Trackball size

[DrLarryE]

Was there a standard size trackball in original arcade games, or were they variable?  If so, What was the range of sizes?

[LeedsFan]

The most common arcade trackball size is 3" I believe, but there were many other games that used different size trackballs. Atari had a large 4" trackball in many cabs (or was it 4.5"?). One bowling game even had a trackball the size of a bowling ball.  Not too sure how many cabs used a 2.25".

But I would definitely say that 3" was the most commonly used size across all cabs.

[unclet]

I "believe" Centipede used a 2-1/4" trackball ..... correct me if I am wrong ...

[JustMichael]

The bigger the ball is the slower it will rotate with the same push.  The bigger the ball is the harder it will be to start it rolling.  I would suggest a 2 1/4" trackball.

[DrLarryE]

Good point JustMichael!  Without reasoning it out I would've thought a larger ball would've been better....Thanks All

[LeedsFan]

I don't think that's right though. It may be "harder" to rotate because it's larger/heaver. But you will be able to make more movement on the screen with one sweep of your hand because of the larger surface area that has passed over the rollers pins inside. Assuming the calibration is the same in the game for each trackball wouldn't this be so?

If you move a ball 2.25" with one hand sweep then the rollers inside will revolve for less turns that they would with one sweep of a 3" ball.