Author Topic: New Electric ICE Trackball Ver 2 - Announcement - GroovyGameGear (Read 43961 times)

RandyT · « **on:** January 31, 2008, 01:11:51 pm »

Some may have noticed that the Electric ICE™ Trackball products have been out of stock for a few weeks. Here's why;

Our supply of the first version balls had dwindled to nothing and I set out to see if we could kick things up a notch. I worked with a vendor over the course of 4 months, evaluating samples and scraping up enough capital to meet the large investment required for the custom project. After one false start (which almost resulted in the demise of the project) we were finally able to get these made. Check out the pics.

..

[click on the pictures for a larger view]

First the good news: The ball is polished like a gem. Perfect diffusion of the light and the exact same size and weight as the stock, opaque white ball that is the arcade standard. Ultra-high scratch resistance and excellent tracking make this the best illuminated trackball money can buy...bar none.

And now the bad news: It's going to add $7 more to the price of the previous units.

Look for the store to be updated with the new version by the end of today.

Once again, I want to sincerely thank everyone who purchases their project parts through GGG. This was another very expensive project that might otherwise not have been were it not for your support

RandyT

Avrus · « **Reply #1 on:** January 31, 2008, 01:15:53 pm »

Randy, your shop is like the sirens dragging me to my rocky arcade doom.

Looks amazing.

Fozzy The Bear · « **Reply #2 on:** January 31, 2008, 01:20:39 pm »

Quote from: RandyT on January 31, 2008, 01:11:51 pm

Some may have noticed that the Electric ICE™ Trackball products have been out of stock for a few weeks. Here's why;

Oh Hell!! Now I have to replace the ball in my trackball again! To get this super wizzy polished gem......

Well done Randy! That looks really nice!

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

Jdurg · « **Reply #3 on:** January 31, 2008, 01:22:12 pm »

Yeah. I never thought I'd say it, but your blue balls are quite attractive!

Xb0x3r · « **Reply #4 on:** January 31, 2008, 01:33:24 pm »

Wow, Looking pretty shiny!

DrumAnBass · « **Reply #5 on:** January 31, 2008, 01:43:35 pm »

Nice work Randy!

Wiil these be available in both 3" and 2 1/4" versions?

mountain · « **Reply #6 on:** January 31, 2008, 01:59:36 pm »

Can one just buy the ball as a replacement?

ahofle · « **Reply #7 on:** January 31, 2008, 02:29:28 pm »

Quote from: Jdurg on January 31, 2008, 01:22:12 pm

Yeah. I never thought I'd say it, but your blue balls are quite attractive!

I'm going to start telling my wife she needs to help me relieve my "Electric ICE Ver 2 Trackballs".

Seriously, those look much better than the frosted ones IMO. Nice work.

Havok · « **Reply #8 on:** January 31, 2008, 03:06:58 pm »

Doh! PM sent...

On a separate note: can we just start some kind of subscription to you, and keep getting these new goodies you come up with?

Daniel B. · « **Reply #9 on:** January 31, 2008, 03:09:24 pm »

The "frosted" ball is what kept me wanting to go to happ for the translucent tb. Now I'll be getting this one for sure. I know the customer service is 1000x better going with Randy than Happ, after all, he made the damn thing.

Randy, you have now held back my progress on completing my cab in order to gather the funds for this thing, and for that I say....

Thank you.

It's awesome that you can continue to develop these fantastic parts for the community. You are a valuable piece to this crazy puzzle we call the home arcade scene.

Cornchip · « **Reply #10 on:** January 31, 2008, 04:09:44 pm »

Nice to see an improvement to the original Ice-T ball. I bought the upgrade kit to get the ball to match my Ice buttons. The original ball in my opinion was nothing to brag about. It marked easy and was 'sticky' making it spin a good percentage less than a stock Happs. This was very noticeable on any of the Golden Tee games. But I was happy with the glow and was unable to replace it with the better Happs unit. Any chance previous returning customers might score a price break with this ball?

Cornchip.

Green Giant · « **Reply #11 on:** January 31, 2008, 05:17:12 pm »

Quote from: Cornchip on January 31, 2008, 04:09:44 pm

Any chance previous returning customers might score a price break with this ball?

