Controller stick "almost" dead

[centaura]

Hi mates
I bought a controller in a cashconverter. Sold as "untested".
All buttons works fine, but the stick is in trouble.

With Test Rev.4 you can see the result; the stick are really resting, but seems pointing to the right:



No much to do, up and down merely are not working.
If you go to the left you get a faint response... to the right!



And going to the right, it barely stay centered



I know vertical behavior not exist, and horizontal behavior.. is inverted?

A simple 3D view of the controller state using the Dual Vectrex Test (all buttons pressed to test they are running... and stick really resting, but seems pointing to the right):



It is like always being pressed to the right.
The look is good in general, with few use, and the sticker doesn´t seem manipulated.
I can rotate the stick, with autocenter, and all springs seems ok.

Likely dirty, maybe a bad connector?
For sure I will have to open it..
I was informed about the way to unscrew and open the controller, but I wanted to ask for if someone happened it before.

I will take my time, looking for a solution. And any helpful advice is welcome!

[kokovec]

It's very difficult to open a controller without damaging it.
Have you tried blowing it out using an air spray can?

[VECTREXER]

I have taken mine apart.

Reassembly is problematic due to the fact they controller overlay decal sticker on the top is hard to remove without damaging the overlay, controller, or both. You will need to apply heat to loosen up the adhesive in order to remove the decal and get to the controller case screws.

After opening the controller there are two pots to adjust the electrical centering.

Two decent videos on controller repair:

[centaura]

Many thanks for the help.
I will post pics if I see any interesting anomaly in there.

Feb 20, 2014 16:49:36 GMT -5 kokovec said:

It's very difficult to open a controller without damaging it.
Have you tried blowing it out using an air spray can?

I will try with my girlfriend´s hairdryer, with a nozzle filter for better zonal application over the five screws points.
I hope it works..

Feb 21, 2014 9:18:42 GMT -5 VECTREXER said:

I have taken mine apart.

Reassembly is problematic due to the fact they controller overlay decal sticker on the top is hard to remove without damaging the overlay, controller, or both. You will need to apply heat to loosen up the adhesive in order to remove the decal and get to the controller case screws.

After opening the controller there are two pots to adjust the electrical centering.

Yes, the overlay is hard to keep fresh, I see.
However, I will be happy if I can fix the stick problem.

Interesting videos, thanks. I am collecting all information as possible.
I think too the key is in the two pots, likely electrically wrong. I am sure the stick voltaje isn´t zero for center, just now, but rather something close to five..
So I am ready for the surgical operation.

P.D. If I can´t fix the vertical pot, I could try a kind of mod, like the HyperDrive controller:
www.playvectrex.com/preserves/hyperdrive/hdc_f.htm
I always loved that little steering wheel

[xefned]

It seems from your tests that you're getting some response on both axis's.

First thing to try is adjusting the internal trimpots on the PCB with the test cart running and see if you can get the full range of left-right-up-down back on track.

Oh wait, I see Chris has already said exactly that. Good luck!!