De-springing 27800 joystick

Mb33

Hello,
I recently purchased a 27800 two axis analog joystick, and I would really like to remove the spring so both axes retain their position. I read in another thread about a little piston that can be removed. Has anyone tried this before? I desoldered the joystick from the pcb, but it didn't look too easily accessible. Where is the spring assembly? Thanks very much!

http://www.parallax.com/product/27800

W9GFO

The only way to remove the spring would be to desolder and remove the joystick, unbend the metal tabs that hold the bottom on, remove the bottom and then remove the spring. Not at all recommended.

Mb33

Thanks for the reply! Yeah, that's what I saw when I removed the module, the little tabs. That didnt look too menacing, but it looks like the casing also holds the other ends of each axis.

Mb33

Hey.. I was able to remove the spring pretty easily from the joystick. I just wanted to post here in case someone later wants to do the same thing.
I followed your instructions and bent back the tabs on the metal case. I thought that would dismantle the axes, but only the bottom
is removed. All the mechanics of the joystick stay in place. The plastic bottom holds a white spring loaded piston that can be removed
by unlocking the little tabs on each side. Under the piston is a coil spring. After taking out the spring, I put the piston back (that might not
be necessary) and replaced the bottom. Now the joystick position stays where I left it!

Duane Degn

Thanks for posting what you found. I've been curious about those joysticks myself. This is good information to know.