Wacko Trackball Rebuild

[avidgeek]

Haven't done a rebuild for this unit before...only Centi/Milli trackball units. Can I use a different game's trackball repair kit for Wacko? I did a side by side comparison of the kit and it doesn't look like its compatible.

Thanks.

 

[mnrocketry]

Here's a duplicate of the rgvac post that I made on the subject a couple of years ago:

>I've got a Wacko trackball that I need to either rebuild, with rollers and
>bearings, or I need to replace. I haven't been able to find any rebuild
>parts. Does anyone know a good trackball that fit's in place of the old
>one?

Bad news - the Wacko trackball is completely unique (never used in ANY other game!). You're not going to find any "modern" trackball that is a drop in replacement, either mechnically or electronically.

Good news - so long as your Wacko trackball is currently working, you can rebuild it to like-new performance. The thing is _way_ over-engineered.

Ball - standard 3", just order a replacement from your favorite parts source (ball should be black)

Bearings - same size as used in Atari/Happ 2-1/4" and 3" trackballs, just order a set of 6 from your favorite parts source

Rollers - they're the tough bit. The rollers are unique to this game,and no one makes reproductions. At the least, you can chuck your old rollers up in a drill and spin them against some scotchbrite pad to remove all the rust and soda residue and make them shiny and smooth again. Even polish them with some Novus.

Now, if you want new rollers, I have created engineering drawings for them. Email me directly, and I'll email the two TIF files to you. You will have to print the drawings and find a local machinist who'd be willing to turn you out a set of rollers. They're not hard pieces to make, but I can't predict how much it'd cost you. (I do NOT have any new rollers for sale, nor do I plan on having any made.)

This trackball has many, many parts with many different types of fasteners. Take good notes and digital pics when you disassemble it, or you'll be scratching your head when it's time to go back together. Also, you'll likely discover that the nylon standoffs for the opto boards are disintegrating, so plan on replacing those.

I rebuilt the trackball for my Wacko a couple months ago, and it plays like an entirely different game now.

Good luck!

Alan

 

[avidgeek]

Thanks MN. Yup...that assembly is pretty built out. Aluminum parts are pretty cool lookin, too bad its all hidden under the control panel.

I removed the ball, cleaned it, lubricated the bearings. It does work better however the shafts are definitely needing replacement. Good to know I can get those parts at least.

 

[chips4sle]

hi
i am currently makeing replacement kits for them
they will be a limited run. berrings and shafts
jeff

 

[joemagiera]

Haven't done a rebuild for this unit before...only Centi/Milli trackball units. Can I use a different game's trackball repair kit for Wacko? I did a side by side comparison of the kit and it doesn't look like its compatible.

Not compatible. They are built to withstand a bomb. If I recall, it's 37 screws/bolts to take it apart. What is it on an Atari, 8?

As someone else said, the ball and bearings are replaceable. The rollers are a unique size. I found a buddy that could do metal lathing and he did them up. He said it was easy. The problem is finding someone that can do that type of work.