moved my cab...now trackball doesn't work right

[krazy_kenny1]

So I just finished moving across the country and now the Y axis on my trackball is messed up.  It's a 3" Happ connected via PS2.  I also have a turbotwist2 connected via usb that's working fine.  The Y axis on the trackball isn't completely "gone" since the cursor will eventually creep up a few pixels if I spin it like crazy, but it's almost like the Y axis isn't working at all.  This happens in windows as well, so it isn't a mame configuration thing.  I labeled all the cables before taking the comp out prior to the move, so I'm pretty sure everything is plugged in exactly as before.  Could spending 3 days in the back of a moving truck have jarred something in the trackball or is it a software issue?  Any ideas?  Sorry if there's an obvious solution...my cab has been working perfectly for a long time now, so I've forgotten a lot from when I put it together.

[severdhed]

it could be something jarred loose within the trackball.  the optical encoder wheel attaches to the roller with a screw, if that was loose, the wheel wouldn't spin properly when rolling it.  you may need to open it up and check it

[Bender]

I had this same exact problem.
It turned out the vibration from travel loosened the Y axis connector just enough so it was still attached but no connection was being made
Just pushed it back and it was all go to go
let us know what you find
good luck, I hope it's as simple a fix as mine was

[krazy_kenny1]

it could be something jarred loose within the trackball.  the optical encoder wheel attaches to the roller with a screw, if that was loose, the wheel wouldn't spin properly when rolling it.  you may need to open it up and check it

Ya, something is definitely loose/broken.  When I spin the ball upwards, the Y axis wheel spins freely and doesn't stop spinning when I stop moving the ball.  This still doesn't cause the cursor to move vertically much at all.  When I spin the ball downwards, the Y axis wheel doesn't move at all.  Opening the thing up is going to be a major PITA since it's flush-mounted under the plexi which means removing all the buttons 

[bkenobi]

Is it possible that something smashed down on the trackball and bent the roller?  Seems like that would be one heck of an impact, but that's the only thing I can think of if you've already checked the wiring.

[krazy_kenny1]

Is it possible that something smashed down on the trackball and bent the roller?  Seems like that would be one heck of an impact, but that's the only thing I can think of if you've already checked the wiring.

I know nothing hit it.  The cab was laying on its back, wrapped in furniture pads with nothing on top of it.  When unloading the truck, there was still nothing on top of it.  I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and take the CP apart.

edit:  hmmm...I'm wondering if laying it on its back explains why it's the Y axis that's messed up.  I couldn't easily load it up-right since it has wheels on the bottom and would be more difficult to secure.

[Bender]

I think you can take the trackball apart from the back so you don't have to remove the CPO or plexi (as long you have access to the underneath of the panel)

[brock.sampson]

Assuming you used the standard mounting plate your should be able to remove that from underneath without disassembling the rest of your control panel.

[krazy_kenny1]

Assuming you used the standard mounting plate your should be able to remove that from underneath without disassembling the rest of your control panel.

Ya, I used the standard plate...it's been trouble-free so long I've forgotten many of the details of how it went together.

[brock.sampson]

Should just be four screws on the bottom and it will pop right out.

[krazy_kenny1]

Well after taking it apart, everything appears to be physically functioning.  I blew the sensor out with compressed air and it didn't help.  I guess the Y-axis PCB is just dead

[bkenobi]

Aren't the two pcb's identical?  Is it possible to swap them and see if it's hardware or the board itself?

[krazy_kenny1]

Aren't the two pcb's identical?  Is it possible to swap them and see if it's hardware or the board itself?

I did that...putting the X-axis board on the Y-axis wheel works (moves the X-axis of course).  Anyone know where I can get just a replacement board?  The only thing I saw on Happ's website was the whole USB conversion kit which is like $50.

[ultrageek]

I had to replace the boards on my Happ 2 years ago.  DiveMaster on this forum sells them.  Or sold them.  Not sure if they're still available.

[bkenobi]

Before you toss the old board(s), get a magnifying glass out and see if you can find any problems with the y-axis board.  It's possible that you just need to adjust the sensor or resolder something.  Worst case you can't fix it, but it's possible you can repair it and save both time and money.

[Bender]

always check the simplest things first, unplug and replug all connectors, if it's USB try another port and cable etc.
If the Y axis is not working at all after a move I have hard time thinking it's the board
sound like something got disconnected

look to blame the board last
did you try swapping the connecter to the boards? that would tell you if it's the board or the connection