The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: campbelldave on October 06, 2007, 11:11:19 pm
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Is there an easy (cheap if possible as well - I'm on a budget) way to connect Atari trackballs via USB for MAME? I just got a pair out of a control panel. They need new bearings and rollers, but look OK otherwise - the wiring looks OK. I'd prefer not to hack up the wires, if possible as well/
I determined they were Atari, since I was able to find the part #038040-01 on-line.
Thanks
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Im not sure about Atari, but you may be able to hack a usb mouse to a plug that will plug into the TB.
As a matter of fact, I have a usb mouse that has been hacked for a betson or happ trackball.
You can have it for free +shipping..
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The Opti-Pac works with Atari 4.5" trackballs.
That doesn't necessarily mean it will work with your part, but if you ask Andy (Ultimarc) or Randy (GGG) how to do it specifically I'm sure they'd help.
When they give you an answer, put it on the trackball page of the wiki!
Good luck
Al
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I have some Atari 3" trackballs that I'm using with my OptiPAC. AFAICT, they are identical to the ones HAPP sells now. They look very similar to this:
(http://happcontrols.com/images/50/560100xx/56010011.jpg)
I can't tell about the connector HAPP is using though. My atari trackballs use two 4-pin connectors (I believe the pin spacing is 0.157") that I was able to match up at the local electronics shop (I brought the trackball with me) so I didn't have to cut anything. You just push the wires in the back of the connectors using a screwdriver.
The OptiPAC works great, however a mouse hack should work fine too, as long as the mouse board supplies 5V.
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Check this out -
http://homearcade.org/BBBB/tracks.html (http://homearcade.org/BBBB/tracks.html)
Lots of good info. Apparently, some older ones have a different wiring pinout. Not sure how/if that applies to you...
Rick
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Those trackballs will work fine with a USB mouse hack. If you 've got okay soldering skills you should be able to do it.
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Im not sure about Atari, but you may be able to hack a usb mouse to a plug that will plug into the TB.
As a matter of fact, I have a usb mouse that has been hacked for a betson or happ trackball.
You can have it for free +shipping..
Looks like I cant even GIVE this mouse hack away!
Oh well, sooner or later it will be donated to the SC.
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Im not sure about Atari, but you may be able to hack a usb mouse to a plug that will plug into the TB.
As a matter of fact, I have a usb mouse that has been hacked for a betson or happ trackball.
You can have it for free +shipping..
Looks like I cant even GIVE this mouse hack away!
Oh well, sooner or later it will be donated to the SC.
Post in the Free Items thread in B/S/T. It'll be gone in a few minutes. :)
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Good idea, thanks!
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i'll take it if it'll work for atari
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Can I get 2 of those mouse hacks? How can I contact you?
Sorry I did not reply sooner - I was out of town
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Sorry man, gurnie spoke up and asked for it, so its gone.
I thought you weren't interested..