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Rebuilding trackballs

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_) (V) (-):
Hey guys,
I just scored a box of some VERY used trackballs and was hoping to piece together something usable from the lot. There are  a couple Happs type, one says Atari, and a couple Imp's, however, most of these seem to be beyond resurrection. (Hence the reason I got them)

The first thing I noticed was most of the balls appear to be loose in their housings. Some by 1/8" or more.  This does not seem normal. Is there any way to repair this?

I was thinking of shimming up the bearings or maybe putting a liner over the roller surface. Currently experimenting with some plastic tubing.

Also, some of the rollers actually have a groove worn into the center where the ball contacts it. I dunno if anything can be done for this situation.

Something else I thought about, was shaving off some of the underside from the top case piece, thus making it sit lower and closer to the ball.
Is that a valid option?  Of course the circuit boards would need to be trimmed a bit as well if they are to fit into their places.

I'll also need to find out how to test the circuit boards without anything to plug them into. (other than a DVOM) Not sure what 'lingo' to google even. Man I'm ignorant!

Figure it should generate some kind of pulse to coinside with the veins on the shutter wheel thingy. I'm guessing a light voltage with a high and lo limit.

Can anyone recomend a good primer (for dummies) on rebuilding these things?

Thanks!
_)

divemaster127:
Purchase one of the happ rebuild kits with bearings & rebuild the trackball
dm

_) (V) (-):
That sounds too simple to be true DM.
The bearings actually seem to be fine. At least they move nice and smoothly, they are also clean and oiled.

Will the rebuild kit address the sloppy fit issue?
Do the balls ever shrink?

Texasmame:

--- Quote from: CykoMF on November 02, 2006, 10:31:51 am ---
Do the balls ever shrink?

--- End quote ---

 :notworthy:

shardian:
I have put new rollers in a 3", and it really didn't seem to help the slop much. It made no sense to me either. :dunno

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