Microsoft Trackball Balls

[ImpairedPirate]

Hello,

Has anyone modified a MTO with a compatible alternative or aftermarket ball?  Does anyone know the exact dimension of the ball? TIA for any assistance.

V/r,

Zack

[CreamyNutButter]

Not sure on exact dimensions, but about the same size as a Logitech ball.  My brother just happened to find one while cleaning out a vacant house a few days ago.

[chimera15]

I'm using a wireless trackman ball in a trackball explorer, that I accidentally dropped and broke the ball of.  I had to use epoxy putty and rebuild the points where the bearings sit to be slightly higher than normal.  So you can use smaller balls in them fairly easily actually. It took me a while to realize that I could do that, and it only occured to me that I could do that after building my trackball mods.

Been using it that way for about 6 months now, as it was my main trackball that I've been using for 10+ years now.  Gave it a new life after I thought it was gone after I broke its ball.  There isn't a single part of this trackball I haven't rebuilt/resoldered or replaced at this point.  The paint is completely worn off, and it looks like it's gone through a war or two, which I suppose it has considering the games I've used it for over the years. lol

[ImpairedPirate]

CNB,

Thanks for your reply.  I realize now that the MTO ball is 38.1mm (~1.5").  Your brother found a Logitech or MS ball?  If MS, could it be for sale or trade? Finding a replacement is much more difficult than I imagined it would be.  Saluc (maker of Aramith billiard and pool balls) manufactures legitimate trackballs, but I cannot rouse a response from them re: buying one.

Chimera,

Great story-- as long as there are no wires out the side, or duct tape holding it together, the satisfaction of keeping that one alive over the years  is almost worth more than the tangible value of having a working input device alone.

I've refurbished my TBO to include replacement of the infamous bearings, but have not had the same level of success using a different ball.  Swapping the bearings was super simple, and I took several pictures to post one day.  Now, even with the lowest possible static friction, the undersized Logitech ball rocks (tilts/stutters) in he MS trackball cavity as opposed to rolling.  Especially true along x axis, and even more prevalent in the positive/right direction.  The ball essentially lifts out of the bottom hole where it rests, and travels around the daggum socket, resettling after it's released.

So now, after unsuccessful Logitech implementation, I'm back to searching for a suitable replacement.  If anyone wants to send me their MTO ball, I will gladly sponsor you by affixing your call sign or business logo somewhere prominent.  I'm thinking my sponsored Nalgene bottle at work.  You could be among such greats as: East Carolina University, Flying Dog Brewery, SweetWater Surf Shop, [awesome gov't agency], etc.  Just let me know.

[chimera15]

CNB,

Thanks for your reply.  I realize now that the MTO ball is 38.1mm (~1.5").  Your brother found a Logitech or MS ball?  If MS, could it be for sale or trade? Finding a replacement is much more difficult than I imagined it would be.  Saluc (maker of Aramith billiard and pool balls) manufactures legitimate trackballs, but I cannot rouse a response from them re: buying one.

Chimera,

Great story-- as long as there are no wires out the side, or duct tape holding it together, the satisfaction of keeping that one alive over the years  is almost worth more than the tangible value of having a working input device alone.

I've refurbished my TBO to include replacement of the infamous bearings, but have not had the same level of success using a different ball.  Swapping the bearings was super simple, and I took several pictures to post one day.  Now, even with the lowest possible static friction, the undersized Logitech ball rocks (tilts/stutters) in he MS trackball cavity as opposed to rolling.  Especially true along x axis, and even more prevalent in the positive/right direction.  The ball essentially lifts out of the bottom hole where it rests, and travels around the daggum socket, resettling after it's released.

So now, after unsuccessful Logitech implementation, I'm back to searching for a suitable replacement.  If anyone wants to send me their MTO ball, I will gladly sponsor you by affixing your call sign or business logo somewhere prominent.  I'm thinking my sponsored Nalgene bottle at work.  You could be among such greats as: East Carolina University, Flying Dog Brewery, SweetWater Surf Shop, [awesome gov't agency], etc.  Just let me know.

Take the bearings out again, get some loctite epoxy putty, or other 5 minute epoxy, then put little balls of epoxy putty in the holes, then put the bearings in the epoxy putty, then with the putty still not dry, put the ball in the socket and apply enough pressure to make the bearings the right size.  This will push them down into the putty.  When it looks like it'll fit and roll free take the ball out, then with the putty in a semi-cured state cut around the bearings to expose them about half way and make sure the ball still rolls, and you'll be good to go.  You might only have to do this with one of them if its close to the right size.