lighting my trackball

[Marky_1979]

Im wanting to light my blue translucent trackball and came across this thing im not 100% sure but would this help me to light it? it looks like you plug it into your computer and add led's somehow.

[AMDman13]

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=51658.0

This is the only way to go! Very sweet inexpensive product. This simple thing blew me away.
Read through the post and visit his site.

[BobA]

If you just want a solid led light.(Not controlled via computer) follow the info in this thread for less than $10

[url][http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=50298.0/url]

[Marky_1979]

This looks very good how would I rig it up where does it get its power from? batteries, mains plug? usb? am also looking at possibly getting some led lit push buttons and will also need to illuminate my coin door so would I need a few different things to do all these things?

[fjl]

What's the difference from the Lightmite compared to this that's been around for a while and its from a well known arcade parts supplier?

http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=74&products_id=273

[Organic Jerk]

What's the difference from the Lightmite compared to this that's been around for a while and its from a well known arcade parts supplier?

http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=74&products_id=273

About 24 bucks ...and a ball when you might not want a new one...

[fjl]

I haven't read up on the lightmite. Does it too provide color changing like groovy game gears' led?

[Organic Jerk]

That it does not, but therein lies another difference... The Electric Ice is a totally different type of product.


For simple and reliable illumination, I would have to side with the LightMite. (that is, presuming it is, in fact, reliable)


If I wanted a whole shabang (with new ball), I would definitely go with the Ice.

[fatfingers]

I have the LightMite TB and it is absolutely wonderful!  Especially considering the price point!  My blue TB used to be kind of greenish and difficult to tell it was lit, but with the LightMite TB it is such a nice even color of beautiful blue and bright as can be!  It also has a dial on it to increase/decrease the amount of light it emits!  Absolutely wonderful for $5.99 or $59.99, in my opinion.

[arzoo]

A friend of mine used a LightMite TB with a Happ 3" blue and felt it was not bright enough. I drilled three holes the exact size of the LEDs and mounted them with a bit of hot glue. Wired to the LEDWiz - it looks awesome!

Here are some pics from below.

[urbecrisch]

For under $10 you can't go wrong with the Lightmite.  I bought one for my Happs blue trans and it makes a world of a difference.  Should pick one up mate!

[Kaytrim]

I have the LightMite TB and it is absolutely wonderful!  Especially considering the price point!  My blue TB used to be kind of greenish and difficult to tell it was lit, but with the LightMite TB it is such a nice even color of beautiful blue and bright as can be!  It also has a dial on it to increase/decrease the amount of light it emits!  Absolutely wonderful for $5.99 or $59.99, in my opinion.

I have also noticed a big difference in the color quality of my blue happs ball with the LightMite installed.  The 12v incandescent bulb gave the ball a greenish cast.  Now with whammoed's LightMite it is a true blue and much brighter.  I even had to turn it down using the built in pot.

He also has the powermite that you can use to supply the 5v for the LightMite.  It even can be wired to setup a one button power on solution for your cab.  Check them out at www.nicemite.com.

[Marky_1979]

I think I like the looks of the litemite product one question though how is it powered?

[Kaytrim]

I think I like the looks of the litemite product one question though how is it powered?

You can get the 5v power you need from the computer power supply.  Either hack your own or purchase the Powermite.  Nice thing is if you purchase both from whammoed you get two for one shipping.

TTFN
Kaytrim

[Marky_1979]

so i need a power mite and the lite mite tb thing how does this power mite work? sorry for all the questions

[Kaytrim]

You don't need the powermite.  You can hack one of the power cables from your PC power supply.  The powermite just makes it easier.  You plug a drive power plug into the powermite and it gives you screw terminals for the 5v, 12v and their associated grounds.  That is the basic functionality of the board.  If you want to use it for a one switch power on then look on the website.  There are pics and a demonstration video for you to see how it works.  Any more questions on the device can be directed to whammoed.  I don't know much more on this.

