How to connect trackball to PC?

[AE35]

Hi all!

I'm about to make a single-player 4-way cabinet, and the wife wants a trackball on it as well, for Marble Madness and I don't know what else,  really.

I'm going to get the I-PAC for the arcade controls, but how can I connect the trackball to the PC? And does marble work in any kind of analog mode ie. the faster you turn the trackball the faster the marble goes??

And what trackball should we get? it HAS to look cool!

Thanks!!

Nicholas

[Jabba]

Search for Opti-Pac for Trackball interface. Plenty of threads that should keep you busy.

Opti-Pac is used for a TB without a USB interface. Other advantage to Opti-Pac is you can connect up to 4 multiple devices into it (i.e., 2 Spinners and 2 Trackballs).

You can also buy a TB them that connect via a USB interface.

Happs sells both type of trackballs. Check out www.happcontrols.com

If you are only EVER looking to plug just one device, then a TB with u USB interface would be my recommendation.

BTW: Your wife has good taste in games. MM was one of of my all time favourites. You two could have a lot of fun hooking TWO trackballs in and playing against each other...

[AE35]

Thanks!!

So, MM is a TWO-player game?? at the same time?

Well, the new cabinet is going to be with one joystick + buttons and one trackball.  So, a PAC for the stick and buttons, and USB for the TB?

Those TB are pricey....especially after the wife found out she wanted a real driving cab.

Any cheap TB's, that work fine!?

Nicholas

[Thenasty]

Get the Imperial/Betson PS2 3" Trackball, I think its much cheaper. Someone here sells it I think around 50-60. You just connect it to your PS2. I think your WIFE is after the GAME centipede, its one of the WOMENS favorite games.

[SirPoonga]

Also groovy game gear just came out with a trackball/spinner interface.

[divemaster127]

hello, i sell the happ usb trackball 3" for 83.99  plus shipping if i can help you anymore please email
thanks
divemaster127

[cholin]

Why do people like their controls seperate?  If youre buying an iPac, get a minipac instead!  Its got the buttons and trackball.

I really dont understand why it's so mis-advertised.  Im sure Andy doesnt mind since he makes more money if you buy two things, but still, why dont people generally move towards this idea?

[miles2912]

Agreed 100%.  The mini-pac is like an I-pac with a Happs trackball connectior on it.  The only down side is that it can only connect one optical device.  It is a great bargain.

Don

Why do people like their controls seperate?  If youre buying an iPac, get a minipac instead!  Its got the buttons and trackball.

I really dont understand why it's so mis-advertised.  Im sure Andy doesnt mind since he makes more money if you buy two things, but still, why dont people generally move towards this idea?

[seanp]

You can also do a mouse hack - search here for instructions.  I already had my control interface (otherwise the mini-pac is a GREAT solution), so I just did the mouse hack.  It was much easier than I thought it would be, and works great!