Issue with TRS-80 Color Computer Joysticks

[purplerain1984]

Hi,

 

I have a pair of black Tandy branded TRS-80 Color Computer joysticks that worked fine the last time I used them a few months ago. Now, when I try to plug them into either one of my Color Computers (a model 1 and a model 2), they don't seem to be plugging into the joystick ports on the back of the computer. They just fall out. I have examined both the ports on the computers as well as the plugs on both joysticks and everything looks fine. The pins on the joysticks are not bent or damaged in any way. Likewise, the ports on both computers appear undamaged as well. The joysticks can only plug in one way, so I know it's not an issue with orientation. What could be the problem?

 

Thanks.

[JamesD]

Never heard of this one before. 
No way they should ever just fall out.  Are you absolutely certain they are plugged all the way in?

[purplerain1984]

When I try to plug them into the ports it's as if the joystick ports are not even there and you are plugging the joysticks into nothing.

[jhd]

 

I think that it is time to open the case and carefully examine the joystick ports -- are they still secured to the motherboard, or have the somehow been ripped lose from the physical mounting points? 

 

(I have no idea how this would ever happen by accident, but it matches the symptoms you have described.)