stock controller fire buttons not working. Any ideas?

[djmat56]

Hi all

 

Just got a 4 port sent to me here in the UK. Just done the AV mod and all works well.

 

Problem I have is that the fire buttons on both controllers don't seem to work at all. Is this another use not related to the controllers or just coincidence?

 

 

[+DamonicFury]

Probably the single most common issue with the 5200. No doubt people will tell you to buy a reconditioned Best Electronics controller, but if you want to avoid that expense, just super-glue bits of foil to the rubber pads of the fire buttons (as well as the Start/Pause/Reset buttons, which also often fail.) That should do the trick. Make sure to find and use a detailed description of how to open up the controller properly, as it is easy to damage the flimsy circuit if you do it improperly.

[Nutsy Doodleheimer]

Welcome to the life of the Atari 5200. It's a common problem due to the carbon buildup covering the cell membranes. Try opening up the controllers and get an eraser and clear out the carbom buildup And get a qtip and dap a little rubbing alcohol and wipe it down as well. Then put it back together and try it out. Also try ordering some gold parts from Best Electronics as well.

[VectorGamer]

I had that problem with a new flex circuit installed. Fix was installing a new controller cable.

[bohoki]

before i knew what i was doing i removed the orange buttons and taped a paperclip to my finger

[+GoldenWheels]

This is g may seem weird but...I considered putting a small flat head tack in the buttons to act as contacts (flat head for contact, tack going into button towards your finger, but short enough, and with a big enough head, that you'd never push so hard that it could come through).

 

Then I got a competition pro and kind of forgot about it. Maybe I should go back to that.

[boxpressed]

Agree with sdamon. Get a hole puncher (preferably one with a smaller punch than standard size) and a sheet of aluminum foil. Super glue with the brush works best. However, you should test the circuit first with a paperclip or screwdriver tip. If you're not getting any action onscreen, the flex circuit itself may be damaged.