PlazmaNitro wrote:I've also grabbed 2 of the "High Frequency" controllers. They are by FAR my favorite controllers for the console, at least in my limited experience. However, they seem fraught with problems. The first one was perfect except for an X button that just didn't work. The second one has even weirder issues. Some buttons don't work at all, and others activate all kinds of buttons they shouldn't be. I've been using a controller test ROM I burned to see what the buttons do. For example, when I press right on the dpad, nothing happens. But when I press left on the dpad, left, down, right, A, B, X, Y, *and* the right trigger all light up on the diagram onscreen. I have none of the technical knowledge to fix it, and it's very distressing as I think it's the most comfortable controller I'll get for the Dreamcast.
Would anybody know where I could go to either get help in repairing it, or who I could send it to, to have it fixed?
Edit: I came across some talk about problems with these controllers, even the 6 button Dream Pad. They apparently blow the controller port board's fuse a lot.Hi, are they new or used? I doubt they are worth trying to repair. Round trip shipping and then labor etc you could just buy a brand new controller somewhere.
The Mad Catz High Frequency controllers were 4 button budget controllers made for Toys 'R US. Mad Catz also made the Dream Pad, which has the same shape, but has 6 buttons on the right. Z and C are digital versions of the triggers, so you aren't really getting any new buttons. But it's probably nicer for some games.
Not sure how much better quality they are, Segaretro mentions problems with triggers sticking.
Does anyone know if Dreamcast controllers use switches mounted to the circuit board, or just contacts with a conductor pad on the bottom of the button? Being budget I would guess contact pads.
Get a screw driver and take the shell off and clean all the contacts for the buttons and d-pad with 99% alcohol and a q-tip or get a can of electronics cleaner. Clean the pads on the bottom of the buttons or the rubber interface between buttons and board. and any other dirt or gunk you see.
Look for signs of wear compared to the contacts that work. If you see some, you could try rotating the contact pads so the worn spots are mated with thicker pads or contacts.
Put it back together and test again.
Let us know how it goes!