Hey guys, my Sidewinder Force Feedback Pro gets a real workout when I play AH - especially the hat switches.
Anyway, the switch that selects right view started dying so I toook it apart to see about replacing them.
Here is the information:
The switches used are Omron 150g actuation tactile jobs. They are available from
Digi-Key.
The ones for the hat are Digi-Key part number SW408-ND (Omron # B3F3122) and are $0.36 each (4 required).
The switches for the stick buttons other than the trigger are Digi-Key part number SW401-ND (Omron # B3F1002) and are $0.26 each (3 required).
The trigger switch is Digi-Key part number SW426-ND (Omron B3M6009) and are $0.71 each (1 required).
Swapping out the switches is easy and even though I only had one dying, I replaced all of them. The others would also be long in the tooth so I figured get them all while I had it apart.
I guess it has been about two years since new and with optical encoding, I'm expecting it to last a few more years so I bought extras to swap em out next time one decides to go belly-up.
To disassemble the handle to get to the board that the switches mount on, there are the obvious screws on the right side of the handle. The trigger must be removed before splitting the shell - spread it at the top to disengage the pivots. There is a catch at the bottom that will let go once you release the top. Then there are catches that hold the halves of the handle together I guess to make assembly easier. They let go real easy and if one breaks (one of mine did) it's no biggie as there are others and the screws actually hold the halves together.
Once you split it open, you have access to the circuit board. Just desolder carefully and then reinstall the new switches. Be sure to seat them properly down on the board (they have feet to assure the proper setup) then solder them back in.
You need to have a little soldering skill for this but it's no hill for a climber. I saved myself a new stick (about $100) for about $3 worth of switches and a few minutes of my time.
Anyone with dead switches that doesn't feel up to the job, I'll replace them for $25 and you pay all shipping costs. E-mail if interested.
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Rape, pillage, then burn...
