Just got an Atari 5200 and have a question

[MagicMajenta]

I tried to play Space Invaders and Missile Command and tried to use the joystick but couldn't get it to fire. I tried all the buttions. What button are you suppose to press. I tried all the numbers and other bottons on the whole joystick. What do you think?

[Rogmeister]

Sounds like a defective controller. A defective controller for the 5200? Imagine that...

[MagicMajenta]

Sounds like a defective controller. A defective controller for the 5200? Imagine that...

So you're saying it's common for a 5200 controller to break? I saw converters on the Atari Age website that allows you to use Sega Genesis control pads on the 5200. Are they any good?

[Rogmeister]

Yes, the 5200 controllers have been known to have problems and people especially dislike the non-centering joysticks. I've not used Sega controllers with mine. My favorite controller to use with the 5200 is the Wico joystick designed for the system.

[Captain Wrong]

So you're saying it's common for a 5200 controller to break?

Not break, so much as the contacts for the buttons get dirty very easily. Pop your controller open and take a pencil eraser to the contacts and I'd bet you'll be back in business, but you'll probably be cleaning contacts again in a month.

[MagicMajenta]

Ok. Thanks. I'll try cleaning it. Do I just unscrew the bottom and when I open it up just clean it.

@Rogmeister, is there a pic of the Wico Joystick you are talking about.

[Rogmeister]

http://www.atariage.com/5200/controllers/con_Wico.jpg

You can either get it with it's own keypad (they're not in one unit) or connect it with a regular controller via a y connector so you can use the Wico joystick with the regular controller's keypad...

[MagicMajenta]

http://www.atariage.com/5200/controllers/con_Wico.jpg

You can either get it with it's own keypad (they're not in one unit) or connect it with a regular controller via a y connector so you can use the Wico joystick with the regular controller's keypad...

Thanks again. :D Got any links where they sell it or do I just go to ebay?

[mcgrail0007@netzero.net]

http://www.atariage.com/5200/controllers/con_Wico.jpg

You can either get it with it's own keypad (they're not in one unit) or connect it with a regular controller via a y connector so you can use the Wico joystick with the regular controller's keypad...

Thanks again. :D Got any links where they sell it or do I just go to ebay?

The Wico combination with the joystick and keypad sell for quite a bit. I sold one last week on eBay with the box for $140. eBay is your best chance at getting one of these. Sometimes someone on here or AtariAge will sell one but the online stores rarely sell them. If you want to go a less expensive route you might want to buy a Best Electronics 5200 controller. They have remade almost all of the parts and from what I have heard the "new" Best Electronics controllers pretty much last for years.

[Rogmeister]

Sorry, I don't know of any places selling that right now but then I haven't been buying too much of late, especially regarding the older systems.

[jonjandran]

Every 5200 controller that I've had that didn't work was because of a broken ribbon wire and NOT because of dirty contacts... :/

[video_game_addict]

Every 5200 controller that I've had that didn't work was because of a broken ribbon wire and NOT because of dirty contacts... :/


Yep that spot where it passes the left side fire buttons on to the top is prone to breaking.


I like the Wico too, good to keep spares (http://members.cox.net/sumguy66/tn_10%20433.jpg) though. ;)

[Sanriostar]

Every 5200 controller I've ever come across has been dirty, and every one has been fixable. I still use that copper car rear view defroster stuff to perk up the carbon discs on the buttons. Any Pep Boys or Kragen should have it.


BTW: cleaning 5200 controllers are good training for trying to fix Inty 1 controllers. They both use flex circuits made from similar stuff.