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Author Topic: Cheap trackball  (Read 2526 times)

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barrymossel

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Cheap trackball
« on: September 29, 2017, 04:49:28 am »
I know, blasphemy, but I am looking for a really cheap trackball for an occasional game. I probably am not going to play a lot on my machine (I just love building it) and I already spent too much, so in my opinion most trackballs are too expensive for me. Are there any zero-delay-ish trackballs available than anyone know of? In the range of 20-30 dollar/euro?
I have found something like this (https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/Green-Red-Illuminated-Arcade-Game-Lighted-LED-Trackball-mouse-PS-2-PCB-connector-for-arcade-machines/32270749624.html), but it seems quite small. Or is that a "normal" size?

PL1

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Re: Cheap trackball
« Reply #1 on: September 29, 2017, 07:58:26 am »
I know, blasphemy, but I am looking for a really cheap trackball for an occasional game. I probably am not going to play a lot on my machine (I just love building it) and I already spent too much, so in my opinion most trackballs are too expensive for me. Are there any zero-delay-ish trackballs available than anyone know of? In the range of 20-30 dollar/euro?
I have found something like this (https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/Green-Red-Illuminated-Arcade-Game-Lighted-LED-Trackball-mouse-PS-2-PCB-connector-for-arcade-machines/32270749624.html), but it seems quite small. Or is that a "normal" size?
Amazon has them here for less.

There are several downsides to these:
- The ball is only 45mm (1.77") diameter
- Lower quality bearings
- No mounting plate (useful threads here and here)

"Normal" size arcade trackballs are 3" and "small" ones are 2.25".

You may want to PM Rodney about the refurbed trackballs he's selling here.

It's a little bit more expensive, but the quality is WAY higher and there are mounting plates made for the Happ.

If Rodney doesn't have any refurbs left, you might also consider one of the 2.25" trackballs from Twisted Quarter or the Groovy-TB 3" Trackball from GGG.

Optical (mouse) encoder options:
- One of the ones that Rodney sells
- GGG Opti-Wiz
- StefanBurger's Illuminated Spinner firmware on an Arduino
- Avoid Happ encoders.  They are very expensive and there are many complaints of backspin.


Scott
EDIT: Updated KADE forum URL.
« Last Edit: December 04, 2019, 02:35:17 pm by PL1 »

barrymossel

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Re: Cheap trackball
« Reply #2 on: September 29, 2017, 08:32:09 am »
Thanks Scott! Will look into those!

Lamaman1971

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Re: Cheap trackball
« Reply #3 on: September 29, 2017, 10:07:28 am »
I echo the sentiment about the HAPP trackballs, steer well clear - expensive and unreliable.

PL1

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Re: Cheap trackball
« Reply #4 on: September 29, 2017, 10:56:07 am »
I echo the sentiment about the HAPP trackballs, steer well clear - expensive and unreliable.
To be clear:

- Happ trackballs and optical (red) boards are very high-quality.
 

- Happ quadrature-waveform to mouse encoders are the problem. (USB or PS/2)
 


Scott

Lamaman1971

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Re: Cheap trackball
« Reply #5 on: September 29, 2017, 11:04:56 am »
To be clear: that's an opinion. I find the bearings to be of poor quality and that the LED versions of the trackball get hot and cause the ball to stick. Plus the OEM support is bloody awful.  Sorry, I disagree - my advice would be to avoid.

PL1

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Re: Cheap trackball
« Reply #6 on: September 29, 2017, 01:05:32 pm »
I agree that Happ doesn't have the greatest customer support for hobbyists, but we are a low-profit-margin part of their business.   :lol

Most people find that the Happ trackball works great after the usual break-in period that all trackballs need.


Scott

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Re: Cheap trackball
« Reply #7 on: September 30, 2017, 12:03:54 am »
I should sell the Happ Trackball with Mounting Plate and Extra Rablack97 USB special that I have.
***Build what you dig, bro. Build what you dig.***

barrymossel

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Re: Cheap trackball
« Reply #8 on: September 30, 2017, 06:20:11 am »
I should sell the Happ Trackball with Mounting Plate and Extra Rablack97 USB special that I have.
For a special price? :) ;)

yotsuya

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Re: Cheap trackball
« Reply #9 on: September 30, 2017, 10:01:41 am »
Bros get bro pricing, but I don’t offer free shipping.
***Build what you dig, bro. Build what you dig.***

Ian

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Re: Cheap trackball
« Reply #10 on: September 30, 2017, 10:04:22 am »
I am a strong advocate of "You get what you pay for", but it seems this isn't going to be used as much. I wish you luck. My trackball is from GGG and it works great. Good luck on your find!
Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats.