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lighting my trackball

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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 :cheers:
Kaytrim

RandyT:


--- Quote from: efjayel on March 27, 2007, 02:27:00 am ---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

--- End quote ---

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:


--- Quote from: Marky_1979 on March 27, 2007, 11:16:56 am ---so i need a power mite and the lite mite tb thing how does this power mite work? sorry for all the questions

--- End quote ---

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:


--- Quote ---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).
--- End quote ---

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!

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