Author Topic: New Product: Lightmite TB Trackball Lighting Module They're Here... (Read 23972 times)

whammoed · « **on:** March 17, 2006, 08:25:07 pm »

EDIT:
Now available at: www.nicemite.com

Not ready for purchase yet but it is a definite go. I have one more PCB based product I am working on then I will send them both in for production.
Those of us who have lit a trackball with LEDs here have done so without the benefit of a product that is meant for that purpose. That is about to change! There are plenty of LED products out there but there are a couple problems we always seem to run into:
1. How do I mount the LED module to my trackball?
2. The lighting is either too dim, too bright, or too focused.
The Lightmite TB handles both of these issues. It is ideally used with a pcb mounting foot to easily mount to the bottom of the trackball. The PCB mounting foot does a couple things. It allows a pivot point to exactly locate the LEDs directly under the trackball and it places the LEDs a nice distance away from the ball allowing the light beam to spread out a bit. (If you are severely short on space under the trackball, the LEDs can be mounted on the opposite side of the board and with the proper hole drilled into the housing, mounted directly to the trackball.)

The Lightmite TB also includes a dimmer. In a dimly lit room, an LED cluster can simply be too bright, even casting a spotlight on the ceiling. I solve this with the addition of a dimmer that allows you to adjust the brightness to just the right level. It allows for a nicely glowing trackball without that annoying glare.

Check out the video of the adjustment range:
http://www.nicemite.com/LightmiteTB/lmtbProto.MPG

The Lightmite TB will also be able to be used with a single high flux led for those that want to use one.

I announce products early in order to get feedback before I submit the final design to the manufacturer, so please let me know what you think and if you can suggest any improvements!

markrvp · « **Reply #1 on:** March 17, 2006, 08:38:18 pm »

THAT'S GREAT!!! I WANT TWO!

But you need to sell the mounting feet as well. I don't want to have to pay shipping from two places.

whammoed · « **Reply #2 on:** March 17, 2006, 08:39:17 pm »

Quote from: markrvp on March 17, 2006, 08:38:18 pm

THAT'S GREAT!!! I WANT TWO!

But you need to sell the mounting feet as well. I don't want to have to pay shipping from two places.

Definitely. I have to find a source for them for sure.

juggle50 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 17, 2006, 08:59:41 pm »

Whammoed,

That's awesome!! Can you customize the resitors? I'm going to be using a 4.8 volt battery pack for a powersource. So the lights can function independantly of the computer powersupply.

ahofle · « **Reply #4 on:** March 17, 2006, 09:52:09 pm »

Awesome!

whammoed · « **Reply #5 on:** March 17, 2006, 10:36:39 pm »

Quote from: juggle50 on March 17, 2006, 08:59:41 pm

Whammoed,

That's awesome!! Can you customize the resitors? I'm going to be using a 4.8 volt battery pack for a powersource. So the lights can function independantly of the computer powersupply.

I have no problem with special request provided I have the proper resistors in stock. Otherwise, I can sell it as a kit and you can install whatever resistors you choose.

squirrellydw · « **Reply #6 on:** March 17, 2006, 10:46:40 pm »

will this work with the led-wiz?

DrumAnBass · « **Reply #7 on:** March 17, 2006, 10:57:49 pm »

Nice work Whammoed! I like it!

Dimmer - excellent touch!

whammoed · « **Reply #8 on:** March 18, 2006, 12:07:25 am »

Quote from: squirrellydw on March 17, 2006, 10:46:40 pm

will this work with the led-wiz?

Yep, I will have a 5volt version. If using an LED wiz you actually don't even need the dimmer, you can handle it with the LED wiz software. I may offer a slightly cheaper version without the dimmer for this purpose.

miles2912 · « **Reply #9 on:** March 18, 2006, 12:46:36 am »

Put me down for one. I have been looking for a solution for my TB!

