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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Jabba on March 08, 2004, 01:54:49 pm

Title: What's the best way to clean up this CP?
Post by: Jabba on March 08, 2004, 01:54:49 pm

I just won an item off ebay. It is an old control panel with two trackballs and 4 buttons. I plan on taking the Trackballs and buttons out for use for a "Marble Madness" control panel (one of my favourite games). Couple of questions for you are as follows:

1. Anyone have any idea the best way to clean the trackballs up?  They look pretty dusty.

2. I paid 32$ for the CP opff ebay. Do you think I got hosed (Canadian term for ripped off)?

I have not received the CP yet, Seller told me they were both working...

Thanks for the feedback.

Garry

Title: Re:What's the best way to clean up this CP?
Post by: Stingray on March 08, 2004, 02:07:24 pm

If they both work you got a steal.

-S

Title: Re:What's the best way to clean up this CP?
Post by: Minwah on March 08, 2004, 05:06:40 pm

1. Take the trackballs apart.  Wash the balls in warm soapy water and rinse/dry.  Clean the bearings with something like engine de-greaser and then re-lube (3-in-1).  Wipe the case clean with a damp rag.  Should do the trick :)

2. I agree with Stingray, sounds like a great deal :)

Title: Re:What's the best way to clean up this CP?
Post by: Lilwolf on March 08, 2004, 05:23:42 pm

Yup... good price if only one works...

And for cleaning... depends....

Someone here had a GREAT review on repairing an old missile command trackball... went from wouldn't turn to what looked new.

But physical cleaning is a start.  3-1 oil to lube up bearings.  If rollers are bent, consider replacing them (same with bearings...but the roller set is 10bucks at videoconnect or so... and the bearings are 20+ for a set).  But doing so will make a HUGE difference... but test first without.

Title: Re:What's the best way to clean up this CP?
Post by: Ken Layton on March 08, 2004, 06:39:09 pm

If the above cleaning doesn't help much, then use Novus # 2 Plastic Polish on a terry cloth for cleaning/buffing the balls.

Title: Re:What's the best way to clean up this CP?
Post by: Xiaou2 on March 08, 2004, 07:39:02 pm

if rusted, the bearing may not be savable.  You can try wd40 or maybe CLR or simular.

if the bearings are just dirty...use electronic cleaner by radio shack to clean them.  its expensive - but works amazingly!!!   better than anything ive ever tried.

 spray a good portion onto the bearing.  let sit for one minute.  hold the bearing between your fingers and spin it with your other hand several times at a fast speed.  keep spinning for 40seconds.  repeat.  

  then,  flip the bearing over and repeat the whole process.  the thing will spin like its brand new after youve done this process.

 btw - the trackballs look UV faded.  Theres probably not much you can do to change this.  You will have to buy new balls.

 I once tried to novice polish a ball.. and it didnt do anything.  then... i took out some sand paper to see how far down the yellowish color was... turned out to be like 2mm's down!  scrapeing that much off the ball surely would effect the way it worked.