Ultimarc trackball more expensive than Happ !!??

[Nataq]

Ok Ive been searching for hours (literally!) on forum and reading about trackballs opinions. I just want a trackball, no spinner. And I wanted to go to the inexpensive way and came across the ultimarc 2 1/4 trackball. Its listed as 39$ right now so lot less than Happ. Correct me if im wrong but the way I understood everything is that if you get this trackball you also need an interface. Some people saying oscar mouse hack is running for around 10$ but seems like the site is down (or oscar is closed dunno by message on page...). So if I want to avoid hacking a mouse myself and going the easiest way that means I need to buy an interface that runs about 35 dollars (opti-pac listed at 39$ right now). Add to this the mounting plate that sell 16$ on Ultimarc website.39 + 39 + 16 = 94$

I also seen this in Ponyboy listing: "56-0300-11 Happ USB/PS2 3" Trackball $80.00 ea". So adding the mounting plate also listed by ponyboy (11.95$) brings a total of 91.95$

So first question: Am I right saying that the ultimarc absolutly needs an interface ?

And second: Is the Happ trackball listed above is the only thing I need (+ mounting plate). So just install the trackball + mounting plate, connect to usb or ps/2 and voila ?

If so, Happ trackball is not more expensive than Ultimarc and demand less work. Also LOT of people saying they are the best.

Am I correct on all of this Seems weird because I dont see why people would go the ultimarc way if they just want 1 trackball.

Thanks for looking!!

[TurboC--]

What the hell?

http://www.happcontrols.com/trackballs/56020000.htm

$205 for the happ 1 1/2" trackball??  Must have fallen through a door to a parallel universe today.  I can't even imagine that could be correct.  Maybe something is going on with their database?  Who would pay $205 for a trackball???  Not me!  Could have sworn it was far cheaper.  WELL, so much for that bright idea!  Guess my Pac control panel will remain pristine (I can always build an alternate control panel, someday...)

[Nataq]

I think it reads OK. 1 1/2 trackball are more expensive than usb/ps2 ones (sold for around 150$)

[MadWRX]

Yes, the Ultimarc needs an interface as there is no USB built in.  If you decide you are still going to buy the Ultimarc, let me know because I have one to sell you that I didn't use.  I bought two and changed my cabinet plans and only used one, so it hasn't even been out of the box.  I read mixed reviews initially on the Ultimarc and was on the fence, but from my experience it's absolutely fine - especially for the money.

[AceTKK]

Yea, you really don't need an Opti-PAC unless you plan to use several trackballs at once or you're really put off by the idea of hacking a cheap USB mouse.  Oscar's $10 mouse hack really filled a solid niche in the market; it's too bad they don't seem to be available any more.  Maybe Randy T. should look into producing a cheap n' easy trackball interface.

-Ace-

[Thenasty]

I could probably get you an Imperial Ps/2 3" White ball Trackball for $75.00 + S/h. just plug it in the Ps/2 port and off you go. LMK.

[nickbuol]

I picked up the Happs 3" USB from PonyBoy (plus mounting plate) and the next day I saw some on eBay for a little less $$$ even after shipping, but I didn't care.  I was getting a boat-load of parts from PonyBoy for both my cabinet project and a friend's cabinet.  Shipment from PonyBoy was much easier and cheaper since it was one source, but that is another story.

To answer your question about the Happs USB, you are right on.  The interface is built in, and all you do is plug the thing into your computer and it will (with XP anyway) autodetect as a mouse, and you can play around with it a few seconds after taking it out of the box.  Pretty easy.

You will hear different stories from different people about how some trackballs are better than others.  While I lived with what used to be a hacked PC trackball (anyone remember the "Crystal trackball?").  I thought it was cool.  I could play Golden Tee fairly well (limit was the user not the trackball), so it worked great for $20 total.  I never knew any better because I never played "real" arcade games that used a "real" trackball.  So if you just want the functionality of it, you sure can go with less expensive (and sometimes "cheaper") products and be happy.  Now that I am building my 2nd cabinet 7 years after the first, I am spending more time on quality, and after only about 5 minutes of use, not even mounted in my cabinet yet, I would NEVER go back to any other low cost trackball. 

Again, everyone has their own tastes and tolerance levels.  While I like my Happs, their might be someone out there that likes their Imperial just as much and possibly saved a few bucks.

[M3talhead]

I'd say just wait a week or so until Kevin over at Retroblast completes his trackball roundup.

[Nataq]

Thanks for all the feedback! From my calculation the usb-ps/2 one from Happ IS the inexpensive way and demand less work. So im not wondering anymore, Ill go this route! Thanks a bunch!

[AceTKK]

Don't forget that Betson/Imperial also offers 3" trackballs with PS2 connectors for a lower price.  I picked mine up brand new on e-bay with the mounting plate and 3 pushbuttons for ~$70 shipped.  These are good quality units; the original Golden Tee golf games use the same ones. 

-Ace-