Trackball questions

[lhallmark]

I am sure that this topic has probably been beaten to death but I am a newbie in need...
I have a SF2 cab that I am converting to a MAME cabinet. It has the flip down metal CP. I would like to mount either a 3" trackball or a 2 1/4" if I have to, depending on how much space it needs.
Questions:
1) How would I mount the trackball to the metal CP? Do I have to cut out a hole for just the ball or the mounting plate?
2) If I have to use a mounting plate what are the dimensions of it?
3)Any reccomendations on what trackball to use?


Thanks,

[BobA]

You just have to cut the round hole for the ball and the four mounting screws.   Mounting plates are only required on wood or mdf control panels.

BobA

[ErikRuud]

I have wood panel with no mounting plate!

[OSCAR]

I am sure that this topic has probably been beaten to death but I am a newbie in need...
I have a SF2 cab that I am converting to a MAME cabinet. It has the flip down metal CP. I would like to mount either a 3" trackball or a 2 1/4" if I have to, depending on how much space it needs.
Questions:
1) How would I mount the trackball to the metal CP? Do I have to cut out a hole for just the ball or the mounting plate?

For a 3" trackball, figure on about a 6" x 6" area for it.  You need to make a 3" hole for the boss around the ball to fit through your metal control panel.  Once you have the hole cut for the trackball to fit through, you can then drill the four 3/16" holes for the mounting bolts using the trackball housing as a guide.

2) If I have to use a mounting plate what are the dimensions of it?

No, I wouldn't use a mounting plate with a metal control panel.  It isn't necessary unless you don't have a good way to make a 3" diameter hole for the trackball.  Sometimes it can be easier to use the mounting plate because you only need to rough in a hole to mount the trackball, and the mounting plate will do well to cover up the 6" x 6" rectangular hole you make for it, if it turns out sloppy.

3)Any reccomendations on what trackball to use?

You can't go wrong with a 3" Happ trackball.  Other options are the Imperial or Wico 3", but the Happ is a good one that most people are familiar with that you shouldn't have any trouble with interfacing with optical encoders.

[ErikRuud]

I forget the ecxact measurement, but the boss on the Betson/Imperial trackball is slightly less than three inches.

[lhallmark]

Thanks guys. I think I'm going to get one ordered soon.
Which 3" trackball is the best?
Do they make a kit for the translucent ones?

Thanks,

[ErikRuud]

The one in the picture above is a Betson/Imperial 3" red translucent with a ps/2 interface.  I have not had it very long, but it seems to work well.  It is 79.00 from Betson.

[pointdablame]

I left you a private message lhallmark. take a look