Neogeo AES Controller "up" not registering

[tommyb]

My Neogeo AES arcade stick controller randomly stopped registering the "up" properly. It's weird, I can press up on the stick and if I don't press it as far up as it can go, the up input registers properly. But I can push it just a hair more and it feels like it "locks" in to position, I dunno how to explain it, but when it does that, the "up" input stops registering.

Does anyone have any idea what would cause this to happen or how I can fix it? Thanks.

[egg_sanwich]

Start by opening it up and checking it out. Maybe loose connection or dirty micro switch?

[tommyb]

I opened it up and it felt like the stick assembly was a bit loose so I put it all back together as tight as I could and now it's not even registering the up input when I press up on it slightly. It does for about a fraction of a second and that's it, then it stops. Nothing looks dirty or anything. It is strange though, I can pull straight up on the stick and it moves about a half centimeter or so, I'm not sure if this is normal or not. I can post video of the "up" when it "clicks" and then how much more I can move it, if that would help figure this out.

EDIT: When I take the assembly apart, I can take the part that registers the "up" input and press the button on it with my finger and the up input works just fine. It's something with the interaction between the stick and this bumper that is not working properly, but I'm not sure exactly what.

[tommyb]

Update: turns out the switch just needed to be cleaned! I soaked it in alcohol for 20 or so minutes and it’s fine now.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

What's interesting about those Neo-Geo AES arcade stick controllers is, they use a Seimitsu short-throw joystick setup.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~