Atari 5200 Joysticks

[Draikar]

Atari 5200 Joysticks are notorious for needing replacing, what parts in the Joystick craps out the most ?

 

Im fixing one using parts from another one to build one working Joystick. The buttons on one don't work and the other one's stick don't work but that "paper plastic" circuit board looks to be fine.

[Bryan]

The best thing you can do is order the new Gold flex circuit from Best Electronics. What typically happens is the resistance of the tin-plated contacts on the sheet goes up as the plating oxidizes (dulls). Using a pencil eraser can shine them back up for a while, but they never work for long. Adding to the problem is the fact that the carbon contacts on the rubber buttons lose some of their conductivity as well and cannot be restored.

 

The gold contact sheets are $6 each, and provide a low-resistance, and oxidation resistant solution that will usually be enough to fix the joystick without the need to replace the rubber parts as well. And be sure to wipe any finger oils off after installing them.

 

-Bry

[Draikar]

Thanks for the info, I think I should get the "new Gold flex circuit" too.

(sorry if i posted this in the wrong place, i did not see the Hardware forums here until now)