connencting different optic boards?

[stevejt]

I bought a lot of used happ 3" trackballs.  I am trying to deceide to hack a mouse or buy an interface.  I notice that some of the optic boards have only the optics.  And that some of the boards have alot more on them including a chip.  They both have the same connector and wires leaving the board.  Will they both work the same when hooked up to an interface?  And to a hacked mouse?  I tend to think that the ones with the chips on them might not worh with a hacked mouse.  Any information would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

Steve

[Flinkly]

pictures!!!

they really are worth a thousand words.

[stevejt]

okay.  Pics coming soon.  I thought they might be necessary.  I thought with an interface, the boards might each make a difference.  I thought with a mouse hack that it would only matter, with or without.  Speaking of mouse hacks, which because of the price, I was hoping of using.  The computer show will be local in 2 weeks.  I was planning on buying a few $2-$3 mice to hack.  Does anyone have brands that they know work, or know that don't.  I did a search, and saw some that said that some mice don't work.  I didn't read every single post, but didn't see any examples listed.

Thanks!

Steve

[stevejt]

Here are some pics...

[stevejt]

here are the other 2.  I type has just the optics, the other 2 types have additional electronics on the optic boards.

[stevejt]

okay everyone, answers will be accepted now...

so go ahead...

anytime...

[u_rebelscum]

Will they both work the same when hooked up to an interface?  And to a hacked mouse?

Most likely, yes.  The circuits usually do two things: adjust the output voltage, and "smooth" the ouput.  As long as the voltages are close, you shouldn't worry too much.  (If they differ, you might need pull-up or pull-down resisters to even them out.)

The "smoothing" part, OTOH, might show noticable differences.  Whether minor or not, that's debateable.  The circuits are to prevent jitters and optical sensor "backspin", mostly.  FWIW, I can't tell the difference between the older happ green optical boards and the new red boards, but not very accurate testing on my part.


If the TBs were PS/2 TBs, though, you don't need to hack a mouse (and it wouldn't work if you tried).  Doesn't look that way, though.