Are these Wico tracs and if so, how to interface?

[Texasmame]

I think these are Wico trackballs, anyone know for sure?

If so, is there an adapter to hook them up to Minipac or do you just go the mouse hack route?

TIA!

[shardian]

no pics...

[Kremmit]

Yes, those are Wico TBs.  The connector and pinout on them is the same as the standard Happ, Betson, and Atari TB.  You can run them through an OptiPac, MiniPac, Opti-Wiz, mouse hack, whatever, same as other trackballs.

[shardian]

I have a 2 1/4" wico, and it says WICO in big letters on the back. Yours look just like mine.

[Texasmame]

Thanx much for both replies.  I don't have them yet, they're en route, so I can't tell anything about the backs yet.

[severdhed]

looks just like my wico 3".  (which also says WICO on the back)

i interfaced mine using a mouse hack, works like a charm.   although it desperatly needs new bearings cause it doesnt roll worth crap.  not wanting to hijack this thread, but does anyone know where to get replacement bearings for these units?

[shardian]

looks just like my wico 3".  (which also says WICO on the back)

i interfaced mine using a mouse hack, works like a charm.   although it desperatly needs new bearings cause it doesnt roll worth crap.  not wanting to hijack this thread, but does anyone know where to get replacement bearings for these units?

New bearings are pretty expensive. It is possible to get frozen bearings to work pretty well again. I did it with a completely locked up wico 2 1/4.
Anyways, Bob Roberts sells the cheapest trackball kits. Look him up in the vendors list, as I dont have the link handy.

[Texasmame]

Bob's the man.  He doesn't take paypal, tho.

[severdhed]

cool, i checked out bob's site and is definately the cheapest i have found, however it now appears as if i need new rollers too.  upon looking at the pics of replacement rollers, they are perfectly straight smooth shafts.  on mine, there are indentations around the middle of the rollers where the ball sits..i figured that the rollers were supposed to be that way, but now it appears as if i was wrong.   

i cant really complain, the trackball came with my junk cabinet when i bought it for $20, part of the plastic housing was broken off, right where it holds the one roller bearing in place, so the roller would move out of the way.  i managed to fix that, but it just doesnt roll very well. 2 of the 6 bearings are really bad.  THere is a local place called Erie Bearings that manufactures bearings...i'm going to check there this mornign to see if they have anything compatible, if not, looks like i'll be ordering rollers and bearings from bob.

thanks very much.

[severdhed]

well, no luck locally.  i see that bob roberts doesnt accept paypal or credit cards, which means i will have to look elsewhere.  anyone know of a place that has them and does accept credit cards?

[Texasmame]

You can't send him off a check or MO?  I've sent him cash before, too.

[severdhed]

well, you see...my boss told me to put it on the company credit card.(he is a nice guy who shares my passion for gaming...he is waiting till i get my cabinet complete, then he is starting his)  He started the business a few years ago, i am his only employee...and he says since it is technology, i should use the business card. (we are computer tech. consultants).  so i was hoping to find a place that would take credit cards, so i dont have to shell out the cash for it.  I know it is only like $28 or something like that, but i've got a baby on the way and hate to waste money.

[Kremmit]

You might try arcadeshop.  I'm pretty sure they sell that stuff for a reasonable price.

[severdhed]

checked there last evening, i emailed the contact listed on the page, waiting for a reply.

thanks

[Texasmame]

Just to kill any doubt, these ARE Wicos, says so on the back.  Thx!