Difference between revisions of "Atari 7800 Teardown"

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==Step 2 - Remove the motherboard from the case==
 
==Step 2 - Remove the motherboard from the case==
 
{| style="width:50%;"
 
{| style="width:50%;"
|The motherboard is not physically attached to the case, so there are no screws to remove.
+
|The motherboard is not physically attached to the case, so there are no screws to remove for this step. To take the motherboard out of the case, lift up the back end first so you can slide the controller ports out of the holes in the case. You may damage the controller ports if you attempt to lift the front end first.
 
|[[File:Atari_7800_teardown03.jpg|200px|right]]
 
|[[File:Atari_7800_teardown03.jpg|200px|right]]
 
|}
 
|}

Revision as of 01:12, 24 January 2014

This is a guide for completely disassembling an Atari 7800.

You will need the following tools:

  • A large Phillips-head screwdriver
  • A small pair of pliers
  • A small, sturdy (i.e. difficult to bend) flathead screwdriver for bending hard-to-reach metal tabs
Atari 7800 teardown01.jpg

Step 1 - Open the case

Flip the console over and remove the 5 screws on the bottom, which are circled in the picture. Turn it back over and lift the top off. The top should come off effortlessly.
Atari 7800 teardown02.jpg
Here is the underside of the top of the case. The buttons can be removed easily by pushing the small plastic tabs inward and down.
Atari 7800 teardown13.jpg

Step 2 - Remove the motherboard from the case

The motherboard is not physically attached to the case, so there are no screws to remove for this step. To take the motherboard out of the case, lift up the back end first so you can slide the controller ports out of the holes in the case. You may damage the controller ports if you attempt to lift the front end first.
Atari 7800 teardown03.jpg

Step 3 - Remove RF shield

Fully exposing the motherboard can be somewhat time consuming. The board is partially encased by an RF shield consisting of top and bottom halves that interlock using several metal tabs, which are bent to prevent the halves from detaching. There are 14 metal tabs, and you'll have to straighten each one to remove the shield.