Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: buks on July 05, 2007, 08:30:45 am

Title: 2.25" trackball not spinning
Post by: buks on July 05, 2007, 08:30:45 am

Help !

A long while ago I replaced my Ultimarc trackball (just the ball mind) with an Electric ICE 2.25" ball from GGG. I then didn't use it for much apart from watching the RGB leds (its magic I tell you). Anyway, I played Marble Madness last night and after upping the controld up to 120% in the MAME menu (originally set to 30%) I noticed that I had to really "work" the ball. I'm pretty sure the previous Ultimarc red ball span a fair bit which made it a bit easier.

So in started searching and noticed that GGG do a "Trackball booster kit" but only for 3" balls, so I presume it will be no good for me.

I haven't taken the unit apart as I only want to do that as a last resort - would I get a increase in "roll" by taking it apart and cleaning stuff/oiling things ? Or is this something that other people have noticed ?

Look forward to your replies.

Buks

Title: Re: 2.25" trackball not spinning
Post by: _) (V) (-) on July 05, 2007, 11:07:55 am

Maybe your ball is slipping on the rollers, thus loosing the traction it requires to turn the pinwheels inside the optical sensors.

I'd suggest taking it apart and cleaning things up, it's not as hard as you'd think.

Some oil should be in the bearings but not on the rollers.

Title: Re: 2.25" trackball not spinning
Post by: buks on July 05, 2007, 01:41:11 pm

CykoMF,

Cheers mate. I think I will be taking it apart this weekend for a "clean". I found an old post on this forum talking about wd40 and 3-1 oil. I'll use the 3-1 on the bearings if I can find them ! I can't remember seeing any when I put it all together last time but I'm sure they are in there somewhere (I'll checkout the ultimarc site too as theres plans and stuff on there).

Thanks again.

Buks

Title: Re: 2.25" trackball not spinning
Post by: Kaytrim on July 05, 2007, 02:07:48 pm

The bearings are at then ends of the rollers.  There are three rollers inside, two will have the optio wheels on them.  Use WD40 to clean out the bearings and then add a drop or two of 3-in-1 oil or my favorite TriFlow.  Give the roller a few spins and you are good for some maddening marble madness. :cheers:

TTFN

Title: Re: 2.25" trackball not spinning
Post by: buks on July 06, 2007, 04:51:46 am

Kaytrim,

Cheers for the tip - I'm going to try and do some work on the trackball Saturday night. I'll post my findings when I've tried it out.

Buks