Hi,
I just invested in one of the shiny new Logitech Quickcam Sphere's (Orbit in USA). And as lovely as it looks and the CCD itself performs. The mechanics of the little critter are up the wall to be blunt.
Now the Panning function works well, it goes left to right with ease and considerable haste when needed. But i have huge problems getting it to tilt (up, down). I have had it to pieces time and time again and each time it manages but a few degrees of movement before locking up and then wont budge an inch.
The innards are like this. A thin plastic ribon delivers the power and commands, and also the data down the stick to the base, this connects into the main PCB within the orb upon which is mounted the CCD, chips etc and the tilt assembly. The tilt assembly consists of a number of cogs/sprockets or whatever leading to a small motor with a screw in its rotor.
All good and well untill you try making it work. I have oiled the screw sparingly with the smallest amounts of non-abrasive plastic-friendly oil.
Now I can see no obviously faulty or damaged components inside, infact its a damn work of art to behold. But i'll be jiggered if it'll work properly!
I have read up on these things and it seems that 1 in 3 have this problem (approx.) ever since they started producing products in china as it happens. But im not for giving up on this thing yet. It has to be down to some slip of quality control that let a rough or ragged bit of plastic through the system. It must be a simple bit of plastic flash thats catching on something.

This is too expensive to give up on and my girlfriend doesnt appreciate talking to my chin all the time, no matter how attractive it might be.

Any help with this frustrating little obilisk would be GREATLY appreciated !