Joystick switcher C64
23 May 2020
TV channels
6 June 2020
How to "soften" the joystick?
If you have The C64 maxi, you will have noticed how hard the joystick is, let's see how you can fix it.
The new model also called MAXI of “THE C64” has a joystick that compared to its predecessor, the mini, has microswitches for more precise movement. The big problem with this joystick is its hardness, it is almost impossible to be able to play by holding the joystick with one hand and moving the stick with the other, you often end up pressing other keys near the stick to hold it firmly.
On the net you can find tips on how to use oil to lubricate the movement or the contacts, but I can assure you that it does not work, I wanted to try it myself. The problem is not in the stick or in the spring that is friction, the problem is precisely the micro-switches which are extremely hard, they have a very strong spring.
If we disassemble the joy and remove the board with the micro, the lever moves quite well (for the quality of the piece) and does not make any force, so the only solution to avoid breaking your wrists is to keep the joystick on a table in order to help with the support of the base.
But if you want to put an end to this situation, all that remains is to begin to dismantle everything!
We disassemble the joystick
Now all that remains is to mount the new switches, replace the screws that hold them and solder the 2 pins for each.
We reassemble the board on the joystick and assemble the base with the other 4 screws, taking care to get the USB cable out correctly.
* ENJOY THE NEW JOY *
Where do I get the new microswitches?
I got 4 micro for about € 3 on Aliexpress from this store: Foshan Yirun Electronic Co., Ltd.
"4PCS / lot High Quality Micro Switch For 5pin Sanwa joystick Arcade joystick PCB board P"
They are very soft, they are not Sanwa but for the joystick in question they are just fine. In the end the joystick is softer than the 50 ~ 60%, you can play it easily even with one hand (if placed on a table) without having to hold it.
3 Comments
Hi Mirco G, congratulations for the guide but, being absolutely denied in this type of work and having this joystick that every time risks ending up against a wall when I play (absolutely 'nasty !!) I ask you if I can send it to you per accommodation… Obviously paying all there is to pay.
A thousand thanks
PM sent. Thank you
Hi, I would also be interested thanks