ByteRot :: Atari 5200 Controller Start/Pause/Reset Buttons Replacement

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Atari 5200 Controller Start/Pause/Reset Buttons Replacement

Device	Atari 5200
Difficulty	Easy
Time	5 - 10 minutes
Steps	2

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 START/PAUSE/RESET buttons of the Atari 5200 controller can become unresponsive due to dirty/overused connections. Opening the controller and reseating/cleaning the interfaces to these sensors can improve the button's responsiveness.

Tools: Soft Cloth; Isopropyl Alcohol; Heavy-Duty Spudger

Step 1 :: Opening up the module

• Using a plastic or metal spudger, pry open the face of the button module.

Step 2 :: Removing the parts.

• Take off the plate and the rubber buttons.
• Clean the exposed contacts.
• Reassemble by following the steps in reverse.

Conclusion

Test the controller. If these step don't improve connectivity, take a look at the circuitry replacement guide.

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