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Author Topic: What is up with this trackball?  (Read 1690 times)

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TheManuel

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What is up with this trackball?
« on: July 07, 2003, 10:09:30 pm »
I recently purchased a new 3" Betson/Imperial trackball.  The problem is it has very little roll time.  With a strong stroke, it only gets about one second of roll.
The first thing I tried was to break the bearings in with a drill.  I drove them for ten seconds in each direction and it made no difference.  
Today, I put two drops of 3in1 on each bearing.  I was sure this would do it but, to my surprise, there is no improvement.

Are trackballs supposed to roll a lot?

One ting I do notice is that the structure where the rollers are held, press the bearings against the rollers putting some extra friction there.

Any input will be appreciated.
"The Manuel"

SirPoonga

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Re:What is up with this trackball?
« Reply #1 on: July 07, 2003, 10:46:21 pm »
maybe you need new bearing all together?

paigeoliver

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Re:What is up with this trackball?
« Reply #2 on: July 07, 2003, 11:19:51 pm »
The Imperial Betson balls are different than the Golden Tee ones that you may be used to. I have one also, those just don't roll forever. The effect is still the same though.

Also, the Imperial Ball has pretty much the same feel as most other non Golden Tee trackballs, it even outrolls my rebuilt Crystal Castles trackball, and feels identical to the balls on the CentiMilliCommand machine at Dave & Busters (also seems identical to the ball in "Chip Away" which is a redemption game).
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TheManuel

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Re:What is up with this trackball?
« Reply #3 on: July 07, 2003, 11:58:02 pm »
maybe you need new bearing all together?

It's new, man.
"The Manuel"

TheManuel

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Re:What is up with this trackball?
« Reply #4 on: July 08, 2003, 12:02:42 am »
The Imperial Betson balls are different than the Golden Tee ones that you may be used to. I have one also, those just don't roll forever. The effect is still the same though.

Also, the Imperial Ball has pretty much the same feel as most other non Golden Tee trackballs, it even outrolls my rebuilt Crystal Castles trackball, and feels identical to the balls on the CentiMilliCommand machine at Dave & Busters (also seems identical to the ball in "Chip Away" which is a redemption game).

That may just be the case.
To be honest, I don't think I ever played an original trackball game in the arcades other than Marble Madness.  This was more than 13 years ago so I don't remember how it felt like.
I'll just have to start using it.  I haven't installed it in my control panel yet since it's not finished and I'm using a prototype to play.
I can see how, if you have too much roll, it can affect control in games like Missile Command.
"The Manuel"

BobA

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Re:What is up with this trackball?
« Reply #5 on: July 08, 2003, 12:28:24 am »
I have a used Betson in fairly good shape.  The roll time on a strong golden tee type spin is about  2.5 seconds.  It works well with all the games I have tried it with.

BobA

TheManuel

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Re:What is up with this trackball?
« Reply #6 on: July 08, 2003, 09:09:12 am »
I guess I have a dud.

I have a used Betson in fairly good shape.  The roll time on a strong golden tee type spin is about  2.5 seconds.  It works well with all the games I have tried it with.

BobA
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Re:What is up with this trackball?
« Reply #7 on: July 08, 2003, 09:23:29 am »
You might just need to break it in more.  I have a Betson trackball with old rusty bearings, I put 3 in 1 oil on them and it spins for a few seconds.  Probably 2-3.

Wade

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Re:What is up with this trackball?
« Reply #8 on: July 08, 2003, 10:51:09 am »
Same thing happened to me.

Just use it for a while youll get used to it and itll break in.
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TheManuel

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Re:What is up with this trackball?
« Reply #9 on: July 08, 2003, 11:25:39 am »
Using it is probably the key, gentlemen.
I have not even started using it and I'm already complaining  ::)

Thanks for all replies.



Same thing happened to me.

Just use it for a while youll get used to it and itll break in.


"The Manuel"