Cornchip.

What he said...

RandyT · « **Reply #12 on:** January 31, 2008, 05:50:52 pm »

Quote from: Cornchip on January 31, 2008, 04:09:44 pm

Any chance previous returning customers might score a price break with this ball?

This is the single most difficult situation that comes about from improving a product. I would love to swap them all out, but it's just not feasible to do it.

But I certainly understand, and feel the same way when I buy something that goes obsolete. So here's what I can offer;

Anyone in the US who has purchased an Electric ICE-T Trackball, or Electric ICE Trackball upgrade kit, can buy one of these new balls for $17 shipped. Non-US customers will need to have the shipping costs calculated. I wish I could do better, but I'm afraid that is the best I can offer in this situation. As a point of reference, HAPP lists their translucent 3" replacements at around $36 each and clear at $60, plus shipping. Neither can hold a candle to this one for lighting / color changing purposes.

For anyone else, the upgrade kits will still be available and I had both 3" and 2.25" versions manufactured. A single color version using the NovaGem light source is coming at a lower cost than the RGB version, and I will consider making only the ball available as well, albeit with a premium attached.

RandyT

JDGJr · « **Reply #13 on:** January 31, 2008, 06:54:03 pm »

Quote from: RandyT on January 31, 2008, 05:50:52 pm

Anyone in the US who has purchased an Electric ICE-T Trackball, or Electric ICE Trackball upgrade kit, can buy one of these new balls for $17 shipped.

that sounds reasonable. how can we take advantage of this?

thanks,
John

Fozzy The Bear · « **Reply #14 on:** January 31, 2008, 07:08:04 pm »

Quote from: RandyT on January 31, 2008, 05:50:52 pm

Anyone in the US who has purchased an Electric ICE-T Trackball, or Electric ICE Trackball upgrade kit, can buy one of these new balls for $17 shipped. Non-US customers will need to have the shipping costs calculated.

I tell you what Randy!! That's still a damned fine price even with paying the shipping on top. Especially now that the US Dollar is worth diddly squat on the world markets and we get two of them for a British Pound!!!

You got a deal!! I'll be ordering in a couple of weeks to replace the one in my upgrade kit.

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

csa3d · « **Reply #15 on:** January 31, 2008, 07:25:50 pm »

Quote from: JDGJr on January 31, 2008, 06:54:03 pm

Quote from: RandyT on January 31, 2008, 05:50:52 pm
Anyone in the US who has purchased an Electric ICE-T Trackball, or Electric ICE Trackball upgrade kit, can buy one of these new balls for $17 shipped.

that sounds reasonable. how can we take advantage of this?

thanks,
John

Agreed, count me in on this as well.
-csa

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 31, 2008, 08:16:13 pm »

I will be ordering one soon as well. Any progress on the ball top? Will it be frosted as well or nice and smooth?

~ D

Cornchip · « **Reply #17 on:** January 31, 2008, 09:14:09 pm »

I'm speechless Randy. That's a very generous offer indeed. When I order the new ball, I'll make sure I get a new interface (LedWiz+GP) and other odds and ends at the same time.

Cornchip.

rdenis · « **Reply #18 on:** January 31, 2008, 11:39:48 pm »

I am in for the new ball as well.

kegger · « **Reply #19 on:** February 01, 2008, 01:39:51 pm »

Randy, this maybe a stupid question but are these new trackballs compatible if you already have a Happ. I only see it in the Suzo on your site and just want to make sure it is the same size for a Happ base.

Thanks

By the way they look great, Nice job!

RandyT · « **Reply #20 on:** February 01, 2008, 01:50:50 pm »

Quote from: kegger on February 01, 2008, 01:39:51 pm

Randy, this maybe a stupid question but are these new trackballs compatible if you already have a Happ. I only see it in the Suzo on your site and just want to make sure it is the same size for a Happ base.

