Author Topic: New Product: Lightmite TB Trackball Lighting Module They're Here... (Read 29451 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

KonkeyKong · « **Reply #40 on:** May 10, 2006, 08:49:21 pm »

Is there a list? Am I on the list? I MUST have one of these as they are the sweetest idea since strawberry pie. As long as I'm on the list I can wait patiently. I know first hand what a hassle a house that won't sell is.

whammoed · « **Reply #41 on:** May 10, 2006, 10:36:42 pm »

Quote from: KonkeyKong on May 10, 2006, 08:49:21 pm

Is there a list? Am I on the list? I MUST have one of these as they are the sweetest idea since strawberry pie. As long as I'm on the list I can wait patiently. I know first hand what a hassle a house that won't sell is.

Yes, no problem reserving for those interested here, although I will likely order more than enough to cover the initial interest anyway.

mccoy178 · « **Reply #42 on:** May 11, 2006, 12:12:37 am »

Would you get moved already?!

bossyman15 · « **Reply #43 on:** May 25, 2006, 03:16:14 am »

i'm down for one! (5 volt version for ledwiz) any date set when this goes on sale?

ahofle · « **Reply #44 on:** August 02, 2006, 10:14:18 pm »

Hey whammoed, I noticed you are back on the boards.

Any word on these? I am so ready to buy a couple.

arzoo · « **Reply #45 on:** October 27, 2006, 09:07:45 am »

bump? Count me in for one.

whammoed · « **Reply #46 on:** October 27, 2006, 05:41:18 pm »

Actually I was just checking out the schematics I had put toghether yesterday. I have been flip flopping on whether to do another product I was considering at the same time. Regardless, I should be producing these some time this winter-ish.

shawnzilla · « **Reply #47 on:** October 27, 2006, 10:06:26 pm »

I'm in for one

mccoy178 · « **Reply #48 on:** October 29, 2006, 12:57:10 pm »

I ended up making a lightboard and mounting it to the trackball. Thanks for doing this for the community though.

whammoed · « **Reply #49 on:** November 08, 2006, 11:07:29 pm »

OK folks...getting quotes for a production run now. Why does everything have to cost so much money?

Hopefully I can get these going in a month or so...
There will be another product available at the same time that I have not yet announced. Its a secret.

ahofle · « **Reply #50 on:** November 09, 2006, 01:15:29 am »

Cool, put me on the waiting list. Any ideas how much this will run?

arzoo · « **Reply #51 on:** November 09, 2006, 08:38:48 am »

Quote from: whammoed on November 08, 2006, 11:07:29 pm

There will be another product available at the same time that I have not yet announced. Its a secret.

Put me down for one of the secret thingys also!

quarterback · « **Reply #52 on:** November 09, 2006, 10:55:28 am »

Weren't you talking about a new spinner at some point?

Aha, found it on your website. Do you have plans for the Gyramite spinner or is it on the back burner?

Just curious

Quote from: whammoed on October 27, 2006, 05:41:18 pm

Actually I was just checking out the schematics I had put toghether yesterday. I have been flip flopping on whether to do another product I was considering at the same time. Regardless, I should be producing these some time this winter-ish.

whammoed · « **Reply #53 on:** November 09, 2006, 11:26:58 am »

Quote from: quarterback on November 09, 2006, 10:55:28 am

Weren't you talking about a new spinner at some point?

Aha, found it on your website. Do you have plans for the Gyramite spinner or is it on the back burner?

Just curious

Quote from: whammoed on October 27, 2006, 05:41:18 pm
Actually I was just checking out the schematics I had put toghether yesterday. I have been flip flopping on whether to do another product I was considering at the same time. Regardless, I should be producing these some time this winter-ish.

Sorry, spinner is still on the back burner.

quarterback · « **Reply #54 on:** November 09, 2006, 11:35:18 am »

Quote from: whammoed on November 09, 2006, 11:26:58 am

Quote from: quarterback on November 09, 2006, 10:55:28 am
Weren't you talking about a new spinner at some point?

Aha, found it on your website. Do you have plans for the Gyramite spinner or is it on the back burner?

Just curious

Quote from: whammoed on October 27, 2006, 05:41:18 pm
Actually I was just checking out the schematics I had put toghether yesterday. I have been flip flopping on whether to do another product I was considering at the same time. Regardless, I should be producing these some time this winter-ish.
Sorry, spinner is still on the back burner.

