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Joystick problems

Pat Pattle

Pat Pattle

SOH-CM-2025
I've had a Saitek Aviator joystick for a few years now and it's been great but recently has started to feel 'notchy' especially in the fore/aft axis.
All looks ok internally, I can't see any obvious signs of wear.

I think it may just need lubricating, but with what? Anyone any ideas please? Some oils and polishes attack plastic so am a bit wary of stick any old thing on it.

I know that new sticks are pretty cheap these days but I like the Aviator, mines an early one with proper toggle switches which feel just that little bit more realistic.

Thanks :)


SaitekAviator_zps46a6bc0f.jpg
 
I would suggest a little shot of a spray-can silicon lubricant with the little red tube attached. Just a squirt and try it; you can always apply more.

I use it on the kids NERF guns and never had a problem. They are plastic.
 
Pat,
I use exactly the same JS, like it myself, as you say.

Over the last year it's started to 'wander', re-calibrating didn't fix it. In the end I took it apart and lubed the rheostats, that helped a little. You can buy the rheostats and solder on new ones, but you obviously have to get the right ones. My AV8 is some 6+ years old, so I don't know if it's possible to get new ones.

I really think that it's wear and tear, and they must have a finite life, which is a shame.

I don't know what to replace it with if it gets too bad, had any thoughts on that?

Cheers

Shessi
 
Joystick Problems

Hi, Folks

I swear by Saitek, and my favorite by far is the ancient Cyborg 3D Gold USB stick. It's 15 years old and still works like a champ. I have a second one, (also used) that I have a backup. Yes, they do wear out, but I've never found a stick I like as well. I occasionally browse Ebay and Amazon, if I find another and the price isn't totally outrageous, I'll pick it up.

Steve
 
Thanks for the replies. I took it apart again Saturday and lubricated it with a silicon spray but it made no difference.
I noticed the notchy feel was coming from the main ball & socket where the column enters the base so I shortened the centering spring to lesson the load and it now seems ok. :) Think I may buy one of the later versions and see if I can swap the toggle switches over.

Cheers,

Clive
 
You may have had some debris in there that could have been interfering. I had a little jump in my stick and a thorough cleaning seemed to get rid of the problem.
 
You may have had some debris in there that could have been interfering. I had a little jump in my stick and a thorough cleaning seemed to get rid of the problem.
Click to expand...

Yes that is a possibility Daniel, it was a bit fluffy in there!

Reducing the spring load has also made the stick feel a bit more responsive, be interesting to see how long it lasts now I've fiddled with it!
 
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