Replacing Imperial Trackball Unit

[bgmagic]

Hi,

I have a 3 inch Imperial trackball (http://www.arcadecab.com/images/Store_pics/Betson_med.jpg) currently installed in my 3/4 MDF control panel using this mounting plate (http://na.suzohapp.com/images/50/55110100.jpg). 

The plate is already in place under the overlay and plexi so getting to it would be a major pain at this point.  I'm looking to replace the Imperial unit with a HAPP trackball - something like this (http://na.suzohapp.com/trackballs/565600xx2.htm). 

Would I be able to use the existing mounting plate with this trackball?  The imperial unit is pretty much all enclosed in a football like shape which is how I have the cutout in the wood for mounting.  Would this HAPP trackball or any other 3 inch trackball be able to fit in the same cutout that is there? 

Brett

[GregD]

I believe the x arcade trackball is a Betson clone.   I think Paradise has one too.  PLUS the Betsons are always available cheap on Ebay.

[BobA]

The Happ unit can use the same mounting plate but the cutout for the tb is different than the football shape for the Betson.

[bgmagic]

The Happ unit can use the same mounting plate but the cutout for the tb is different than the football shape for the Betson.

This means that if I wanted to replace the trackball then I would have to take the panel apart and recut the wood some more to fit the HAPP... Ugggh.  Anyone know where I can get another Imperial new?  Something is definately wrong with mine.  It looks like the Electric Ice from GGG is the same design but they are out of stock.

[RandyT]

This means that if I wanted to replace the trackball then I would have to take the panel apart and recut the wood some more to fit the HAPP... Ugggh.  Anyone know where I can get another Imperial new?  Something is definately wrong with mine.  It looks like the Electric Ice from GGG is the same design but they are out of stock.

The first question I have is what is wrong with your existing trackball that requires it to be replaced?  The parts to fully refurbish one are not hard to find, and will likely cost less than a whole new unit.

[bgmagic]

Hi Randy,

I sent you a PM asking if you still have the trackball booster kit wheels available for this Betson unit.  Are they still available? 

My trackball seems to be moving in the casing even though everything is installed properly.  Hard to explain.  If I roll the ball to the left, it kind of pops up like its coming away from the rollers for a second, like if I were to try and pick up the ball.  Not sure why this is happening.

[BobA]

Sounds like it needs some bearing and shaft cleaning or replacement.  Are you shafts worn where the ball rests?

[RandyT]

I sent you a PM asking if you still have the trackball booster kit wheels available for this Betson unit.  Are they still available?  

I have a limited quantity of these left.  They are different than the ones we currently use, so they are "old stock" and we probably won't make any more when they are gone.  You can place an order for a "Widget" at the store and state in the comments that you want a set when you check out.  We'll fix the order so everything is proper, so don't worry about the totals at that point.

My trackball seems to be moving in the casing even though everything is installed properly.  Hard to explain.  If I roll the ball to the left, it kind of pops up like its coming away from the rollers for a second, like if I were to try and pick up the ball.  Not sure why this is happening.

The usual reason for this is sticky, or non-broken-in bearings.  Some units have bearings packed with heavy grease, which is not good in this application.  Take the unit apart, clean and inspect your rollers, and check that the bearings are free-moving.  The more resistance the bearing has, the more likely it is that this will occur.  Also check how freely the rollers move when installed.  If the case is tight and putting pressure on the bearings, this can restrict movement internally as well.  (looks like BobA beat me )