Ultimarc 2.25" Trackball

[Zeno]

Does anyone know how I can "boost" my Ultimarc 2.25 TB?

This this is very stiff and just doesn't roll like I expected.  Anyone else have this issue, or is it my TB?

[NightGod]

Simple answer - use it.

They come stiff like that from the factory, it's from the thick grease they use on the bearings. I used to sit it on my desk/lap and spin it while I was watching movies, after a few hours of playing with it, it loosened right up.

[Level42]

Yeah. And some people speed this up by running the bearings with a power drill for a while.....can't remember where I read that though, was it at Bob Robert's site ?

By the way, Ultimarc's 2.25" is a Suzo.

[AndyWarne]

If you remove the top and lift out the ball and bearings, you can soak the bearings in WD40 for a while. That does the trick.
Andy

[Zeno]

Thanks Andy!

Keep up the good work. 

Your customer service has been top notch.

[Level42]

If you remove the top and lift out the ball and bearings, you can soak the bearings in WD40 for a while. That does the trick.
Andy

Hey that's a great idea.... gonna have to do that with mine...if I ever get the time to install it :S

As I've experienced myself, Andy's service is  a great example for some other companies in this business. 

[u_rebelscum]

... you can soak the bearings in WD40 for a while....

And then you should re-grease them.  WD-40 dries up (it's designed to) and then the bearings wear fast.  Or you could re-WD-40 it about once a month, yeck.  And WD-40 can eat the plastic case, putting the bearings and rollers out of wack. 

Use a nice (plastic safe) white lithium grease after letting the WD-40 dry, and you're good to go.  Or forget the WD-40 and just spin the bearings in the first place.  (Although if you use a high quality grease it could be better the the stuff that the bearings come with; then you should WD-40 and regrease).


Note: take my post with a grain of salt.  WD-40: you either love it, hate it, or don't know about it.  I avoid it except for special cases.  Others use it all the time for everything and they need to with it drying out and all, but anyways.  [shrug]


Besides the WD-40 thing, Andy's a great guy.

[Kaytrim]

I use TriFlow instead of grease.  It dosen't dry out like WD40 and it slicker than grease.  It is also safe on plastic.

[u_rebelscum]

I use TriFlow instead of grease.  It dosen't dry out like WD40 and it slicker than grease.  It is also safe on plastic.

Which TriFlow brand lubricant?  They have Red grease, synthetic grease, dry, a couple degreasers, and more.  I'm sure you don't mean either of the the degreasers, but besides that... .  From looking at their web site, I'd use TriFlow's synthetic grease, but you said "...instead of grease"...

[Kaytrim]

I use the Superior Lubricant Aerosol spray.  The bearings roll nice, quiet and quick after a drop or two of this stuff.  I have also used it on old cooling fans that are sluggish.  After a drop or two on the bearing and a quick hand spin the fans have started working again quieter than ever.

TTFN

[solid187]

I use KY.  It's gentler on my balls.