ByteRot :: Atari 5200 Number Pad Cleaning or Replacement

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Atari 5200 Number Pad Cleaning or Replacement

Device	Atari 5200
Difficulty	Moderate
Time	15 - 45 minutes
Steps	5

This guide is by Alan Abelson on iFixit and is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0. ByteRot mirrors it for non-commercial preservation: formatting changed and photos resized for old browsers; full-size photos and the text are on the FTP in /DOCS/REPAIR. Original guide >>

The number pad, while not used in many games, can become unresponsive over time due to dislodged/dirty sensors. Reseating and cleaning them can improve number pad responsiveness of your Atari 5200.

Tools: Phillips #2 Screwdriver; Metal Spudger

Step 1 :: Open the controller

• Turn the controller over.
• Remove the three 6mm screws from the back.
• Carefully slide and pull the two parts of the controller shell apart, exposing the innards.
• CAUTION: Do not move the joystick when reassembling. This will break your alignment. The less the joystick is moved, the easier it will be to realign the joystick.

Step 2 :: Cleaning/Reseating (number pad front and back)

• Take out the rubber button module of the number pad.
• Blow out dust on the number pad sensors with compressed air.
• Wipe the sensors clean with a cloth dabbed with alcohol.

Step 3 :: Reassembly Part 1

• Use a spudger to remove the top frame.
• Take off the plate.
• Remove the rubber buttons.

Step 4 :: Reassembly Part 2

• Pull the circuit strip through the new space.
• Realign the top and bottom of the controller.

Step 5 :: Reassembly Part 3

• Return the buttons to the top of the controller.
• Snap the frame back into place.
• Screw the screws back into place.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Credit