Author Topic: Trackball for Hacking - $2.99 (Read 6799 times)

Wienerdog · « **on:** March 15, 2003, 01:01:31 pm »

http://shop2.outpost.com/product/2422410

USB 2 Button Trackball for iMac (iBall) for 2.99. I put in an order a few weeks back and just got shipping confirmation today. I never expected it to ship. Anyway, this is a translucent PC trackball with a decent size ball (in the PC world...) You can see a better picture of it on Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3406654386&category=25445

This works with a PC as well as a Mac. Are there any advantages/disadvantages to using this instead of a mouse for a spinner? I tried one of these out at Microcenter, and it definitely had some backspin in Centipede.

IG-88 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 15, 2003, 09:05:22 pm »

Sorry, no advice just questions. Where did you see that this works with a PC? And did you like this used as a regular trackball? Probably too flimsy for arcade use tho 'eh?!

Wienerdog · « **Reply #2 on:** March 15, 2003, 11:10:30 pm »

I originally saw it online but it was out of stock. I found it in the Mac section at Microcenter and decided to buy it ($40). It looked like it might be a cool looking translucent ball to mount on a CP.

It worked great in Win2k and I played Centipede with it to give it a try in Mame. Everything worked good. There was the common backspin when you use a pc trackball in Mame, but it wasn't bad.

Anyway... as recommended on this site, I just decided that I would go with an arcade trackball from Happ. I returned the iball to Microcenter and put the issue to rest. Well, yesterday my order for 15 trackballs from Outpost.com went through. I guess I may reconsider using this in a CP. Basically, I don't play alot of trackball games, but I would like to have one on my cp for my limited trackball play as well as Windows navigation. Durability isn't a problem if I keep an extra 5 around for parts.

Anyway, it seemed like this trackball might be a good trackball, or a good hackable device to build a spinner, or possibly something to hack as an interface for a arcade trackball. I didn't receive my order yet, so I may know more when I get it.

IG-88 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 15, 2003, 11:37:28 pm »

Well cool. I think I'll get a couple. I'll be interested too hear how yours works out. I'll post my results as well!

Nailz · « **Reply #4 on:** March 16, 2003, 12:09:25 am »

Does it look like you could mount it to a CP? Like take off the shell, cut a hole in the CP and mount it from underneath? You have my curiosity piqued. Also, when you plugged it in, did Win2K find it right away?

Thanks!

Wienerdog · « **Reply #5 on:** March 16, 2003, 02:00:57 am »

Win2k recognized it right away.

I'll have to wait until my order comes through to give you more info on its structure. I didn't look into it too much when I had one, because it cost me $40. If I am going to spend $40, I might as well spend $75-100 for an arcade trackball. At $2.99, it's a whole different story.

Nailz · « **Reply #6 on:** March 16, 2003, 02:05:20 am »

Quote from: Wienerdog on March 16, 2003, 02:00:57 am

Win2k recognized it right away.

I'll have to wait until my order comes through to give you more info on its structure. I didn't look into it too much when I had one, because it cost me $40. If I am going to spend $40, I might as well spend $75-100 for an arcade trackball. At $2.99, it's a whole different story.

Agreed, if they can be mounted, then I may try and save myself $120. At $40, not worth it, $2.99 if it doesn't fly, oh well..... Please let me know how they look when you get them, i'd appreciate it.

Wienerdog · « **Reply #7 on:** March 16, 2003, 03:05:52 am »

No problem. I'd be suprised if it didn't work. If you look at the picture in the ebay add, it looks like the ball sits high enough above any of the important electronics.

I would put an order in at Outpost now if you are going to consider it for a couple weeks. My order went in on Feb 28th and I just got the confirmation today.

MinerAl · « **Reply #8 on:** March 16, 2003, 11:28:50 am »

For the most part USB devices which are "for Mac" are just standard (literally, there is a standard to which USB devices conform) USB devices made out of translucent blue plastic (especially mice/joysticks/keyboards) with Mac drivers on the CD in the box.