Actually, they are an Imperial model, not Suzo. But Yes, the balls and lighting units will indeed work in a HAPP trackball just fine. We include extra RGB-Overdrive mounting spacers for them in the lighting upgrade kits. The Suzos are reportedly not so simple by virtue of the non-standard housing. But it can be done if you make your own mounting plate, as one user has for his.

Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement (and your patience.) All of the Electric ICE trackball products are updated and available again. The upgrade for purchasers of V1.0 is up as well. I'll be looking at the monochromatic option shortly, for those who might be interested.

RandyT

iano · « **Reply #21 on:** February 01, 2008, 02:04:45 pm »

Even the 3" Happ (Highball type) ?

slsimon · « **Reply #22 on:** February 01, 2008, 02:19:09 pm »

Quote from: RandyT on February 01, 2008, 01:50:50 pm

Quote from: kegger on February 01, 2008, 01:39:51 pm
Randy, this maybe a stupid question but are these new trackballs compatible if you already have a Happ. I only see it in the Suzo on your site and just want to make sure it is the same size for a Happ base.

Actually, they are an Imperial model, not Suzo. But Yes, the balls and lighting units will indeed work in a HAPP trackball just fine. We include extra RGB-Overdrive mounting spacers for them in the lighting upgrade kits. The Suzos are reportedly not so simple by virtue of the non-standard housing. But it can be done if you make your own mounting plate, as one user has for his.

Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement (and your patience.) All of the Electric ICE trackball products are updated and available again. The upgrade for purchasers of V1.0 is up as well. I'll be looking at the monochromatic option shortly, for those who might be interested.

RandyT

Randy, you did it again. Good job. Your keeping my piggy bank empty, :-). I do believe that I am that user you were talking about. I will upload a picture attached to this thread soon as to show what type of mounting plate I had to make in order for my Suzo trackball to allow for a correct mount of the trackball RGB board. It's not the best idea but hey, it works and does the job pretty good actually. I have not even finished the wiring on my CP and you already have me interested in replacing the ball that I just bought a week ago. Shame on you. I would to be interested in a replacement. That is once I get approval from the lady of the house which may be harder than one might assume due to spending close to $500.00 on Randy's top quality products. By the way Randy, that replacement spinner tokentop is awesome. A 100 percent improvement from what I had. Thanks, Shane

Cornchip · « **Reply #23 on:** February 01, 2008, 02:27:24 pm »

I placed my order (#5206) just as these last four posts went up. I missed that link for the upgrade for past users (I jumped the gun a little). We'll have to get that fixed. Sorry.

Cornchip.

ids · « **Reply #24 on:** February 01, 2008, 03:23:23 pm »

OMG! Just got my v1 maybe 2 weeks ago as part of a larger order. Overall - extremely happy (GGG rocks!); the ball - meh - in a dark room with the ball lit, the imperfections fade and it's a beautiful thing, but it a well lit room, holding that thing in hand....

Dude - thanks for taking the risk on this product - I have a few other trackballs that need lighting (and the booster kit, which is great). I will definitely been placing another order (once all the visa bills get paid for the last round of parts).

Thanks!

Chris G · « **Reply #25 on:** February 01, 2008, 04:49:00 pm »

So....... anyone looking for a v1 trackball?

fixedpigs · « **Reply #26 on:** February 01, 2008, 09:51:08 pm »

does the version two ice ball have the same weird smell as the version one ball...?

yes...i smelled my ball...

Havok · « **Reply #27 on:** February 01, 2008, 09:54:16 pm »

Quote from: fixedpigs on February 01, 2008, 09:51:08 pm

does the version two ice ball have the same weird smell as the version one ball...?

yes...i smelled my ball...

Dude - you need help....

And with that, I'm going to smell mine now...

Damn you!

rdenis · « **Reply #28 on:** February 01, 2008, 11:39:56 pm »

Hey Randy - I just tried to order (trackball by itself) but there are no shipping options for us in Canada so I can't get past Step 1. If I combine it with another item the shipping options come up. I just placed an order so I just want to order the trackball now.

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #29 on:** February 02, 2008, 03:13:40 am »

Quote from: rdenis on February 01, 2008, 11:39:56 pm

Hey Randy - I just tried to order (trackball by itself) but there are no shipping options for us in Canada so I can't get past Step 1. If I combine it with another item the shipping options come up. I just placed an order so I just want to order the trackball now.

