Noob needs some help.

[MikeCamp]

Hello all, first post on here.  Been doing slot machines over on NewLifeGames but decided I wanted to try my hand at some classic arcade type games.  Building a control board for a small cabinet.  Not knowing what I'm doing I ordered the cheap button/Joystick and USB controllers off of Amazon.  Wanted to play centipede so I ordered a groovy trackball off of GGG.  Guess I did not understand the configuration correctly and just ordered the trackball thinking it would include a USB form of connection, WRONG!  So here is a picture of what I have, is there a way to make this work?  Pretty good when it comes to woodworking, not so good when it comes to wiring electronics.

I've combed thru the site here and did not see anything that appeared to answer this question, if so then I'm sorry for repeating...

[PL1]

So here is a picture of what I have, is there a way to make this work?

Welcome aboard, MikeCamp.   

For a trackball, you need an optical (mouse) encoder to translate the quadrature waveforms from the trackball optical boards into mouse movements.

A GGG  Opti-Wiz™ "No-Solder" USB optical encoder will work perfectly with your trackball and harness.

Wire colors/functions of your harness will match those in this photo.

If an axis is reversed, swap the data lines.
i.e. If moving the trackball right moves the cursor left, swap the blue and purple wires. (X-axis data lines)



The FAQ (backup copy here) is a great resource to help you get started on building a cab.   


Scott

[MikeCamp]

Thank you, I was afraid I misunderstood and forgot to order a needed part.  Your post confirmed it, sadly it appears the Opti-Wiz is currently out of stock 

Thanks again for the help and that link to the FAQ, great info.

Mike