A fix for dumb Dreamcast controllers?

[+atari2600land]

I had a Dreamcast controller where the D-Pad doesn't work. So I get another one, and I have the same issue, perhaps worse. Is there something I can do to make it better, like take it apart and cleaning it?

[0078265317]

I have two dreamcast controllers. None have bad dpad. You can try fixing it. But I have never opened up one before so I can't help. So I hope somebody else here can.

[+atari2600land]

The problem I've been having is that when I press left or right, it goes up. Really noticeable in the games that use it, like Namco Museum, for example.

[0078265317]

Well mine work fine. One that I got off ebay and one for disc replay. So yours are probably bad.

[MotoRacer]

I've probably had over twenty five dc controllers. None have ever had dpad or joystick issues. Only one I ever saw that had an issue was on that had a broken right trigger, and that was after taking a bad fall. Sounds like this one was abused. Have you opened it up to see if the conductive rubber pad has gone bad?

 

And I agree, if it can't be fixed, replacements are common, cheap, and reliable.

[OldSchoolRetroGamer]

Having the same issue with more than one controller? Maybe make sure the controller port is not gummed or jammed up as well................

[icemanxp300]

Having the same issue with more than one controller? Maybe make sure the controller port is not gummed or jammed up as well................

 

Most likely the problem. Juice or something has been spilled inside and the rubber contact is kind of stuck down making contact when it shouldn't be.

 

Here is a video someone made. Fast Forward to 7:30 and you will see the gray rubber piece I am talking about. Remove it and use rubbing alcohol on the back side of the rubber piece and on the board. If you feel spunky clean the entire controller, all buttons, both sides of the rubber pieces and all that.

 

While it is apart you should at a minimum clean the backs of all rubber pieces and the contacts for them on the boards.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8r2gFrH4a0

[CatPix]

I had this issue on a worn out DC controller. It was the rubber dome thing under the pad that was jammed.

IO even for pads that works fine, it's good to open them up and clean all the mess inside, and unless it's a NIB controller, there will be dirt inside of it.

[Austin]

Is there something I can do to make it better, like take it apart and cleaning it?

 

I don't know. Have you tried taking it apart and cleaning it?

[TDIRunner]

If multiple controllers are having the exact same issue, it's possible that the Dreamcast itself is the cause. I once had a spare Dreamcast where the second controller port didn't work at all. It ended up being some type of capacitor or some other type of component on the inside of the Dreamcast (it's been so long now, I really don't remember what it was). After fixing it, any controller would work in any port.

 

If possible, try a friend's controller that is already known to be good. If the problem continues, it's probably the Dreamcast itself. Or try your controllers in someone else's Dreamcast. If the problem goes away, again, the problem is probably your Dreamcast.