Description
The video converter for Atari 2600 SECAM comes as a DIY electronic project. Knowledge in electronic component soldering is required to complete this project. Although quite simple, this project is not recommended for beginners in electronics, because it requires delicate soldering on the electronic board of the Atari 2600 console.
If you rather have the PCB with the components already soldered, see the Assembled Version.
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 (in French), which I recommend.
With his authorization, I had the PCB made. Thank you Mr Eddy!
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: Atari VCS – Idées libres sur la console et ses variantes (Atari 2600, Junior, Jr, 7800, etc.)
The PCB and the components are provided. You will also need to solder wires between the converter and the motherboard of your Atari 2600 console. This operation is delicate and not recommended for beginners in electronics (the first Atari 2600 on which I tried it still remembers).
You will also need a SCART cable and socket for this assembly (not supplied).
Assembly instructions are provided after purchase.
12,00€Add to cart
PCB assembly videos by CabriDIY (French)
Vincenzo Colacicco (Verified client) –
Finally, bring your SECAM 2600 to life! I chose the kit option and had so much fun assembling it! Emmanuel ships very fast, provides very detailed instructions and is truly a nice guy, friendly and helpful, ready to answer very quickly for any doubt. Magnificent! Thank you so much!
Klyde (store manager) –
Thank you Vincenzo, enjoy your Atari 2600!
F C. (Verified client) –
Great kit, easy to put together and install with clear instructions.
Michael Marugan (Verified client) –
Perfect, very easy to assemble. The instructions provided are clear.
Gregory Devimeux (Verified client) –
Very good kit, simple to assemble and very clear instructions, and I'm not even going to mention the image quality 🥰
Davide B. (Verified client) –
Very fast shipment, thank you!
Vincent L. (Verified client) –
Immaculate kit, very reasonable price and super-fast delivery.
Julien Pinau (Verified client) –
Brilliant kit, incredibly simple to install with the step-by-step guide and excellent support from the team if there are any problems. Can't fault it!
Gery SERET (Verified client) –
Karim B. (Verified client) –
The converter works very well. I had to redo the wiring because the wires on my SCART cable were inverted, and it's on the sync and sound! but afterwards it was perfect.
Klyde (store manager) –
Thank you Karim, yes it is common for wires to be reversed in SCART cables, which can be annoying. Well done for completing the kit!
David D. (Verified client) –
Perfect
Olivier (Verified client) –
Perfect and it works flawlessly. Super fast delivery.
For your information, I don't know if it's common, but on 2 of my SCART cables, pins 19 & 20 were crossed, as were 3 & 6 and 1 & 2 (though I have some doubt about the last one). Symptoms: for 2 and 6, no sound. For sync (20), the image is constantly being scanned vertically.
The soldering to be done isn't overly complicated, much simpler than on plenty of newer consoles.
Klyde (store manager) –
Thank you, Olivier. You do indeed need to pay close attention to the connections on the PCB, as with some SCART cables the wires are «reversed». This is, in fact, mentioned in the «troubleshooting» section of the assembly instructions.
Vincent Dupaquis (Verified client) –
Emmanuel Quentric (Verified client) –
Anonymous (Verified client) –
Fast and professional seller. Ideal transaction.
Gaëtan Pointaux (Verified client) –
Philippe NICOLAS (Verified client) –
Fast delivery – and with a little patience and by following the instructions provided carefully, you’ll get the best possible picture from your Atari 2600…