Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Darke on July 26, 2002, 11:25:43 pm
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I was wondering what you guys thought about replacing the plastic trackball with an 8-ball from a billiards set. The 8-ball is heavier and so therefore will likely spin better. I am having some problems with my new trackball I got from Happs. Its a 2-1/4 PS2 interface. The thing will not spin like it should. Can't even play Marble Madness too well. I sent Happs an email about it. Maybe the bearings are defective. What do you guys oil your trackball bearings with? I know you cant use grease....its too heavy and the thing will never spin after that. Any ideas or suggestions on this topic will be appreciated.
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A billiard ball should work very well in place of a standard trackball. Quality billiard balls are made from a phenolic resin which is denser than the cast polymer that trackballs are made out of. Just make sure you use a 2-1/4" billiard ball and not a 2-1/8". I'm no expert in this field, but I believe that there are two different sizes. I believe that cue balls and bumper pool balls are 2-1/8", but you should verify that.
For the bearings, light household oil works best for trackballs. 3-in-1 oil is what is typically used on trackballs, because (as you mentioned) heavy oil or grease only adds resistance. Shelf life of trackball bearing lubrication is about 1 year without use, meaning that you should lube the bearings once a year even if you don't use it. The oil will leak out of the bearings in the form of a light film and you may not even notice. Under heavy use, it is recommended trackball bearings be oiled every 3 months. A few drops on the dust shield next to the inner & outer race should be sufficient.
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The main thing I am looking to improve on is the spin of the trackball. It doesn't spin very well now and I was thinking added weight of the ball would help that.