CluelessBTD
Smash Ace
First of all, this IS NOT a controller mod, just a repair. It only works on the newest model GC controllers (i.e. the white controllers). These controls are made of different friction resistant materials and the important parts are screwed on for easy maintenance rather than soldered on permanently like the other controls.
Problem
Brand new controllers have a control stick that is tight and had a quick spring so you can perform pivot jabs and ftilts with ease. Not only that, but aerial maneuvers are easier to space due to the control sensitivity. Over time the stick starts to get kinda wobbly and doesn't want to spring right back to the dead center anymore. Don't buy a new control, you can fix it!
Cause
Under your control stick is a box which houses tiny plastic rails to sense the position of the stick. In the old controls, the stick starts to get sawed into like an axe to a tree, putting a gap between it and the rails (in addition to the next cause). However, in the white ones the problem is caused by a spring mechanism underneath the stick. The spring pushes against the bottom of the stick to keep it centered. They fit together like a loose ball socket. When it wears out, a tiny gap forms between the stick and this socket, reducing the springiness (since the spring has less contact with the stick).
Solution
Don't be intimidated, it's not hard.
1. Open up your controller using a triwing screwdriver. I ordered mine on ebay for a dollar. You can also use a small flathead if you have the patience and maybe some pliers to grip it.
2. Slide the control stick off. Then, there is a black plastic thing that holds the rumble motor. Slide the motor out and then carefully pop this plastic thing off.
3. You will see 2 tiny screw heads on the right side. Use a small phillips to get these off.
4. Flip your controller over now so that you can remove the control stick box. To do so, I gently slid my thumbnail between the black connectors and the box. They should click off pretty easy. Don't bend them too much, they might break off!
5. Now take the box and look at the bottom. You can open it by prying the bottom off with a small flathead screwdriver. It should pop right out easy.
6. You're in! Familiarize yourself with the way it's organized inside. We now how to somehow fill the gap in that's causing it to be loose. You will have to put something thin in between the ball of the control stick and the socket. I did so by cutting an octagonal shape out of slightly flexible plastic (The plastic package from a new pack of batteries). If the plastic you choose is too thick, it will cause your control stick to be so tight that it won't spring back at all.
7. Fit the plastic in the middle of the socket and then pop the box back together. It only slides on one way so just rotate it till it fits. You can test the stick, it won't be wobbly and should spring back nicely. Unless you didn't do it right...try again. Put the box back onto the circuit board and pop the two sensors back into place. Keep in mind that when you screw the box back it will put a bit more pressure on the stick and it'll get just a bit tighter. I always grease the moving parts with silicone bulb grease (AutoZone)
8. Test your stick at this point. This is what it will feel like when you are playing. If you don't like it, you can find some thinner plastic to fill the gap or just undo the process. Put the controller back together.
Tada!
There you go! Now, you MUST break the controller in before playing in tournament. The plastic that filled the gap will begin to take the shape of the socket as you use it for 15 to 30 minutes. Until then, it may be just a bit too tight and won't spring back perfectly, but is still good.
I could put pictures up but I don't feel like taking my controller apart again and potentially messing up the masterpiece that I have created. *kills self*
Although this isn't exactly about melee, I believe it's something all melee players should know so I chose this forum to post it.
Problem
Brand new controllers have a control stick that is tight and had a quick spring so you can perform pivot jabs and ftilts with ease. Not only that, but aerial maneuvers are easier to space due to the control sensitivity. Over time the stick starts to get kinda wobbly and doesn't want to spring right back to the dead center anymore. Don't buy a new control, you can fix it!
Cause
Under your control stick is a box which houses tiny plastic rails to sense the position of the stick. In the old controls, the stick starts to get sawed into like an axe to a tree, putting a gap between it and the rails (in addition to the next cause). However, in the white ones the problem is caused by a spring mechanism underneath the stick. The spring pushes against the bottom of the stick to keep it centered. They fit together like a loose ball socket. When it wears out, a tiny gap forms between the stick and this socket, reducing the springiness (since the spring has less contact with the stick).
Solution
Don't be intimidated, it's not hard.
1. Open up your controller using a triwing screwdriver. I ordered mine on ebay for a dollar. You can also use a small flathead if you have the patience and maybe some pliers to grip it.
2. Slide the control stick off. Then, there is a black plastic thing that holds the rumble motor. Slide the motor out and then carefully pop this plastic thing off.
3. You will see 2 tiny screw heads on the right side. Use a small phillips to get these off.
4. Flip your controller over now so that you can remove the control stick box. To do so, I gently slid my thumbnail between the black connectors and the box. They should click off pretty easy. Don't bend them too much, they might break off!
5. Now take the box and look at the bottom. You can open it by prying the bottom off with a small flathead screwdriver. It should pop right out easy.
6. You're in! Familiarize yourself with the way it's organized inside. We now how to somehow fill the gap in that's causing it to be loose. You will have to put something thin in between the ball of the control stick and the socket. I did so by cutting an octagonal shape out of slightly flexible plastic (The plastic package from a new pack of batteries). If the plastic you choose is too thick, it will cause your control stick to be so tight that it won't spring back at all.
7. Fit the plastic in the middle of the socket and then pop the box back together. It only slides on one way so just rotate it till it fits. You can test the stick, it won't be wobbly and should spring back nicely. Unless you didn't do it right...try again. Put the box back onto the circuit board and pop the two sensors back into place. Keep in mind that when you screw the box back it will put a bit more pressure on the stick and it'll get just a bit tighter. I always grease the moving parts with silicone bulb grease (AutoZone)
8. Test your stick at this point. This is what it will feel like when you are playing. If you don't like it, you can find some thinner plastic to fill the gap or just undo the process. Put the controller back together.
Tada!
There you go! Now, you MUST break the controller in before playing in tournament. The plastic that filled the gap will begin to take the shape of the socket as you use it for 15 to 30 minutes. Until then, it may be just a bit too tight and won't spring back perfectly, but is still good.
I could put pictures up but I don't feel like taking my controller apart again and potentially messing up the masterpiece that I have created. *kills self*
Although this isn't exactly about melee, I believe it's something all melee players should know so I chose this forum to post it.