Don

Tahnok · « **Reply #10 on:** March 18, 2006, 01:21:19 am »

They look great, but which trackballs do they work with? It seems like, even with the swivel, it would only work with a certain size trackball. Will it work well with an Ultimarc 2.25"?

juggle50 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 18, 2006, 02:03:44 am »

Cool Whammoed,

What are the mcds, beam angle and rated ma's of the led's that you sell with the product. I think a kit is probably what I'd be interested in. Well done again.

whammoed · « **Reply #12 on:** March 18, 2006, 11:24:59 am »

Quote from: tahnok100 on March 18, 2006, 01:21:19 am

They look great, but which trackballs do they work with? It seems like, even with the swivel, it would only work with a certain size trackball. Will it work well with an Ultimarc 2.25"?

Works with an Ultimarc 2 1/4" fine
Works with Happ 3" (shown in pic)
The Happ 2 1/4" I received did not have a hole drilled for lighting, so I drilled one. Of course it works because I drilled the hole in a place that would allow it to.

Those are all I have on hand, so if anyone has a trackball they want me to verify, please post the distance from mounting hole to the center of the trackball and I will check. Of course on most trackballs you can always drill the proper mounting hole but I don't think it will be necessary.

Anyone with a 3" betson care to post a measurement...if they have a mounting hole pre drilled that is.

whammoed · « **Reply #13 on:** March 18, 2006, 11:31:48 am »

Quote from: juggle50 on March 18, 2006, 02:03:44 am

Cool Whammoed,

What are the mcds, beam angle and rated ma's of the led's that you sell with the product. I think a kit is probably what I'd be interested in. Well done again.

Depends on the color a little, but in general they are 6000mcd, 25degree, 20ma. I have brighter green ones also, but at 6000 its a little overkill as it is.
Also note that I mount the leds slightly off the board so they can be adjusted and the beam spread out. I believe this will allow for even very narrow beam leds to be used.

Level42 · « **Reply #14 on:** March 18, 2006, 12:03:24 pm »

Curious how to mount it to the Suzo 5.72 cm. trackball (=Ultimarc).

And being Dutch: What will they cost ?

whammoed · « **Reply #15 on:** March 18, 2006, 12:18:52 pm »

Quote from: Level42 on March 18, 2006, 12:03:24 pm

Curious how to mount it to the Suzo 5.72 cm. trackball (=Ultimarc).

And being Dutch: What will they cost ?

There are 4 holes on the bottom of the Suzo that can be used for mounting. Simply use a sheet metal screw or a screw meant for plastic for mounting.

I forsee the price being somewhere between $5 and $10 for the completely assembled version. Really depends on initial quantities ordered. I would guess it to be closer to the $5 mark at least for the initial release.

Knievel · « **Reply #16 on:** March 18, 2006, 12:39:16 pm »

Nice work again. You are coming up with some great ideas that both new and old BYOAC'ers will appreciate.

pointdablame · « **Reply #17 on:** March 18, 2006, 01:42:06 pm »

Very, VERY cool solution. I was just going to jury rig some LED cannons or somethign similar, but this is much nicer.

Put me down for a blue one please

miles2912 · « **Reply #18 on:** March 18, 2006, 02:25:03 pm »

I think form a design perspective you have a winner. The only variable here is the mounting. A light that can be dimmed is perfect for a trackball (and maybe a coin door). The only offering that I can think of is to make the mounting hole a slot so you can adjust the 'reach' of the light. This should accommodate almost all trackball designs and allow for a mis-drilled hole. Of course if this idea delays production, forget I even mentioned it because I want one now.

Don

whammoed · « **Reply #19 on:** March 18, 2006, 03:17:51 pm »

Quote from: miles2912 on March 18, 2006, 02:25:03 pm

I think form a design perspective you have a winner. The only variable here is the mounting. A light that can be dimmed is perfect for a trackball (and maybe a coin door). The only offering that I can think of is to make the mounting hole a slot so you can adjust the 'reach' of the light. This should accommodate almost all trackball designs and allow for a mis-drilled hole. Of course if this idea delays production, forget I even mentioned it because I want one now.