No sweat. I have an arkanoid spinner which I still need to get around to installing next to my nasty-spinner. I was just curious about the gyramite more than anything.

I'm still loving my lightmites and, as soon as I get the time, I'm going to add some more info and pics from my cocktail cab (which is finally 'complete')

Hope you're doing well, whammoed.

whammoed · « **Reply #55 on:** December 06, 2006, 12:29:41 am »

I've been promising these for a while and finally they are here. I will be getting pricing together and putting them on the website this week.
In the second pic, the board on the left shows a high flux led installed. This will be the type available from me. They are great...plenty of light and VERY even lighting (not to mention less soldering

). The one on the right shows the 4 led configuration also possible, for those do it yourselfers that already have some leds laying around.

More info to follow!

ahofle · « **Reply #56 on:** December 06, 2006, 01:09:32 pm »

Hmm I was really excited about the 4 LED solution because my current one LED light projects a noticeable beam though the trackball and is not dispersed well. The video you showed a while back of the cluster looked PERFECT however. Does the 'high flux' LED have a wider beam to avoid this narrow beaming behavior I have? Any chances of posting a picture of the lit trackball with the single LED? Thx!

PS, I hope the mounting foot is included!

whammoed · « **Reply #57 on:** December 06, 2006, 06:27:07 pm »

Quote from: ahofle on December 06, 2006, 01:09:32 pm

Hmm I was really excited about the 4 LED solution because my current one LED light projects a noticeable beam though the trackball and is not dispersed well. The video you showed a while back of the cluster looked PERFECT however. Does the 'high flux' LED have a wider beam to avoid this narrow beaming behavior I have? Any chances of posting a picture of the lit trackball with the single LED? Thx!

PS, I hope the mounting foot is included!

The single high flux led throws a wider beam than the 4 individuals put together. PCB foot will be included. If the high flux wasn't better than the four singles I would be offering the 4 singles as well. I will be using the high flux leds on my own projects for sure.

thanks!

ahofle · « **Reply #58 on:** December 06, 2006, 06:42:15 pm »

Awesome, just what I wanted to hear!
One other question, are they going to be offered in various LED colors, or just white?
Please let us know when it's ready to be purchased. I'll be the first in line to buy.

whammoed · « **Reply #59 on:** December 06, 2006, 07:38:59 pm »

Quote from: ahofle on December 06, 2006, 06:42:15 pm

Awesome, just what I wanted to hear!
One other question, are they going to be offered in various LED colors, or just white?
Please let us know when it's ready to be purchased. I'll be the first in line to buy.

I have a few red and blue leds in stock now. I will also be ordering green most likely. I believe those are the common translucent trackball colors. Customers who would like a color besides those three will likely need to order the kit without led and supply their own led's.

I will probably have the website ready in a day or so...

whatzcrackn · « **Reply #60 on:** December 06, 2006, 08:14:18 pm »

I may have missed the price... How much?

whammoed · « **Reply #61 on:** December 06, 2006, 08:20:08 pm »

Quote from: whatzcrackn on December 06, 2006, 08:14:18 pm

I may have missed the price... How much?

Haven't announced the price yet but it looks like it will be in the $5 -$7 range for a fully assembled unit, pcb foot and all.

Kaytrim · « **Reply #62 on:** December 06, 2006, 10:55:57 pm »

Put me down for a blue one. I have to get rid of this 12v bulb that came with my Happ 3"

whammoed · « **Reply #63 on:** December 06, 2006, 11:05:33 pm »

All right, here we go:

www.nicemite.com

Greens have a week lead time. I have a short supply of red and blue after which they will have a week lead time.

here is a pic of a red trackball lit with the high flux led:

ahofle · « **Reply #64 on:** December 07, 2006, 12:18:36 am »

Just ordered two (blue and green). Thanks for doing this!

Kaytrim · « **Reply #65 on:** December 07, 2006, 09:45:25 am »

Just ordered my blue one. Thanks for this it will make my TB a lot brighter.

fatfingers · « **Reply #66 on:** December 07, 2006, 03:14:24 pm »

As you say, "Stuff you didn't know you needed". I still don't know I need it, but I ordered a blue one anyway!

Thanks!

pointdablame · « **Reply #67 on:** December 07, 2006, 05:31:06 pm »

Excellent! Just ordered my blue one, thanks for all the work you've done.

mccoy178 · « **Reply #68 on:** December 07, 2006, 09:29:46 pm »

I bought three of them. Thanks for the effort. We appreciate it.

whammoed · « **Reply #69 on:** December 07, 2006, 11:06:35 pm »

Thanks guys. Everything will ship tomorrow (except the order with the green one of course).

