# DevTerm: Replacing the trackball **URL:** \ **Category:** DevTerm\ **Created:** [May 3, 2024, 12:57pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/devterm-replacing-the-trackball/13222 "2024-05-03T12:57:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![thwill](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/thwill/32/9466_2.png) [@thwill](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/thwill)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2024, 12:57pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/devterm-replacing-the-trackball/13222/1 "2024-05-03T12:57:52Z")
Hi folks, Before I do something “daft” am I correct in believing that in order to replace the trackball ([https://a.aliexpress.com/\_mNFyrDC](https://a.aliexpress.com/_mNFyrDC)) I need to unscrew the 20+ screws on the back of the keyboard unit ? Best wishes, Tom ---
**Author:** ![Rex](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/rex/32/16852_2.png) [@Rex](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/Rex)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2024, 9:05pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/devterm-replacing-the-trackball/13222/2 "2024-05-07T21:05:31Z")
@thwill so did you have to take the screws out? Mine just came in the mail and I want to know if you had to take them out. ---
**Author:** ![thwill](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/thwill/32/9466_2.png) [@thwill](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/thwill)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2024, 9:30pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/devterm-replacing-the-trackball/13222/3 "2024-05-07T21:30:08Z")
@Rex, I haven’t done it yet (I’d quite like to enjoy it for a while before I screw it up 😉 ), but you apparently do have to unscrew the lot: > [@Mouse ball got stuck in 1 direction, cleaning was not convenient](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/mouse-ball-got-stuck-in-1-direction-cleaning-was-not-convenient/8841): > > I had a situation that the mouse ball worked in 3 directions: left, right, down, but not up. When moving finger up, the ball did not rotate under finger. So I could only use external mouse. I wanted to fix this. First I had to open the deveterm and take out the keyboard. Then unscrew all 23 (if I counted correctly) screws on the keyboard. To remove the PCB. Then the mechanical part of the mouse device was finally free. I took it out. Top plastic part and bottom plastic part held together… When I do so I intend to take photos and post them here for posterity. Best wishes, Tom ---
**Author:** ![Rex](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/rex/32/16852_2.png) [@Rex](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/Rex)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2024, 9:58pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/devterm-replacing-the-trackball/13222/4 "2024-05-07T21:58:47Z")
I’m going to tackle it tonight. I’ll update here how it goes. The new track ball feels so much better rolling just in my fingers, hope it works as good as it feels. ---
**Author:** ![Rex](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/rex/32/16852_2.png) [@Rex](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/Rex)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2024, 12:33am UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/devterm-replacing-the-trackball/13222/5 "2024-05-08T00:33:28Z")
![IMG_20240507_202843219](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/clockworkpi/original/2X/7/7634c5ba0675ea412d0793e7cb4f64683e2bac75.jpeg) Took about 5 minutes to do. Just don’t flip the keyboard over after you remove the PCB. The keys are loose. Feels a lot better then the original one, not as noisy and more responsive especially for small movements. Looks better too! Now I have to order a another one for my uConsole when I get it. ---
**Author:** ![thwill](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/thwill/32/9466_2.png) [@thwill](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/thwill)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2024, 9:08am UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/devterm-replacing-the-trackball/13222/6 "2024-05-08T09:08:05Z")
Thanks for blazing the trail @Rex, I have replaced mine now and it is an 100% improvement over the stock trackball 😃 . Alas I was so pleased with myself for not getting the key-caps and screws all over the floor that I forgot all about taking a picture of the internals … maybe next time. Best wishes, Tom ---
**Author:** ![TinaStormcaller](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/838e76/32.png) [@TinaStormcaller](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/TinaStormcaller)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2024, 11:28am UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/devterm-replacing-the-trackball/13222/7 "2024-05-24T11:28:20Z")
I confirm you do need to take the screws out, and everyone with a devterm needs to do this upgrade: It turns the trackball from something completely unusable to one that works reasonably well, and its fairly cheap to do ---
**Author:** ![amenjet](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/amenjet/32/8425_2.png) [@amenjet](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/amenjet)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2024, 7:19am UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/devterm-replacing-the-trackball/13222/8 "2024-06-12T07:19:42Z")
OK, I’ve just ordered some replacement trackballs from Aliexpress, as my original started working in only 3 directions, and the cursor ended up at the top of the screen. the replacements have arrived and I fitted one. It’s worse. There’s no movement in any direction.I checked all 10 that I got and none of them seem to move the magnet spindles when the ball is turned. the ball seems too slippery or is too small or something. This is the item I ordered: [https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/1005005502983903.html?spm=a2g0o.order\_list.order\_list\_main.5.4d715e5bqmJ8rY&gatewayAdapt=glo2fra](https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/1005005502983903.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.4d715e5bqmJ8rY&gatewayAdapt=glo2fra) Does anyone have a link to a trackball that does work? Is there a more expensive version that actually works as a trackball? PS: The link at the top of this thread doesn’t work for me as apparently that item can’t be shipped to my address. That’s why I didn’t order that one. I tried, but had to find something that looked the same. Looks like it wasn’t ---
**Author:** ![thwill](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/thwill/32/9466_2.png) [@thwill](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/thwill)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2024, 8:46am UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/devterm-replacing-the-trackball/13222/9 "2024-06-12T08:46:48Z")
Hi @amemjet, they certainly look the part. I hear what you say about the spindles not moving and I know it’s unlikely, but just in case have you tried rotating the component as I think it is possible to install it 90’ out of alignment. > PS: The link at the top of this thread doesn’t work for me as apparently that item can’t be shipped to my address. AliExpress often tells me that, and it frequently turns out to be wrong, I think it’s possible it uses country specific links and if they don’t match the country you are in then you sometimes get that message. Best wishes, Tom ---
