Genesis Arcade Stick Help

[Kenshiro28]

I got my hands on one of these for 9 bucks. Problem is, it's got some sticky substance around/in it and I can't seem to get all of it off. I lost the receipt too so I can't just take it back, so I decided to try and clean it myself using a tooth brush and some rubbing alcohol. I managed to clean it up nice but it looks like whatever is making the stick itself, er, stick is inside the dang thing. Lo and behold, I open up the pad and, yup, it's in the innards.

I can scrub a bit of it around the base of the stick itself but I don't know if that'll do anything to the circuit board or not as this is my first time messing around with the inside of a controller like this. Even then, it looks like there's some much on the circuit board itself. Is there a way I can safely clean this or am I pretty much 'effed and better off looking for another stick?

[aeon]

My first hunch would be to check out some electrical contact cleaner- although that would probably cost more than what you paid for the stick.

Your second best bet would be rubbing alcohol (90%). Rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly and doesn't stain electronics. It may be a bit tedious but perhaps with enough patience, a clean rag and some q-tips would be enough.

If you don't feel safe doing that, you should just focus on unsticking the joystick/buttons. The circuit board will probably be fine if there is some residue on it. Depending on what model arcade stick you have you should be able to unscrew the joystick box and get inside to clean it. I recently had an issue with my Super Advantage sticking and when I gutted and scrubbed it down it worked like a charm.

[CRTGAMER]

Probably a marathon gamer's spilled soda.

Agree with aeon, stick (sorry) with alcohol on that stick. Even if the alcohol gets in the electronics it will evaporate. Give time to dry out maybe blow out with can of air. Very small amount of lithium grease at base of stick (away from switches) will help smooth out the movement. The grease could attract dust so go light. If its the fire buttons sticking, then that contact cleaner or WD-40 lightly as long as the electrical contacts don't get wet.

[Kenshiro28]

70% rubbing alcohol okay? It's all I have on hand though I can pick up 90% if I gotta.

[CRTGAMER]

70% rubbing alcohol okay? It's all I have on hand though I can pick up 90% if I gotta.

Sure, give plenty of time to evaporate before plugging back in.

[Kenshiro28]

Thanks guys! The stick is working great now. I've never done this sorta thing before so it's nice to not, y'know, screw it up first time through.