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Author Topic: trackball options.  (Read 3099 times)

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michelevit

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trackball options.
« on: January 22, 2018, 06:52:13 pm »
Howdy folks:
I’m a hobbyist who enjoys building cabinets for friends and family.
It’s been a couple of years since I built a cabinet and I’m ready to build another cabinet.
Is the Happ trackball (usb) still the best bet out there? Thanks for your reply in advance.

PL1

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Re: trackball options.
« Reply #1 on: January 22, 2018, 09:11:45 pm »
Is the Happ trackball (usb) still the best bet out there?
Happ trackball, yes.

Happ USB encoder, not so much.   ::)

Some users say it works OK, but a number of users have reported problems with backspin.

Recommended higher quality plug-and-play trackball/encoder combination:

  - Happ trackball (arcade-style w. Molex and Red Boards)

  - GGG  Opti-Wiz™ "No-Solder" USB optical encoder

  - GGG  Trackball Cable for Opti-Wiz™ "No-Solder"




Scott

AndyWarne

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Re: trackball options.
« Reply #2 on: January 23, 2018, 03:39:18 am »
I cant help but mention our U-Trak trackball at this point. Its functionally identical to the Happ and similar design and materials (Stainless steel rollers and bearings, acrylic ball) but mounts through a wood panel without a mounting plate.

It has its own optional USB interface which is 16 bits, no backspin ever.

www.ultimarc.com/trackball.html


SlyBlueFox

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Re: trackball options.
« Reply #3 on: January 23, 2018, 09:50:59 pm »
I have tried all options listed so far in the thread.

Option 1: Happ Trackball USB (Green Boards)
- This worked fine until I started playing Golden Tee. Started to have backspin issues when hitting the trackball relatively hard.

Option 2: Happ Trackball (Red Boards) with GGG Opti-Wiz Cable and GGG Opti-Wiz USB Encoder
- This is what I used to replace option 1. No issues at all but only downfall was it still used a mounting plate.

Option 3: Ultimarc U-Trak
- Built a new project and used this in conjunction with an Ipac 2 - no issues here either. Cheapest solution when weighing all options since the USB interface was already on the Ipac 2 board and I needed it anyways.

keilmillerjr

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Re: trackball options.
« Reply #4 on: January 24, 2018, 08:34:43 am »
I have happ 3” high ball with green translucent ball installed. Brand new, used on a brench to test and make sure it worked. Never even used it in a game. Has red boards. Can be sold with or without green ball. Make offer via pm if interested. I bought a Neo Geo cab instead of building one, so I will not use it anytime remotely soon.

michelevit

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Re: trackball options.
« Reply #5 on: January 24, 2018, 02:10:28 pm »
thanks for the great responses.
very much appreciated.

Lamaman1971

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Re: trackball options.
« Reply #6 on: January 26, 2018, 07:00:29 am »
Ive tried the HAPP 3" illuminated trackball - 3 of them - and all of them have an issue whereby if the ball is lit, but not in use, one side of it gets hot and then the ball sicks. Its a total pain in the arse - not to mention the outdated mounting plate and odd shaped hole you need to cut into your CP.

That said, I have the smaller - none illuminated - one in a little bartop and its great. Except for the mounting plate which is a monstrosity. And the smaller stupid hole. Obviously you can route out the hole and hide the plate. What a fuss.

I also have the ultimarc one. Works great, no stupid mounting plate, round hole. Wish Id put one of those in my other machines.

Mark