Nintendo Joystick Responsiveness

paulliadis

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My Donkey Kong Junior has the original Nintendo style joystick. It seems to be in pretty good shape, although it seems to be a little unresponsive. Meaning, I have to sometimes push a bit harder than I think I should to get Junior to move.

Having no frame of reference (don't have a DK Junior to compare it to) it's hard for me to tell if this is normal or not. I do know DK Junior on MAME using the computer keyboard keys is much more responsive.Any thoughts on here?

If I were to adjust the responsiveness of the joystick, what would this involve? Perhaps I need to adjust the metal arms on the microswitch a bit so they are closer to the bit that gets pressed that registers the joystick movement (don't know the technical name). I imagine this would then require less movement from the joystick. Or I could just be a crazy newbie.

Paul
 
technical term? actuator. lol

I THINK that the microswitches actually rotate on the joystick mounting plate. take a good look at it. IMO, I'd leave the switch loose, press the joystick into it about as far as it will move, and try tightening it in that position. make sure the actuators aren't entirely bent very bad. you want the actuator to cleanly press the switch.

I've never done it on a DK/DK Jr. though, I've only adjusted the buttons on my PC-10 like that.
 
The switches don't move like on the button switches.
I would take it apart and thoroughly clean the joystick especially the pivot ball in the base.
Assuming something isn't missing,it should work fine.
Do you have a blow up diagram of the stick?
Turn the cp over and push the joystick in each direction and make sure the switch is being activated properly.
 
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This is common on Nintendo sticks. The problem is the spring loaded bushing that is used for the stick to return to center gets dried out and gunky. The ball bushing does the same. The way to get it back to it's intended operation is to do as stated earlier. Disassemble it, clean it with a light oil (yes oil) not anything water based and do not make the mistake of using WD40 as it is solvent based and will most assuredly eventually dry it out again. After it's cleaned out and dried, lube the bushing, shaft, ball bushing and all related parts with a teflon based grease and a very small amount of oil. You don't need to use much at all. Try not to get any oil or grease on the switch actuators (levers) as it can eventually travel down and can get into the switch contacts which will cause the switch to fail or not work properly.
 
Take It Apart It Is

Thanks for all the responses.

I have seen the exploded view of the joystick, on Mike's Arcade site as well as the manual.

Do you all have a recommended light oil and teflon based grease to lubricate the joystick?

One last thing, there's a small nick in the ball top of the joystick. Is there anything anybody does to fix something like that, or should I just replace it with an $8 top from Mike's? I can't imagine there is anything to be done, but you all are wizards so you never know.

Paul
 
3 in 1 oil works great and is readily available at most stores in the hardware section, Lowes, H Depot. Same story for the Teflon grease. I think even Radio Shack has it. As far as the nick you're refering to. Are you sure it's not the hole for the set screw used to adhear the ball to the shaft?


Thanks for all the responses.

I have seen the exploded view of the joystick, on Mike's Arcade site as well as the manual.

Do you all have a recommended light oil and teflon based grease to lubricate the joystick?

One last thing, there's a small nick in the ball top of the joystick. Is there anything anybody does to fix something like that, or should I just replace it with an $8 top from Mike's? I can't imagine there is anything to be done, but you all are wizards so you never know.

Paul
 
Nope

No, the normal hole is there but also a nice nick in the plastic/paint right on the top. Not a big deal really, but something I notice, of course.

Paul
 
Cleaned

Took apart and cleaned the joystick and am happy with it now. I must admit it was one of the parts on this thing that has certainly stood the test of time.

For those reading this from the future, clean out your joystick before replacing it. Also, I hope you are enjoying your flying cars.

Paul
 
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