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Just got a HAPPS trackball - spinning problems
mahuti:
Now that I think about it, I had a trackball bolted in too tight once, and it caused spinning problems. Maybe the case was screwed to tight. Maybe it didn't need a clean, maybe it just needed to have some of the pressure eased off.
Javaman:
Sorry to dig up this old post, but I just wanted to add that it may help to clean the trackball and bearings off. I had a similar problem with horizontal movements (right mostly) where it would only occasionally spin. I've got mine apart right now and it seems to be working much better. I only used a piece of paper towel, but you might have better luck with some kind of solvent (be careful not to damage the plastic ball!) Mine is new, so I wonder if there was a small bit of machining oil on the critical spot of the roller? Another thing to check is that optical spinner boards are fully locked into the notches on the top and bottom pieces. It doesn't take much friction between the optic wheel and sensor to stop movement alltogether.
Xiaou2:
Actually, some of these bearings use a thick oil... and takes a long time to thin out. If its the wrong lube, it may never fully smooth out.
To really get your trackball spinning like a top... Grab some "electronic cleaner" spray from Radio Shack. Its a bit expenisve... but upon many diffent lube tests I did - this worked better than all.
1) Take the bearings out.
2) Place a bearing between fingers. Spray cleaner into top of bearing.
3) Let it seep in for about 15 seconds.
4) Slowly spin the bearing, gradually going faster & faster for 40secs
5) Repeat 4.
6) Flip bearing over.
7) Repeat process.
You should notice that the bearing will spin for several seconds after you clean it well. If not, try the process again. If still not spinning well... theres particales too large stuck in there or a dent on the pathway... or some other imperfection thats non fixable.
Basically, the spray eats the thicker lube and dirt..ect. By saturating the lube into it, and then spinning some of it out - it will free any left over dirt out the opposite side. The cleaner itself is also a lube... so there shouldnt be any problems. If you are really worried about
wear.. you could let a drop of 3-in-1 oil. The trackballs do not weigh much, nor spin ultra fast, nor are used constantly, nor under heated conditions...(as such as in a machine useage) so do not need heavy lube.
The roller shaft should be cleaned as well... and be free of surface
dents..ect. Make sure the Optic discs that are attached to the roller are snug tight.
I believe they also should have a special washer on them that makes a bit of tention on them (keeps them from getting loose). Its been a while sice Ive looked at one.
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