There are occasionally PC USB devices which don't have drivers for Mac, but there are very rarely Mac only USB input devices.

"Mac" joysticks and trackballs make great Tron-esque CP parts, and if they're USB you can almost guarantee they'll plug'n'play with your PC.

Nailz · « **Reply #9 on:** March 16, 2003, 12:34:02 pm »

I just ordered 4 of them, figured what's the worst that could happen?

Thanks again.

shmokes · « **Reply #10 on:** March 16, 2003, 01:38:34 pm »

I just ordered three. I am just beginning work on my first cabinet. I just placed my Happ order which includes a 3" trackball, but I'm going to do a rotating panel a' la 1UP and these things are small enough that I could include one on the steering wheel panel for Windows navigation and it will be pretty inconspicuous. Honestly my steering wheel (force feedback) panel will probably get a lot more use out of Windows games than Mame (Colin McRae anyone) so it will be nice to be able to navigate windows from my control panel. I'll keep the other two around for parts. Thanks for the heads up. This is an awesome deal!

marcoval · « **Reply #11 on:** March 16, 2003, 01:54:25 pm »

Anyone know if the Brick & Mortar Fry's stores have this in stock for this price?

Wienerdog · « **Reply #12 on:** March 16, 2003, 02:18:20 pm »

I doubt that these would still be around at $2.99 at a store. After seeing how my order went through, it seems like Outpost is ordering these from a liquidator after orders are place. That is just a guess though.

Three or four? Come on, nobody else is ordering 15? I guess I have high hopes of multiple cabs and control pannels. I just know if I end up hacking this into a spinner, I want extra ones so I am working with the same parts on future spinners. Hopefully that all works out.

Dave_K. · « **Reply #13 on:** March 16, 2003, 02:35:03 pm »

Quote from: marcoval on March 16, 2003, 01:54:25 pm

Anyone know if the Brick & Mortar Fry's stores have this in stock for this price?

I have a Fry's near me, I'll check if I drive by this week. I already have a couple cheap PS/2 style trackballs, and my concern is not if they will work or mount to a control panel, but more that it just doesn't feel like an arcade trackball (the weight, bearings/spin speed, ...). If somone already has one, can you please give us an idea of how it "feels"?

rock345 · « **Reply #14 on:** March 16, 2003, 09:21:39 pm »

I saw these beofre but they were like for 8 bucks at outpost and every other plcae had them out of stock and no one really knew how they worked. But for 3$ I ordered 3. Outpost must be wondering why these things are starting to fly off the shelves today.

Chad · « **Reply #15 on:** March 17, 2003, 11:58:58 am »

Hay I have that track ball on my pc system. I panted black and drilled a hole in the bottom to mount it in the board. I play a mean game of missle command, no hard game use. Here is a picture.
http://people.smu.edu/cmadding/mame/images/project/board02lg.jpg

IG-88 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 17, 2003, 07:21:15 pm »

Dude, thats a sweet CP! Is that some kind of lunar landscape overlay? It's cool! Did you try to mount the trackball below the surface, or wouldn't that worK? It looks good the way you did it tho. I just wondered how it felt.

rock345 · « **Reply #17 on:** March 17, 2003, 10:38:52 pm »

that's black marble contact paper you can buy at Home Depot

Wienerdog · « **Reply #18 on:** March 18, 2003, 12:50:07 am »

I got my small order of trackballs today. Here are some pictures, it should be simple to mound on a CP:
http://home.attbi.com/~morrisonjim3/index.html

rock345 · « **Reply #19 on:** March 18, 2003, 10:53:37 am »

mine shipped from outpost today......only had to wait like 3 days.

Wienerdog · « **Reply #20 on:** March 18, 2003, 11:40:32 am »

Let me know if you need me to put smaller images up. I just realized I made you download the full image to view the thumbnail...

Bill_S · « **Reply #21 on:** March 18, 2003, 12:07:17 pm »

What size is the ball for this?

