96C Button Centering

Since these are old controller buttons, I'm not sure how you can fix them. I don't have one but I assume that the push button simply depresses a metal contact. It could be that the metal contact no longer has any spring to it. Since 100% of your controllers have this issue, I doubt that purchasing some on Ebay will be any better. 

DennisB posted:

Since these are old controller buttons, I'm not sure how you can fix them. I don't have one but I assume that the push button simply depresses a metal contact. It could be that the metal contact no longer has any spring to it. Since 100% of your controllers have this issue, I doubt that purchasing some on Ebay will be any better. 

 

Spring resistance/return as well as contacts are fine. The button dosen't self align with the hole in the base.

Guess what? 100% of my 96C buttons are the same way, I've just become accustomed over the last 50+ years to pressing them on center and deliberately. Whether by design or not, it does help avoid unintentional pressing, as I frequently lean on the 90C's on the panel, and boy does that barrel loader make a startling noise with the acc. voltage turned up!

ADCX Rob,

I was really hoping someone would have had a bit of magic up their sleeve. I have the feeling I'm going to install my 96C for looks and occasional operation, and have a second bank of less frustrating buttons for when I just don't want to be bothered.

Are you able to open the case of a 96C button?  if so, maybe you can adjust the way the contact springs are arranged. if you are not able to adjust them, maybe you can install a small modern pushbutton or microswitch inside the case, and use the orange button to depress it.

The 96C is a riveted metal case (where the actual case is part of the circuit!). While rivets may be available, I don't have any on hand. If there was someone who has an established method for refurbishing them, I'd be open to drilling the rivets out, making the corrections, and pressing new rivets in.

In new condition the bottom extension of the button is long enough to remain seated in the hole even when the button is not being pressed. I have noticed that a combination of wear to the plastic and slight downward bending of the metal base contribute to the problem you are having. I have been able to fix the problem sometimes by applying pressure around the hole and bending the metal base upwards so the hole reaches the bottom of the button. In a severe case I tapped around the hole with a hammer and punch. If this works for you, I would suggest not pressing the button too hard as it will eventually bend the base of the switch back down to where the problem returns.

BIGO426,

Thank You! Thank You! 

Based on your post, I took my 96C, turned it upside down, placed the button into the arbor press plate hole, and used my Hobby Horse DC-1006B fitting which just fit over the hole and button protrusion and pressed with reasonable force. I have revived 5 96C to great satisfaction with many more to come! 

Great! Glad it worked!