SpinTrak issues

[brewerdude]

I'm working a cabinet rebuild that includes a SpinTrak that was purchased about 4-5 years ago.  I'm using the USB interface - when I plug it into the computer, it's recognized by Windows (Win10) as Trackball/Spinner Interface.  However, it does not move the cursor while in windows, and doesn't appear to be recognized by MAME.  What am I missing?

[Drnick]

Multimouse enabled?

[PL1]

it does not move the cursor while in windows

Don't worry about MAME until you get the spinner working in Windows.

There are 4 wires between the spinner and encoder:  5v, ground, and two data lines.

1. Set your multimeter to volts and check that you have 5v difference between 5v and ground.
- No 5v/ground, no optical circuit power, the cursor won't move at all.

2. Check if each data line alternates between logic high and low when you very slowly turn the spinner -- 1200 phase steps per full rotation of the SpinTrak knob IIRC.
- Both lines stuck high or low, the cursor won't move at all.
- One line stuck high or low, the cursor will wobble back and forth one step.

This quadrature waveform shows what you would see on the data lines (A and B) when you slowly turn the axis clockwise.




Scott

[brewerdude]

OK, I tested with a multi-meter and there was no voltage.  I swapped out the encoder from the trackball and it now works.  Guess the encoder is bad.


Is this what I need to order for the Trackball?

http://www.u-hid.com/home/uhid_nano.php

[PL1]

OK, I tested with a multi-meter and there was no voltage.  I swapped out the encoder from the trackball and it now works.  Guess the encoder is bad.

That is one possibility.

Another possibility is that the pinout is different or the SpinTrak connector was originally on the wrong pins.

You might want to re-check the "bad" encoder before you replace it.

U-Trak encoder pinout.

Is this what I need to order for the Trackball?

http://www.u-hid.com/home/uhid_nano.php

That will work.

Normally I'd recommend the GGG Opti-Wiz no-solder since it is about half the price of the U-HID Nano, but the Opti-Wiz is currently not in stock.


Scott