How to Replace Original Pac-Man or Ms. Pac-Man Joystick
You can be quickly transported to the land of nostalgia and years gone by just through experiencing certain sounds, smells or feelings. Hearing the unforgettable ringing and chiming that comes from the original Pac-Man or Ms. Pac-Man arcade game can quickly send you there. Unfortunately, there are times when these older game units need a bit of a face-lift or some parts replaced, such as the joystick. If you have an hour to spare, grab a screwdriver and a new joystick and you will be in business in no time.
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Things You'll Need
- Game key or screwdriver
- Replacement joystick
- Wire cutter
- Soldering iron and solder
- Cable ties
Instructions
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1
Disconnect the gaming unit from the electrical outlet. This is for your own safety and to prevent injury or electrocution.
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2
Use the key or screwdriver to open the coin door, to obtain access to the inside.
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3
Flip the latches to release the control panel. These will be on the sides of the panel.
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4
Grab the joystick and lift it straight up to release the control panel. Be careful while you are doing this, as the control panel may stick to the glass.
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5
Pull the wiring harness to disconnect the connector. Turn the grounding wire nut counterclockwise to release it. Put it in a safe place.
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6
Cover your flat work surface with newspaper and lay the control panel on it. Release the E-clip found on the end of the joystick, grab the end of the joystick and pull it. This will release the joystick so you are free to find and remove the four nuts holding the joystick assembly in place.
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Locate where the wires are connected to the switches. Use a wire cutter and snip the wires if they are soldered in place. If they aren't, pull the connector to release the wire from the switch.
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8
Grab your new joystick. Position the control panel so the start button is on the left side.
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Connect the wires to the switches using the connectors, if provided, or with a soldering iron and solder. New joysticks may not have the same wire colors but, as a general rule, colors are as follows: Red is the ground, brown and white is down, red and white is up, blue and white is left, and yellow and red is right. Each of your four switches will have to have a red grounding wire going from the switch to the "com" terminal, and the second wire from each switch should be connected to the "normally open" or "N.O." terminal. Start on the right and connect the wires to the N.O. terminal as follows: right switch to the yellow and red wire, top switch to the brown and white, left switch to the blue and white, and the bottom switch to the red and white. Since you are looking at the bottom of the unit, the bottom switch is for up and top switch is for down. Once you complete the installation they will be in the appropriate place.
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10
Collect any loose wiring ends and bind them using a cable tie..
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Reposition the control panel and reconnect the ground wire and wiring harness. Close the coin door. Connect the machine to power once again.
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References
Resources
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