Problems with my NGPC joystick.....HALP!

[loztheguru]

Turned on my neo geo pocket this morning and the joystick is making a strange noise. everytime i press right it makes a 'clock' noise as opposed to the usual click. Sounds almost like its pushing against something, then pushing past it. If i press left two or three times, then it only makes the 'clock' noise the first time, but if i press left then right then left then right (etc) then everytime it makes the noise.

Any idea what it is, or how I might fix it? At the moment its irritating but doesnt really affect play.

 

[Xian Xi]

Sounds like a spring is out of line.

 

[loztheguru]

Hmmm that does sound highly plausible. Is there any way to fix it (prefferably without oepning it up and getting dust all over the screen!).

Is it likely to get worse?

 

[Xian Xi]

Only way to fix it is by opening up the unit and popping off the control box from the pcb. The springs are super small though.

You can try to realign it by clicking up-right and down-right a couple times.