The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: michelevit on January 22, 2018, 06:52:13 pm
-
Howdy folks:
I’m a hobbyist who enjoys building cabinets for friends and family.
It’s been a couple of years since I built a cabinet and I’m ready to build another cabinet.
Is the Happ trackball (usb) still the best bet out there? Thanks for your reply in advance.
-
Is the Happ trackball (usb) still the best bet out there?
Happ trackball, yes.
Happ USB encoder, not so much. ::)
Some users say it works OK, but a number of users have reported problems with backspin.
Recommended higher quality plug-and-play trackball/encoder combination:
- Happ trackball (arcade-style w. Molex and Red Boards)
- GGG Opti-Wiz™ "No-Solder" (http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=76_85&products_id=260) USB optical encoder
- GGG Trackball Cable for Opti-Wiz™ "No-Solder" (http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=76_85&products_id=261)
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=133025.0;attach=354621;image)
Scott
-
I cant help but mention our U-Trak trackball at this point. Its functionally identical to the Happ and similar design and materials (Stainless steel rollers and bearings, acrylic ball) but mounts through a wood panel without a mounting plate.
It has its own optional USB interface which is 16 bits, no backspin ever.
www.ultimarc.com/trackball.html (http://www.ultimarc.com/trackball.html)
(http://www.ultimarc.com/images/TB_bezel.jpg)
-
I have tried all options listed so far in the thread.
Option 1: Happ Trackball USB (Green Boards)
- This worked fine until I started playing Golden Tee. Started to have backspin issues when hitting the trackball relatively hard.
Option 2: Happ Trackball (Red Boards) with GGG Opti-Wiz Cable and GGG Opti-Wiz USB Encoder
- This is what I used to replace option 1. No issues at all but only downfall was it still used a mounting plate.
Option 3: Ultimarc U-Trak
- Built a new project and used this in conjunction with an Ipac 2 - no issues here either. Cheapest solution when weighing all options since the USB interface was already on the Ipac 2 board and I needed it anyways.
-
I have happ 3” high ball with green translucent ball installed. Brand new, used on a brench to test and make sure it worked. Never even used it in a game. Has red boards. Can be sold with or without green ball. Make offer via pm if interested. I bought a Neo Geo cab instead of building one, so I will not use it anytime remotely soon.
-
thanks for the great responses.
very much appreciated.
-
Ive tried the HAPP 3" illuminated trackball - 3 of them - and all of them have an issue whereby if the ball is lit, but not in use, one side of it gets hot and then the ball sicks. Its a total pain in the arse - not to mention the outdated mounting plate and odd shaped hole you need to cut into your CP.
That said, I have the smaller - none illuminated - one in a little bartop and its great. Except for the mounting plate which is a monstrosity. And the smaller stupid hole. Obviously you can route out the hole and hide the plate. What a fuss.
I also have the ultimarc one. Works great, no stupid mounting plate, round hole. Wish Id put one of those in my other machines.
Mark