tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569735948568642990.post1349812630507732255..comments2023-07-09T03:36:51.702-04:00Comments on The obsessions of an electronics freak: Mini-project: Fixed my Trackball ExplorerElectrofreakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00831677178752927710noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569735948568642990.post-88369959362500658252023-02-12T16:26:51.344-05:002023-02-12T16:26:51.344-05:00For what it's worth since MTE patent has expir...For what it's worth since MTE patent has expired, others have shown up with exact same design. Ploopy trackball and Sanwa's Gravi trackball.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569735948568642990.post-26358963120458591282022-01-24T14:05:59.828-05:002022-01-24T14:05:59.828-05:00I'm just as passionate about the Trackman Marb...I'm just as passionate about the Trackman Marble FX, for the same reasons people love the MTE: it fit my hand perfectly and was the most comfortable pointing device I've ever used. It's a shame Logitech ran afoul of a patent troll and had to quit manufacturing them. I own several and will be gutting one to retrofit the internals with those from a modern wireless trackball, just so I can have the form factor. Parts are as hard to find/afford as the MTE. Regardless, this post has great information on how to repair whatever you have, since they have similar designs.Suncat2000https://www.blogger.com/profile/10404022711477229533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569735948568642990.post-4842792441293983632022-01-24T13:49:57.604-05:002022-01-24T13:49:57.604-05:00That is some incredibly useful info. As much for t...That is some incredibly useful info. As much for the bearing material as for the measured sizes. Thanks!Suncat2000https://www.blogger.com/profile/10404022711477229533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569735948568642990.post-8125480334616424082022-01-24T13:47:27.358-05:002022-01-24T13:47:27.358-05:00Great products are usually retired. Good products ...Great products are usually retired. Good products that are cheaper to manufacture replace them and most people don't realize there is/was anything better. Sometimes the saying is true: good is the enemy of great.Suncat2000https://www.blogger.com/profile/10404022711477229533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569735948568642990.post-44609411348371745712022-01-24T13:44:46.201-05:002022-01-24T13:44:46.201-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Suncat2000https://www.blogger.com/profile/10404022711477229533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569735948568642990.post-19065931138156559922021-04-19T06:26:02.980-04:002021-04-19T06:26:02.980-04:00I'm afraid I don't have any 3d printing fi...I'm afraid I don't have any 3d printing files, but I do have a tip on restoring the beasts.I'm currently returning 2 of them back to full working condition. Both had broken buttons, screw cups broken etc etc.<br /><br />I've found that the ABS plastic this thing is made from dissolves in ACETONE.If you use a Q-tip to brush some acetone on the 2 surfaces you want to glue it'll stick then plastic together in seconds. It's reasonably strong, but if you want to reinforce it you can also find some scrap ABS plastic from something else, chop some little bits off and dissolve it in acetone to make a sort of gluey sludge, you can then paste this on the bits you want to glue.<br /><br /><br />Good luck restoring your MTE, they are certainly worth it!SteveShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04958468387257269436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569735948568642990.post-69291379750802904182021-03-08T00:09:39.089-05:002021-03-08T00:09:39.089-05:00i wish someone had the 3D print files for the MTE,...i wish someone had the 3D print files for the MTE, I would print the parts myself, and for anyone that needed them. if anyone has the stl files, or knows where to get them, let me know. billymod@me.comAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05700036300983130613noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569735948568642990.post-80954685180883973892021-03-08T00:06:05.107-05:002021-03-08T00:06:05.107-05:00I had my MTE fall and hit the floor recently, some...I had my MTE fall and hit the floor recently, some parts inside broke. I am going to open her up and try to fix. I love that thing, and can't justify spending 150 or more for a new oneAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05700036300983130613noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569735948568642990.post-57189457194613459252020-06-03T13:07:32.479-04:002020-06-03T13:07:32.479-04:00TO BE CLEAR: The new one is triple connect -via bl...TO BE CLEAR: The new one is triple connect -via bluetooth built into your computer OR wireless with the use of the included transceiver OR wired with the included wire to a USB port. I hate to have to say this, but English IS my first language!