What size trackball?

[bbeishline]

I'm in the early planning stages of doing a cab, and I definitely want a trackball. I know this is one of those "whatever feels best to you" kind of questions, but I was wondering what the best trackball size is. I'm thinking I'd like the size that is in the actual Centipede/Millipede games. I'm guessing that has to be either 2 1/4" or 3". I remember that the trackball in Missile Command was bigger. Does anyone know what the size of the trackballs in Centipede and in Missile Command were? What is everyone's personal preference for trackball size?

Thanks,

Ben

[Nailz]

Centipede was 2 1/4", Missile Command was 3" I believe.  I have a 3" and it's great for Centipede, but I have a pretty big control panel so I could go bigger, if you are limited on room, the 2 1/4 may be the way to go.

[PacManFan]

I've got a 4 1/2" orange trackball in my new control panel. I can't really give you any feedback how it plays yet, I'm still wiring it up.

-PMF

[eRA186]

if i'm not mistaken millipede/crystal castles/marble madness had a 3 incher,centipede had a 2 1/4 and missle command had the big daddy a 4 incher.but the three inch ball seems more comfortable.

[grafixmonkey]

I suggest the normal trackball instead of the Highball variety.  My Highball tends to jump and skip on its bearings, and is easily lifted off of them if your hand hits the edges instead of the top center.  The only part of the ball surface I can use without this happening is the portion that is exposed in the normal trackball.

Also, keep your control panel horizontal.  I think some left-spin-tendency I'm experiencing with my ball is because of the angle of my panel.

BTW, I played with an old Centipede machine a few days ago, and the ball seemed really tiny.  I like the bigger ones more.

Oh, and if you're interested in a transparent glowing trackball, the Happ part number for the light holster piece that holds the lamp underneath their trackball is 91-1224-00.  You can also order the trackball with it already included, you just have to look closely at their trackball mounting diagrams and enter a part number manually.

[Spaced Invader]

I've got a 4 1/2" orange trackball in my new control panel. I can't really give you any feedback how it plays yet, I'm still wiring it up.

-PMF

Where did you find a 4 1/2" trackball...never heard of one before. Sounds interesting, very curious about the feel also. Cool stuff!  

[bbeishline]

Just a quick thanks to those who replied. The responses were helpful. For now I'll plan to go with the 3" trackball, but before I make a final decision I'll head off to my local Nicklecade for some further research.

Thanks again,

Ben

[Chris]

Where did you find a 4 1/2" trackball...never heard of one before. Sounds interesting, very curious about the feel also. Cool stuff!  

Happ has 'em.  The 4 1/2" ball was used on the old Atari Football and Baseball, Missile Command, and on Capcom Bowling (and probably most other bowling games).

--Chris