x52 pro hat controls [help, please!]

ph1Lt0r · Dec 15, 2016

So my x52 pro is one of those rare awesome original saitek ones prior to the madcats debacle. It's served me well for near 9 years. However, the top left hat on the stick is starting to get... wonky. Left and right on that hat are used to scroll through targets; the issue I am having is it will start to input more than it should, so I have to very lightly press the left or right on it.

Has anyone else experienced this? Anyone know of a possible fix? I can't find replacement hat switches that will fit the PCB, otherwise I'd just replace it myself.

Asp Explorer · Dec 15, 2016

A good scoosh of electrical contact cleaner ought to do the trick

ph1Lt0r · Dec 15, 2016

Asp Explorer said:
A good scoosh of electrical contact cleaner ought to do the trick

Thank you! I can't believe I didn't think to do this. I'm going to swing by the hardware store on the way home! I can't rep you enough.

Asp Explorer · Dec 15, 2016

Just be sure it's proper contact cleaner. WD40 or similar will just gunk those switches right back up

Ziljan · Dec 15, 2016

Had the exact same issue on my x52 pro that is only 18 months old. The joystick hat started to fail about 8 months ago, and the throttle hat failed a couple weeks ago. Replaced it with the new thrustmaster T16000 fcs, not looking back. The x52 looks nicer but the thrustmaster is way more functional and with infinitely cleaner electronic signal, with higher resolution, and the stick is buttery smooth.

cleonymus · Dec 15, 2016

But don't use butter on it! (Ask the mad hatter - it's not a good)

ph1Lt0r · Dec 15, 2016

While we're at it, any suggestions for a proper lubricant for the base of the stick? Plastic safe of course.

Asp Explorer · Dec 15, 2016

I use Winchester gun lube - cheap and nasty but does the trick.

Runis · Dec 15, 2016

ph1Lt0r said:
While we're at it, any suggestions for a proper lubricant for the base of the stick? Plastic safe of course.

Silicone grease. Can be silicone/teflon. I use this one .

CMDR Ellegon · Dec 16, 2016

Ziljan said:
Had the exact same issue on my x52 pro that is only 18 months old. The joystick hat started to fail about 8 months ago, and the throttle hat failed a couple weeks ago. Replaced it with the new thrustmaster T16000 fcs, not looking back. The x52 looks nicer but the thrustmaster is way more functional and with infinitely cleaner electronic signal, with higher resolution, and the stick is buttery smooth.

I am not sure you fully read the OP's post. He has a Saitek-era X 52 Pro, not the MadCatz junk. These are great and if I had one, I would try to preserve it. BTW, when my X-52 pro throttle failed at 17 months of age, I simply had it replaced under warranty. Most areas of the planet get a 24 month period for Saitek stuff, why not use it?

At OP: use a good, non-aggressive contact cleaner. There is stuff that will gunk up everything (as mentioned, WD40 and such), but also stuff that corrodes many metal surfaces over time. Corroded metal does not make for good contacts.

Asp Explorer · Dec 16, 2016

No idea if it still exists - but Ecotron contact spray was the canines castanets back in the 90's