Got the boards for the other new product today. Tested one out and it works so look out for another announcement soon.

BamBam · « **Reply #70 on:** December 08, 2006, 07:47:36 am »

Just ordered mine. Does it ($5.99 version) come with the LED lights?
Thank you for the Paypal link too. It makes shopping that much easier.

John

whammoed · « **Reply #71 on:** December 08, 2006, 08:06:40 am »

Quote from: BamBam on December 08, 2006, 07:47:36 am

Just ordered mine. Does it ($5.99 version) come with the LED lights?

Yes, it is ready to be used.

markrvp · « **Reply #72 on:** December 08, 2006, 12:17:52 pm »

I just bought two blue ones. Thanks for the great product at an even greater price!!

whammoed · « **Reply #73 on:** December 08, 2006, 05:53:28 pm »

Thanks guys. I got a few more orders than expected and am now backordered on everything but a few 5v reds. Don't worry though, parts are on order and items will ship as soon as they come in.

thanks again for the support!

Dazz · « **Reply #74 on:** December 08, 2006, 06:50:42 pm »

About damn time someone come up with a great solution for this! My poor blue 3" Happ has been sitting in the dark and I've been wanting to add an LED for a long time. Thank you very much for this. I just placed my order!

fatfingers · « **Reply #75 on:** December 12, 2006, 09:33:17 am »

Quote from: fatfingers on December 07, 2006, 03:14:24 pm

As you say, "Stuff you didn't know you needed". I still don't know I need it, but I ordered a blue one anyway!

Thanks!

Holy Crap Batman! Now that I have it installed I definitely know I need one! I installed my blue Lightmite TB last night and I cannot believe how much better my translucent blue Happ trackball looks. It actually looks lighted now! And here I thought I was going to have to fork out the big bucks for one of those Electrice Ice (or whatever they're called) trackballs from GGG, but not now that I have my Lightmite TB!

(Yes, I tried to do the picture thing, but they just didn't do it justice!)

whammoed · « **Reply #76 on:** December 12, 2006, 08:43:55 pm »

Quote from: fatfingers on December 12, 2006, 09:33:17 am

Holy Crap Batman! Now that I have it installed I definitely know I need one! I installed my blue Lightmite TB last night and I cannot believe how much better my translucent blue Happ trackball looks. It actually looks lighted now! And here I thought I was going to have to fork out the big bucks for one of those Electrice Ice (or whatever they're called) trackballs from GGG, but not now that I have my Lightmite TB!

(Yes, I tried to do the picture thing, but they just didn't do it justice!)

Glad you like it!

BTW, here is the thread announcing the other product i've been promising:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=61055.0

Kaytrim · « **Reply #77 on:** December 17, 2006, 09:08:20 pm »

I got my blue one and the difference in my trackball is amazing.

With the origonal 12v bulb it looked greenish blue. Now with the Litemite it is a true blue. With the single LED on the board the entire ball was evenly lit up. I even had to turn down the 'volume' a bit because it is too bright.

Neilyboy · « **Reply #78 on:** December 17, 2006, 11:38:17 pm »

im still waiting on mine but i cannot wait!! hopefully the backorders will ship soon thanks again whammoed ill install just as soon as i get mine..
any guess as to when the backorded products will ship?

Neil

whammoed · « **Reply #79 on:** December 18, 2006, 01:16:08 am »

Quote from: Neilyboy on December 17, 2006, 11:38:17 pm

im still waiting on mine but i cannot wait!! hopefully the backorders will ship soon thanks again whammoed ill install just as soon as i get mine..
any guess as to when the backorded products will ship?

Neil

Shouldn't be long now...I'm using an overseas supplier to keep costs down and have my fingers crossed that the shipment will arrive soon.

Neilyboy · « **Reply #80 on:** December 18, 2006, 07:57:48 am »

awesome thanks so much whammoed I cant wait to install this. I was hoping to install this before xmas to show a few relatives but its no biggie im just happy you finally released this beautiful project!! thanks again

Neil

Dazz · « **Reply #81 on:** December 18, 2006, 10:46:36 am »

Awesome product!

I got my Lightmite TB installed over the weekend and I am very impressed with how it looks. My woman laughed at me at first for purchasing such a "useless" part, but after she saw it she quickly changed her mind. The blue light along with my 3" Happs translucent blue trackball gives my garage a really nice blue glow now.

