x56 Spring centering solution

thingiverse

This build replaces the center spring on the x56 joystick. It centers perfectly, moves out of center smoothly, and has a full range of motion. You'll need some suitable springs. I picked mine up at Ace. They didn't have a part number on them, so some trial and error might be necessary. Literally every other spring they had was either WAY too much, or WAY too little. They're decently strong. Also requires 4x M4x8 screws. Print 4 shafts and the ring. Remove the existing spring from the joystick and put it on a shelf. Connect a spring to each shaft via screw (see pictures for orientation). It doesn't need to be screwed in the whole way. Printing the shafts individually (either one at a time, or via "Complete individual objects" in PrusaSlicer) is a really good idea. Fit the ring onto the appropriate spot on the shaft of the joystick. It might take a little wiggling of the ring against the ring of the joystick that spins to screw the stick on, since it's a snug fit. Modify printer settings as needed to get a good fit, or hit the inside with sandpaper if needed. For me, it came right off the bed onto the joystick with a snug fit. Connect each spring to a hook on the ring. Pull the shaft out to the holes in the corner and slide them in. A snug fit is helpful. I redesigned this to include hooks that come down at an angle. This reduces the tendency for the shafts to work themselves out of the holes, since the springs are now pulling across the axis of the shafts at any joystick position. There should be just barely enough clearance when the stick's at full deflection. If you mix this up again to improve, please let me know! (and ignore my print quality. I snapped the last one and was anxious to get functional again rather than tune this new filament / print settings)