Mounting a Non-Standard Trackball?

[wizkid32]

I hope this is in the right place.  I bought a trackball from the wonderful people at Paradise Arcade Shop.  (link below)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Computer-Trackball-2-1-4-MAME-ARCADE-PS2-PS-2-LED-/130550347141?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e65683585#ht_1171wt_1344

The trouble is, it's mounting holes are not the same as most 2 1/4" trackballs.  From what I can tell, the main way of mounting seems to be with a mounting plate that sits on the surface of the control panel.  Since the holes are different then most, that approach will not work for me.  Does anyone have an idea how I could do this?

Thanks,
Wizkid32

[DaOld Man]

You might try something like this:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=100903.0

[wizkid32]

Good topic.  I may not use a CPO, so this might be a problem.  More ideas are welcome!

[BobA]

Do the same type of recessed mount but do not use screws thru the CP.   Just use a couple of metal straps to support the trackball from the bottom and attach the metal straps to the CP underneath with screws. You can find this type of metal strapping in the plumbing dept of most big box hardware stores.

[wizkid32]

Good advice.  My only concern is that the strapping will let the trackball flex and move.  Has this method been tested?  And if so, what were the results?

[BobA]

Someone did it in a thread but I could not find it.  The strapping itself has no give at all.  If mounted securely with washers and screws it will not go anywhere.

Didn't look very long though.  

[wizkid32]

Thanks for all the great tips!

[wizkid32]

I also have one other thing to add.  You can also get a 2 1/4" mounting plate and hack it, cutting off the attachment mechanism (the rods that fit in the trackball holes).  You can then epoxy the ball to the plate and mount it.

[DaOld Man]

Bumped to let you know I bought one of these trackballs. I have an idea how to mount it using a couple of aluminum strips.
This is a pretty neat ball for the price (I got mine at: Sparkfun)
I think it is the same, it looks the same in the pics.
Anyway, hooked this to my desktop PC to test and I like the way it works.
I played World Class Bowling and it handled pretty good. (Also Capcom Bowling and a few spinner games).
I know its not as good as a happ, but for a cheap build it will work, and for a compact build, the size is pretty compact.
Some gripes:
The lit ball is neat, but it may be a little too bright. (There are two pairs of leds inside, one might could cut the lead to one of the pair to decrease brightness, I havent tried it though.)
It has two colors, green if neither mouse click button is pressed, or red if either button is pressed. (These would be the mouse buttons you can connect to the wiring harness that comes with the trackball.)
It would be nice if you could turn on the colors without having to hook up buttons (IE have the printer port or Led Wiz control the colors), (probably can hack it, looks like it might be simple to do).
The one thing I dont like is that the ball stays lit when the computer is powered off (Not sure if this would be with all computers, evidently mine keeps 5 volts on the PS2 port powered up.)
But this could make a good night light I suppose.
The ball is easy to take apart, and its construction is simple enough.
Mounting it will be different, but like I said, I do have an idea, will post again when I get a chance to try my method.

[wizkid32]

Ah.  I see.

I actually have another thread on this if you're interested.  It's a review of the trackball and I think your post would fit nicely there:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=116422

[DaOld Man]

Doh!! How did I miss the review you already did? Looks like you covered it pretty well.
 

[wizkid32]

Doh!! How did I miss the review you already did? Looks like you covered it pretty well.
 

No problem!  Any details that I missed are welcome!