Mounting a Logitech trackman

[gurnie]

I have read many of you have used track-ball mouse /mice on your control panel.  I would like to mount a logitech trackman wheel unit to my control panel, and I am curious to see how others have done it.

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-904353-0403-Trackman-Wheel-Optical/dp/B00005NIMJ

Above is the link to the trackball I have at home.  When you open the inside, the ball sits in an "eye socket" like "seat" in which the optical sensor is placed.  What did other persons use to mount the socket to their control panel.  Also are these considered 1" trackballs (they're about the size of a ping-pall.  (i'll post photos of my trackball guts later tonight).

I know some concerns are the amount of spin with the trackball, but to be honest I just want to navigate windows and play marble madness / similar trackball games.  Not really interested in golden tee.

So an suggestions are appreciated.

Oh and how do you assign your buttons to mouse buttons?  I am using an I-Pac2

[gurnie]

Did have a chance to take photos, but does anyone have any suggestions?  Trying to figure out what the size of the trackball is so I can see if I can buy a mounting kit, but I saw happs sells the 1 1/4 mounting kits for almost $100!!!!

[bfauska]

I tried to play MM with an older logitech optical TB and it couldn't keep up, I know you weren't looking for spin based comments, but that was playing the game you expressed interest in.  Before proceding play the game with the track ball as is.

If the TB works, I would imagine you could figure some way to "mount" the ball and then just pull the "eye" and mount it near the ball.

[taz-nz]

I'd suggest getting a Microsoft Trackball Explorer, 2.25" ball, optical sensor, the ball cup is mounted at an angle in the mouse, but is level across is rim, easy to mount though a metal plate.



As for mounting it I'd use an epoxy putty product like Selleys "Knead It" to mold mounting points onto the trackball cup.
http://www.selleys.com.au/Selleys-KneadIt-Multipurpose/default.aspx
(not sure what your local version would be called)

Then wire a couple in push button to the mouse button contacts.

[gurnie]

I agree, the trackball worked ~pretty well~ (I've used it for a few games of marble madness).  Funny thing is I never played this at the arcade, only on the NES, so at first I was like "Oh wait this is a trackball game" 

Anyways I did take the ball out of the mouse and checked how well it spun a few nights ago.  It did pretty well from what I remember, but I have to retest it with Marble Madness.

Anyone know where I can get a nice SMALL (preferably around 1", but 2" would be ok) trackball.  I don't know poop about hacking up an arcade trackball and mounting it (and hooking it up to the I-pac 2).  And forget the happs trackballs.  They can bite my butt for $200 (for their 1 1/4" trackball)

[urbecrisch]

You should try Groovy Game Gear.  Randy has a 2.25" Betson which works out well.  I recently used one when I made my friend's CAB.  Turned out great!  Unfortunately looks like he's sold out for now.  Drop him an email and find out when a new shipment will arrive.  Good Luck.

http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=276

[gurnie]

Do you know if this has the mounting plates?