Hardware Q, trackballs
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How long, from experience, do trackballs usually last? [tried one out and never looked back!]. Currently using a Logitech TrackMan Wheel and have been for over a year now. It is currently not in the best of shape. The left-click switches between hyposensitivity and hypersensitivity [either does not click or double clicks by itself] and now the scroll wheel has started to loose it. Am I somehow uncharacteristically rough on my hardware or is this the usual lifespan for a trackball? (note, my father got this used but it was [literally, no exaggeration] like new then).
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sv51macross wrote...
How long, from experience, do trackballs usually last? [tried one out and never looked back!]. Currently using a Logitech TrackMan Wheel and have been for over a year now. It is currently not in the best of shape. The left-click switches between hyposensitivity and hypersensitivity [either does not click or double clicks by itself] and now the scroll wheel has started to loose it. Am I somehow uncharacteristically rough on my hardware or is this the usual lifespan for a trackball? (note, my father got this used but it was [literally, no exaggeration] like new then).I have the same one. (well maybe not the exact model but~~~) I have had it for years. my brother also has one but a different model
They are pretty rugged However
What you need to do is some maintenance
I clean mine every 4 to 5 months as I smoke and the goo gets in the works
You need to be fairly handy as the components are small and somewhat fragile
Carefully remove the screws on the housing and split the case
First remove the ball and clean it with Windex and a soft cloth
Under the ball are 2 or 3 rollers (depends on the model)
You have to take the unit apart and with a q tip and some alcohol take the crud that has accumulated on the rollers off (it really sticks so be sure to get all of it
The switches are another story. Sometimes they just get worn out
They are made by Micro switch and are hard to get
If you can find some contact cleaner and lube get some (radio shack used to carry it Not sure anymore)
You also need one of those compressed air cans you use for cleaning your keyboard Dont use an air hose from a compressor as they usually don't have filters on them and they will spray really nasty water on them
Remove the screws that hold the switches and carefully pull the switches away from the housing
Get a small cup. I take a paper that is waxed or plastic cup and trim it down
Put the cleaner/lube in the cup and soak the switches for about 30 minutes Ocassionally pushing the little button
This will get the corrosion loosened on the internal switch
Then blow them off with the canned air and leave them hanging with the button portion down over night
Wipe down the entire housing with a soft cloth moistened with Windex
Put it back together and it should run great
Also check with the Logitech web site and see if there are updated drivers
By the way You can also do the same thing with regular Mice that have a removable ball Mostly they just need the rollers clean