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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: mahuti on November 23, 2016, 04:24:49 pm

Title: Recommendation for cheap trackball encoder
Post by: mahuti on November 23, 2016, 04:24:49 pm
I'm looking for some cheap trackball encoders for a modular control panel. Any recommendations? Wondering if there's a board for less than $15 out there that I haven't heard of.

I am moving away from a frankenpanel style to using 1 encoder per panel (or two or three with a small USB splitter), and just a few specific controllers per panel so that I can just plug and play with 1 USB cable to match specific types of games. I bought some reyann gamepad encoders. They work great and only cost $11. That's great for most stuff, but I have a 2 spinners and 1 trackball. I have 1 opti-pac, but If I'm going to make three panels, i'll need a few more encoders.

I was wondering if there was something out there that was inexpensive but works. I'm even fine with a mouse hack if someone can recommend a good quality mouse to start with (some I've cracked open have really really tiny wiring, or extra buttons or whatever)

Worse comes to worse and I buy some more of the higher-end encoders like GGG and Ultimarc sell. They're great.

Any info would be great. Thanks!
Title: Re: Recommendation for cheap trackball encoder
Post by: ark_ader on November 23, 2016, 04:30:59 pm
Kade
Title: Re: Recommendation for cheap trackball encoder
Post by: mahuti on November 23, 2016, 05:26:14 pm
When I go to their store... it's missing.

Is that a bad sign?
Title: Re: Recommendation for cheap trackball encoder
Post by: PL1 on November 23, 2016, 06:56:26 pm
GGG's OptiWiz (http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=76_85) would be my first choice.  YMMV.

Rodney might do a package deal for you if he has any more of the encoders from this sale thread (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,129928.0.html).

(http://i.imgur.com/JZNsLtZ.jpg?2)

The KADE-compatible Minimus boards are really getting hard to find, so unless you already have them or know how to compile the firmware for another low-cost AVR it's no longer a viable and inexpensive option.    :(

Another reason to avoid the KADE for this particular project is that IIRC there is still a backspin problem with high-resolution spinners.

When I go to their store... it's missing.

Is that a bad sign?
The subject of the missing/deleted emukade front page came up here (http://kadevice.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=53&t=4142) several weeks ago, but Kevin hasn't fixed it yet.   :dunno

The good news is that this direct link to the North American store still works.

http://northamerica.emukade.com/ (http://northamerica.emukade.com/)


Scott
Title: Re: Recommendation for cheap trackball encoder
Post by: yotsuya on November 23, 2016, 07:53:55 pm
Rodney ' s encoders are bad ass.
Title: Re: Recommendation for cheap trackball encoder
Post by: JDFan on November 23, 2016, 08:40:29 pm
The good news is that this direct link to the North American store still works.[/url]

The bad news is every item is out of stock at the store !!
Title: Re: Recommendation for cheap trackball encoder
Post by: yotsuya on November 23, 2016, 10:16:56 pm
So no one can buy a KADE buy a KADE buy a KADE?
Title: Re: Recommendation for cheap trackball encoder
Post by: lilshawn on November 24, 2016, 02:29:26 pm
it's a place to start...

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=141672.0 (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=141672.0)
Title: Re: Recommendation for cheap trackball encoder
Post by: PL1 on November 24, 2016, 03:14:46 pm
So no one can buy a KADE buy a KADE buy a KADE?
Probably not until after Kevin ships the Kickstarter rewards ships the Kickstarter rewards ships the Kickstarter rewards.    >:D

it's a place to start...

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=141672.0 (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=141672.0)
Unfortunately, all the KADE/Minimus vendors in that thread are either sold out or backordered.   :badmood:

If someone knows another source, I'll gladly include it.   ;D


Scott
Title: Re: Recommendation for cheap trackball encoder
Post by: yotsuya on November 24, 2016, 04:02:23 pm
So no one can buy a KADE buy a KADE buy a KADE?
Probably not until after Kevin ships the Kickstarter rewards ships the Kickstarter rewards ships the Kickstarter rewards.    >:D

it's a place to start...

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=141672.0 (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=141672.0)
Unfortunately, all the KADE/Minimus vendors in that thread are either sold out or backordered.   :badmood:

If someone knows another source, I'll gladly include it.   ;D


Scott
Glad I stocked up on Minimi when I did.
Title: Re: Recommendation for cheap trackball encoder
Post by: ark_ader on November 25, 2016, 04:15:17 am
I have quite a few.  Should I start selling them on ebay for $$$$?


For a cheap encoder, why not hack a mouse?
Title: Re: Recommendation for cheap trackball encoder
Post by: BadMouth on November 25, 2016, 06:08:48 pm
I'd just fork over $15 for the groovygamegear ones.

Title: Re: Recommendation for cheap trackball encoder
Post by: mahuti on November 26, 2016, 12:42:05 am
Yeah. Honestly, I didn't realize they were so cheap. For some reason I was thinking they were $35. $15 is worth it.