~Vagabond Stevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07731548495765010923noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569735948568642990.post-34517346137126433292020-06-03T13:02:00.230-04:002020-06-03T13:02:00.230-04:00I should add the model number. They now have three...I should add the model number. They now have three options that might not be the original but are close enough if the TBE isn't an option. I have purchased three of these:<br />ELECOM M-HT1DRBK Wireless Trackball Mouse - Extra Large Ergonomic Design, 8-Button Function with Smooth Tracking, Black<br />by ELECOM<br />They make a wired version of that one which I may order, but the newest one, slightly different, but close to TBE features, is Bluetooth/Wireless receiver included/ or wired (included). Very interesting!Vagabond Stevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07731548495765010923noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569735948568642990.post-12033709869108659412020-06-03T12:45:28.410-04:002020-06-03T12:45:28.410-04:00I have one version 1.0 MTE/TBE that I carefully cl...I have one version 1.0 MTE/TBE that I carefully clean and use sparingly. I have another that is in need of new bearings. HOWEVER I found a suitable replacement. Be aware I have a HUGE hand - I wear XXL gloves. Ironically, the words HUGE TRACKBALL in an Amazon search should show you the models (wired and wireless) available. I used a wireless one for 3 years and the connection began to fail. I bought 2 more and am considering a wired one for a "just in case" backup. I will replace the bearings in the TBE when I get some time, but the alternative is NOT a mouse!Vagabond Stevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07731548495765010923noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569735948568642990.post-74166945804094357632019-08-31T00:10:17.486-04:002019-08-31T00:10:17.486-04:00My (beloved) MTE ver. 1.0 started acting up today....My (beloved) MTE ver. 1.0 started acting up today. The LED that goes out and then lights up when you move the ball started flickering which making the mouse pointer jump around. Oh Noooooo, it's finally dying, heart sinks. Searched repair info for it and landed here. While I'm reading here I thought "lets plug it in the USB port where the laptop cooler is" (where the MTE is plugged into it's pass thru USB port). I do this and it's fine. So I pull the MTE out and plug the cooler back in, turn it over and see it's fan LEDs flickering. Heart rises, all is well in the world. It was only a $17 POS and not my 20 year old MTE. Best thing Microsoft as ever built, EVER! Now excuse me, I need to release some white doves.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569735948568642990.post-28731343896133776682019-07-08T04:44:55.944-04:002019-07-08T04:44:55.944-04:00Love to see, that other people love their MTE, too...Love to see, that other people love their MTE, too. I am using mine since 1999 or 2000 (just guessing). I am still using it today and it starts to get rougher when turning the ball but works fine otherwise. <br />Not long ago, I bought an new one in original package for 30 bucks or so. It is sitting at home and will replce the current one when it is time. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569735948568642990.post-82032846449818420912019-04-17T12:16:24.004-04:002019-04-17T12:16:24.004-04:00This is very educational content and written well ...This is very educational content and written well for a change. It's nice to see that some people still understand how to write a quality post! <a href="http://www.sterndrive.info/omc_help_page.html" rel="nofollow">OMC parts</a><br />seoexperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06801410501138696016noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569735948568642990.post-54297111352663931262019-01-23T05:37:23.108-05:002019-01-23T05:37:23.108-05:00nice post & also come to my Online Shopping Si...nice post & also come to my Online Shopping Site for Men,Women,Mobiles,Electronics,Sports,Home & Appliances and many more Choose the Wide range of Selection from all Brands at Best Price in India. <br />visit once:-<a href="http://wayscoop.com/" rel="nofollow">Online Electronics Shopping Site in India</a><br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05639884587236463354noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569735948568642990.post-61876793147427371062016-08-01T13:40:50.673-04:002016-08-01T13:40:50.673-04:00Anyone else have a problem where the MTE just lose...Anyone else have a problem where the MTE just loses power and then fails to be recognized by the computer after replugging it in? Mine will work for a while and then suddenly cut out. Plugging it back in will cause it to light up and then turn off giving the