Betson-Imperial trackball

[ids]

Just trolled a local "surplus" store and picked up a couple Betson-Imperial (version 2 - if that matters) trackballs - much like the attached pic.  I just had to get them, there were $9.95ea!

Is this thing compatible w/ standard optical boards like the Opti-Wiz?

Any suggestions on mounting?  Can I take it apart and....?

many thanks in advance

[Kaytrim]

Yes this can be interfaced with an optical encoder board.  The Opti-Wiz is from GroovyGameGear.com.  They even have interface cables for your trackball.  Look Here  They use the Betson-Imperial trackballs for their Electric ICE trackball.  So if you want to bling it up you can use their upgrade kit. 

As far as mounting you can use the Happ mounting kit or use some angle irons.  No matter what method you choose you will need to cut a hole for the case of the trackball into your wood control panel.  If you have a metal control panel just cut a hole for the circle around the ball. and then use bolts through the four holes in the case.

TTFN
Kaytrim

[xmenxmen]

To take them apart, just unscrew 4 screw and take the top off.  Then you can take the ball out and clean it with whatever you like.  Each of the roller can also come up by lifting it, clean those and if not badly used they will make the ball roll smoothly.

For additional mounting help, look down a bunch of post and there should be one discussing the varies mounting options.  Both Happ and Betson mount about the same ways.

BTW, if you want to go cheap, you could also hack a mouse to interface with it.  It's not as great as the opti-wiz, but it's still very decent.  I have had very good luck with the 2 button plus scroll ps2 intelimouse with ball.  Optical mouse won't work.

[ids]

Thanks.

The bling upgrade looks like a must.  The Opti-Wiz and wiring harness option also sound great - certainly makes life easy.

Cutting a hole that big in the panel (probably be using wood) doesn't sound a like good option - this thing is quite large.  And doing so, I'd probably have a construct some form of support under it to hold it in place.

Guess I'll search the boards....


thanks again

[Kaytrim]

It's really not that hard to cut the hole and install it.  See how I did it in Dad's Bartop.  I actually used glue to fix that one in place.

TTFN

[ids]

Thanks for the link, feeling much better about this now.