Replacement white sticks for original Atari controllers

[Gamemoose]

Recently when I brought out the ol' VCS for some family fun, one of my kids noticed a joystick wasn't responding when the stick was pushed up unless you jammed it hard. I took the stick apart and checked the connections and they were good. I replaced the contacts and still you really have to push up to get a response. I'm wondering if the stick itself is worn. Doesn't appear broken. I don't think it's a wire as signal gets through-it just takes near breaking the stick to get a response.

 

So the question is: where is a reputable place to get replacement sticks? I've seen a few on eBay but I have no idea of the quality.

 

Thanks!

[jaybird3rd]

If the stick does not appear to be broken, I think the problem is more likely to be the contacts. In my experience, replacing only the contacts on an old board is a dicey proposition: you have to line them up exactly right, and after even moderate use, they'll eventually wander off center no matter how well you think you've taped them in place. If you need a replacement board, the best option is the new all-gold PCB available from Best Electronics (see here).

 

Unfortunately, Best does not seem to stock the white sticks any longer. If you decide that you need a replacement stick, I would recommend one of these:

 

eBay Auction -- Item Number: 172923039282

 

(I've tried original replacement sticks from other sellers, but I often find that they are the older design that is not reinforced as strongly, and that the plastic is old and brittle and can't hold up to sustained use.)

[Jeremy Popp]

Recently when I brought out the ol' VCS for some family fun, one of my kids noticed a joystick wasn't responding when the stick was pushed up unless you jammed it hard. I took the stick apart and checked the connections and they were good. I replaced the contacts and still you really have to push up to get a response. I'm wondering if the stick itself is worn. Doesn't appear broken. I don't think it's a wire as signal gets through-it just takes near breaking the stick to get a response.

 

So the question is: where is a reputable place to get replacement sticks? I've seen a few on eBay but I have no idea of the quality.

 

Thanks!

Many times you can test if it's the button contacts on the PCB by pressing them with your finger after you take it apart. If they all press easily and respond quickly onscreen, it could be the white stick part. I've seen contacts that have drifted off center as suggested above, but I've also seen small cracks in the white ring and once they break, they don't flex the same and you get poor response. That being said, I don't have a good source for either.

[Gamemoose]

Thanks for the tips. I'll try the contact test when I can get to the TV child free.

[MMarcoux66]

Thanks for the tips. I'll try the contact test when I can get to the TV child free.

 

You can also look at 3D printing a replacement piece. This one worked well. Stick was a little stiffer but worked for me.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1112778

[AtariBrian]

Recently when I brought out the ol' VCS for some family fun, one of my kids noticed a joystick wasn't responding when the stick was pushed up unless you jammed it hard. I took the stick apart and checked the connections and they were good. I replaced the contacts and still you really have to push up to get a response. I'm wondering if the stick itself is worn. Doesn't appear broken. I don't think it's a wire as signal gets through-it just takes near breaking the stick to get a response.

 

So the question is: where is a reputable place to get replacement sticks? I've seen a few on eBay but I have no idea of the quality.

 

Thanks!

 

Get one of these gold kits and you will be very happy . http://atariage.com/forums/topic/282267-best-electronics-has-new-super-handles/