Hardware Ease (or not) of case disassembly?

[BlueJelly]

And subsequent reassembly. The X button on the gamepad of my 'new condition but old stock' unit is stuck in partial press, and i'm tempted to perform the titular procedure to clean it.
Are there any loose\small pieces to be aware of upon undoing the screws on the case's bottom? That worries me, since obtaining any model of this baby is near impossible in recent years

 

[levi]

The screws can be a pain to get out, I certainly found myself, but apart from that, the power switch cover will fall out, and you'll need to lift the PCB out vertically to avoid snapping off the microphone can. I'd lift it straight up for about five mm, check the can is clear, then pivot it up so you can get at the keymat and the buttons under that, so you don't have to remove the LCD cable.

 

[Linux-SWAT]

Be careful with the screws. Use an appropriate screwdriver. When putting them back, don't use too much force.
I always disconnect antenna and LCD cable to avoid any friction, because old LCD cables are fragile. But you can try without removing them because you don't have much maintenance to do.
Maybe get someone to help you to hold the device while you remove the keypad/buttons.
Dunno about the cleaning of the PCB, i guess a 70° alcohol can do it, but better ask. Dunno for the carbons either.

 

[levi]

I doubt this is cause by a dirty PCB, although it's always possible. If the actual button top is still loose then it sound to me as if the rubber cup built into the keymat has collapsed and isn't springing back, perhaps due to the deterioration of the keymat. If on the other hand it's just the keytop that's stuck, pressing down on the high side should ping it free. If the keytop is springing back up but it's just the OS that think it's being pressed, then yes, I'd check the PCB. For two of those possibilities you need to take the bottom off and lift the PCB, and I was assuming the first case was so obvious that it couldn't be that.

 

[BlueJelly]

Given my inexperience and that my unit is 'new old stock', I'm now leaning heavily against taking it apart (even partially). Thanks for your advice, though.
BTW, the button still functions. Its just not 'pretty', for lack of a better term.

 

[Linux-SWAT]

Depending on your location, maybe you can see someone knowing how to do that.

 

[BlueJelly]

Get outta my head, Linux-SWAT I was just thinking along those near exact lines. Can you vouch for anyone in the states? If you can, that would be fantastic.
Thanks

 

[Linux-SWAT]

@Link can do that easily.

 

[BlueJelly]

Cool! Would a PM be a good way to contact him?

 

[levi]

Probably your best bet. I think he's moved from Vermont since he last updated his profile by the way.

 

[Link]

Sorry for the late reply. Was moving locations, now in Maine in a newer bigger space. Thanks for the tag @Linux-SWAT !

 

[Linux-SWAT]

I always tag the Rebirth fellas !