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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: markb on November 28, 2004, 04:53:24 pm

Title: Mac trackball on a PC?
Post by: markb on November 28, 2004, 04:53:24 pm
I've come across a very cheap Mac Trackball that would be perfect for my cabinet (or so I thought) I've googled myself daft trying to find out if it is possible to convert a Mac Mouse for use with a PC and seen nothing definite.
I've had a look at the pinout charts for a PS2 mouse and a mac mouse and they are fairly similar but before I start to gut the thing I was wondering does anyone know if this is actually possible (or impossible)?

Thanks
Title: Re: Mac trackball on a PC?
Post by: StephenH on November 28, 2004, 09:28:40 pm
If it is for a newer Mac (Blue and White G3, All G4 and G5 Models, iBook, Powerbook G4, etc), it may work, depending if it can use generic drivers, or if that manufacturer also makes a PC Driver for it.   A USB version will have the USB connector on that modern PCs use for perperials.

If it uses the older Apple ADB connector (found on Beige G3 down and earlier models down to the Macintosh SE, and the Apple IIgs), I beleive that those are not PC Compatible.     An ADB device will have a 4-pin plug that looks like an S-Video plug on it.

Title: Re: Mac trackball on a PC?
Post by: TheGatesofBill on November 28, 2004, 09:39:48 pm
If its tha Macally iBall, don't bother. It works well enough as a mouse, but horribly as a game controller.
Title: Re: Mac trackball on a PC?
Post by: Tiger-Heli on November 29, 2004, 08:41:32 am
If its tha Macally iBall, don't bother. It works well enough as a mouse, but horribly as a game controller.
Agreed.

FWIW, Macintosh USB will work on the PC, not sure about the other way.
Title: Re: Mac trackball on a PC?
Post by: markb on November 29, 2004, 03:26:40 pm
It's a Kensington Turbo Mouse and it uses a ADB connector, the shape and size of it is perfect for my cabinet so i'm a bit gutted it's not compatible.
I guess If i want it to work i'll have to attempt a mouse hack. :-\
Title: Re: Mac trackball on a PC?
Post by: Stingray on November 29, 2004, 04:05:30 pm


FWIW, Macintosh USB will work on the PC, not sure about the other way.


PC USB works fine with Mac. Sometimes only one button will work unless you use a third party driver like USB Overdrive.

-S