2.5 KiB
Ploopy BTU Mod
The roller bearings used in the Ploopy Trackball are nice, but with the standard ball they might not feel as smooth or as low-friction as you'd like. The prompt for this mod was "what if we replaced them with ball transfer units?"
It turns out - good things happen!
Ball transfer units (or BTUs) are omnidirectional bearings, as opposed to the single-direction roller bearings the Ploopy Trackball uses by default. This means you're never rolling the ball in the "wrong direction" for one of them.
This mod is a new 3D-printable top piece for the Ploopy which contains holes for ball transfer units instead of roller bearings.
Designer: George Bryant with help from /u/d4baller
Versions
v3
This version was designed in Rhino and so isn't really editable for most people. It works well though.
v4
This version was redesigned in FreeCAD and the various dimensions are now editable in the FreeCAD file.
Currently untested! It might collide with something internally, particularly if you've soldered in a programming header for the microcontroller.
Buying the BTUs
The particular BTU this mod is designed for is the Bosch-Rexroth R053010810, or KU-B8-OFK. A set of three is about 20-30 USD, depending on where in the world you are and where you buy them from. Here are some sources we've found so far:
- Bosch-Rexroth
- UK (and worldwide?)
- Requires you to be a company (have a VAT number)
- Livhaven
- US-based
- Doesn't require you to be a company, but overseas shipping is expensive
- L-System
- Sweden-based
- Allows you to select "private customer" but still has mandatory field for VAT number
- Spareparts
- Ireland-based? Ships to UK, and maybe elsewhere.
- Does not require you to be a company.
- Rodivago
- Spain-based
- May require being a company.