So I fished out my old PSP-1001 and replaced the battery pack and charger after I lost the charger and when my pack started to crack/bulge. My issue was before I stopped using it the x button had becoming weaker until becoming fully unresponsive after a while. Now that I get it to turn on for the first time in years, it gives me the screen to set time and date which I can’t skip without a functioning x button. On top of that, I can’t open other apps or test other software like if it had been about any other button but the X. So is there a guide diagnose if its the rubber or the contact point on the circuit board? I opened it up and all feels normal. On top of that is there app/homebrew to test if my X and other buttons are not functioning from my desktop or straight from booting?
Sorry, but I do older game systems. I don’t do anything newer than the SNES/Genesis consoles.
I’d run a multimeter across the contacts and cross check that with the other button pads first.
Other than that I could suggest looking over https://www.ifixit.com/Device/PSP_1000 if one is wanting to repair it themselves or http://fxgamexchangedfw.com/ if one wants a professional to do it.
The following fix worked for me on my thermostat temp up/down buttons, which were virtually unusable. These had the rubber pad with conductive elastomer that contacted interdigitated fingers on the controller PCB.
- Clean PCB contact fingers with denature alcohol
- Get some copper foil/tape with adhesive backing
- Cut out section of copper foil to match bottom of contact area on controller button
- Attach to button
Not sure how well (or long) the foil will adhere to a game controller button, which sees lots of action. Thus far our thermostat is working well after a month.
As @denzuko mentioned, there are repair kits for elastomer contacts.