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Can you use a trackball for a spinner / paddle?
Batchman:
Just wondering if it is ever possible to use a trackball or mouse to mimic the control of a spinner or paddle?
Is it even possible? If so, can it be good for some games, bad for others? Always bad? Always great?
Any opinions?
Minwah:
It can mimic a spinner, as it is the same thing technically. A trackball is a 2 axis spinner. It works ok but depends on the game really...usually a spinner is better of course.
Paddles are a bit different as they are essentially a potentiometer with limited travel - no good trying to use a trackball for this.
mrclean:
--- Quote from: Batchman on February 28, 2014, 02:49:11 am ---Just wondering if it is ever possible to use a trackball or mouse to mimic the control of a spinner or paddle?
Is it even possible? If so, can it be good for some games, bad for others? Always bad? Always great?
Any opinions?
--- End quote ---
opinion.. BUY A SPINNER.
Go to groovygamegear.com you will love it... I own one it's the tits.
http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=268&zenid=bb85tp1jasbp2alra2ptmmee06
DaveMMR:
You can but I tried it and it's not as satisfactory. I've taken on the opinion than a spinner is more valuable to a panel than a trackball (game-wise) at this point (and not as needy for space.)
Cynicaster:
Yeah, it can be done but it's just not quick or precise enough. Try playing Avalanche with a trackball--it's just too sloppy to be any fun, IMO.
--- Quote from: DaveMMR on February 28, 2014, 11:09:35 am ---You can but I tried it and it's not as satisfactory. I've taken on the opinion than a spinner is more valuable to a panel than a trackball (game-wise) at this point (and not as needy for space.)
--- End quote ---
Just curious--why do you say this? I was contemplating putting a spinner on my next project since my first project has a trackball and it would be nice to explore a new control type, but I'm struggling to come up with uses for it. I'm not terribly excited about spending $100 (or whatever it costs) on a piece just so I can play Tempest and Arkanoid. The trackball, on the other hand, gets me Missile Command, Marble Madness, Centipede, Wacko, and great "party" games like Golden Tee, Shuffleshot, Shuuz, and WC Bowling.