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Replace X-Arcade Tankstick Trackball with U-Trak?
GeoMan:
Anyone tried to replace the X-Arcade Tankstick Trackball with an U-Trak from Ultimarc?
It will certainly require some woodwork (wider hole, wooden supports) but with Tankstick the trackball is held with screws from the top, U-Trak is mounted with hidden screws from the bottom. The thickness of the wood in the place of the old trackball is about 5mm.
Any thoughts? Will it work?
ark_ader:
You would be better off to make your own control panel. If you like the xgaming encoder, you might want to look into sourcing a kade, as it will be cheaper. There is only so far you can go with a tankstick.
GeoMan:
I have already replaced the sticks with Ultrasticks 360 and added a spinner (replacing P2 button). The problem is that the trackball died (it worked fine until two days ago) and i guess it is possibly a problem with the wheel encoders circuitry as windows (on 3 different PCs) recognizes it now as an Unknown Device and reporting connection problems.
I already checked all cabling and connections.
So it is a nice opportunity to replace it with something better... the question is: Happ 3" or U-Trak? Happ 3" may be easier to fit.
Cynicaster:
I have both a Tank Stick and a panel that uses a U-Trak. Obviously the Ultimarc is nicer, but honestly, even if I were given a U-Trak for free I wouldn't bother trying to adapt it to my X-Arcade. The added benefit just doesn't seem proportional to the trouble.
My brother also has a Tank Stick and at one point a few years ago his track ball stopped working. We contacted X-Gaming and they sent him replacement encoders at no charge, even though he couldn't produce any proof of purchase or anything. Once we installed those parts, the track ball worked good as new again, and has since (probably 3-4 years ago now).
GeoMan:
I contacted X-Gaming and i am waiting for their reply. If i can't get new encoders i may replace the trackball with a Happ 3" - it is expensive but as far as i can see it is a direct replacement (no woodworking required).