Happ Trackball - Optipac or Happ controller?

[KilgoreTrout]

Hi Folks,

I'm new here, but I have been doing the custom box thing for a while.

I am finally going to update my control panel to include a spinner and trackball. I ordered a SlikStik Tornado and a Happ 2.25" trackball with the Happ USB controller. Should I have ordered an Optipac instead? Also, how does the Happ trackball compare to a Wico? I may have jumped the gun, but Happ is usually pretty slow with their orders, so I can probably change things if need be.

Thanks very much in advance!  

[AlanS17]

The Happ USB adapter is much more expensive than the Optipac for the same results. Happ trackballs, on the other hand, may be more expensive but it's *generally* accepted that you get what you pay for. I bought a Betson/Imperial trackball, but haven't installed it yet so I can't tell you how it is.

[Howard_Casto]

send back your happs controller....

go to www.oscarcontrols.com and order his usb mouse interface board.  

If you split the output wires you can share the same board for your spinner as your trackball. Even if not, it's usb so simply buy a second board.

The optipac is around 50 bucks, happs inteface is around 100.  Oscar's board is a whooping 12.95  See guys unless you are running a ton of optical devices, there isn't reason to use anything more than a simple mouse hack.

Save yourself some money.  

[TheTick]

$12.95 !!! Geesh.... when did he raise the price? I bought two for $9 / each around 3 months ago.

Edit-> I see.... when he added the button wiring harness.

(Plus $6 for the Happs wiriing harness)

[KilgoreTrout]

Thanks for the great info... I am really glad I found this board!

-KilgoreTrout

[KilgoreTrout]

Heh... Well, I just got home from work and checked my email. I guess Happ is faster than they used to be a couple years ago. They have already shipped my package from an order I placed yesterday. I figure I'm only out $30, since the trackball is $89 and the trackball with a usb controller is $141 on 2% sale... The oscar would cost me around $20 including the Happ adapter and two button version. Live and learn...