2 1/4" vs. 3" trackball

[RTSDaddy2]

For those of you new here, I know this has probably been said before, but I just thought the story was worth relating.

Wife and I went back and forth over what size trackball to order, verses the money.  Finally we found a solution in both price and size and bought the 3 inch version.

To make a long story short, it arrived today...and we would have never been happy with the smaller 2 1/4" ball.  It would have not looked right on our 36" control panel, plus just the smaller size would have been difficult to contend with.

Just some thoughts....

[slayj]

Got my 3 incher back in May.  Ditto!

[AlanS17]

A 2 1/4" won't look right on anything other than a cocktail control panel or a classic (wich usually had smaller control panels). Anything smaller than 2 1/4" would just be dumb (not too mention non-standard).

For any modern-day control panel, anything less than a 3" is going to look and feel small.

[CJK]

FWIW, I ordered the Happ 3-inch "High Ball" trackball, and I installed it last week in another prototype CP. I used the matching mounting plate and recessed it into the top surface of the panel. I love the ball being up higher than the usual trackball, because it's much easier to make fine movements.

http://www.happcontrols.com/trackballs/560110xx.htm

Just something to consider when you're trying to decide which trackball to order.

-- Chris

[toyfiend2004]

on the flip side though, my brother and I ordered a 2 1/4" and it is perfect for someone who is just using it as a mouse-type device.

[ahofle]

I also have a 3" highball trackball and absolutely love it.  Much better control.

[Matjo]

What size trackballs did Marble Madness use?

[RTSDaddy2]

I would agree also with toyfiend in that it is a matter of preference, depending on one's panel and what one is going to use the ball for though - if one's not using it for games, perhaps the smaller one works fine.

[AlanS17]

if one's not using it for games, perhaps the smaller one works fine.

I've just got to ask why anyone would have a trackball in an arcade machine control panel if it wasn't to be used for gamess.

[Havok]

Being a Missile Command freak, I say 4 1/2 inches is best!

[u_rebelscum]

FWIW, I ordered the Happ 3-inch "High Ball" trackball, and I installed it last week in another prototype CP. I used the matching mounting plate and recessed it into the top surface of the panel. I love the ball being up higher than the usual trackball, because it's much easier to make fine movements.

Just something to consider when you're trying to decide which trackball to order.

OTOH, I find the "High Ball" too high for my fast play; my hand hits the closer-to-vertical side of the ball, hurting my hand and sometimes knocking the ball off the rollers. 

FYI, I call my type of TB users "Panel level wackers" (my hand moves just above the top of the control panel to the ball), and the other major type of TB user "Ball top slappers" (hand starts just above the top of the ball moving down and sideways).  But I don't say the names outload.

So it really depends on how the buyer uses the TB on which is better for him/her.   (And how you're mounting the TB under plexi/lexan, or not.)

What size trackballs did Marble Madness use? 

Atari "Midi Trakball" (aka 3" trackball) according to the manual (can find links from KLOV).  (Atari "Mini Trakball" were 2-1/4".)

[CJK]

FYI, I call my type of TB users "Panel level wackers" (my hand moves just above the top of the control panel to the ball), and the other major type of TB user "Ball top slappers" (hand starts just above the top of the ball moving down and sideways).

[quarterback]

I've got a 2-1/4"  TB installed (and 1-or-2 3" TBs not installed) and the 2-1/4" works fine for me.

 I use it for centipede and  I've used it in Crystal Castles and I think it works fine.  I don't play Golden T.   I've used it once or twice on some bowling games and I'll use it for Missile Command (although I haven't yet tried it there)

The 2-1/4" trackball is what I remember from the arcades of my youth.  Maybe the original Missile Command used a 3", but I played it more on my TRS-80 Color Computer than I ever did at the arcade.   

[Hoagie_one]

i like the idea of a 2 1/4" TB because i can use pool balls in it

[toyfiend2004]

I've just got to ask why anyone would have a trackball in an arcade machine control panel if it wasn't to be used for gamess.

there are several reasons for it.  Like i mentioned earlier it makes it usable as a mouse so that one does not have to have any drawers or access the rear of a cabinet to do maintenance work.  And it is nice to have it for the asthetic aspect even if he does not use it for many of his games.  And I agree with Quarterback.  2 1/4" is the one we (my bro and I) remember most.