TTFN
Kaytrim

[RandyT]

What's the difference from the Lightmite compared to this that's been around for a while and its from a well known arcade parts supplier?

http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=74&products_id=273

The major difference is the ability to use a controller like the LED-Wiz to change the color of the ball, pulse, flash, etc. with computer control.  It could also be rigged with potentiometers to "dial in" the color you want. The trackball is also nothing like the standard translucent one and illuminates much more evenly.

But if you are just looking to light up a standard ball, the "LiteMite" is a much better choice over an incandescent lamp.

RandyT

[DrumAnBass]

Poor mans trackball lighting solution

Utilizing pre-wired Molex LEDs from SVC

[moriartyds]

so i need a power mite and the lite mite tb thing how does this power mite work? sorry for all the questions

You just need a 5v power source.  You can get this from your computer or some devices have a 5V connector (I think Randy's spinner has a 5V connector, but you might check with him to see if he see a problem with running the litemite in parallel).

The easiest way (for me anyways) is to buy a PC molex Y splitter and connect it to the power on your PC (it should plug into the power, just like you would to power up a new HD or something).  Now borrow a multimeter and test the pins to identify the 5V and ground (as opposed to the 12V).  Now disconnect the Y splitter from the power.  You can splice (or otherwise connect) the 5V and ground wires to a cable probably 18g, and run the cable to your lightmite making sure to connect +5v and ground to the appropriate connections.  Make sure the other unused wires are taped off with electricians tape or otherwise prevented from touching anything.  Then plug the Y connector back into your PC and fire it up.

I'm sure this process is outlined more clearer somehwere in the forum if you search hooking up 5V power, and is probably covered in Saint's book.

[AMDman13]

The easiest way (for me anyways) is to buy a PC molex Y splitter and connect it to the power on your PC (it should plug into the power, just like you would to power up a new HD or something).  Now borrow a multimeter and test the pins to identify the 5V and ground (as opposed to the 12V).

Agree! This is the only way to go IMHO! Simple inexpensive and awesome! I found that a single 5v LED is plenty of light. In fact I have mine as dim as it will go. Less power from the PSU makes a quiet PSU!

[whammoed]

A friend of mine used a LightMite TB with a Happ 3" blue and felt it was not bright enough.

Was it blue?  The latest lot of blue LEDs I just got in are a little brighter, although I hear people saying they are turning the ones already sent out down because they are too bright. 
Don't forget, with the Board with Terminal Block and Dimmer version, you can install 4 LEDs of whatever brightness you choose.  If you have one with the high flux led installed you don't even have to desolder...just cut off the led, add your own leds and 3 additional resistors.
Personally I favor the single high flux LED for its even lighting and I find it more than bright enough, but thats a personal choice.  Its why I left the option open for 4 LEDs as well.  Depending on the LED specs you can get it as bright as you want. (put a spotlight on the ceiling bright)
Anyway, if your friend wasn't happy, have him send me an email and I will work with him.

[Huskerfan]

Another vote for the lightmite.  Works awesome for me!

[arzoo]

A friend of mine used a LightMite TB with a Happ 3" blue and felt it was not bright enough.

Anyway, if your friend wasn't happy, have him send me an email and I will work with him.

Will do. Thanks!

[ringram]

Like it was said earlier, use the power from a spare power cable from the PC's power supply. You can use 1, 2 or more LED's. if it's too bright, add a resistor in series to limit the current (or even a potentiometer). If you adjust the current, you adjust the brightness. Simple, effective, and best of all, cheap.

[Jeff AMN]

I'm lighting all of my buttons and my trackball using LEDs from GGG and the Litemite power board. I just used some electrical tape, some cardboard, and some good ol' fashioned thinking to use a pair of blue LEDs to light my trackball. I might add two more, but I'm happy with the result.

[AMDman13]

I'm using the single 5v from Litemite and I have it turned all the way down. Like said it's a personal choice. My CP is set up so that the dedicated 4 way is just above my TB and I personally can't stand the TB light shining up in my face while having a Galaga contest with my 11 y/o son. I can say that even with the Litemite turned all the way down it glows a awesome shade of blue. Plenty bright enough even all the way down.