voiddweller

Hello, I was wondering if the Rarity Guide is scheduled to be updated at regular intervals or if the changes are sporadic? Also, does the Guide take into account any of the data found in the Digital Press? Thanks! - VD

Mitch, I'm glad that worked for you! I tried the same thing a few weeks ago and it didn't work. Perhaps I was really tired and put it back on the same way is was originally I'll take it apart again and give it another shot. Thanks! - VD For those of you that have never seen the inside of the Wico, here you go:

oesii, I know how you feel. You can try a few things to improve the response of the controller. For the fire buttons: Open the controller and clean the metal contacts with Alcohol and a Q-tip. Next, take a pair of Needle Nose pliers and gently bend base of the contacts so they are closer together. This will shorten the distance you require to get a response. I believe there is also a spring that you can replace with a higher resistance version. You'll have to take it out and then go to your local electronics or hardware store for the right fit. For the joystick: The mushy feel is caused by the springs that are attached to 2 plastic "Y" pieces that are on a pivot point for each axis. When the springs loose their effectiveness, the controller gets mushy. When the "Y" pieces start to bend, the centering "locks" at the bottom of the controller become easier to move out of place. This is normal for a 20 yr. old controller and you will probably need to use the screw trick or jam something in the slot, like cardboard. I believe these two suggestions were by Voltman3 and NE146. The only options I found are replacing the springs with stronger versions and straightening out the plastic, which requires it to be heated and remolded, not an easy task if you are inexperienced with old plastic. I have been afraid to try it due to the age of the material. I hope this helps a little. - VD

Thanks! How much force do you think that pin can take? - VD

I can definitely relate to your situation. I won an excellent condition Wico joystick in the original box. He charged me double the actual shipping rate and then used a paper bag to cover the original box, which ended up being crushed. So in addition to having a crushed box with no padding, some tape was stuck on the front, so it ripped the picture right off when I removed the paper. When I Emailed him about the substandard packaging, he said I should've bought insurance and I was out of luck. He said that EVERYONE ships this way on Ebay. He proceded to leave me retaliatory 'Neutral' feedback after I left him 'Neutral' feedback for the packaging. - VD

Anyone???

The support bearing is rusted solid and un-repairable. So, I ordered a new one from Best Electronics. However, it doesn't come with the center pin to support it. How do I get the old pin out (without damaging the pin) and put it in the new bearing? Thanks! - VD P.S. BTW - Bradley said he is in the process of starting production on the Gold-dot 5200 fire-buttons (a few months away) and is considering gold-dot keypads.

That's a fine deal for all the items. Good job! - VD

Mitch, Does the revision of the diagnostic software make a difference? Bradley seemed to suggest that it does... Thanks! - VD

That's a good question... - VD

Charlie, Thanks for the tip! That sounds like it will work. In the name of science, I will make a comparison when I get the loopback board. I'll try the calibration your way first and then use the loopback board. When I'm finished, I'll post my findings. Thanks! - VD

Wow! How could anyone with a 2 Port pass up an offer like that? Thanks Mitch! - VD

It's possible it was the 2 Port. I remember they were selling for $50 at Toys-R-US when the game crash happened. Not sure about the rebate, but it wouldn't surprise me. - VD

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

Thanks! I'll give Bradley a call... - VD

My understanding is that it doesn't matter if you are using the original cartridge or the multicart. The problem is the BIOS, so the result is the same. In regard to obtaining the BIOS, you can pull it from an old 4 Port or a retailer like Best Electronics MAY have it, but I've never checked on the availability or cost. - VD

Mitch, Where is the best place to get a loopback board? Thanks! - VD

Charlie, That's interesting. I have the latest SK Multicart and it has a diagnostic program to adjust the joystick axis, but I never had any instructions on how to use it. I was curious, the pot rotates from left to right, yet you imply that it adjusts the X and Y axis. It this correct? If anyone has the instructions on how to utilize the diagnostic cart, PLEASE send them my way! Thanks! - VD

Charlie, I've seen that pot and wondered what it did. Do you know exactly what it adjusts? Thanks! - VD

http://www.atariage.com/5200/history.html

I LOVE my 4 port auto switchbox. I never have to reach behind the T.V. I think Combat II may also utilize all 4 ports. - VD

http://www.atariage.com/forums/viewtopic.p...hlight=psx+5200

They are worth whatever the market will bear. I'm sure someone is thinking that they are getting a good deal and that's fine. While similar controllers can be had for less, the price is not outrageous. - VD

Are you sure about Ebay? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...item=1392716698

Hi, I am familiar with the computer game, "Evolution," in addition to most 5200 games. Unfortunately, I can not thik of ANY 5200 game that even comes close to your description. Sorry.... - VD