Utrak doesn't move straight.

[monkey puzzle]

I just fitted and connected my Ultimarc trackball to my cp. Everything seemed to work ok, but then I noticed that if I use it to move the mouse pointer something strange happens. If I spin the ball fast upwards, the pointer moves staight upwards, but then curls off to the left before it stops. Similarily, when I spin the ball in another direction, the pointer seems to follow a similar curved path. If I roll the ball slowly it moves in a perfect straight line.

I haven't tried using the ball in a game yet, so I don't know if this would effect gameplay. I just want to know if this is normal. I haven't contacted Ultimarc yet because I'm not sure if this is a problem or not. Has anybody else experienced anything like this?

[yotsuya]

You need to give it some time to break it in.

[SammyWI]

I don't recall if my Utrak curved like you describe but it defiantly was a bit 'clunky' when I first got it.  It would jump or clunk when spun fast.  It breaks in fairly quickly and is smooth now.

[monkey puzzle]

Ok thanks, I'll give it some time.

I wonder what it is that actually "breaks in". Is it the bearings maybe?

[taylormadelv]

My Utrack was perfect out of the box... Maybe you can take it apart and reseat the bearings. It should roll perfectly smooth...

[AndyWarne]

Ok thanks, I'll give it some time.

I wonder what it is that actually "breaks in". Is it the bearings maybe?

Its the stainless steel rollers. At first they have microscopic machining marks on the surface. These are accentuated after a few minues use, at the point of contact with the ball,  but after a longer time, maybe 30 minutes of use, the marks wear down to a smooth, slightly dished curved groove in the rollers.