**Author:** ![brittney](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/brittney/32/9638_2.png) [@brittney](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/brittney)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2024, 11:41am UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/devterm-replacing-the-trackball/13222/10 "2024-06-12T11:41:47Z")
@Rex i am also having the same issue ---
**Author:** ![Rex](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/rex/32/16852_2.png) [@Rex](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/Rex)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2024, 12:47pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/devterm-replacing-the-trackball/13222/11 "2024-06-12T12:47:04Z")
Like @thwill said make sure it’s in the right orientation. ---
**Author:** ![Rex](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/rex/32/16852_2.png) [@Rex](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/Rex)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2024, 1:01pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/devterm-replacing-the-trackball/13222/12 "2024-06-12T13:01:47Z")
Did you get the black or white ones? ---
**Author:** ![amenjet](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/amenjet/32/8425_2.png) [@amenjet](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/amenjet)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2024, 1:25pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/devterm-replacing-the-trackball/13222/13 "2024-06-12T13:25:23Z")
Yes, they looked like the right part. I haven’t tried rotating them, no. I’ve ordered some more and will try that when they arrive if I still have problems. Even when holding the parts in my hand I could see that the rollers weren’t turning at all. i tried buying the parts and Aliexpress was unhappy. I’ve ordered a couple of more expensive ones locally, we’ll see what happens with them. ---
**Author:** ![amenjet](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/amenjet/32/8425_2.png) [@amenjet](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/amenjet)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2024, 1:27pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/devterm-replacing-the-trackball/13222/14 "2024-06-12T13:27:18Z")
I got black ones, as they matched the ones I saw someone else used. They looked rubbery in the photo but weren’t. I’ll post back here when I see if these work or not. ---
**Author:** ![Rex](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/rex/32/16852_2.png) [@Rex](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/Rex)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2024, 1:42pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/devterm-replacing-the-trackball/13222/15 "2024-06-12T13:42:03Z")
i’d try rotating them first, make that little silver nub is pointing down towards the spacebar that’s how I orientated mine. ---
**Author:** ![amenjet](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/amenjet/32/8425_2.png) [@amenjet](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/amenjet)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2024, 4:54pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/devterm-replacing-the-trackball/13222/16 "2024-06-18T16:54:57Z")
Yes, the trackball has two stubs on two sides, I think these have to go on the sides in the keyboard where there’s just one tab. It should make more sense when you are looking at the space the trackball goes into. Anyway, I bought two trackballs from the UK, for about 2 GBP instead of about 6 GBP for 10. I’ve just fitted it and it works perfectly. The acceleration is great and it is very usable. So much so, that I’m thinking that I won’t need to take a wireless mouse with me when I have the devterm. The one I bought that works is this one: > **[Blackberry Trackball - Black | eBay](https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/234983341738)** > > Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Blackberry Trackball - Black at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products. Before I fitted it I had a look at how the rods with magnets moved when I rolled the ball, and it looked good. Roll the ball and the rods turned. That didn’t happen on the cheaper balls. It looks like the serrations on the rods that the ball grips are different, and the ball looks and feels a bit rubbery. Oh dear! I’ve just noticed that they are out of stock. ---
**Author:** ![MHam68HC11](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/mham68hc11/32/5046_2.png) [@MHam68HC11](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/MHam68HC11)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2025, 7:57pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/devterm-replacing-the-trackball/13222/17 "2025-01-19T19:57:38Z")
I purchased the alie express one and it’s a black rubber ball versus the polymer one from before - I bought more than one - thanks to this forum on the instructions on swapping it out … I’m back up and running!!! ---
**Author:** ![fip](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/fip/32/6958_2.png) [@fip](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/fip)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2025, 6:07pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/devterm-replacing-the-trackball/13222/18 "2025-01-27T18:07:42Z")
Can you tell us the link or model number please, I’m unsure if its the EVQWJN001 and didn’t find anything more on the forum. Facing the same issue right now and would love to have a better trackball. ty! ---
**Author:** ![MHam68HC11](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/mham68hc11/32/5046_2.png) [@MHam68HC11](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/MHam68HC11)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2025, 2:35am UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/devterm-replacing-the-trackball/13222/19 "2025-02-13T02:35:40Z")
# 1PCS Japan EVQWJN007 Blackberry Trackball Mobile Phone Navigation Key Multi-directional Multi-function Rolling Ball - AliExpress ![H7a631d32d9224fd9b78b4baae59743dd4.png_350x350xz](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/uploads/clockworkpi/original/2X/2/2c92ff2691a3067b364d976f06ede2059303903f.avif) ---
**Author:** ![GuardianZX9](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.clockworkpi.com/guardianzx9/32/6858_2.png) [@GuardianZX9](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/u/GuardianZX9)\ **Post date:** [October 28, 2025, 5:54pm UTC](https://forum.clockworkpi.com/t/devterm-replacing-the-trackball/13222/20 "2025-10-28T17:54:11Z")
New trackball is great, now it actually works! LOL.