USB switch for trackball and spinner

[slayj]

I have a Happs trackball with a USB cable and a Tornado spinner with a USB cable.  Both are active when plugged into the computer (I assume as they are not installed yet).  I know there is a switch on Oscar's site to enable one or the other, but I was wondering if there was such a thing as a USB switch which would toggle between the two devices.  I have tried searching for one, but all I have found are USB switches that allows you to share with multiple computers.  Anybody know???  Thanks.

[NinjaEpisode]

Isn't that what the Ultimarc Optipac does?

[IntruderAlert]

I haven't tried it yet but I think the new version of AdvanceMAME can handle that for you.

AdvanceMAME Version 0.96.0 2005/05

    * Improved the support for low clocks of the SVGALIB nVidia driver for DOS and Windows.
    * Readded in the DOS and Windows version the old SVGALIB drivers for GeForce and Savage boards. If you have problem with the new driver you can still use the old ones with the names "savage_leg" and "nv3_leg".
    * The `advv' and `advcfg' utilities are now compiled and installed only if needed.
    * Fixed the detection of the new `unichrome' driver in DOS.
    * Added support for multiple mice in Windows XP using the new `rawinput' mouse driver.
    * Added support for multiple mice in Windows 2000 using the new `cpn' mouse driver.

http://advancemame.sourceforge.net/download.html

[slayj]

Keep in mind that these have USB cables...so I assume the Opti would not apply here.  Also, I am looking for a hardware alternative vs. a software.  I have a hard time believing that there isnt such a device out there.....

[IntruderAlert]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=67267&item=5776407457

[Tiger-Heli]

EDIT - Intruder Alert - that allows him to use the same trackball on 4 PC's, not 4 trackballs on one PC.

Slayj - I would think there would be a solution for this also, but I don't know of one.

I see three options:

Replace optic board on the Tornado and wire it and the trackball either to the trackball interface or one of OSCAR's mouse hacks using the DPDT switch on OSCAR's site.

Replace optic board on the Tornado, scrap interface board on the Trackball and wire both to opti-pac (one device will be disabled until the other one is used).

Connect both to USB ports as is - Use AdvanceMAME, (XP), MAME after 0.85 (98SE), or MAME Analog Plus and select either the trackball or the spinner as the active device in each affected game.

[slayj]

Thanks Intruder, however that item is for one USB device to be shared with multiple computers.

[rdagger]

You could use a 3 pole switch like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=58168&item=7517867473&rd=1

1 position would be the trackball, 1 would be the spinner and you could use the 3rd to turn both off.

You'd probably need to shield and ground the switch.

[slayj]

Baring that there isnt a quick and easy hardware solution.....and if I wanted to be lazy and I dont use the spinner much......could I just 'hot swap' between the spinner and trackball when I decide to play a spinner game.  I am of couse assuming that they are both 'hot swappable'.  Anybody know???

[IntruderAlert]

In regards to the switch,
No doubt the designer of the switch had in mind sharing one device with 4 computers but I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work for switching 4 devices on one computer as long as you're willing to hack some cables

[Tiger-Heli]

In regards to the switch,
No doubt the designer of the switch had in mind sharing one device with 4 computers but I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work for switching 4 devices on one computer as long as you're willing to hack some cables

Yes, that can be done, but would be cumbersome or expensive, same as hacking it to a rotary switch.

The trackball and spinner have Type A (female?) USB cables, the switch has a Type A (male?) port and 4 Type B (female) Jacks. 

Type A (Female?) to Type B (male) cable are cheap, but won't connect to the trackball and spinner.

You could probably do it with two A-B USB cable and 3 A-A MALE USB cables, but that would cost more than the switch just for the cables.

What SlayJ wants is something like a hub with a switch on it (actually that might be an easier way to do it) - hack a hub or an expansion header.

[IntruderAlert]

OK..OK.. you want the EASY way

[Tiger-Heli]

Baring that there isnt a quick and easy hardware solution.....and if I wanted to be lazy and I dont use the spinner much......could I just 'hot swap' between the spinner and trackball when I decide to play a spinner game.  I am of couse assuming that they are both 'hot swappable'.  Anybody know???

Ummmm - you can do that, no problem.  That is what I plan to do (and basically what I do) with my desktop controls, but I think it would be a pain in an arcade cabinet.

