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How to Connect an Atari 2600 to a Television

If you were recently taking a walk down memory lane, you may have thought about your old Atari 2600 game system. Maybe you were lucky enough to find your old console and the games and the controllers hidden away in the garage or attic and would like to see if it's still as cool as you remember. Well not only have game systems changed a lot in the years since the release of the Atari 2600 back in 1977, so have televisions. You may need a little help getting your old Atari connected to your new television.

Things You'll Need

300 to 75 Ohm matching transformer
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Attach the Atari to the 300 to 75 Ohm matching transformer. Because televisions have changed so much, the connections from the old Atari 2600 have no place to go. This transformer fixes that problem. At the end of the Atari connection box there are two wires with metal tips that are shaped like a "U." On the transformer there are two screws. Loosen the screws just enough to slide one of the connectors under each screw. Then tighten the screws.
- 2
  Remove your coaxial from the back of your television. Coaxial is the formal name for your cable line. In many cases this cable connection unscrews. In some cases it pulls out. Use whichever is appropriate for your situation.
- 3
  Plug in the game. You may notice that the transformer has a connection that looks a great deal like your cable connection. This snaps into place with a slight push into the now available connection port.
- 4
  Turn the television on to channel 2 or 3, as indicated on your Atari 2600 game system. Plug the AC adapter of the game into an electrical outlet on one end and into the game on the other. Plug in the joysticks, insert a game and turn on the Atari.

Classic Console Games