Main > Main Forum

Brand New Trackball 'Spin Time'?

<< < (5/5)

Keroppi:

--- Quote from: RandyT on March 22, 2008, 03:20:41 pm ---

--- Quote --- I agree that there should be some friction.  However, a typical arcade trackball  un-even zones of friction.

--- End quote ---

This is true, but by just how much is hugely dependent upon the condition of both the rollers and the trackball itself.  If the rollers and the trackball are new, there is only a tiny contact point between the sphere that is the trackball and the cylinders that are the rollers.  As the rollers become worn, they get a 1.5" radius curve worn into them.  The longer the curve, the more friction and uneven control.  Likewise, if the hard material of a standard trackball becomes scratched or dull, there is no longer a slick surface to slide against the rollers.  This increases the drag and will also speed up the decay of the rollers.

That's why it is important to keep all of the moving parts clean and in good condition.


--- End quote ---


Randy:

This is exactly why/what I was asking. Almost all of the trackball games I have ever played were beaten and worn, from Centipede to Golden Tee.

I have never used a new trackball before, and I just received a number of trackballs that appear damn near new (ie VERY light wear, ab 1/4" wide on the rollers)...but I noticed that they didn't spin very long, even after a substantial whack. So I figured the 'spin time' of a new trackball would be a good reference point to compare my units to. I was ignorant of (and have since been enlightened) about other factors, particularly the viscosity of the bearing grease from sitting on a shelf unused.

So yeah, I was just (stupidly) trying to use that as a gauge of the condition of mine, which in hindsight wasn't the best way to figure it out. I have since learned they are in damn good condition, I just need to use them!  :)

I can't imagine a game that would really make use of a 7 second spin time though...  :dunno

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[*] Previous page

Go to full version