Clear Happ Trackball

[blind_dado]

Does anyone have an experience with or, preferably, pictures of a CLEAR Happ trackball?  They are listed on the Happ site as:
Model #55-0200-000 - 3" Replacement Ball - Clear

[divemaster127]

I have 3 or 4 of these if you need one
dm
arcadeemultor.net

[blind_dado]

Do you have any pictures of them and know how they look lit up with a colored LED?

[divemaster127]

they look like a crystal ball, no pics right now.  You can change the led to whatever color you want.  For some reason happ charges more for clear than other trans pictures
thanks
dm
arcadeemulator.net

[ZERO]

Sorry I need some help with buying a trackball, I never bought one before.

 I just ordered  the Ultimate 4-player control panel ,(from http://www.mameroom.com/)
 and the I-PAC4 and all the buttons I need.

I read on another forum that I can’t use just any 3” trackball because of the cut out that’s per cut. It said I could only use HAPP  trackballs,  But I’m okay with that just not sure what to get.

I’m looking at this trackball  I think its what I’m looking for but I wanted to make sure it will work for me. It says its Features The Happ Controls 3" Trackball and  comes with usb so plug and play.

http://www.arcadeemulator.net/cgi-bin/shop/cp-app.cgi?usr=51F8276860&rnd=4390309&rrc=N&affl=&cip=&act=&aff=&pg=prod&ref=3%92%92+Trackball+with+USB+and+&cat=&catstr=

If this will work for me then I have a few questions


1 ) Looking at the picture I see usb, then I see a few colored wires I take it that’s for the buttons I can add?   And then there a green wire?

2 ) Its also says it requires external 12vdc power source to illuminated ball so can I get that from the computer or do I have to buy something else?

3) is that all I need to make this work? I know I have to get the Trackball Mounting Kits.

Thank you for any help.

[divemaster127]

The happ 3" usb is perfect for you it just plugs into the computer.  The extra wires are for buttons for the tb.  The green wire is for ground.  You have to run a 12 volt power source if you wish to light up the ball.  I just run mine from my computer on a hacked molex
dm

[ZERO]

great  thanks again for your help.

[Derrick Renaud]

I did not like my clear trackball.  The light just goes straight up the center.  Very bright right above it but no light from side viewing.  I replaced it with a translucent one instead.  Much nicer/even glow.

Not the best pics, but you can see it here:
http://derrick.mameworld.info/cabinet/index.html

[blind_dado]

Cool, thanks for the pics.  It does look nice just sitting there, without any light.

[Hoopz]

I don't have any pics of mine handy but I have a blue translucent trackball and it diffuses the light pretty well.  I don't think anyone would recommend clear because the light simply travels straight through it and shines on the ceiling.  Translucent usually will diffuse the light and make it really look good.

[RandyT]

A clear ball is what is known as a "lens"    Even some colored balls have this issue, as they aren't diffused.  That just makes them "filtered lenses".

Diffusion is almost always desirable in this situation.  But if you are looking for a "crystal ball" look for your panel, you'll have to live with the lighting issues.

[blind_dado]

Randy, btw, when are there going to be Novagems available?  I need at least 22, with swithes!

[RandyT]

Randy, btw, when are there going to be Novagems available?  I need at least 22, with swithes!

Don't want to de-rail the thread, but I'm still prodding the molders.  Will do so again today.