ElecGear HL-Xbox Hall Effect Joystick Replacement Kit User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for installing and calibrating the ElecGear HL-Xbox Hall Effect Joystick Replacement Kit. This kit is designed to replace traditional joysticks in compatible Xbox controllers, offering enhanced precision and durability by eliminating wear-prone carbon film resistors. The included calibration PCBs ensure fine-tuned centering and rocking curve adjustments.

2. Compatibility

The ElecGear HL-Xbox Hall Joysticks are compatible with the following Xbox controller models:

• Xbox One (Models: 1537, 1697, 1708)
• Xbox One S|X
• Xbox Elite Series 1 (Model: 1698)
• Xbox Series S|X (Model: 1914)

Important Note for Series 1914 Controllers: Never calibrate these joysticks using the 'Xbox Accessories' App on Series 1914 controllers. Refer to the calibration section for proper instructions.

Image 2.1: Visual guide to compatible Xbox controllers (Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Elite Series 1) and their internal PCB layout showing left and right Hallsticks and calibration PCB placement.

Image 2.2: ElecGear Hallstick Index table showing different models and their compatibility. The HL-Xbox model is highlighted for Xbox One, One S|X, Elite 1, and Series S|X controllers.

3. What's in the Box

The ElecGear HL-Xbox kit includes the following components:

• 2x Hall Joysticks
• 2x Calibration PCBs
• 1x Copper Heating Plate (for desoldering)
• Solder Wick (for desoldering)
• Hole Cleaner (for desoldering)
• Simple PCB Holder (for desoldering)

Note: Teardown screwdriver tools, USB wired/wireless controllers, and other soldering tools and materials (e.g., soldering iron, solder, flux) are required but NOT included in this kit.

4. Important Reminders and Warnings

• This model is compatible with Xbox One, One S|X, Elite 1, and Series S|X controllers (models: 1537, 1697, 1698 Elite, 1708, 1914).
• Do not calibrate Series 1914 controllers in the 'Xbox Accessories' App.
• The installation process requires serious soldering skills and appropriate equipment. The soldering iron must be rated at more than 60W.
• Carefully follow all steps provided in this guide. This kit involves a novel and intricate installation process.
• No batteries are required during the calibration process.
• Ensure proper ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) protection during the entire process to prevent damage to electronic components.

5. Installation Guide

This section details the process of desoldering the old joysticks and installing the new Hall Effect joysticks and calibration PCBs. This procedure requires precision and experience with soldering.

5.1. Desoldering the Old Stick

The most challenging part of the installation is removing the old joystick, which typically has up to 14 solder points. The included copper heating plate is designed to assist with this.

1. Prepare the Solder Joints: Resolder all 14 existing solder joints of the old joystick with low-temperature solder. Remove the old solder and add new solder. Make the joints slightly larger and apply flux to all of them. This helps in achieving a uniform melt.


Image 5.1.1: Resoldering all 14 joystick pins with low-temp solder and flux to prepare for removal.

2. Position the Heating Plate: Place the copper heating plate onto a Teflon pad. Apply some solder to the heating plate to initiate heat transfer. Do not place the heating plate directly on the PCB.


Image 5.1.2: Positioning the copper heating plate on a protective Teflon pad and applying solder to heat it.

3. Heat and Remove: While heating the copper plate, move it onto the solder joints of the joystick. Keep heating until all 14 prongs are well-heated and the solder melts. Gently move the plate around and pull the old stick off the PCB.


Image 5.1.3: Applying the heated copper plate to the joystick pins to melt solder for removal.

4. Clean the PCB: Remove any remaining solder from the PCB using the provided solder wick and clean the PCB thoroughly with a cleaning liquid.


Image 5.1.4: Removing residual solder with solder wick and cleaning the PCB after the old joystick has been removed.

