How-To Fix Atari Paddle Controllers
Atari's Paddle controllers use a potentiometer to register the position of the dial and sends the resistance level back to the Atari. My set was apparently own by the Sims back in the day.
Step 1
Flip your paddle controller over and use a philips screwdriver to remove the 2 screws. Put them off to the side to make sure your carpet doesn't swallow them whole.
Step 2
Remove the now lose back panel to reveal the insides of the paddle controllers. The potentiometer and fire button are in clear view now.
Step 3
Turn the controller back over and give the knob a good tug. It should pop right off.
Step 4
Remove the nut with a wrench then remove all the guts and lay them on your work area.
Step 5
This is the potentiometer, the part that we will take apart next.
Step 6
To remove the cover of the potentiometer, place your pliers on the tab and pull it outward.
Step 7
How the tab should look once you bend it.
Step 8
The insides of the potentiometer. Make sure not to lose any of them.
Step 9
Cleaning the potentiometer. Use 90% or higher rubbing alcohol to reduce the film build-up. Atari liked to use this graphite paste that tends to collect dust which gums the controllers up.
Step 10
Cleaning the pick-ups on the shaft. Make sure not to get the swap caught on the pick-ups.
Step 11
After cleaning the insides, it is time to reassemble the unit.
Step 12
Step 13
Before you place the housing back on the potentiometer, make sure the notch inside of the housing is facing downward, towards the solder points on the potentiometer. The notch keeps the potentiometer from rotating all the way around.
Step 14
With the housing on, you can now bend the tabs inward to hold it together.
Step 15
How everything should be placed in the enclosure. Tighten the nut that holds the potentiometer in place and stick the back of the enclosure on the controller. Screw it back together and pop the knob back on.
Now get back to playing Atari.
NOTE If your controller still does not function it may be caused by a break in the controller cord. Best Electronics sells replacement cords for a reasonable price. Give them a call and they can hook you up. It is a simple swap of the cords and only basic soldering is required to replace the cord.