WTB: Hackable Trackball - Or USB Trackball???

[JesterDEV]

I'm looking for buy a cheap hackable trackball. I noticed the sale at happs, but cant afford to get both the trackball and an opti-pac (I think thats what I need...). So I'm looking for something that I can use a mouse hack on.

Also I noticed a few trackballs at happs I think, that have usb connectors. Any chance this is plug and play? I.e. Can use it as a mouse without any hacking.

[TheTick]

The USB connectors are their own interface board and is expensive. I bought their cheap highlip trackball and ordered a cheap USB interface from Oscar along with a harness (basicly no work on my part).

If you are gonna hack a PC Trackball... see if CompUSA still has their clear trackballs; serial and PS/2 with a 2 1/4" (I think), and only $20. Very easy to hack this one, even top mount is easy as the PCB already has holes for the bolts to go through.

Kensington makes some nice PC trackballs too. I replaced the CompUSA one with a smaller optical USB trackball, $35. The backspin was worse on the optical trackball. Weird. Just took some extra plexiglass attached to the same bolts, to suspend the trackball.

For 2 or 3 times the price though, you may just want to get the Happs 3" while its on sale. If you do a PC trackball hack, you're gonna eventually be dissatisfied and replace it, anyhow.

[JesterDEV]

I failed to look at the prices on those usb trackballs.... Damn expensive!  I would hate to do a pc trackball hack. I've heard nothing but bad things.

Is easy to hack the Happs trackball? Or am I gonna have to buy a opti-pac?


Just saw the oscar usb interface. Doesnt look too hard. Thanks for the info!

[TheTick]

You don't need to hack the Happs Trackball.

1) Order a trackball from HAPPS (non USB)
2) Order a USB mouse interface $9 and a HAPPS wiring harness $8 from OscarControls (plus maybe $6 for shipping)

You're done. It'll plug right in.

You could order an OpticPac, but thats about $40. I didn't order one... but if I was using Win98 and MAME Analog, I probably would have.

[JesterDEV]

Great! Thanks very much for the info.

Would anyone happen to have a Happ 3" Trackball for sale? With or With out the ball, I really just need something to that I can put a ball in and be on my way.

Just trying to save what little money I have left.

[Wienerdog]

Email me at Wienerdog66@yahoo.com.  Maybe I can help you out.