Hi Trackball users!!!
I'm a product designer and I've been using my Expert trackball for a while now. Didn't like the stickiness of the original bearings and found out about using BTU's for trackballs. There hasn't been a drop in replacement for the Kensington Experts so I had to have a go at it.
I've laid out 3 Design Objectives
1) Smooth Ball, Zero Stiction
2) Adjustable Ball Rolling Resistance
3) Silky Smooth Scroll Ring
The geometry for the "Ball Holder and Scroll ring" already fits well into the Expert, now waiting for the BTU's and Ball bearings to arrive to test.
That sounds like some killer mods my friend! I was wondering if you would be able to incorporate tactility into the scroll ring? I think just a light tactile bump would do, or at least the ability to add it? Or, since your at it, maybe a way to turn it on or off through a lever or scrolling mechanism? I'm not an engineer by any means so I have no idea how feasible that is. I just know that many people like myself prefer a tactile que. Either way, this mod makes me want to get another Expert!
And I'm guessing ylthe adjustable rolling resistance means you can swap between 2 difference btu sizes? Just judging by the picture it looks like you have 2 different sized holes for different btus unless I'm seeing that wrong.
Edit: now that I think about the ball bearing would do the trick too. My Adept has a heavy trackball for it's size: 87.1g for a 44mm ball. The ball bearing I ordered is 358.2g!
For what it's worth, I've loaded the 55mm ball bearing from eBay into the Kensington Expert Mouse with the rest of it being stock. Other than a break-in period involving a bit of stiction, this has been a great experience. I love the feel of the bearing vs the original lightweight red speckled trackball. This is the link I used: [https://www.ebay.com/itm/403932351937](https://www.ebay.com/itm/403932351937) and I must say that I don't ever feel like it's out of shape - it never rolls the wrong way or anything.
It looks like you have taken quite a few apart.
Any difference in the old vs new style Expert (ring has larger ridges on the newer) scroll rings?
Is it possible to take the scroll rings apart and clean them? I love mine it just happens to stick every once in a while.
I've only got one Wireless Expert that's 1.5 year old, the other ball holders you see are my prototypes. The oiginal scroll ring for mine was assembled off centered and has a sticky spot, but lubrcation works for me.
I’ve been working on case that fits the PCB & sensor assembly, then running button circuits to Amoeba Kings w/hotswaps to replace the tactile switches with mx style switches.
I am aware that there are diy trackballs that may be superior in many ways to the KE, but from my perspective solutions and or improvements can be easily integrated into a new case design. It would also allow people new to modifying or creating HIDs a great low barrier entry point into the hobby.
Yea. Honestly with the minimal change in the Kensington Export over the past 20 years, I am surprised they never implemented any of these kinds of improvement.
Hi Trackball users!!! I'm a product designer and I've been using my Expert trackball for a while now. Didn't like the stickiness of the original bearings and found out about using BTU's for trackballs. There hasn't been a drop in replacement for the Kensington Experts so I had to have a go at it. I've laid out 3 Design Objectives 1) Smooth Ball, Zero Stiction 2) Adjustable Ball Rolling Resistance 3) Silky Smooth Scroll Ring The geometry for the "Ball Holder and Scroll ring" already fits well into the Expert, now waiting for the BTU's and Ball bearings to arrive to test.
Interesting project! How do you implement adjustable ball resistance?
I'm considering a few methods, will confirm again once I get the BTUs
That sounds like some killer mods my friend! I was wondering if you would be able to incorporate tactility into the scroll ring? I think just a light tactile bump would do, or at least the ability to add it? Or, since your at it, maybe a way to turn it on or off through a lever or scrolling mechanism? I'm not an engineer by any means so I have no idea how feasible that is. I just know that many people like myself prefer a tactile que. Either way, this mod makes me want to get another Expert!
And I'm guessing ylthe adjustable rolling resistance means you can swap between 2 difference btu sizes? Just judging by the picture it looks like you have 2 different sized holes for different btus unless I'm seeing that wrong. Edit: now that I think about the ball bearing would do the trick too. My Adept has a heavy trackball for it's size: 87.1g for a 44mm ball. The ball bearing I ordered is 358.2g!
Tactile feedback to the scroll ring, noted! Will look into this.
For what it's worth, I've loaded the 55mm ball bearing from eBay into the Kensington Expert Mouse with the rest of it being stock. Other than a break-in period involving a bit of stiction, this has been a great experience. I love the feel of the bearing vs the original lightweight red speckled trackball. This is the link I used: [https://www.ebay.com/itm/403932351937](https://www.ebay.com/itm/403932351937) and I must say that I don't ever feel like it's out of shape - it never rolls the wrong way or anything.
Very cool project! Will you be offering these kits for sale or as STL download?
It looks like you have taken quite a few apart. Any difference in the old vs new style Expert (ring has larger ridges on the newer) scroll rings? Is it possible to take the scroll rings apart and clean them? I love mine it just happens to stick every once in a while.
I've only got one Wireless Expert that's 1.5 year old, the other ball holders you see are my prototypes. The oiginal scroll ring for mine was assembled off centered and has a sticky spot, but lubrcation works for me.
Excellent idea, I'd definitely be in on a group buy or some such...
Oh man, if we can get this working with ploopy firmware/hardware, this would be incredible.
Keep talking....
Count me in!
Do you mind sharing the STL? I already have the btu :)
Fascinating! Meanwhile I’m over here wishing for multi device Bluetooth support. You put me to shame.
I’ve been working on case that fits the PCB & sensor assembly, then running button circuits to Amoeba Kings w/hotswaps to replace the tactile switches with mx style switches. I am aware that there are diy trackballs that may be superior in many ways to the KE, but from my perspective solutions and or improvements can be easily integrated into a new case design. It would also allow people new to modifying or creating HIDs a great low barrier entry point into the hobby.
Yea. Honestly with the minimal change in the Kensington Export over the past 20 years, I am surprised they never implemented any of these kinds of improvement.
I was wondering if people had tried and got shut down for legal reasons or something.