Sidewinder Precision Pro 2 -- can it be fixed?

Jynx · Post by **Jynx** » Mon Sep 27, 2004 1:12 pm

So I finally went and rebuilt some spare parts to create a legacy box for D1 / D2. Yay!

My biggest problem right now is that my joystick, a Precision Pro 2, is losing its left hat-switch sensitivity. All other buttons are great, as is the stick itself.

I know that many folks believe in sliding left and right with the keys, but old habits die hard, y'know? So, with that in mind, does anyone know if it's possible to investigate this on my own, and if so, are there any good tips to opening up the joystick so I don't totally kill it?

Thanks in advance!
--Jynx

Mobius · Post by **Mobius** » Mon Sep 27, 2004 2:03 pm

Et Voila!

http://joyfix.1tech.cjb.net/

enjoy your soldering fun!

Grendel · Post by **Grendel** » Mon Sep 27, 2004 2:51 pm

A 3/4" (*) snap ring from your local hardware store will just fit over the assembly -- no need for soldering.

(*) Deadmeat, you got the right value handy ?

Jynx · Post by **Jynx** » Mon Sep 27, 2004 9:41 pm

Thanks guys, I'll try it out.

Pugwash · Post by **Pugwash** » Tue Sep 28, 2004 2:57 pm

A slide tie will pull them all hat buttons to the center.

Deadmeat · Post by **Deadmeat** » Tue Sep 28, 2004 3:02 pm

You're correct, Grendel. And it has to be an external type snap ring.

CORD · Post by **CORD** » Tue Sep 28, 2004 8:12 pm

Also, a lot of times it's the plastic plate that the hat switch post rests on that cracks and causes the hat switch post to move the plate rather than make contact with the switches. You can easily repair this with super glue (I've found that the Loctite brand works best).

BUBBALOU · Post by **BUBBALOU** » Wed Sep 29, 2004 5:38 am

Treat your joystick like you would treat a lady, with care and finesse. If you 2nd joystick you use for Descent does not at LEAST last 3-4 years...something is terribly wrong. You need to change your style ...QUICK

We ALL know you will obliterate the first, we all did
(my first lasted 1 1/2 years)

Most of you would not know about handling a lady, that's why you go through so many. Look at Mobious for example

BTW if your going to use something to glue dont use Crazy glue or any other instant....

GO get your sister or MOM, Go to a beauty supply shop and grab some RESIN and Activator and Fiberglass strips (ususally all sold together) This is a miniture version of what is used on Fiberglass/Plastic Repair, but they use it for Nails

Sergeant Thorne · Post by **Sergeant Thorne** » Wed Sep 29, 2004 9:00 am

My stick is an instrument of destruction.. In Descent3 I am a minister of death praying for war! If I didn't make my own repairs (new switches for the hat--thanks, Krom!) I'd go through about 2 sticks a year (probably 3 , if I used a Precision 2)!

Pun · Post by **Pun** » Wed Sep 29, 2004 9:10 am

Wow, thanks for the snap-ring idea, fellas. I was using zip ties.