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Author Topic: Opto-Mechanical Trackball mouse question  (Read 2067 times)

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Offline bigpook

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Opto-Mechanical Trackball mouse question
« on: Tue, 19 May 2009, 17:19:36 »
I am looking at a opto-mechanical trackball and am somewhat hesitant if I should go with it. In the picture you can see the two rubber wheels that the ball rolls on. I remember these type of mice back in the day and also remember how they tended to gunk up and track poorly when dirty. I also remember the rubber wheels breaking down over time and eventually falling apart. The ones in the picture look to be in good shape.

My question is something like this replaceable?

Can the rubber wheels be coated with something that will preserve/protect them without affecting tracking?

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Offline bigpook

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Opto-Mechanical Trackball mouse question
« Reply #1 on: Tue, 19 May 2009, 18:21:16 »
Quote from: ripster;91674
LOL - I thought I was looking at the Hubble space telescope for a while.

It looks like the ruby bearings take most of the weight so I wouldn't think wear would be much of an issue.  Might have to sand it up every so often.

All depends on the rubber used whether it will start to dissolve from oils and junk - shouldn't if you're careful.

I don't think coating it with anything will work though because it will just slough off.  I made a half hearted attempt to cover the bearings of a Microsoft Kiddie TrackBall with electrical tape and that didn't work at all.

I assume that's the Stormtrooper special from that bright white.  If it's fitting your hand I'd give it a longer try.

Actually it is a kensington turboball. I like the shape of it but it remains to be seen if it will work for me. The seller is asking a bit much for it so I don't know. Whats nice is that the ball is up and out which I like.
There is a stormtrooper special here:

ebay

That looks interesting and I am trying to talk him down from the posted price. So far he fails to respond. Silly people with their special mice....


Forgot to mention that one of the things I liked about the CST is that it had beefy metal rollers for the ball to ride on. Don't think they would ever fail. It would be neat to do something like that with the kensington. Know anyone with a machine shop?
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Offline watduzhkstand4

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Opto-Mechanical Trackball mouse question
« Reply #2 on: Wed, 20 May 2009, 01:55:03 »
I'm just wondering why it's both optical and mechanical. What are the benefits?
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Offline deserttomcat

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Opto-Mechanical Trackball mouse question
« Reply #3 on: Mon, 01 June 2009, 03:18:31 »
Hi guys,
I am desperately looking for this device, the Kensingtorn Turboball, but is actually unavailable. I have been using that thing for many years and want another one, this is the best trackball in my eyes.
Where did you see that thing and is it still available? Anyone there who knows where I can get one?
Thanks and regards
Thomas from Germany
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Offline chimera15

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Opto-Mechanical Trackball mouse question
« Reply #4 on: Mon, 01 June 2009, 04:03:34 »
Quote from: deserttomcat;93660
Hi guys,
I am desperately looking for this device, the Kensingtorn Turboball, but is actually unavailable. I have been using that thing for many years and want another one, this is the best trackball in my eyes.
Where did you see that thing and is it still available? Anyone there who knows where I can get one?
Thanks and regards
Thomas from Germany


Are you serious? I have one, I almost never use it, the slipping of the ball really irritates me, the scroll ring is pretty interesting though.  Maybe try a trackball explorer?
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Offline bigpook

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Opto-Mechanical Trackball mouse question
« Reply #5 on: Mon, 01 June 2009, 04:41:43 »
Quote from: deserttomcat;93660
Hi guys,
I am desperately looking for this device, the Kensingtorn Turboball, but is actually unavailable. I have been using that thing for many years and want another one, this is the best trackball in my eyes.
Where did you see that thing and is it still available? Anyone there who knows where I can get one?
Thanks and regards
Thomas from Germany

ebay?

At least thats where I got mine. It was NIB so I guess I lucked out. I never saw that type of mouse before but I only recently started trolling ebay for kensington trackballs. It is a very comfortable mouse and I like that the trackball is up and out. It works very well by just using your finger tips.

I am looking around for some outside of ebay. If I see any I will post the link.
« Last Edit: Mon, 01 June 2009, 20:30:56 by bigpook »
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Offline bigpook

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Opto-Mechanical Trackball mouse question
« Reply #6 on: Mon, 01 June 2009, 13:51:51 »
wow, that kensington is new but the seller wants 150 for it.
Its one nice looking trackball.
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Offline bigpook

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Opto-Mechanical Trackball mouse question
« Reply #7 on: Mon, 01 June 2009, 16:04:37 »
I have a lexmark mini and it wasn't NIB. Of the 3 that I have its my favorite.

What year is yours?
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Offline bigpook

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Opto-Mechanical Trackball mouse question
« Reply #8 on: Mon, 01 June 2009, 20:27:45 »
I think the drainage slots were a lexmark addition. I could be wrong though. I am not as well schooled on model m mini's as you might think.

You don't live in Jersey do you? Just asking.

ps: I just followed the link in your post, lol. Your too much man : )
« Last Edit: Mon, 01 June 2009, 20:33:32 by bigpook »
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