Genesis 3-button controller problem?

[Xexyz]

Okay, the deal: Got a Model 1 Genesis, with two controllers.

The problem: The controllers suck. One of them doesn't work period. The other one slightly works (start and D-pad right respond, thats it).

I opened both up in hopes of making them work again. So far all I did was rid them from all the dust build up. Now neither work. Oh mighty all knowing omnedon (or anyone else), is there any way to save at least one controller?

I have a feeling that the one that never worked in the first place might have a break somewhere, keeping conductivity to the board from occuring. But what about the other one? It did work before I broke it...

[davidleeroth]

Seems like the rubber contact pads are far gone. You might want to contact sega-parts.com or similar and ask if they carry replacement pads.

I've heard of someone using a contact paste or something to revive the pads. If anyone knows whether this works, please do tell.

[§ Gideon §]

I've never heard of the contact pads wearing out that way. I thought the reason you replace them is for the factory-new stiffness...

[SuperShark]

I agree. I do not see how any of the internal pads colud wear out that badly!

[Xexyz]

I don't know about the pads, theya re still pretty stiff and responsive. Maybe I put them in backwards? I have to admit, this was the first time I took a controller apart.

[§ Gideon §]

Ah, sorry for not helping earlier. Do you have access to a continuity tester? If not, you can make one easily with wire, a source of electricity, and a light bulb; see elsewhere for that.

Anyway, a continuity tester is exactly what you need. If you already knew that, sorry for being condescending.

[chaoticjelly]

Open the pad up, on the PCB there are golden pads, when you press a button on the pad, the rubber underneath it depresses, a little metal pad on the underside of the rubber touches the golden pad and sends the signal - thats how the pad works.

You could try cleaning all of the golden pads with isopropyl alcohol - just give them all a good rub and then try the pad!

Otherwise try a combination of that, and replacing the rubber pads if possible.., or switch the pads around i.e. take a pad from a little-used button, and put it on the "A" button instead (swap them around)

[phreak97]

check the cables, it could be the connectors at the end.