Don

I have considered a slot. I would rather not though for a couple of reasons. It involves supplying the manufacturer with milling specifications, and if you don't give them the data how THEY like it, your cutout could be wrong. Holes on the other hand are standard and easy. Dont forget also that it is exceedingly easy to drill a small hole in the base of a trackball, and the pcb mouning foot allows plenty of room for mistakes. Also it would require the board to be a little larger which would be a slightly more expensive board...probably not enough to matter though I suppose.

I would really like someone with a betson trackball to speak up with a measurement before I go to production.
Anyone?

Fozzy The Bear · « **Reply #20 on:** March 18, 2006, 03:51:07 pm »

Quote from: whammoed on March 18, 2006, 11:24:59 am

Anyone with a 3" betson care to post a measurement...if they have a mounting hole pre drilled that is.

Yes they do have a mounting hole pre drilled.... In fact they have several mounting holes available on the bottom.

Nearest one to the ball is 16mm to the centre
Next nearest is a set of holes at 42mm to the centre.

Hope that helps!

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

whammoed · « **Reply #21 on:** March 18, 2006, 04:04:47 pm »

Quote from: Fozzy The Bear on March 18, 2006, 03:51:07 pm

Quote from: whammoed on March 18, 2006, 11:24:59 am
Anyone with a 3" betson care to post a measurement...if they have a mounting hole pre drilled that is.

Yes they do have a mounting hole pre drilled.... In fact they have several mounting holes available on the bottom.

Nearest one to the ball is 16mm to the centre
Next nearest is a set of holes at 42mm to the centre.

Hope that helps!

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

Yep. Thanks. Looks like the range for the current design with a Happ pcb mounting foot is anywhere from 13mm to 35mm so that 16mm hole would work fine.

Am I missing any others out there?

Kremmit · « **Reply #22 on:** March 18, 2006, 10:11:59 pm »

I've got a Wico 3" TB with mounting holes 1.5" from the center of the lighting hole, 1 5/8" from center, and 1/2" from center.

whammoed · « **Reply #23 on:** March 18, 2006, 10:28:47 pm »

Quote from: Kremmit on March 18, 2006, 10:11:59 pm

I've got a Wico 3" TB with mounting holes 1.5" from the center of the lighting hole, 1 5/8" from center, and 1/2" from center.

Thanks Kremmit. The 1/2" hole would be cutting it close and the 1.5" would be slightly out of range. I think I will add an additional mounting hole on the opposite side of the terminal block. This should take care of all possible scenarios.

Fozzy The Bear · « **Reply #24 on:** March 19, 2006, 12:39:02 am »

These really are a nice little bit of kit.... Nothing complex about them, or difficult to the degree that they couldn't be made up on a bit of strip board, but having one off the shelf for what looks to be about the same amount that I'd have to pay for the components themselves is very nice!

You can put me down for a 5V kit version one, with Blue LEDs please

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

ahofle · « **Reply #25 on:** March 20, 2006, 11:09:05 am »

Quote from: pointdablame on March 18, 2006, 01:42:06 pm

Very, VERY cool solution. I was just going to jury rig some LED cannons or somethign similar, but this is much nicer.

Yep, that's what I did. Even with just one LED it shines through the TB and on the ceiling. Also, it does not uniformly light the TB like this one does. The dimmer is a stroke of genuis (I didn't even know LEDs could be dimmed like this lol). I'll definitely be getting one in green when available.

pointdablame · « **Reply #26 on:** March 20, 2006, 01:17:56 pm »

Quote from: ahofle on March 20, 2006, 11:09:05 am

Quote from: pointdablame on March 18, 2006, 01:42:06 pm
Very, VERY cool solution. I was just going to jury rig some LED cannons or somethign similar, but this is much nicer.

Yep, that's what I did. Even with just one LED it shines through the TB and on the ceiling. Also, it does not uniformly light the TB like this one does. The dimmer is a stroke of genuis (I didn't even know LEDs could be dimmed like this lol). I'll definitely be getting one in green when available.

