mouse hack for Tempest spinner?

[ericball]

Will a mouse hack work with a Tempest spinner or should I be getting one of Oscar's universal optical boards and USB (though I would prefer PS/2) interfaces?

Any tips on ways to (cheaply) recondition a Tempest spinner?

[Kremmit]

There's plastic replacement bushings on this page for $15:
http://www.arcadeshop.com/parts.htm#Joysticks

This dude sells a bronze replacement bushing for $20:
http://www.cademo.com/arcade/index.htm

Or try Acrade Rennovations, their kit uses bronze bushings, and comes with tools and instructions.  Plus it's only $6.00!  I used one of these, and it works fine:
http://www.arcaderenovations.com/store/customer/product.php?productid=30&cat=0&page=1
However, I see they are out of stock, you might e-mail them and see if they are coming back.

[ericball]

Well, my first attempt at a mouse hack failed, though I don't understand why.

[NoOne=NBA=]

Get an Oscar Optic card, and USB Mouse Hack.
If you can get just about ANYTHING to go through the optics on his stuff, it will work.

I've used them on Tron Spinners, DOT Spinners, Steering wheels from just about everybody, homemade spinners, etc... and never had a problem with anything not working.

[ericball]

The Oscar optic board & USB interface did the trick.  It looks like the optic board which was on the spinner was dead - it didn't work even with Oscar's USB interface.

One note - the mounting holes on the optic board don't match up with the originals.  I ended up drilling two holes in the frame.

Finally, props to Zakk at MPP Products (Oscar's Canadian distributor).  Canada Post again ate something sent to me and Zakk sent out a replacement as soon as I let him know.