Quick question...
I have the power hooked up to my Opti-PAC which is hooked up to always powered USB port, so there is always power to the USB. This causes the lith to stay on constantly... About how long can I expect the LED to last?

whammoed · « **Reply #82 on:** December 18, 2006, 11:01:58 am »

Quote from: Dazz on December 18, 2006, 10:46:36 am

Quick question...
I have the power hooked up to my Opti-PAC which is hooked up to always powered USB port, so there is always power to the USB. This causes the lith to stay on constantly... About how long can I expect the LED to last?

At full power it will last over 100,000 hours. If you are using the dimmer at all, it will last even longer. So just leave it lit...you can worry about replacing it after having it on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 11 years.

Kaytrim · « **Reply #83 on:** December 18, 2006, 11:06:20 am »

Quote from: Dazz on December 18, 2006, 10:46:36 am

Quick question...
I have the power hooked up to my Opti-PAC which is hooked up to always powered USB port, so there is always power to the USB. This causes the lith to stay on constantly... About how long can I expect the LED to last?

LEDs were designed for durability as long as you don't over load them with power. This is why you normally use a resister with them. I have popped a few LEDs until I learned how to calculate the resistance needed to save them. You don't have to worry about that here because whammoed has already done the calculations for you. If you are still concerned about the LED burring out turn down the intensity a bit via the pot on the board. They are more than bright enough anyway.

ahofle · « **Reply #84 on:** December 18, 2006, 11:10:35 am »

Don't LEDs become dim over time? I only ask because I got a couple LED night lights recently and after only a few months of use they are maybe half as bright as they used to be. Does that mean they were overpowered?

whammoed · « **Reply #85 on:** December 18, 2006, 11:20:00 am »

Quote from: ahofle on December 18, 2006, 11:10:35 am

Don't LEDs become dim over time? I only ask because I got a couple LED night lights recently and after only a few months of use they are maybe half as bright as they used to be. Does that mean they were overpowered?

Yes, the quoted 100,000 hours is actually just the point where the led would reach 80% of its original brightness. It won't actually burn out at that point...
The nightlite is probably overpowered. Heck, it may very well be designed to run at 110V, but I know I measure my homes outlets at 122-123V

whammoed · « **Reply #86 on:** December 18, 2006, 12:42:58 pm »

LEDs arrived today! I should get all the backordered units shipped out in the next day or so.

ahofle · « **Reply #87 on:** December 18, 2006, 01:17:52 pm »

Hell yeah! Can't wait.

whammoed · « **Reply #88 on:** December 19, 2006, 11:05:48 pm »

All orders shipped, besides 2 out of country orders that will ship soon.

thanks to all

miles2912 · « **Reply #89 on:** January 17, 2007, 06:19:09 pm »

We need this added to the Vendor Forum

Don

AMDman13 · « **Reply #90 on:** March 25, 2007, 12:06:38 pm »

Just got mine installed yesterday and I got to say this thing is awesome! What difference it made. My Happ 3" blue trackball used to be a blinding dull teal color now it glows a vibrant blue color! All this and it's 5v single LED!

Thanks for offering such a great and inexpensive product!

moriartyds · « **Reply #91 on:** March 25, 2007, 08:39:34 pm »

Yeah, I bought one a month or so ago, and never said thanks. So ... thanks. Great product, great price, and great service. I highly recommend to anyone interested.

whammoed · « **Reply #92 on:** March 26, 2007, 11:52:34 am »

Thanks for the support. Looks like I will actually make my investment back at some point, so thats good news! Glad everyone likes them as much as I do.

patrickmaher · « **Reply #93 on:** March 25, 2008, 12:53:31 am »

Just want to say thanks Whammoed. Got my Lightmite TB today.

bratwurst · « **Reply #94 on:** December 01, 2009, 04:41:42 pm »

Just ordered one of these! Thanks!

RyoriNoTetsujin · « **Reply #95 on:** January 30, 2012, 03:49:31 pm »

(Puts on his Alucard cloak): "Thread Ressurection!"

Just ordered one of these last week. As always, still a great little product for a really nice price! Thanks again.


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Author Topic: New Product: Lightmite TB Trackball Lighting Module **They're Here...** (Read 29451 times)

Author Topic: New Product: Lightmite TB Trackball Lighting Module They're Here... (Read 29451 times)