View Full Version : Repairing 5200 controllers
Schenley
01-31-2006, 01:52 PM
Not sure if this has been brought up in another thread, but I finally got around to doing the refurb of my 5200 controllers. I bought a kit off the ebay user retrogames-r-us for $20 each. I know it's kind of expensive, but I think it's really worth it.
Here's the auction (http://cgi.ebay.com/Atari-5200-Joystick-Controller-COMPLETE-Repair-Kit-NEW_W0QQitemZ8254462422QQcategoryZ41009QQssPageNam eZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)
I managed to take a pair of crappy looking and non working controllers and turn them into this:
http://www.brokenclavicle.com/arcade/5200_controllers.jpg
Not only do they look good, but they actually work!!
Hey - I just noticed there's somewhat of a self portrait in that photo! 8-)
SkiDragon
01-31-2006, 02:06 PM
Ive thought about getting the gold traces before, but I dont play the 5200 often enought to warrant it. I dont know why the 5200 controllers have to be the worst ever made.
Schenley
02-01-2006, 12:50 AM
I just noticed everytime I come into this thread, I don't see the picture, but it comes up if I hit refresh. If you don't see the picture above, smack F5...
GrandAmChandler
02-01-2006, 09:48 AM
How hard was it to refurb the controllers when you got the kit??? I have a set that need doing, but I am not that handy!
Schenley
02-01-2006, 12:05 PM
How hard was it to refurb the controllers when you got the kit??? I have a set that need doing, but I am not that handy!Not hard at all... You probably need a good half hour for one controller, or 45 minutes to do 2. The directions the guy includes are spot-on and very easy to follow.
You will need a screwdriver and some double stick tape. Regular scotch tape will also work - you can fold it up to make it double sided. That's what I did.
Of course, I also used my secret video game restoring cream. (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=36502&highlight=zaino)
Schenley
02-01-2006, 12:05 PM
DOH!
My first double post!
omnedon
02-01-2006, 02:00 PM
If your pots are good it's not too hard for the handy. If you have potentiometer issues, it's diagnostic cart time.
Schenley
02-01-2006, 03:49 PM
If your pots are good it's not too hard for the handy. If you have potentiometer issues, it's diagnostic cart time.True - my sticks were still solid. I do have a pile of reject 5200 controllers with loose sticks... They probably would need more work.