Recommendation for cheap trackball encoder

[mahuti]

I'm looking for some cheap trackball encoders for a modular control panel. Any recommendations? Wondering if there's a board for less than $15 out there that I haven't heard of.

I am moving away from a frankenpanel style to using 1 encoder per panel (or two or three with a small USB splitter), and just a few specific controllers per panel so that I can just plug and play with 1 USB cable to match specific types of games. I bought some reyann gamepad encoders. They work great and only cost $11. That's great for most stuff, but I have a 2 spinners and 1 trackball. I have 1 opti-pac, but If I'm going to make three panels, i'll need a few more encoders.

I was wondering if there was something out there that was inexpensive but works. I'm even fine with a mouse hack if someone can recommend a good quality mouse to start with (some I've cracked open have really really tiny wiring, or extra buttons or whatever)

Worse comes to worse and I buy some more of the higher-end encoders like GGG and Ultimarc sell. They're great.

Any info would be great. Thanks!

[ark_ader]

Kade

[mahuti]

When I go to their store... it's missing.

Is that a bad sign?

[PL1]

GGG's OptiWiz would be my first choice.  YMMV.

Rodney might do a package deal for you if he has any more of the encoders from this sale thread.



The KADE-compatible Minimus boards are really getting hard to find, so unless you already have them or know how to compile the firmware for another low-cost AVR it's no longer a viable and inexpensive option.   

Another reason to avoid the KADE for this particular project is that IIRC there is still a backspin problem with high-resolution spinners.

When I go to their store... it's missing.

Is that a bad sign?

The subject of the missing/deleted emukade front page came up here several weeks ago, but Kevin hasn't fixed it yet.   

The good news is that this direct link to the North American store still works.

http://northamerica.emukade.com/


Scott

[yotsuya]

Rodney ' s encoders are bad ass.

[JDFan]

The good news is that this direct link to the North American store still works.[/url]

The bad news is every item is out of stock at the store !!

[yotsuya]

So no one can buy a KADE buy a KADE buy a KADE?

[lilshawn]

it's a place to start...

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=141672.0

[PL1]

So no one can buy a KADE buy a KADE buy a KADE?

Probably not until after Kevin ships the Kickstarter rewards ships the Kickstarter rewards ships the Kickstarter rewards.   

it's a place to start...

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=141672.0

Unfortunately, all the KADE/Minimus vendors in that thread are either sold out or backordered.   

If someone knows another source, I'll gladly include it.   


Scott

[yotsuya]

So no one can buy a KADE buy a KADE buy a KADE?

Probably not until after Kevin ships the Kickstarter rewards ships the Kickstarter rewards ships the Kickstarter rewards.   

it's a place to start...

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=141672.0

Unfortunately, all the KADE/Minimus vendors in that thread are either sold out or backordered.   

If someone knows another source, I'll gladly include it.   


Scott

Glad I stocked up on Minimi when I did.

[ark_ader]

I have quite a few.  Should I start selling them on ebay for $$$$?


For a cheap encoder, why not hack a mouse?

[BadMouth]

I'd just fork over $15 for the groovygamegear ones.

[mahuti]

Yeah. Honestly, I didn't realize they were so cheap. For some reason I was thinking they were $35. $15 is worth it.