Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: ften on November 30, 2004, 01:54:52 pm

Title: Trackball hack
Post by: ften on November 30, 2004, 01:54:52 pm

I have a Kensington trackball mouse I hacked to hook up to my CP. It was actually really simple to do. I was wondering if there is a big difference between using a trackball made for a computer and one for the arcade. I don't have any arcade trackballs to reference for feel.

Thanks,
FTen

Title: Re: Trackball hack
Post by: whammoed on November 30, 2004, 02:20:05 pm

computer trackball is usually smaller and doesn't spin as freely as an arcade trackball.

Title: Re: Trackball hack
Post by: Stingray on November 30, 2004, 02:24:10 pm

No comparison. A real arcade trackball is vastly superior.

-S

Title: Re: Trackball hack
Post by: missioncontrol on November 30, 2004, 02:34:17 pm

Quote from: ften on November 30, 2004, 01:54:52 pm

I have a Kensington trackball mouse I hacked to hook up to my CP. It was actually really simple to do. I was wondering if there is a big difference between using a trackball made for a computer and one for the arcade. I don't have any arcade trackballs to reference for feel.

Thanks,
FTen

I'm going to use a Kinsington also

Title: Re: Trackball hack
Post by: ften on November 30, 2004, 08:01:37 pm

Thanks for the info. I think I'm gonna stick with the mouse trackball, I looked at arcade trackballs prices,  pretty expencive. 

missioncontrol: I'm planning to update my site tonight with pictures of the hack. Although it's nothing impressive, i just desolder the normal microswitches and resolder in wires in there place. I love when hacks are simple.

Title: Re: Trackball hack
Post by: u_rebelscum on December 01, 2004, 07:34:07 pm

Quote from: Stingray on November 30, 2004, 02:24:10 pm

No comparison. A real arcade trackball is vastly superior.

Depends on the TB.  Kensington makes some very high quality PC trackballs, that compares very well against the same size (2 1/4") arcade TBs. 

If someone wants a 2 1/4" high ball TB, with very fast spin and a light weight ball, a Kensington Expert is a very valid option. 

IMO, I find the Expert better for me over a happs 3" high ball.  Of course, I'll take any other arcade 3" over my expert.  (The high ball pops off the rollers too much from my hand control, which gives the expert and happs high ball minus in my books.)  Of course, this is much like people's favorite joystick (different opinions).
 
Other than the Expert, though, yes, arcade TBs are better than PC TB hands down.

Title: Re: Trackball hack
Post by: missioncontrol on December 02, 2004, 01:22:39 pm

Quote from: ften on November 30, 2004, 08:01:37 pm

Thanks for the info. I think I'm gonna stick with the mouse trackball, I looked at arcade trackballs prices,