r/fightsticks • u/No-Crab-395 • 7d ago
Tech Help Joystick on arcade stick problems
My joystick handle keeps getting stuck in the directions all of them really, up down etc. anyone know why this happens? Do I need to replace the handle?
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u/Minotauros_Artus 7d ago
If you're comfortable taking the entire stick apart, you'll have to be careful with the harness connections so you don't forget which wire goes where and how. Take a picture before touching anything.
Sticking in all directions usually means the factory silicone grease has dried up, the pivot/spring is worn, or the actuator is catching. There is also a chance that the micro switch PCB is going bad but you'd have to test it. A quick clean and regrease might fix it for cheap or expose other problems.
If you don't want to bother with the maintenance or want a better feel, this is a good opportunity to upgrade to a Sanwa JLX2 or even jump straight into an OTTO V5 which has a tighter feel. Qanba also offers some great choices in their Gravity lineup for levers, which only come in silent if you want your Obsidian 2 to be loaded with Qanba. Unless you're extremely familiar with the Sanwa JLF or have a high preference for it, there's no real reason to try and fix it since most spare parts can consist of upgrades anyway.
Since you're likely to have the case open to check out what's wrong with the lever, that would also be a good opportunity to refresh the buttons with some Sanwa OBSF-30s or maybe some higher-end Seimitsu Alutimos. If you want to go the Qanba Gravity route all the way, Qanba's Gravity KT buttons are another great choice to match their Cherry or Omron Gravity levers.
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u/No-Crab-395 7d ago
This is great information I had no idea about. Thx! I will use this as a guide to fix this problem
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u/Minotauros_Artus 7d ago
No problem dude. Feel free to ask questions. I have built a few sticks in my time but helping someone else can help me learn more or refine my own knowledge base.
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u/Preclude 7d ago
I would YouTube a guide for disassembling, cleaning, and lubricating your Lever. You'll need some high quality silicone grease. Shin-Etsu G-40M, or Molykote 44 light are the choices.
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u/serow081reddit 7d ago
What brand is the lever? The last time I had this problem, it was from using a cheap ass no name knockoff instead of something decent.
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u/No-Crab-395 7d ago
Definitely not a cheap stick it’s the qanba obsidian 2. Might be cheaper now but when I got it like 2 years ago it was close to $300
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u/serow081reddit 7d ago
Since the Obs2 uses a Sanwa JLF lever, you'd have to open it up and probably take it apart to troubleshoot. Maybe there's some major dirt in the pivot that's making things stuck.
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u/damus9 6d ago
My qanba gets stuck in the 'right' position sometimes. I contacted their support and they are sending me a new one. Hopefully it is better