USB device not recognized message. Windows 7, 8.1, 10 multiple computers and usb controllers all act the same way eventually. The only thing I haven't tried yet was to plug it into a regular USB charger and see if it stays on that way...max4677https://www.blogger.com/profile/07810935767096027799noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569735948568642990.post-70793368582850129302016-04-26T19:48:10.114-04:002016-04-26T19:48:10.114-04:00You can heat a needle with a lighter and push it t...You can heat a needle with a lighter and push it trough the plastic from the back to gently remove bearings. Then you just spin them around and put them back in. You do not need replacement bearings until you have worn them down on all sides...<br /><br />I use a logitech trackman marble FX that I have totally gutted and replaced the electronics in to get it up to USB from PS2. It is in my opinion slightly nicer than the MTE. But they both are truly great pieces of tech.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569735948568642990.post-4538782173650154942016-02-10T16:15:43.655-05:002016-02-10T16:15:43.655-05:00150 psi will not budge the original ball bearings ...150 psi will not budge the original ball bearings in the red cup. I used the smallest drill bit in a large drill bit index and literally just used my fingers to spin the drill. It took about 60 seconds to expose a tiny shiny circle at the end of the shallow hole (the bearing) and then I used a pointy scriber to push out the bearing. It took less then 5 mins to remove all 3 original bearings. I am now waiting for the replacement ceramic bearings from ebay.<br /><br />CheersAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569735948568642990.post-18861135775674900722016-02-09T20:33:51.068-05:002016-02-09T20:33:51.068-05:00I would like to add something I do during my refur...I would like to add something I do during my refurbs of my mte. I use plastx and que tips to clean and polish the cup and other internal areas that are grungy. It is available in the auto part stores and is used to refurbish head lights or plastics. I will be taking my cup into work tomorrow and will confirm if 150 psi of compressed air will pop the original bearings from the cup as I would rather avoid any drilling. Cheers and long live your mte Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569735948568642990.post-46583880075407963932016-01-04T15:33:48.041-05:002016-01-04T15:33:48.041-05:00I have 3x TBE's and just ordered by bearings. ...I have 3x TBE's and just ordered by bearings. Was skeptical of those I have seen for sale since I did not know precise size needed or read any real world accounts of how the ceramic ones worked (if they scratched the main red marble over time). With you answering these questions I look forward to renewing my TBE love affair. <br /><br />Thank you very much for your time, efforts and sharing!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07610755074496008384noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569735948568642990.post-56398447880980900202015-12-07T02:11:18.342-05:002015-12-07T02:11:18.342-05:00I'm hoping the Elecom M-DT2URBK I just ordered...I'm hoping the Elecom M-DT2URBK I just ordered makes for a reasonable replacement. There's also a wireless version M-DT2DRBK.JBnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569735948568642990.post-71444416462409388562015-12-04T20:04:01.766-05:002015-12-04T20:04:01.766-05:00You are not alone. I was thinking of buying a 3d p...You are not alone. I was thinking of buying a 3d printer just for that reason....Abel Mecklenburgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569735948568642990.post-55674033524948027812015-09-03T18:33:44.315-04:002015-09-03T18:33:44.315-04:00Anyone knows if there is a 3d model of the TBE. I ...Anyone knows if there is a 3d model of the TBE. I want to 3D print the left and right click buttons of my TBE because mine are broken.Tiago Valentehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08115601965635888758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569735948568642990.post-71931894169392964092015-04-07T09:49:00.483-04:002015-04-07T09:49:00.483-04:00If anyone were to have a 3D printer, they could re...If anyone were to have a 3D printer, they could reproduce broken buttons with better materials. These have a tendency to become brittle over time and break.<br /><br />Bear in mind that there are two versions of the TBE, and few parts are interchangeable.<br /><br />JBnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6569735948568642990.post-51715827716235713282015-03-31T17:24:46.326-04:002015-03-31T17:24:46.326-04:00I used a sheet of 1/16" rubber and cut out a ...I used a sheet of 1/16" rubber and cut out a couple of new feet using the old ones off the MTE as templates.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12071666864375381994noreply@blogger.com