Date: Sun, 20 Dec 2015 23:00:34 -0500 From: Jeffrey Brace <ark72axow@gmail.com>
Does anyone have experience repairing joysticks? I have an Epyx 500XJ that doesn't respond well to the left direction. I'm just wondering if this is something that is repairable.
All of the Epyx 500XJ's I've had trouble with (so far) have been plastic casing-related (cracks, stressed supports, etc.). The internal design of this joystick is less than robust considering the weak plastic tabs they use to hold the switch assembly in place. It's also inconvenient to repair as everything is curved, etc. Makes manually manufacturing replacement parts (via Dremel, etc.) more of an artform than I usually prefer. The switches are mounted on a plastic plate that is sort of suspended inside the joystick. That said, have you disassembled it to see if there is something wrong with the plastic switch plate? I'm wondering if the switch is just physically moving out of the way or something?
Date: Mon, 21 Dec 2015 00:35:51 -0500
From: Ian Primus <ian.primus.ccmp@gmail.com>
Yes, it is repairable, I've fixed a few - you can replace the
individual switches, and you can also clean them. Disassembling the 500XJ is a bit tricky, because of that red/black sticker that holds it together. When I've repaired these, I just slice through the sticker at the seam with a knife, it's not too noticeable once reassembled.
Also, the switches that these use are a relatively "standard" size and type of microswitch. With a few quick measurements of the physical dimensions of the switch, finding a suitable replacement should be pretty easy. If memory serves, I don't think they are quite as large as the ones used in arcade buttons and sticks but you will find similar switches used in pinball machines.
Take the stick apart, and find the faulty switch. Try to get as much isopropyl alcohol inside the switch as possible (sometimes I even submerge it in a little cup), and click it repeatedly, and firmly, for at least a minute. Let it dry thoroughly, and check it with a multimeter - most of the time, this will fix it.
If this doesn't work, I've also had luck rebuilding microswitches. Some are easily serviced and the plastic halves of the switch casing will pull apart held only by friction, some have little plastic tabs that a diagonal cutter makes quick work of. Then you can use a soldering iron to "re-weld" the plastic tabs when you've completed the rebuild. Some are glued, and much harder to repair. I had a particularly stubborn microswitch on a coin counter, it was a truly bizarre size, and it was glued shut. I carefully broke it open with a combination of ginger Dremel use and some elbow grease, once I repaired the contacts, I simply used the original mounting screws to hold it all together. It'll be fine until someone else takes it apart. :) Once you have the switch itself apart, you will see the two contacts that make the whole thing work. Generally, they are set up as a "self-cleaning" style of contact where the switch action causes a wiping motion that scrapes the contacts together generating a small amount of friction that causes dirt and debris to be knocked away. This works well until corrosion sets in. There are a variety of ways to clean the contacts, the most success I've had has been with business cards and light pressure, pinch the card stock between the contacts and rub. Step up to more harsh methods from there. If the contacts are gold in color, stay away from abrasives. You can also use contact cleaners and the like. Sometimes it's just not worth it, and the switch should be replaced. They aren't overly expensive generally speaking. Good luck! -Todd