Trackball impass - need help

[Dekelia]

Ok, I feel like I have been planning and shopping for my control panel for a LONG TIME!!  

I have run into an impass that I can't deside on for my trackball.

I really want a blue translucent lit up trackball.   I am putting laminate on the control panel top which will add about 1/16 of an inch to the top.  Someone on this board a little while ago suggested the HAPP high lip trackball and I have come to agree with them.  The problem I am getting into is that the HAPP high lip trackball only comes in white (that I can tell).

Does anyone know a way around this?  Is there a way to get the HAPP translucent trackball with a high lip?  I have thought about buying the high lip trackball and then at some time in the future just buying a replacement blue translucent to go in it.  The problem is that besides adding significantly to the cost, it won't have the light that is built into the bases used for the translucent balls (or does it).

So....I'm looking for help from those of you here (probably all of you) that know more than me about this.

Do I really need the high lip ball if I'm want to do a flush mounted trackball under laminate?  Do they have a high lip translucent base?  Is there another way to do this?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[whammoed]

They have part numbers for this type of thing that are not listed.  Call them, they may be able to give you a part number for exactly what you want.

[Goz]

If the concern is just the translucent ball, the physical ball between the 3" trackballs is the same. Happs should be able to sell you the high lip with a blue ball. If not swap out the ball later, you can usually get a 3" translucent ball in the $10 - $15 range from Bob or eBay.

-Goz

[Bgnome]

the base isnt translucent.  it doesnt have a built in light either.  in fact, the base has nothing to do with it at all.  everyone who has a 3" translucent ball has it in a regular 3" trackball base.  most have a hole in the bottom already where the light shines through.  you just have to mount the light.  bob roberts has a kit available:
http://www.dameon.net/BBBB/tb-lamp.jpg

[pointdablame]

yeah man... its just the actual ball.  Buy whatever one you want and get a translucent ball.  If you call Happ, they can probably sell you what you want though.

[Dekelia]

the base isnt translucent.  it doesnt have a built in light either.  in fact, the base has nothing to do with it at all.  everyone who has a 3" translucent ball has it in a regular 3" trackball base.  most have a hole in the bottom already where the light shines through.  you just have to mount the light.  bob roberts has a kit available:
http://www.dameon.net/BBBB/tb-lamp.jpg

Almost all of the translucent trackballs I have seen on ebay as well as on Happs web site say they come with a 6V or 12V lamp that is mounted underneath for instance: http://www.happcontrols.com/trackballs/560100xx.htm

Does this just mean they have already had that part installed?  Does the hip lip case have a hole in the bottom to illuminate it from?  If so that will probably solve my problem.

Thank you all for the advice.

[Bgnome]

i dont think "almost all" of them come with a lamp, but the cases usually have a hole on the bottom of the ball and small holes near it to mount the light with.  i would consider going with LEDs instead of the typical halogen bulbs though.  if you do some searching on the boards, you can find some interesting solutions to mounting lighting for trackballs.

[nathan118]

Definitly gonna have to second going with a LED setup instead of a conventional bulb. LED's will last longer and might be brighter too. Something like these below.

http://www.glowire.com/Lazer%20LEDs.htm