N64 Controller calibration

[Saki]

Hello Community,

this is my problem:

I have one grey (Nintendo) controller, which has a big problem, the self-calibration.
Sometimes or just a certain period of time there won´t shows up this problem but then suddenly, I have to calibrate the controller several times in-game manually [L+R(hold) + Start ].
I guess you see , its just annoying and this is why i post this problem here.
Additionally I tried to calibrate the controller in the "wrong"-way when I turn on my N64 and afterwards correct this error manually in-game but the problem is still exists.

Do you have this problem too and know any solution ? Please let me know

By the way if its important in any way, the controll stick is in good condition^^

greets,

Saki

[Hobie-wan]

The N64 analog stick uses optical wheels, not variable resistors like most other analog sticks. This is why it tells you to have the stick centered when you power on the console. It simple considers this 0 and then when you move the stick, it is counting how many slots you've moved in either direction to know how far you've moved the stick. Then when you let go, it will obviously move the same number back as it re-centers. If it is getting lost along they way, I'd say there is likely some speck of dust or dirt in the optical sensors that is either creating extra on/off counts, or is blocking, so it doesn't count them. I'd open it up and have a quick attack with some canned air on the optical grates and the sensors. You probably ought to get hold of some white grease safe for plastic gears and lube up the stick portion to prolong its life while you're in there.

[Ziggy]

The N64 joysticks are notorious for wearing out. Does your stick feel tight? If you hold the controller by one of the outer prongs and jiggle it back and forth a little, does the stick move around? Can you pull up on the stick? Is there light grey (same color as the stick) powder around the stick? These are signs of a worn stick. If it's worn, than I'd say that's why you have to constantly recalibrate.

Let's say it's not (completely) worn, I agree with what Hobie said. You should clean it out and definitely lube it while you're in there.

I spam this tip all the time: Lube the sticks on all your N64 controllers that aren't worn out yet. It will prevent them from wearing out.

If your stick is worn out, you can try and fix it up. But from my experience, there's a point where they're just too far gone and it doesn't matter what you do they'll never be perfect again. If that's the case, luckily we have brand new replacements these days.

[Saki]

Thanks both of you for your quick response !

The control stick is indeed moving around when im jiggling the controller, but besides that it feels tight when im moving the stick


Additionally, can you tell what kind of grease , i heard about lithium grease and maybe from which brand you had your grease ? Thanks.



greets,

Saki

[Hobie-wan]

Molykote is one kind. If you have a hobby shop that sells higher end Remote Control kits and stuff, they should have some grease there for plastic gears.

[Ziggy]

I used 3-In-One oil to lube a few sticks. It's not the best thing to use, but it's what I had on hand. The reason why it's not the best is because since it's oil it runs. I lubed my stick up using a Q-Tip drenched in 3-In-One, and was careful not to over oil the parts so that it wouldn't leak all over. I'd imagine it would probably wreck the optical censors. That aside, it still worked to stop friction, which is all you're looking to do.

A grease would be more ideal, since it wont run. But all the greased plastic parts I've seen eventually migrate most of the grease out, which is why a coat of oil works better. Or perhaps a better grease is more oily and keeps the parts lubed better/longer?