Well I've used LED cannons before with good results. I had two single LED cannons, and I pointed them across the trackball on opposite sides of the trackball casing (if that makes sense). They worked just fine for me, although I agree they were a bit bright for my tastes, but the angle I had them on avoided the ceiling light show.

But I don't have any more, so by the time I buy some online or pay through the nose for them in stores, I can just get one of these.. a much better solution IMO.

juggle50 · « **Reply #27 on:** March 20, 2006, 01:43:37 pm »

Whammoed,

What's the timeline on these? Also, the resistors that I would need would be 68 ohms 1/8 watt. Do you have any of those? Also, is this a parallel circuit. I've got about 19 leds in parralel and I would like to end the circuit with this product, would that work?

This is such a great idea man.

miles2912 · « **Reply #28 on:** March 20, 2006, 02:05:19 pm »

Hey, I am a cheap date. Just need a blue 12v generic special. Where do I paypal

Don

GGKoul · « **Reply #29 on:** March 20, 2006, 03:12:26 pm »

DUDE!!!! THAT ROCKS!!! I NEED 2 ASAP!!!

whammoed · « **Reply #30 on:** March 21, 2006, 08:24:19 pm »

Thanks for the great comments and help.
As far as a time frame, I don't think anything will be available for at least a month. I will bump this thread when it gets close. I believe I have nailed down the final design with everyones help though.

thanks.

miles2912 · « **Reply #31 on:** April 20, 2006, 09:13:03 pm »

One month bump and I am hoping for some good news ...

Don

ahofle · « **Reply #32 on:** April 20, 2006, 10:34:31 pm »

I was JUST wondering about this today. I 2nd your bump.

quarterback · « **Reply #33 on:** April 20, 2006, 10:39:29 pm »

I believe that whammoed is in the middle of a move that came up somewhat suddenly, so my guess is that these mighe be on the back burner right now.

whammoed · « **Reply #34 on:** April 21, 2006, 12:10:10 am »

Quote from: quarterback on April 20, 2006, 10:39:29 pm

I believe that whammoed is in the middle of a move that came up somewhat suddenly, so my guess is that these mighe be on the back burner right now.

Yep, I have another product as well that I will likely get produced at the same time. Just need to get my housing situation settled first. Thanks for the interest!

Havok · « **Reply #35 on:** April 21, 2006, 10:04:20 am »

Quote from: whammoed on April 21, 2006, 12:10:10 am

Just need to get my housing situation settled first. Thanks for the interest!

Next time, use a refrigerator box - they are heavier than the monitor boxes you were previously living out of...

KonkeyKong · « **Reply #36 on:** April 21, 2006, 02:35:28 pm »

Whoa, how did I miss these?!?!? I'm definitely in for one when they're ready

KonkeyKong · « **Reply #37 on:** May 10, 2006, 03:43:13 pm »

how's the house situation whammoed? Any hints as to what the other product is that you were going to get produced at the same time as the trackball lighting module?

whammoed · « **Reply #38 on:** May 10, 2006, 05:55:53 pm »

Quote from: KonkeyKong on May 10, 2006, 03:43:13 pm

how's the house situation whammoed? Any hints as to what the other product is that you were going to get produced at the same time as the trackball lighting module?

No love yet. House in florida still hasn't sold.

Other product is a relay/power block board that makes sourcing power and turning on/off higher amp consuming devices easy. Haven't even etched the prototype for that yet though. $:-\$

miles2912 · « **Reply #39 on:** May 10, 2006, 07:15:26 pm »

I ran the power cables for the TB lighting Module and can't wait untill you can ship. Sorry to hear about the house not selling.. the market is getting real finicky. Good luck and get my name on the module waiting list!

Don


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Author Topic: New Product: Lightmite TB Trackball Lighting Module **They're Here...** (Read 23972 times)

Author Topic: New Product: Lightmite TB Trackball Lighting Module They're Here... (Read 23972 times)