
Causes
- natural wear, ageing, hi/lo temp. cycles, decades of humidity changes, attic/basement/outdoors, artificial factors, vibratory track damage, a few caps optionally supply thus rely upon the power rail in the [optionally-powered] Atari console (when/if applicable, used as designed: as power pass-through and not just for the controller signals)
Solutions
- replace for chemistry, preventative, or damages
Disassembly Notes
screws, case/shell is 2 halves (a top, a bottom) plus a front plate with cosmetic model info & a back plate with telescoping antenna, ⅛in. (3.5mm) power input jack/output cable, small NEC 78L05 adjacent to 9V input jack regulates 5V for this receiver circuit.
Original Parts
Main PCB (marked DSGR-303B) list of original caps, other caps TBD
| RefDes | Qty | Capacitance | Voltage | Mount | Diameter/Size | Height | Lead Spacing | Temp | Type | Brand | Series | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 183K pF 18nF | 100V | poly film | generic | jade green | |||||||
| 10 | 223K pF 22nF | 100V | poly film | basic | jade green | |||||||
| 6 | 104K pF 10nF | 100V | poly film | dipped | jade green | |||||||
| C43,C44 | 2 | 10 uF | 25V | 85c | alum.lytic | CE | grey | |||||
| C5x | 2 | 100 uF | 16V | 85c | alum.lytic | CE | grey | |||||
| C28,C29,more | n | discs TBD | ceramic |
Replacement Parts
Basic PCB Name
| RefDes | Qty | Compatible Part Number | Order Links |
|---|---|---|---|
| n | many | [] |
If parts are not available or different selection is preferred, you can use the values in the Original Parts section to perform a parametric search.
Related Links
https://modelrail.otenko.com/retro/repairing-atari-2600-original-wireless-controllers describes replacing receiver's green-caps, includes suggestion of utilizing goot solder wick and jaycar
https://mcurrent.name/atari-8-bit/faq.txt ctrl-F for CX42, details presented as/in text
↑Archive-name: atari-8-bit/faq Last-modified: January 29, 2024
References
same old same old, rebranded, #OEM, etc. Made in Korea by Cynex for Atari, Cynex's controllers
are called 'Game Mate 2'
•receiver requires 9V DC as supplied by the Atari power [pass-thru power] via power adapter or equivalent. The receiver handles/supplies 9V DC for the 2600. each RF/wireless joystick controller requires a similar 9V DC, in battery form.