Just got my Ultimarc trackball.

[paigeoliver]

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I didn't really have high hopes for the thing after some things I had read.

I haven't hooked it up yet, but it has a lot more rolly action than I thought it would. More rolly action than an Betson/Imperial, but less than a Happ/Atari.

Do note that the white ones ARE NOT the same color white as the Happ or Imperial trackballs. It is only a minor detail that will get on my nerves for a few minutes, but eventually I'll get over it (one side of my cocktail is getting a PS2 2 1/4" Imperial and the other side is an Ultimarc with a Happ's serial interface.

Yes, I'll bet Andy is rolling over in his grave right now (not that he is dead), me ordering one of his trackballs and then hooking it up with the Happ's interface board. Weirdly enough I have never used an Opti-Pac but I have used the Happ interface board like 4 times now, I just keep finding those in cabinets and assorted boxes of parts.

I also picked up his new joystick board at the same time, looks sweet. Now I just need a good excuse to order one of them 49-way boards from GGG.

[mahuti]

I really like my ultimarc. No one has ever complained when using it, that's for sure.

[paigeoliver]

Well, crap. It doesn't fit the same bolt patterns as other trackballs, and the hole needed is a different size. I can't use it.

GRUMBLE GRUMBLE.

[cholin]

Can't use it eh...would it happen to be for sale by any chance

[paigeoliver]

Never mind, my Imperial one doesn't fit my panels either, they must have been drilled for some WEIRD trackball. I'll have to monch out the hole a little bigger to clear the lips.

[paigeoliver]

Actually, instead of trying to make the holes slightly bigger to accomodate the lips on my trackballs I am just going to sand the lips off of them, it is a lot easier to sand down some plastic than it is to make a hole in metal 1/4" bigger.

[Zakk]

I guess the only issue would be it might be easier to shake the bolts loose since it wouldn't be 'locked' into the hole.  I mention this because I've installed a few of these trackballs and I don't know how they would take to being bolted in REALLY tight. (the tops of the bolt hole sleeves come off as I recall).  At the very least use really good locknuts or lockwashers.