Wobbly Cheetah Bug

[motorollin]

I bought a Bug from eBay. The stick wobbles a bit when you move it before it actually pushes the switch for whichever direction you want to move in. Is this normal, or is it broken?

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moto

[motorollin]

*bump*

Just want to know if this is normal. Also is there any way to convert a joystick with two buttons which do the same thing to a proper two button joystick with different functions for each button?

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moto

[maffoo]

motorollin wrote:
Also is there any way to convert a joystick with two buttons which do the same thing to a proper two button joystick with different functions for each button?

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moto

You could solder the second button to the pin on the connector that represents the second button. I would have thought it would be fairly straightforward, although you would probably need to take off the old connector and buy a new DE9 connector (eg. from Maplin). There probably wouldn't be enough wires in the existing cable either, so you would need to either replace the cable or have an extra piece of cable coming out of the joystick.

Hope that helps

Matthew

[motrucker]

I have a bug, but it doesn't act like that. That would drive me crazy!
Have you taken it apart to see if there is undue wear, or something foreign inside?
 

[motorollin]

@maffoo
Thanks for the info. I'll give that a try but I'll practice on an unwanted joystick before the Bug :-D

@motrucker
I've made a short 1.2MB Quicktime video of the action of the joystick so you can compare it to yours. Would you mind having a look and letting me know if it looks normal? If not I'll contact the seller. It shows the movement of the stick, the inside of the Bug which is all ok, and also the fixing of the stick in the top of the chassis.

[EDIT]
A link to the file would be ideal :roll:
Here
[/EDIT]

Cheers

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moto

[motrucker]

OK, The part that the metal shaft goes into, it way to high in your case. If it won't just push down, pull it out and see if there is something under it (must be!)
My bug is MUCH more responsive! But it because of the position of the disk that actually presses the switch springs.
I sure hope this helps.

[motorollin]

Hi thanks for looking at the video. I removed the disc which presses on the springs and houses the metal shaft, and couldn't see anything underneath it. I replaced it making sure it lined up with the but underneath that it engages with. I re-assembled the stick and it does feel a bit more responsive. The stick does still move a bit before pressing the switch though. Does yours do this at all?

It's nowhere near as precise as my Zipsticks, but maybe it's just a case of getting used to it.

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moto

[motrucker]

The Bug is not the most precise joystick I have (actually I seldom use it), but it quicker than yours. (the kids have my camera right now, so I can't even take a shot to show you) It does have a little play however - so maybe that's just something that happens with time & use?
I still prefer the old TAC 2 joysticks, or Mazemasters.
But, at best, joystick preferences is a very subjective topic.

[motorollin]

I'll have another go with the Bug tomorrow and see if it plays any better. If I still can't get on with it I might just go back to my Zipstick :-(

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moto