DK Joystick Help

ckasek

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Not sure if this is the right place, but if not I'll have it moved. Earlier this year I picked up a DK that had been converted to Herbie at the Olympics. I converted it back to DK, but something just doesn't feel right about the joystick.

It feels like it sits really low on the CP, I don't know if this is normal. I expected a bit more of the shaft to be above the CP, it's not very comfortable to hold (especially for someone with big hands)
P1030713.JPG


It also doesn't transition smoothly from L/R to D/U. Many deaths have there been due to the joystick feeling like it's stuck in a diagonal position. Perhaps the restrictor plate is worn out, or is an 8 way? I'll have to get a closer look at it. Here's what it looks like from underneath:
P1030719.JPG


I also replaced the joystick with a replacement from Mike's Arcade. This is what it originally came with...does this look right for a DK? Makes me wonder if somewhere along the line a joystick assembly from another nintendo game was swapped in.
P1030711.JPG


Anyone with knowledge of Nintendo joysticks, any feedback is appreciated.
 
And I've already answered my questions.

Based on the nintendo joysticks page here it appears my cabinet came with a TKGT Stick that was used in a DK cocktail...so it must have been swapped in at some point.

Unfortunately, when I ordered the repro stick from Mikes, they sent me the wrong thing - it should have been his TKGU repro, but instead I got the TMAU repro which is 5mm shorter...which explains why it feels like the joystick is too short. I sent them an email, but I'm probably out of luck since it's been six months. I guess I should have paid more attention at the time, but I didn't know any better.

And after taking a closer look at my restrictor, it's in pretty rough shape, and has been pretty much worn down completely. I'll need a new one, but I'm feeling kinda salty about ordering one from Mike's Arcade after getting the wrong stick. Anyone know of another source?
 
And after taking a closer look at my restrictor, it's in pretty rough shape, and has been pretty much worn down completely. I'll need a new one, but I'm feeling kinda salty about ordering one from Mike's Arcade after getting the wrong stick. Anyone know of another source?

I was wondering this too when I read your post and I only found one place that sells them. They are 2$ more then Mikes
http://www.arcadefixit.com/product.sc?productId=501&categoryId=151
 
I also replaced the joystick with a replacement from Mike's Arcade. This is what it originally came with...does this look right for a DK? Makes me wonder if somewhere along the line a joystick assembly from another nintendo game was swapped in.
P1030711.JPG


Anyone with knowledge of Nintendo joysticks, any feedback is appreciated.

Why did you replace the stick?
That is definitely the right one. You can tell easily by the squared end.
Replace the restrictor plate and maybe the spring and retainer.
I would just order those also instead of just paying shipping on the restrictor.
Thoroughly clean the ball pivot of old grease with WD-40 or a degreaser and blow it out with compressed air.
Make sure to get all old grease out and it is completely clean. Reassemble and lightly lube the pivot with lithium grease.
That should bring it back to life.

Edit: Mikes picture of the different sticks is not totally correct.
The TKGU also came with the squared end like the TKGT.
The 30mm & 25mm ball will fit either shaft.
I have a NOS DK shaft sitting here with the squared end.
 
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