New Happ 3" Trackball Sticking.

[SiN13]

Just got a new Happ 3" trackball wired up to my mame cabinet and the left/right movement gets stuck. It's like it's not getting traction with the roller or the roller is getting jammed. Doing a good fast spin or applying a little pressure to the ball and moving it willl free it up and cause the roller to start working but it soon gets stuck again. It's a brand new trackball and I didn't know if I have to adjust a screw or something, or just break it in. I'd hate to have to take it apart and put new rollers in it considering it's never been used. Any tips or trick out there to get it working smooth? I'm pretty sure it's something mechanical and not electrical. TIA.

[Flinkly]

i have no experience with trackballs, but it's just like a mouse, so you should probably open it up and look for crud, like you find in mice, since that would explain it.

[Chris]

See http://www.dameon.net/BBBB/moretb.html .

--Chris

[Matt Berry]

Rollers are normally only a problem on heavily used trackballs, where they get a groove or flat spots worn into them. Your problem sounds like a stuck bearing. Take the TB apart and see which rollers are spinning freely. You may find one that is sticking. Look at it and see if there is a reason for it, if not work it a little bit untill it keeps on spinning smoothly. If it doesn't have them send you a replacement bearing.

[PaulG]

This doesn't sound like the issue, but another thing to remember:  Only tighten the screws enough to mount it.  I remember my trackball would roll nice when it was loose, but as soon as I mounted it, the trackball sucked and the ball was jumping constantly.  Once the lightbulb went on and I loosed the mounting screws like the directions say, instant improvement.  Although I still washed the ball with soap and water and reemed the bearings like posted above.

[Knievel]

It's binding against the hole the ball pokes through. I bought 2 new ones and they were both like that.
Loosen all the screws that hold the 2 parts of the casing together. Then slip some spacers(I used pieces of cardboard) in between the halves and tighten it back together. The difference is amazing.