Defective Super Action Controllers?

[Philflound]

I sold a brand new set of sealed Super Action Controllers to someone on Ebay and they sent me a response that they are defective. His description is below. Does anyone know what he is talking about, has it happened to you also, and can it be corrected? I told him to come on here and post the question, but I'm curious myself.

Phil

 

 

First off, I want to thank you for the incredibly fast delivery and the immaculate cosmetic shape of the box, controllers and manuals. However, both of the SPINNER WHEELS are not functioning properly. For instance: when you spin the wheel to the right, the baserunner should proceed forward but he runs backwards as if I was spinning the wheel to the left in the Baseball game. The defect in both controllers means they are useless for any of the sports games (Super Action Baseball, Football and Soccer). I verified this defect with a couple of different ColecoVision Controller Test Utilities I have as well as the mentioned sports games. The joystick and all the other buttons work perfectly. What can you suggest as I really wanted these because of the complete package (the box for collection purposes and the originals manuals especially) compared to the other 2 I have that are just loose without the manuals.

[tz101]

Your avatar says it all...ghost in the machine...

[SlowCoder]

Did he test on a different console? I've never seen these controllers firsthand (though it would be cool), but it could be a flaw in his console (maybe a pin not working?) Strange that both controllers are not working, especially if you can verify they were working before you sent them.

Edited November 26, 2010 by SlowCoder

[Rik]

Well at least he seemed understanding that some things that have been sitting for years never used or box never opened can corrode.It seems like the controllers need to be opened up and given a good thorough cleaning.I've had Super Action Controllers that worked like new after a good cleaning, but after storing for a couple of years without using, they had problems again, another cleaning/lubing of all moving parts, especially contacts, and they worked fine again.But yeah, it could be a problem with the console itself.I'm no expert but, you can maybe check that no pins are bent or broken in the controller ports perhaps?An obvious thing to do is to check with another proven working console, then if that doesn't work, do a thorough cleaning.I've found a good cleaning has solved %99.9 of non responsive controller problems, with me anyway.Good luck.There is a chance they are defective also.IIRC, the spinners have magnets in them, perhaps the magnets have gotten weak?

Edited November 26, 2010 by Rik