Trackball Interface Questions

[simplygriff]

I got a 3" Happ trackball this weekend but do not have a way to interface it with the computer yet.  I'm debating on which way to go.  Can I hear some opinions on Happ's USB Interface vs. Oscar Controls Mouse Hack vs. My Own Mouse Hack?

I know Happ's is a lot more expensive but It seems pretty simple to use.  Just plug and play.  Oscar's website doesn't seem to have too much info on how everything hooks up and all that.  Since I'm no electrician I like the idea of Happ's Quick disconnects for the buttons.

One other debate I'm having is with the buttons.  Happ's supports 3 where as Oscar's supports 2.  I already have the 3 buttons I'm going to use (They fit with a Red, Green, Blue button theme I've got going on) but I'm wondering what people use the 3rd button for.  

I'm going to have my Trackball set in a removable/swappable panel for my CP but have a Red Translucent ball and want to have a LED to Light it.  Is there a way I can wire the LED into the Interface so I don't have to have another wire coming out of the Panel.  I was going to use the Lazer Canon LED's that plug into a molex connector from the PC Power Supply but am open to other options.

And since I'm no electrician, How hard is it to hack a USB mouse to use for this?  I have an extra mouse laying around that I could use but have no idea how to start.

Thanks for reading my Xtra Long Post but any help would be greatly appreciated.  I want to get this ball hooked up this week if possible so I can really check it out!

[Tiger-Heli]

Can I hear some opinions on Happ's USB Interface vs. Oscar Controls Mouse Hack vs. My Own Mouse Hack?

Based on what I've read, I'd recommend OSCAR's

Oscar's website doesn't seem to have too much info on how everything hooks up and all that.  Since I'm no electrician I like the idea of Happ's Quick disconnects for the buttons.

OSCAR is now including the wiring harness so his is plug and play also.

One other debate I'm having is with the buttons.  Happ's supports 3 where as Oscar's supports 2.

Actually, OSCAR uses a 3-button mouse (last time I checked) but doesn't run the harness to the third button.  I think he could supply you a three button interface for a small up-charge.  Ask him.

but I'm wondering what people use the 3rd button for.

Missile Command

 
Is there a way I can wire the LED into the Interface so I don't have to have another wire coming out of the Panel.

There is +5V coming into the USB Mouse hack, but I'm not sure whether it would supply enough current for a LED cannon.  OSCAR could probably tell you.

And since I'm no electrician, How hard is it to hack a USB mouse to use for this?  I have an extra mouse laying around that I could use but have no idea how to start.

Well, it's not rocket science, but it does require soldering.  MinWah has a good guide somewhere.  I wouldn't want to attempt it (solder-phobic), and if you're worried about attaching crimp connectors for the buttons, I doubt you're up to it either (no offense).  You could find a friend to do it for you, but I'd be tempted to pay them more than the $12.50 that OSCAR charges.

[simplygriff]

Right ON!

Thanks for the info Tiger-Heli!

I'll try to contact OSCAR.  Thanks again!
-G

[Minwah]

MinWah has a good guide somewhere.

http://mamewah.mameworld.net/mousehack.html

Personally tho, I wouldn't bother doing the hack again.  Having got a couple of Oscars pre-hacked mice with spinners, I would go that route every time now

[simplygriff]

Yeah I checked out your Guide, Minwah and when you started talking about cutting the wires to the Trackball I said nope.  Thanks for the advice guys and I'll go drop OSCAR an e-mail right now.
-G