How do I rip apart my Atari?

I suppose that's an important first step to modifying it, huh? Ok, here's the run-down for the 3 different models:

On the bottom of your Atari you will find screw holes. (ahem) There may be as many as 6 on 
the 6-switch models. Anyway, unscrew them all using a Philips and then throw them 
away, you'll never need them again. (if you're building a portable unit) They'd just get lost in your junk drawer anyway.

Pull the two halves of the unit apart. If the buttons kinda stick on the front switch panel, 
just whack at it and it'll come. On the Atari 2600 Jr., watch out for the ribbon cable thing on the right hand side of the circuit board. It'll pull out easily, but make sure you plug it back in if you put the unit back together.

Now it depends on which model you have...

6-switch
You'll see a circuit board with the 6 switches on it, and a big armor-plated box that looks 
like a scrapped plan for a Sherman tank. There will be a (sort of) ribbon cable coming out of 
the tank-box. Disconnect that from the switch-holding board and remember how it hooked 
it. Now pull out the tank section. Flip it over if you're strong enough. Underneath there are 
some screws. Unscrew them! Pull off the back armor plate and you'll find the circuit 
board. Pull the circuit board out of the armored box. Now hook up the cable thing you 
unhooked earlier back into the big board with the 6 switches on it.. Make sure you plug it 
in the right way! (although you've got a 50/50 chance at any rate)

4-switch
You'll see one circuit board with thin (light infantry division) armor plating in the middle 
and switches on each side. Note the little twisted (cheap) metal tabs holding the armor 
shielding on. Un-twist these with a needle nose pliers. You should then be able to pull the 
two halves apart (from above and below the board) and remove the plating.

Junior
You'll see one circuit board with thin (light infantry division) armor plating in the middle 
and switches on the left side side. Note the little twisted (cheap) metal tabs holding the armor 
shielding on. (very similar to the 4 switch Atari) Un-twist these with a needle nose pliers. You should then be able to pull the two halves apart and remove the plating.


The armor plating is an RF shield. It's not really needed when you use a composite output 
(like we will) but if you were to hook up the old RF box right now (go ahead, try it!) the 
picture will look like CRAP! (more so than usual)

The beast is disemboweled!