Developed by Incredible Technologies, Golden Tee is one of the most popular sports-themed arcade games in the world, and it’s easy to see why. It offers hours of entertainment, a competitive edge, and the opportunity to enjoy some friendly competition with friends while playing simulated versions of some of the most iconic courses in the real world.
However, if the trackball is not kept clean, it can negatively impact the gameplay experience. When the trackball doesn’t respond as it should, this can become a frustrating situation for players that just want to relax and enjoy a game of virtual golf.
If you need to clean the trackball on your Golden Tee machine, this guide is for you. Today, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about cleaning and maintaining your Golden Tee trackball and machine so that you can enjoy countless hours of fun at home in your game room.
Signs You Need to Clean Your Golden Tee Trackball
Unresponsive Controls
If the trackball is not responding accurately to its movements, this is the first and most obvious sign that it needs to be cleaned. Whether the trackball is not responding at all or if the game is reacting strangely to the ball’s movements, this will be a telltale indicator that maintenance is needed.
Visible Dirt and Grime
Substances like food and beverage residue or skin oils can build up on a Golden Tee trackball over time. If you notice any visible dirt or grime on the ball, this is another opportunity to remove the ball and clean it.
Strange Textures on the Ball
The Golden Tee trackball should be smooth with an even, spherical surface. If it feels gritty or oily to the touch, this could again indicate that it is dirty and needs to be wiped down.
Materials Needed to Clean a Trackball
Before you start cleaning, you’ll need a few essential materials. These include a microfiber cloth, rubbing alcohol, and compressed air. You can easily purchase these materials at a local game room furniture store or online.
Preparation for Cleaning
Before you remove the trackball, turn off the machine and unplug it. This will prevent any of the electronics from being damaged from removing components while the system is in operation.
You’ll also need to remove the trackball from the machine. The proper procedure for this can vary depending on the model of the Golden Tee system you own. Refer to your owner’s manual and follow the steps that are outlined in the instructions.
Cleaning the Trackball
You turned off the machine and safely removed the trackball. Now, it’s time to clean it!
Start by taking your microfiber cloth and gently wiping down the surface of the trackball. This will remove any surface-level dirt and grime. Next, you’ll want to use a small amount of rubbing alcohol to clean the ball more thoroughly. Dampen the microfiber cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently rub it on the surface of the trackball. This will remove any stubborn dirt or residue that may be on the surface.
Cleaning the Golden Tee Machine
While you have the trackball removed, it’s an excellent opportunity to clean the machine itself. Use the compressed air to blow away any dust or debris that might have accumulated in the machine’s internal components; including the trackball’s housing.
You can also use the microfiber cloth and rubbing alcohol to wipe down the control panel and screen. Do so with gentle, uniform motions to avoid any unnecessary pressure or streaks placed on the screen surface.
Putting Everything Back Together
Once you have finished cleaning the trackball and the machine, it’s time to put everything back together. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safely reinserting the trackball. Once it’s back in place, you can turn the machine back on and test the trackball to ensure that everything is working correctly.
After reinserting the trackball, if you notice that it still does not operate correctly, review your manual’s instructions to make sure that you did not miss any step in the reassembly process. If everything is connected as it should be, you may need to consider purchasing a new trackball or contacting a professional arcade machine repair specialist to assist you.
Maintenance Tips
To avoid dirt and grime buildup in the future, it’s important to clean the trackball and machine regularly. A good rule of thumb is to clean the trackball at least once a month, depending on how frequently the machine is used.
With each cleaning session, always follow the procedure recommended by your owner’s manual. Be sure to handle the trackball gently when removed from its housing so that you do not risk accidentally dropping it or knocking it over.
Get a Golden Tee Machine for Your Game Room Today
At Amini’s, we’re passionate game room enthusiasts and want to provide you with the means to enjoy your own space to the fullest. We offer the widest selection of trackball and classic arcade versions of Golden Tee in Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas so that you can outfit your game room with your dream setup.
To learn more about adding a Golden Tee machine to your home game room, view our full range of Golden Tee systems or contact us anytime for more information. We have outdoor and game room furniture that will transform your space into the destination entertainment spot you deserve. Serving, the Edmond OK, Kansas City MO, Oklahoma City OK, St. Louis MO, and Tulsa OK areas.