What I would do (being lazy) -

Option 1 - Plug the spinner and trackball in (both will be active).  Hope no-one whacks the spinner when I am using the trackball (or vice versa).

Option 2 - Plug trackball in.  Plug spinner in.  Use Analog Plus or one of the options above.  Hopefully (I think) trackball will be seen as mouse 1, Spinner will be seen as mouse 2, Mouse 1 assigned to Player 1, Mouse 2 assigned to Player 2.  So you are good in the single player trackball games.  If that doesn't workout - readup on ctrlr files at www.mameworld.net/easyemu and assign the trackball games to whatever mouse the trackball is using, then assign the spinner to whatever games the spinner is using.

[2600]

EDIT: Doh! Tiger-Heli beat me to a similar response, here's mine anyways.

Stepping back a little, but are you sure you NEED a switch.  What's your requirement that you need to have only one plugged into the PC at the same time?

If it's lack of USB ports, get a usb hub.

Otherwise, I'm sure you realize, but unless you have a specific requirement you can have them both plugged in at the same time and with no problems no matter what version of MAME you are using.

[Tiger-Heli]

OK..OK.. you want the EASY way

Yeah, I think THAT's what he wants.  Thanks!!!!

[slayj]

OK..OK.. you want the EASY way

Yeah, I think THAT's what he wants. Thanks!!!!

That's IT!!!!!  YEAH........

Hey Tiger......... If I dont go with Intruders great find, I have a hinged cab door with easy access to the front USB ports on the computer.  It would take literally 3 seconds to switch.  I gather from your comment that I can hot swap these.  If so, I now have two great solutions.  Thanks guys.............

[IntruderAlert]

Glad to be of service.

My personal opinion is to look for a software answer though.
I want someone who has never even seen my cab before to be able to walk up - select a game - and everything work as it should without having to remember to switch anything.

[slayj]

Glad to be of service.

My personal opinion is to look for a software answer though.
I want someone who has never even seen my cab before to be able to walk up - select a game - and everything work as it should without having to remember to switch anything.

I would like to do so also, however I am hesitant on changing my MAME software at this current time (running MAME32 through Mamewah) because its working.  It is something I will most certainly do in the future though.......its just that I have been building my cab for the last 6 months and have all these wonderful games to play and have yet to taste them.  (Everything is up and running except control interfaces because I figured if I did them first I would never finish the cab) I'm itchin bad, doc.......

[Tiger-Heli]

What you do is back up your current MAME software and then play around with different settings and versions to see how it does.

[SirPoonga]

I have a Happs trackball with a USB cable and a Tornado spinner with a USB cable.  Both are active when plugged into the computer (I assume as they are not installed yet).  I know there is a switch on Oscar's site to enable one or the other, but I was wondering if there was such a thing as a USB switch which would toggle between the two devices.  I have tried searching for one, but all I have found are USB switches that allows you to share with multiple computers.  Anybody know???  Thanks.

Why not plug both in?  Why only one at a time?

[slayj]

Why not plug both in? Why only one at a time?

I didnt want one to effect the other in game play since they would both be active.

[SirPoonga]

Why is that a problem?  I have both my spinner and trackball plugged into a hub and never had that issue.  They are even next to each other on the cp.  Take a look at my cabinet's website.

[slayj]

Why is that a problem? I have both my spinner and trackball plugged into a hub and never had that issue. They are even next to each other on the cp. Take a look at my cabinet's website.

Its true that as long as I dont touch the other and the sensitivity isnt very high then I will be fine........however, if the trackball was touched when I was using the spinner it would interfere.  I am just trying to look ahead...............

[SirPoonga]

Try it before you make a switch or whatever.  Like I said.  Never ran into the situation.  never touched my spinner while using the tball and visa versa.  And they are next to each other on the cp.  You may realize you don;t need to do anything.

[slayj]

Good advice.....will do.

[markrvp]

Honestly, having both active at the same time is VERY RARELY an issue.  I think you're looking ahead too hard.  The trackball is heavy and not really all that touchy.  What is more likely is slamming the trackball and then hitting the spinner.  The Tornado will spin awhile, but it hasn't affected gameplay for me.

[SirPoonga]

right, but if your spinner is beside the tball how often do you slam the tball left and right?  When a tball is slammed it is usually for bowling and golf games in a vertical motion.

[markrvp]

right, but if your spinner is beside the tball how often do you slam the tball left and right?