I think Im going to take apart my controler.

[2600lover]

Im not quite sure what model it is, if you look at my site below Im sure someone will know! Anyway, I think Im going to take the 4 screws out of the bottom and try to clean her out. Do you guys think this is wise or do you think I will break it? How hard it it to take it apart?

[Dauber]

It's pretty easy to take apart, really. And it's kind of hard to mess it up. Just don't tear the wires from the connectors, and you'll be okay. Be very careful, though, as there's a spring right under the fire button. If that goes flying out, it'll be durned near impossible to find. The controller is usable without it, but a bit more sensitive.

[2600lover]

Yeah, I pulled it apart last night and the spring went flying but I did find it . So it looked pretty tight in there so I just blew really hard and some dust came out but thats about it. So I put it back together and there it sits on the shelf.

Edited July 19, 2006 by 2600lover

[DaveD]

We used to take those things apart all the time in the "old days" trying to fix 'em. Once we learned the technology behind it we realized it was really easy.

 

Once it's taken apart you'll see a circuit board. There's a thin tape film over the entire board. This tape holds 4 silver discs in place. These discs have a slight "bubble" in them. There's a white plastic insert inside the black rubber joystick. This insert has 4 "nubs" protruding from the 4 corners. These nubs press down on the discs, flattening the "bubble" and making contact with the circuit board unerneath.

 

If these discs are cracked or torn you'll likely need to replace them. More likely is that the discs have "migrated" over time and no longer line up perfectly with the contact points underneath. If this is the case you can carefully peel back the tape film over the circuit board and reposition the discs. Once in position put back the tape and you should be in business. Be careful with the tape though since after so many years the glue tends to moosh all over the place and discs can stick to the film you've just peeled away.

[keilbaca]

I always took out the spring...

 

when playing games like Enduro and Crackpots for 45 min+, that little bit of extra force with the spring really gets to you.

 

But yeah, its a very simple design. DaveD is right on the money

[taxman]

I always took out the spring...

 

when playing games like Enduro and Crackpots for 45 min+, that little bit of extra force with the spring really gets to you.

 

But yeah, its a very simple design. DaveD is right on the money

 

Great idea. I never realized that you could still play without the spring.

[2600lover]

Cool thanks guys! I took apart my extra controler last night just to see what I was in for, but tonight I will take apart my primary and try to clean it out, sure its full of crap!

[2600lover]

So lets say you were playing a game like Asteroids or Spider Fighter, would it be easier to play w/o a spring on the fire button?

[jboypacman]

You shouldnt have any problems.I dont have much tech skills but i take these controllers apart sometimes to clean them.Be careful not to lose the spring inside and not to pull any of the wire out.Good luck.

[Rik]

I remember in the old days,1978-85?,in other words, when atari 2600's and all accessories,were still being sold in stores,including the atari cx-40 joysticks,if the sticks started acting up,people would just throw them away and buy NEW ones! ,what a WASTE!,not to mention all the precious perfectly good 2600's that ive seen in garbage cans over the years!

[keilbaca]

So lets say you were playing a game like Asteroids or Spider Fighter, would it be easier to play w/o a spring on the fire button?

 

In my personal experience/preference, its better without the spring.