Flush mount 2 1/4 Happ Trackball

[mytymaus007]

Ive search and know how to route out the Cp to mount the bracket for the trackball to flush mount it but has anyone installed a HAPP trackball without the bracket and had it flush mounted using 1/8 lexan over the CP. The idea is to have the 2 1/4 trackball sit as high as possible!

[MTPPC]

I flush mounted a 2.25" trackball on an aluminum control panel using a 2.25" bi-metal hole saw.

[mytymaus007]

I flush mounted a 2.25" trackball on an aluminum control panel using a 2.25" bi-metal hole saw.

Got it but if i route the trackball mount into the CP it will be the same thing it will then be mounted into the metal mount but what about when i put the 1/8 lexan over it the ball will be even lower.

Has anyone ever just used the Lexan or plexi to mount the trackball to that without the mount. Bolt it right to the plexi. Could that work or is it to flexible or not supportive enough.

[PL1]

Has anyone ever just used the Lexan or plexi to mount the trackball to that without the mount. Bolt it right to the plexi. Could that work or is it to flexible or not supportive enough.

I remember a while back seeing a picture of someone who used two metal pipe-hanging straps (gray) to provide support under a trackball.  (Don't recall which thread it was in.)
The guy made sure the strap bends were precise and sharp.  He also placed screws (red) with fender washers (blue) through the strap as close as possible to the trackball to minimize shifting and sagging.


Scott

[Xiaou2]

Pipe hanging strap seems a very poor choice for durability and accuracy.

 A better idea would be a real under-mount system.  Like a half of a metal box, or a shelf that the trackball sits on and is screwed onto in place.   Have to be able to take the thing out without too much trouble... as the thing may need cleaning, lubrication, or replacement parts,  one day.

[PL1]

Pipe hanging strap seems a very poor choice for durability and accuracy.

 A better idea would be a real under-mount system.  Like a half of a metal box, or a shelf that the trackball sits on and is screwed onto in place.   Have to be able to take the thing out without too much trouble... as the thing may need cleaning, lubrication, or replacement parts,  one day.

I agree that a box or brackets/shelf would be better.

IIRC the original guy had routed his CP down to 1/4" or so and used the strap as supplemental support, not a primary mount. I figured that if MM mounted the trackball to the plexi and added the straps for additional support, it would decrease the odds of the plexi cracking without the better, but more labor intensive, box/shelf.

Now that I think about it, some angle iron might be easy to make into 4 shelves (one on each side), if the holes line up properly. The piece attached to the panel oriented like a "7", the piece supporting the trackball oriented like an "L" and held to it with 2 bolts/nuts.  Bolt heads are next to the trackball, the bolts pass through the "7", then the "L", then the nuts.  To disassemble, remove the nuts, then pull off the "L", leaving the "7" screwed to the panel.


Scott