Wienerdog · « **Reply #22 on:** March 18, 2003, 07:39:05 pm »

The ball is 2".

Sasquatch! · « **Reply #23 on:** March 18, 2003, 11:07:40 pm »

Quote from: Wienerdog on March 16, 2003, 02:00:57 am

If I am going to spend $40, I might as well spend $75-100 for an arcade trackball. At $2.99, it's a whole different story.

Indeed. I'm ordering a few of 'em. At $2.99, how can you go wrong?

IG-88 · « **Reply #24 on:** March 21, 2003, 05:34:24 pm »

I got my iBall's today!

Plugged them right into the USB port and they work great! Right along with my cordless mouse. That was sure quick. The ball itself may be a little small but the construction seems soild. I might order a couple more at that price.

Being a noob tho I was wondering how do you set MAME so that it recognizes the trackball inputs? I went to the "TAB" input this game screen (in centipede) but didn't see what to do next.

Nailz · « **Reply #25 on:** March 21, 2003, 08:27:56 pm »

I must have been too slow on the trigger, I just got a notice saying they are out of stick at the moment...

Thank you for your order! We apologize but the item(s) you
ordered is currently out of stock and we are unable to provide a
definite ship date at this time. However, we continually receive
new merchandise in our warehouse and we hope to fulfill your
order within the next thirty days or sooner if possible.

I don't wanna keep waiting it out, anywhere else they are selling these as cheap?

Wienerdog · « **Reply #26 on:** March 21, 2003, 10:13:21 pm »

I was the first one to order, and that is the email I got. It suprised me when they shipped two weeks later. I was guessing that Outpost has a liquidator that is supplying these, and is purchasing stock as orders come in. Has anyone NOT gotten that email after submitting an order?

IG-88 · « **Reply #27 on:** March 21, 2003, 10:21:17 pm »

Quote from: Wienerdog on March 21, 2003, 10:13:21 pm

Has anyone NOT gotten that email after submitting an order?

I didn't get one, ordered last Sat., on my door-step this morning.

Nailz · « **Reply #28 on:** March 21, 2003, 10:39:22 pm »

Hmm, well hopefully they will ship them in a couple of weeks then. I did find another site with a similar looking trackball for slightly more, I still like the looks of the one on outpost better though, but this one would probably do the same job....

http://www.softwareandstuff.com/h_acc_mactrack.html

Sasquatch! · « **Reply #29 on:** March 21, 2003, 11:20:59 pm »

Quote from: dolphinwaxer on March 21, 2003, 05:34:24 pm

Being a noob tho I was wondering how do you set MAME so that it recognizes the trackball inputs? I went to the "TAB" input this game screen (in centipede) but didn't see what to do next.

MAME should just see it as a mouse.

IG-88 · « **Reply #30 on:** March 22, 2003, 12:19:09 am »

Quote from: Sasquatch! on March 21, 2003, 11:20:59 pm

MAME should just see it as a mouse.

Well thats kind-of what I thought, but then again it wouldn't accept any movements from my logitech cordless mouse either. Which led me to think I'm not doing something right with my MAME set-up

Wienerdog · « **Reply #31 on:** March 22, 2003, 01:40:01 am »

Quote from: dolphinwaxer on March 22, 2003, 12:19:09 am

Well thats kind-of what I thought, but then again it wouldn't accept any movements from my logitech cordless mouse either. Which led me to think I'm not doing something right with my MAME set-up

You have to enable Mouse Input from the "Controllers" tab for the "Default Game Options" item from the "Options" menu (in Mame32 at least)...

IG-88 · « **Reply #32 on:** March 22, 2003, 02:20:02 am »

Quote from: Wienerdog on March 22, 2003, 01:40:01 am

You have to enable Mouse Input from the "Controllers" tab for the "Default Game Options" item from the "Options" menu (in Mame32 at least)...

Oooooh......I didnot know that.

