Robotron Control Panel: Joystick Play

D_Harris

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 27, 2008
Messages
2,518
Reaction score
51
Location
Staten Island, New York
I am about to put a Robotron control panel up for sale. But first I decided to swap out the rusty joysticks with brand new 4" sticks.

If you pull the joystick up it travels vertically about 1/8 of an inch. I've never noticed this before, probably because I don't pull up on joysticks, but is this considered normal?

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.
 
I am about to put a Robotron control panel up for sale. But first I decided to swap out the rusty joysticks with brand new 4" sticks.

If you pull the joystick up it travels vertically about 1/8 of an inch. I've never noticed this before, probably because I don't pull up on joysticks, but is this considered normal?

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

Does the stick return to normal position? I just picked up a Robotron the other day and am having the same issue...I beleive there is supposed to be a spring that keeps tension on the sticks that is missing on mine. If anyone has some input Id be happy to listen.
 
Does the stick return to normal position? I just picked up a Robotron the other day and am having the same issue...I beleive there is supposed to be a spring that keeps tension on the sticks that is missing on mine. If anyone has some input Id be happy to listen.
Congrats! Was this by chance the one that was on eBay in McBain?
 
I had this issue pop up at work recently when checking out a wico-style joystick someone had issues with. There is a grommet inside that should snap it back to center, but there is also a washer in there that the joystick shaft goes through after going through the grommet. What had happened was that the washer had slipped to one side and the joystick shaft didn't go through it. The washer then made moving in that direction minimal. I pulled the shaft back out, realigned the washer, reinstalled (with the spring under the actuator) and it was back to normal travel in all directions...
 
Congrats! Was this by chance the one that was on eBay in McBain?

Nope ebay isnt my style :) It came from a member here (Wonta)
Tried to talk Adamdiz out of his super cherry Race Drivin while I was on my way home, but I think Im gonna have to try harder ;-)
 
I had this issue pop up at work recently when checking out a wico-style joystick someone had issues with. There is a grommet inside that should snap it back to center, but there is also a washer in there that the joystick shaft goes through after going through the grommet. What had happened was that the washer had slipped to one side and the joystick shaft didn't go through it. The washer then made moving in that direction minimal. I pulled the shaft back out, realigned the washer, reinstalled (with the spring under the actuator) and it was back to normal travel in all directions...

Thanks Mod
Ill take a closer look as soon as I get some free time, havent even had a chance to really play it yet. Pesky job keeps gettin in the way...
 
One of the sticks actually can be pulled up a tiny bit more than the other and I was wondering what is the reason for this.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.
 
Ok, I learned what the problem is from the person I sold the control panel to.

There are no springs in the joystick assembly.

Does anyone know where I can get them?

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.
 
Does anyone know where I can get them?

Mike's Arcade has them for $1.50/each. I've never ordered from there.

Never mind. Not in stock. Someone from here has them. When I remember, I'll edit.

edit: Looks like Bob's got them for $1/each.
 
Last edited:
darren - if this helps, here's a diagram showing all the parts. the springs can wear out and cause excessive play, as can the grommets. i got nos grommets off ebay and mike's springs and it made mine a lot better.

joystickp.jpg
 
Back
Top Bottom