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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: sfetaz on May 30, 2004, 07:50:21 pm

Title: 2 & 1/4 inch trackball or 3 inch, any reason for bigger size?
Post by: sfetaz on May 30, 2004, 07:50:21 pm

Is there any benefit to having a 3 inch trackball over the 2 and a quarter inch?  I sometimes at Betson play their golf games but dunno what size trackball it is, wondering from people with more experience what their opinions are.

Also, if you take a standard trackball, is there a way to convert it to PS/2 or USB without the optipac?

Title: Re:2 & 1/4 inch trackball or 3 inch, any reason for bigger size?
Post by: Pasqualz on May 31, 2004, 12:02:11 am

I don't believe I've ever seen a real arcade cabinet with atrackball smaller than 3". If this really is the case, then go for the authentic look and feel of a 3" trackball.

Title: Re:2 & 1/4 inch trackball or 3 inch, any reason for bigger size?
Post by: NoOne=NBA= on May 31, 2004, 03:04:14 am

I'm kinda in the minority here, but I actually PREFER the 2-1/4" ones.
I had a 3", and they feel OK; but I have alot better control with a 2-1/4" one.
I recently lucked into an ebay auction for a 2-1/4 translucent brand new for $49.99.
I was planning to pick one up from Happ before that auction came up.

As far as the 2-1/4 being "arcade authentic" it depends alot on which game you are playing, and the type of cabinet you are playing it on.
I don't think Missle Command is truly authentic on an upright cabinet without the 4-1/2 ball that was on the dedicated uprights.
The 2-1/4 is authentic for it on a cocktail though, as I think the cocktails shipped with 2-1/4 balls on them.

Marble Madness and Crystal Castles have to have the 3" translucents.
Those balls are what made the games IMO.
I've played Crystal Castles with a 3" white replacement on it, and it's just not the same without that glowing red ball.

Centipede usually had 3" balls IIRC, but Millipedes shipped with a 2-1/4 on them, so either could have either size and be considered authentic IMO.

My personal preference on trackballs is that I like the 2-1/4" for precision work (Centipede/Crystal Castles/Missle Command) and 3" for games like Golf/Bowling/etc... where you pretty much just need to spin it in one direction at a time.

As far as hooking one up without an opti-pac, the best option I've found is Oscar's USB mouse hack.
It's pretty inexpensive, and works really well.
I've rigged a quick disconnect on mine to let me swap out my spinners and trackball on it, with great success.

Title: Re:2 & 1/4 inch trackball or 3 inch, any reason for bigger size?
Post by: Larry Smith on May 31, 2004, 09:55:16 pm

Good summary NoOne, just one little nitpick.
Centipede had the 2-1/4" ball and millipede had 3"".

Title: Re:2 & 1/4 inch trackball or 3 inch, any reason for bigger size?
Post by: mahuti on May 31, 2004, 09:58:44 pm

I'd say Centipede is at least SOMEWHAT authentic ;)

I have a 2.25 and I love it. A 3" is fine. Visitors to your home will not care.