Atari 5200 screen/game freezing issues...

[dave4shmups]

Recently, I got a 2-port Atari 5200 console. I hooked it up to my Sony CRT, and the colorful Atari logo appeared. But in games, and I've cleaned all the ones that I own, the game freezes after anywhere from a minute to five minutes of game play. I can't even reset the game, and I have rebuilt 5200 controllers. You don't have to use an RF box with the 2-port model, and I'm not-there is a black video cable that runs underneath the 5200 that I have plugged into an adapter on my coax port on my TV.

If I need to get a replacement console, then I have enough money to do that. But this is crazy; I have no idea what's causing it.

[ApolloBoy]

Try cleaning the cart connector itself, get a toothbrush dipped in rubbing alcohol and scrub the heck out of it. It might also help if you use a little compressed air to blow any bigger bits of debris out of the connector. Considering the 5200's cart connector isn't covered up, it's a good chance that the cart connector is dirty as well as your carts.