Description
A few years ago, Eddy Foucault invented a video converter for Atari 2600 SECAM version, which adds an RGB video output with a Scart socket to the console. This video adapter allows you to connect your Atari 2600 console to a modern TV set (LCD flat screen TV or recent video projector). If your TV or projector does not have a SCART socket but only HDMI, you will need a SCART to HDMI converter.
You can find his very well documented project on his blog (FR), which I recommend, and you can find this converter for sale on the Klyde’s Korner website: Atari 2600 SECAM RGB video adapter V1
Starting from his schematics, I created a new, more compact PCB that solders directly to the back of the Atari 2600 motherboard.
Warning: This video converter works for Atari 2600 SECAM versions, but also PAL and potentially NTSC. But using this mod on a PAL console, such as the Atari 2600 Jr, you will only get a 8 color palette. Indeed, the Atari 2600 SECAM can only display 8 colors, against 104 for the PAL version and 128 for the NTSC version, hence "fluorescent" colors with the SECAM version. For more information read here: https://mechafatnick.co.uk/2017/09/22/the-secam-2600-was-a-thing-of-maligned-beauty/ and here: http://spiceware.org/atari_ntsc_pal_secam.html
The PCB comes in two versions: SECAM and PAL version for the TIA CO11903 and UM6526P1, and NTSC version for the TIA CO10444D. You need to know what TIA version equips your Atari to order the right PCB. To do this, open your Atari 2600 and check the number on the TIA chip. If you are not sure or if your Atari 2600 PCB doesn't look like the one below, feel free to send me a message.
| TIA label | Version to order |
|---|---|
| CO11903 | PAL-SECAM |
| UM6526P1 | PAL-SECAM |
| CO10444D | NTSC |
The PCB comes with the components already mounted. In addition to soldering the PCB to the back of the motherboard, you will also need to solder wires between the PCB and the voltage regulator of your Atari 2600 console. These operations are delicate and not recommended for beginners in electronics.
You will also need a SCART cable and socket for this assembly (not supplied).
Assembly instructions are provided after purchase.
| RGB converter for Atari 2600 PAL-SECAM | 18,00€Add to cart |
| RGB converter for Atari 2600 NTSC | 18,00€Add to cart |
Jérôme F. (Verified client) –
Here is the recipe, you just need a bit of soldering equipment and a bit of know-how to give a new lease of life to an Atari 2600.
Anonymous (Verified client) –
Super effective. The board works very well and you get an image never seen with an antenna. As for the assembly, the most complicated part is correctly identifying the wires on the SCART connector. The sync is crossed in the SCART cables (pin 20 on one side connected to pin 19 on the other). The SCART diagram provided with the numbers corresponds to what you should have on the TV side. Connect the wire that goes to pin 20 on the TV side to the sync on the P12 board.
Jonathan (Verified client) –
Very pleased with my purchase, converting my Atari 2600 to RGB has given it a new lease of life. The installation is still quite simple!
Very good communication with the seller, fast and careful shipping, I highly recommend it!
Sylvain A. (Verified client) –
Excellent follow-up and super quality of service, clear assembly instructions
Klyde (store manager) –
Thank you Sylvain, and well done on this assembly that didn't seem easy to you at first glance, but that you carried out successfully and on the first try!
Patience and meticulous checking of connections are the keys to success.
Olivier Gandy (Verified client) –
Responsive and good advice, professional work 👍... I would add: following a problem during the installation of the PCB, the assistance provided was of a very high standard and the availability faultless! Truly an excellent service! 👍
Klyde (store manager) –
Thank you Olivier for that kind message. Have a lovely festive season and enjoy yourself with your Atari!
Dietmar (Verified client) –
Great article, works perfectly, exactly what I was looking for for my SECAM console.
Rodolphe (Verified client) –
Great gear, everything works perfectly.
Klyde (store manager) –
Thank you very much, I'm glad everything went well.