12 replies to this topic

[RangerG]

Has anyone fixed a 5200 Wico controller before? At first the stick wouldn't center in the up position. I took it apart and now it will center in the vertical, but not the horizontal. It is driving me crazy because I can't hold everything together and get the cover on. I have two other extra working sticks so I can let it sit and come back to it, but will I succeed at this via trial and error or is something really broken and I'm wasting my time? Any suggestions/advice greatly appreciated. To me it far easier to clean and repair a stock 5200 stick -- this thing is just barely holding togehter when you slap the cover on and tighten the screws.

Thanks,
RG

[MrRetroGamer]

What exactly do you mean that it won't center properly, be more specific? I know the 2 pots should stay in place, and only register movement from the stick. If they "float" a bit, that could be why they seem like they dont center. Also, are you working with eveything upside down, as it should be no problem to reassemble that way? Give me some more info and I'll see what else I can tell you.

[voiddweller]

RangerG said:

Has anyone fixed a 5200 Wico controller before? At first the stick wouldn't center in the up position. I took it apart and now it will center in the vertical, but not the horizontal.

If you say that you have the horizontal slider all the way to the left and it still isn't centering, than we are in the same boat. I'm calling BestElectronics right now to get a loopback tester.

- VD

[RangerG]

Ok -- I feel like the biggest idiot. I was trying to reassemble it upside down (or actually right side up). I just put it together perfectly. Thank you Mr. Retrogamer. Ah well -- I have a new working 5200 stick.

Thanks again --
An embarrassed RG

[MrRetroGamer]

RangerG said:

... I was trying to reassemble it upside down (or actually right side up)

I think that would be harder than solving Rubik's Cube! Glad it worked out!

[voiddweller]

Hello,

If anyone would be able to offer suggestions on correcting the issue with the horizontal calibration on my Wico, it would be GREATLY appreciated! I think it may have somthing to do with the resistor, but I am not sure where to begin on testing or fixing it.

Thanks!

- VD

[Mitch]

I have one that has the same problem. I think I know how I can fix it but I haven't had time to work on it yet. I'll post on the fix when I do it.

Mitch
http://atari7800.atari.org

[voiddweller]

Mitch,

Thank you. I will be ANXIOUSLY awaiting your post

- VD

[Mitch]

OK, I've done some research into the 5200 Wico joystick centering problems. Basically, the pot is just wearing out. I looking into getting replacement pots but unfortunately that pot has been discontinued by the manufacturer. I checked with the manufacturer (Bourns) to see if I could get any and they said the could produce more but they would need a minimum order of 1000 pieces. I have a feeling that 1000 is way more than we will need, so unless I get a lot of responses asking for them. I will have to tell them we can't make the minimum order.

So, if you need one or more, please post how many you might want. I don't know what the possible price is yet but I'm guessing around $5 a piece.

Mitch
http://atari7800.atari.org

[voiddweller]

Hi Mitch,

See if you can get a fixed price and we'll go from there.

Thanks!

- VD

[NoahsMyBro]

I have 2 Wicos, bought new. I never really liked them much, but I haven't used them in a very long time and would be willing to give them another chance. I'd assume they would benefit from new pots as well, considering their age.

SO, if the pots are indeed around $5 each, and assuming the sticks use 2 each, you can put me down for 4, if you end up doing this. Only 996 to go!

Steve

[Mitch]

I have emailed them requesting a possible price.
However, judging from the low response so far, it doesn't look good.

Mitch
http://atari7800.atari.org

[Voltman3]

Hey guys
I had trouble with 1 of my Wicos too.
It wouldnt going down if I recall correctly.
Anyway I found as Mitch says the pot was wearing out on
one end. It didnt have enough resitance on the high side.
All I had to do was add a 50k resistor to the end of the
affected pot and it worked like a charm.

I can't be sure this is your Wico's problem without looking at it
myself, but if it is- thats the easy fix.

If your Wico willnot center-
it sounds as if the pot is registering less than 250k ohms.
Approx 250k is needed to make it center.

If your problem pot reads (less than 250k)
you'll not benefit from my suggestion above.
If the pot only reads 0-200k ohms, it (ship etc..)
will never reach center......... you'll need another pot.

In any case, WICO pots should register approx. (5k - 500k) ohms
to have full analog directional control.

I think mine was close to 500k but still wouldnt work right !
The additional 50k resistance did it tho.

Hope this might help-
Later