Why not e-mail him directly? You will probably get a quicker response as to posting it here for all to see.

Edit: I didn't mean to be abrasive with the above statement. I was just trying to avoid off topic responses that will clutter the forum. This sounded more like "tech support" rather than an "Announcement" related response to me. Didn't mean to offend. I apologize if this was taken the wrong way, as that was not my intention.

~ DeLuSioNaL

squirrellydw · « **Reply #30 on:** February 02, 2008, 11:06:45 am »

nice, I will be getting an upgrade very soon. thanks randy.

rdenis · « **Reply #31 on:** February 02, 2008, 11:53:48 am »

Quote from: DeLuSioNal29 on February 02, 2008, 03:13:40 am

Quote from: rdenis on February 01, 2008, 11:39:56 pm
Hey Randy - I just tried to order (trackball by itself) but there are no shipping options for us in Canada so I can't get past Step 1. If I combine it with another item the shipping options come up. I just placed an order so I just want to order the trackball now.
Why not e-mail him directly? You will probably get a quicker response as to posting it here for all to see.

Hey dude - thanks for posting a really helpful response here "for all to see"

Did you ever think there may be others here having the same issue.... move along now.

RandyT · « **Reply #32 on:** February 02, 2008, 02:39:56 pm »

Ok, I think I have this figured out. The store doesn't have a great way of handling this, so we'll do it manually. The description of the upgrade item has been changed to indicate how things will work, and now addresses orders including additional items. Tell me if the method doesn't make sense to anyone.

RandyT

rdenis · « **Reply #33 on:** February 02, 2008, 05:44:57 pm »

That works - thanks Randy.

fixedpigs · « **Reply #34 on:** February 02, 2008, 06:07:17 pm »

randy...

my question was actually legitimate...

does the v2 ball have the same weird smell as the v1 ball...?

thanks...

RandyT · « **Reply #35 on:** February 02, 2008, 06:22:28 pm »

Quote from: fixedpigs on February 02, 2008, 06:07:17 pm

randy...

my question was actually legitimate...

does the v2 ball have the same weird smell as the v1 ball...?

Uhhh, it's odorless? But so were the other ones ( I can't believe you made me sniff my balls ).

But the earlier parts were made of a material that is a tiny bit absorptive, which means that it is theoretically possible to pick up odors depending on the surroundings.

I hesitate to ask, but what does it smell like? Plastic? Something else

The new balls are completely different. They are literally the same as the stock white balls that normally come with a trackball (not the lighter, less dense material like you see with a lot of the translucents out there) but the color and translucency has been formulated to my specifications. I stress tested a ball made of this material once on a concrete floor. It bounced off the floor, hit a 15 ft ceiling, bounced around a bit more and had only a tiny pock mark because the concrete was rough. If you are disappointed by these, you want to be.

RandyT

fixedpigs · « **Reply #36 on:** February 02, 2008, 06:39:08 pm »

it smells kind of like a mixture of weed killer and bug spray...

anyone else's smell like that...?

DeLuSioNal29 · « **Reply #37 on:** February 02, 2008, 06:50:51 pm »

Mine is working just fine, so I'm going to refrain from sniffing it. Thanks.

Level42 · « **Reply #38 on:** February 02, 2008, 07:00:00 pm »

Very very nice !

This would be especially great for applications where the original trackball was white, but where you want to add a twist, like with Centipede

Combine it with an ICE button and you got the perfect match....nice and original looking when off, some extra spice in looks when turned on

So, is there an option to buy the ball only ? (2.25")

And I'd appreciate a picture when lit red

Havok · « **Reply #39 on:** February 02, 2008, 10:38:06 pm »

Quote from: fixedpigs on February 02, 2008, 06:39:08 pm

it smells kind of like a mixture of weed killer and bug spray...

anyone else's smell like that...?

Ball sniffer!

Just checked mine out, and it's odorless. Fortunately, nobody witnessed me sniffing my big 3 inch ball...


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