Question Regarding Getting trackball to work

[Yourname942]

Does anyone know how to get the trackball to work on the computer at all?

I am using: trackball + optipac

http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=74&products_id=363
and
http://www.ultimarc.com/optipac1.html


The optipac led is green when plugged into the usb port of the computer, and the trackball is wired correctly, however the trackball currently does not function (ie. doesn't move the mouse cursor at all) Does anyone know how to get it to work? Thank you.

[PL1]

Might be a good idea to post pics of the wire connections, just to be sure.

Are both LEDs per axis working? (use a digital camera / cel phone to look at the c-shaped optical circuits that the encoder wheel passes through)

Does the voltage on each data line vary when the encoder wheel is turned just far enough to block/allow the LED light to hit the optical receiver?

Are the data lines properly paired?
Green usually goes with yellow on one axis.
Blue usually goes with purple on the other.


Scott

[RandyT]

The description for interface you are using notes this; "Configurable via software utility for active high/active low."  Have you checked this setting?

Also, be sure that the red and black wires are connected to +5v and Ground respectively, and not the other way around.  No function at all seems to indicate no power (or reversed power polarity) or incompatible sensor polarity.

[Yourname942]

where do you download that software utility? I cant find out where to get it.


Edit:

I downloaded it on my computer (Windows 7) and extracted it. It works perfectly, however when I move the extracted files to the arcade computer (windows xp) it gives me this error:

"The application failed to initialize properly (0xc0000135). Click on Ok to terminate the application."

Does this software not work on windows xp? will it not work if you just copy paste the 2 extracted files to the computer? I really need some help. (i can't get paid till i figure this out) :/

[PL1]

That is a .NET framework error.

Not sure which version it needs, but you can get ver. 1.1 from Microsoft's servers here.

If that doesn't work, plug "Microsoft .NET Framework Redistributable Package" into the search bar at the top of that page for other options.


Scott

[Yourname942]

i installed that net framework now when I try to open the optipac software utility this error message appears:

"To run this application, you first must install one of the following versions of the .Net Framework:
V2.0.50727 Contact your application publisher for instructions of obtaining the appropriate version of the .Net Framework."

Do you know where to find that version?

Edit: I got it to work now, nvm, Thank you for the help, I never would of thought of that.

[ark_ader]

Www.oldversion.com

Has all the older .net packages.

[PL1]

The version it is asking for is here.

Install instructions also warn

IMPORTANT: After installing the .NET Framework 2.0 SP2 update you should immediately install the update KB959209 to address a set of known application compatibility issues.

Please note that KB959209 contains updates for several operating systems and architectures so you should be careful to only download and install the 2.0 Service Pack 2 update corresponding to your platform.

Scott

[Yourname942]

here is my setting atm:



and



2 questions:
Is the wiring wrong?
Is the settings wrong in the Optipac Software Utility?

[PL1]

Looks like you have either frame ground (bleeds off static electricity charges) or the green Y-axis data line attached to the ground for Y-axis.

Try disconnecting all the Y-axis wires and moving the red 5v over to P1 Tball X-axis 5v. (4 spots to the right of current location)

Once you get X-axis working, add the data lines for Y-axis.

Once you have X- and Y-axis working, attach frame ground to dissipate static.


Scott

[Yourname942]

I'm a little confused about the wiring you are suggesting.

[Yourname942]

here are a few more pictures for a clearer image of my current wiring:



here are the wires from the NorthEast side of the trackball:



and here is the thicker ground wire I think:


Is this correct?

[PL1]

1. Move the red wire 4 places to the right.
2. Disconnect the yellow and two green wires.
3. Boot system up to see if the X-axis is working.
4. If x-axis isn't working, change the P1 Trackball setting in the software.


Once you get X-axis working, we'll work on Y-axis.


Scott

[PL1]

and here is the thicker ground wire I think:


Is this correct?

The Green wire in the upper right isn't attached to the opto boards (red board lower left), so it appears to be the "Frame Ground" that I referenced earlier for dissipating static charges.


Scott

[Yourname942]

I moved the red to the x axis +5 and took out the greens + yellow, opened the optipac software utility but it still doesn't do anything.

Edit:

here are the wires from the NorthEast side of the trackball:


and

here are the wires from the SouthWest side of the trackball:

[PL1]

Are you on the right PS/2 connector?  Not sure which is correct.

Have you tried the mini USB connection?


Scott

[Yourname942]

yes I am on the right connection, but no I havent tried the mini usb yet.

What do I do with the rest of the wires now?:

the yellow, sea green, and mixed green(the larger wire not connected to the opto boards)?

[PL1]

The wires look correct. (We'll take care of the rest once the system recognizes the Opti-Pac and X-axis is working.)

Does the system recognize the Opti-Pac as a mouse? (Check under "Control Panel")

There may be a motherboard setting that disables the PS/2 ports. 

Do you have a Mini-USB cable available?


Scott

[Yourname942]

yes it shows up as 3 mice in the control panel:




its too close to the Ipac to fit into that slot :/

[Yourname942]

does anyone know the wiring for this?

[PL1]

Good news on the system recognizing the Opti-Pac.

Try deselecting "Active High" and see if your windows cursor moves when you move the t-ball on the X-axis.  (most trackballs are "active low" devices)




Scott

[Yourname942]

I deselected the P1 Trackball checkmark, but it still doesn't move 

Is the optipac software utility supposed to show Send as greyed out and "no device" in red?

[PL1]

If the Send option is grayed out and the software doesn't recognize the board, it couldn't command the Opti-Pac to switch between Active Low and Active High.

Sounds like you may need to e-mail Andy on this one.


Scott

[Yourname942]

yeah, I sent him an e-mail, I hope its not a faulty Optipac :S

[PL1]

While you are waiting, you can connect yellow to Y1, small green to Y2, and large green wire to frame ground.


Scott