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Author Topic: Trackball could spin smoother  (Read 3217 times)

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mgb

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Trackball could spin smoother
« on: October 18, 2011, 10:28:19 am »
I just oiled the bearings on my happ trackball and I cleaned it all up but it still doesn't spin quite like I would like it too.
I used a regular light oil (3 in 1).
anyone do anything else that does better maybe? I'd love some ideas.

I played Centipede recently on its dedicated cab and the 2.25" trackball rolled real nice.

Maybe I should get new rollers and bearings, but to tell the truth, I never really thought this trackball rolled all that great.
Ideas?

dexxy

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Re: Trackball could spin smoother
« Reply #1 on: October 18, 2011, 10:57:21 am »
your not alone, my new ultimarc trackball feels rough!  Its useable but not even close to smooth like a logitec trackball mouse is.
If its interesting I'm interested!

markronz

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Re: Trackball could spin smoother
« Reply #2 on: October 18, 2011, 01:42:50 pm »
You could try reading my old trackball thread.  Not all of it will apply, but some people list suggestions in there of the mechanical nature.
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=110427.0

There are some different cleaners/oils you can use to work with the bearings.   But if the bearings are old, or if the rollers are worn, it might be wise to replace them.   If they're brand new however, it probably just needs to be broken in.   It took my trackball a few months of on and off play to feel acceptably smooth.    You could also try to rig up some sort of device with a drill to spin your bearings for you, to break them in.  However, extreme caution must be used if you do that because if you do this and the bearings are not perfectly seated, they could wear in funny or slanted.   They'd need to be perfectly straight while they spin.

TopJimmyCooks

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Re: Trackball could spin smoother
« Reply #3 on: October 21, 2011, 09:25:35 pm »
make sure its not bolted super tight to the cp or mounting plate.  the plastic case can get twisted and bind or rub on the ball itself.  try it just snug and if it improves, tighten until it starts to grab again then back off a little.