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Metal Tempest spinner knob?

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stigzler:
I see Oscar controls used to sell these but now defunct? Anyone know if there's anywhere to get these? Could 3d print one, but prefer metal. Anodised black preferably.

PL1:

--- Quote from: stigzler on March 16, 2025, 07:04:21 am ---I see Oscar controls used to sell these but now defunct? Anyone know if there's anywhere to get these? Could 3d print one, but prefer metal. Anodised black preferably.

--- End quote ---
Not sure if anyone still sells the Oscar-style metal repros.

GGG sells several styles of metal knobs with the TT2.  Randy might let you special order one separately.
https://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=86&products_id=268

Ultimarc sells several metal knob styles for the SpinTrak, but keep in mind that those are 6mm I.D.
https://www.ultimarc.com/trackballs-and-spinners/spinner-accessories/

Arcadeadventures sells plastic repros.
https://www.arcadeadventures.com/spinner-knob-for-atari-games-new/

NOS Atari 73-834 Tempest/Warlords knobs are getting rather expensive.
https://arcadefixit.com/product/atari-parts-1970s-1980s-early-1990s/tempest/73-834-nos-tempest-or-warlords-spinner-knob/

There are several metal potentiometer knobs on Amazon, but most are too small either on the I.D. (6mm vs 6.35mm) or O.D. (half the size of the ~1.95" skirt, ~1.33" knob, ~1" tall originals)

6mm I.D. -
https://www.amazon.com/Szliyands-Aluminum-Potentiometer-Electric-Diameter/dp/B09GYP92YC/?th=1
https://www.amazon.com/Szliyands-Aluminum-Electronic-Potentiometer-Knobs%EF%BC%8CSwitch/dp/B099DHHGGQ/

half-size O.D. -
https://www.amazon.com/KAISH-Aluminium-Potentiometer-Universal-Indicator/dp/B0B376HH1X/?th=1

If you go with a 3d printed version, maybe you can use some embedded nuts for extra weight . . .



. . . or you might be able to use stacked and nested shaft collars (two 1/4" I.D shaft collars inside two 1/2" I.D. shaft collars), you just need a setscrew that solidly engages the printed knob without sticking out.  A shaft collar worked great on my LS-30 style rotary joystick handle replacement.
- 1/4" I.D. x 1/2" O.D. shaft collars - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1KBNWNB/
- 1/2" I.D. x 0.83" O.D. shaft collars - https://www.amazon.com/MECCANIXITY-Collar-Carbon-Clamping-Collars/dp/B0CRL3C5H5/?th=1

Several Tempest knob models that you might be able to modify:
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3626107 - Flat bottom so no supports needed.
https://www.printables.com/model/205319-atari-tempest-spinner-knob/remixes


Scott

stigzler:
Thanks for the full answer, Scott. But dammit... looks like I'm buying myself a mini-lathe next given can't get the original shape in metal. ffs. I've just finished getting started with my CNC. I think I'm going down a shop rabbit hole. Gonna have to buy a bigger shed.

aka 3D Print it is. Might just do limited infill to give it some heft.

PL1:

--- Quote from: stigzler on March 16, 2025, 04:54:48 pm ---3D Print it is. Might just do limited infill to give it some heft.

--- End quote ---
If you want to add some more heft, add voids inside the model that are slightly taller than the weights you want to embed.  There are slicer plugins that allow you to pause the print at a specific layer so you can insert the weights then tell the printer to continue.

I used one of those plugins to do a filament change for some multicolor prints on a single-extruder printer.   ;D


Scott

stigzler:
That's a good idea. Might look into lead shot. Cheers dude.  :applaud:

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