I've only just started playing a couple weeks ago, and very sporatically at that, thanks! Maybe I should take a closer look at mameworld's FAQ or easyEMU hmmmm

Generic Eric · « **Reply #33 on:** March 22, 2003, 02:43:06 am »

Ok. I bought a trackball for cheap, it was about 9 dollars. Not the same as this one.

Is ok, but how do I make it better? The problem is how it rolls, the x and the y axis are very defenite. Rolling diagonally isn't this trackballs selling point. Is there anyway to do that that is worth my time. Sure, only I can determine that, but I think you know what I mean. I can describe it but don't have any pics just yet. The problem is how it rolls, the x and the y axis are very defenite. Rolling diagonally isn't this trackballs selling point.
The track ball is in a cup.
It has three rollers.
One hole in the bottom.
This is directly on top of the bottom part of the casing the trackball sits in. I am thinking about drilling out the bottom of the casing were the hole is. maybe that will help. I think it will.
One is just for support
For this, making the support roller wider might help, but where do you find inexpensive plastic rollers? Is there a do it yourself plastic making kit?
The other two are for the x and the y axis.
Um is there any real way to do anything about these rollers since the encoder wheel is attached?

$9 isn't a great loss. So I don't mind tinkering with it eventually. Just looking for Ideas.

u_rebelscum · « **Reply #34 on:** March 22, 2003, 07:11:03 am »

Quote from: generic_eric on March 22, 2003, 02:43:06 am

Is ok, but how do I make it better? The problem is how it rolls, the x and the y axis are very defenite. Rolling diagonally isn't this trackballs selling point.

Try taking the ball out and, with your fingers, roll both of the encoder rollers at the same time. See if the cursor moves diagonally (it should).
If it doesn't, something is wrong with the TB pcb or driver.
If it does move diagonally, the ball is probably slipping on a roller instead of spinning it. This might be because the ball isn't riding completely on the roller, but usually is because the ball and/or roller is too slick. A heavier, same size ball might help either problem. If too slick rollers, clean all oils on the surface of the rollers and ball. You might want to try roughing up the rollers, but don't do this unless you're sure you wouldn't destroy the rollers in the process.

Tiger-Heli · « **Reply #35 on:** March 22, 2003, 12:54:51 pm »

So, you guys that got these already . . .

How well do they work in MAME?

I'm thinking of ordering a couple, mainly for Centipede, CABAL and golfing games. How well do they free-spin?

I realize the ball is too small to do justice to golfing games, but for $2.99, I'll deal with it.

Comments appreciated!!!

Wienerdog · « **Reply #36 on:** March 22, 2003, 01:51:22 pm »

I am happy with how it works. It has about as much free-spin as you would expect from a PC tracball (not really much desire for free-spin on a PC). One of the good points is that I think it has a design that will make it REALY easy to mount.

I've only played Centipede with it though. Has anyone else play another game or had a bad experience with your iBall?

Generic Eric · « **Reply #37 on:** March 24, 2003, 08:18:23 pm »

Quote from: u_rebelscum on March 22, 2003, 07:11:03 am

Quote from: generic_eric on March 22, 2003, 02:43:06 am
Is ok, but how do I make it better? The problem is how it rolls, the x and the y axis are very defenite. Rolling diagonally isn't this trackballs selling point.
Quote
Try taking the ball out and, with your fingers, roll both of the encoder rollers at the same time. See if the cursor moves diagonally (it should).
It does
Quote
You might want to try roughing up the rollers, but don't do this unless you're sure you wouldn't destroy the rollers in the process.
Is there some sort of do it yourself plastic making kit in case I do hose up the rollers?

Sasquatch! · « **Reply #38 on:** March 24, 2003, 11:00:32 pm »

"Thank you for your order! We apologize but the item(s) you
ordered is currently out of stock and we are unable to provide a definite ship date at this time. However, we continually receive new merchandise in our warehouse and we hope to fulfill your order within the next thirty days or sooner if possible."

Hope I get 'em. $:-\$

marcoval · « **Reply #39 on:** March 25, 2003, 11:20:06 pm »

If its any consolation these are all over ebay for a similar price.


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