Important Considerations for Desoldering:

• A soldering iron with more than 60W power and a fine tip is recommended.
• Solder, flux, and cleaning liquid are NOT included in the kit.
• Prevent PCB liquid or flux from entering the stick or button mechanisms.
• Always ensure ESD protection during handling of electronic components.

5.2. Installing the New Hall Joysticks and Calibration PCBs

After successfully desoldering the old joysticks and cleaning the PCB, proceed with installing the new Hall Effect joysticks and their corresponding calibration PCBs.

1. Insert Hall Joysticks: Carefully align and insert the new Hall Joysticks into the cleaned holes on the controller's main PCB. Ensure they sit flush and all pins pass through the holes.
2. Solder Hall Joysticks: Solder all pins of the new Hall Joysticks to the main PCB. Ensure strong, clean solder joints.
3. Attach Calibration PCB: The small calibration PCB is designed to stack on the back of the main PCB. Connect it according to the provided diagrams (refer to Image 2.1 for general placement). The signal from the Hall joystick is routed through this MCU-equipped PCB.
4. Connect Calibration PCB: Solder the necessary connections between the Hall joystick, the calibration PCB, and the main controller board. The calibration PCB processes the Hall effect signals (X and Y channels) and outputs a calibrated signal to the main board.

Image 5.2.1: Illustration showing the Left and Right Hallsticks installed on the main PCB, with the calibration PCB (MCU) stacking on the main PCB.

6. Calibration

After physical installation, calibration is essential for optimal performance. The calibration PCB allows for precise centering and rocking curve adjustment via a web link.

1. Connect to PC: Connect your modified controller to a PC using a USB cable.
2. Access Calibration Web Link: Open a web browser and navigate to the specific calibration web link provided by ElecGear (this link is typically found in the product packaging or on the manufacturer's support website).
3. Initial Calibration Step: During the first step of calibration, the on-screen dot might not immediately jump to all 4 poles even after fully tilting the joystick to its maximum angle. This can sometimes be a display issue with the test web or browser.
4. Perform Stick Rotation: To ensure proper calibration, rotate the joystick 3 or 4 full circles at its maximum tilt angle.
5. Save Settings: Press the designated button on the calibration interface to save the settings. This process allows for precise centering without drift and trimming of the rocking curve, which is crucial for aiming in games like FPS.

Important Calibration Notes:

• No batteries are required for the calibration process.
• For Xbox Series 1914 controllers, do not use the 'Xbox Accessories' App for calibration. Use the dedicated web link method.

7. Specifications

8. Troubleshooting

• Joystick Not Recognized After Installation:

  Ensure all solder joints are solid and there are no bridges or cold joints. Verify that the calibration PCB is correctly connected to both the Hall joystick and the main controller board. Recheck all connections against the installation diagrams.

• Drift or Inaccurate Input After Calibration:

  Repeat the calibration process carefully, ensuring the joystick is rotated 3-4 times at its maximum angle before saving. For Series 1914 controllers, confirm you are NOT using the 'Xbox Accessories' App for calibration. If issues persist, ensure the Hall IC and magnet within the joystick are correctly seated and free from debris.

• Difficulty Desoldering Old Joysticks:

  Ensure your soldering iron is sufficiently powerful (over 60W) and has a clean, appropriate tip. Use enough flux and fresh low-temp solder on the old joints to facilitate melting. Allow sufficient time for the copper heating plate to transfer heat evenly to all pins.

• Calibration Dot Not Reaching All Poles:

  As mentioned in the calibration section, this can sometimes be a display issue. Perform the 3-4 full rotations of the stick at max angle and save. If the issue persists, try a different web browser or ensure your PC's drivers for the controller are up to date.

9. Warranty and Support

For technical support, warranty information, or any questions regarding the ElecGear HL-Xbox Hall Effect Joystick Replacement Kit, please contact ElecGear customer service. Refer to the product packaging or the official ElecGear website for contact details.

Given the advanced soldering skills required for installation, improper installation may void the warranty. It is recommended that only individuals with appropriate experience attempt this modification.