Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: dcsipe on June 16, 2007, 09:09:24 pm
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I've been researching building my own cabinet, and want to install a USB trackball. However, finding a decent USB trackball is looking a little pricey. Has anyone deconstructed a X-Arcade Trackball? Since it has USB support, I was thinking getting one, removing the trackball and installing it on my cabinet.
Anyone successfully done this or know if it's feasible? Seems like the cheapest option for a decent USB trackball for my cabinet, perhaps someone has a better or cheaper solution?
Thanks!
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If you really want an X-Arcade trackball they sell them separately on their website.. I believe that they are Beston Imperials.
TTFN :cheers:
Kaytrim
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http://www.x-arcade.com/arcade_trackball_part.shtml
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True, but the trackball by itself on the website is $59.95 and the Trackball CP is $49.95!
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You can easily disassemble the X arcade trackball unit for the trackball, interface and buttons. I think it is direct mounted under the CP with screws in a routered area. I think someone did this but cannot find the thread. It is one of the cheapest ways to go with the sale/rebate.
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I did it. It is really easy. All you need it a button wrench (X-Arcade puts this glue on their buttons so the wrench is good to knock them loose) and a phillips screw driver. Took about 10 minutes to get everything completely disassembled.
Then for mounting on a CP, I used the top of the unit and traced the holes for the screws and for the trackball. Then, take a 3 inch door knob cutter and line it up with the hole you traced for the trackball and cut out your hole. Stick the track ball in the hole and place it so it is in the same position you want to mount it in. Then trace it and route out that space leaving about an 1/8 inch of material.
That's it.
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Thanks btp2k2, I figured it was possible but wanted to verify that someone was able to do it.
This definitely sounds like my best bet, getting the USB trackball and buttons for $50 is definitely a good deal!
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Yeah, anytime bud.
I have both an X-Arcade trackball and an Imperial...the unit the X-arcade was based on...and I find it hard to tell the difference. The only way I know which is which is the Imperial has a blue ball....
(waits for blue balls jokes and cringes)
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I'm planning to do the same thing. I have the X-Aracde dismantled and the hole appears to be 2 7/8". Can you confirm you got a perfect hole with the 3" hole saw? Also, did you have to cut the box open to get the cable out?
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Yeah, it is actually a 2 7/8 inch hole. I used a 3 on my first attempt and it ended up with a little gap.
I did have to cut the cable out....thanks for mentioning that, as I totaly forgot. I just took a jig saw and made two small cuts. Be very careful that the cables don't get in the way as cutting, and as soon as you are through, shut it down.
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I just took apart an X-Arcade 2player. Didn't have to cut the cord. I used some needle nose pliers to pop the grommet out. When I disconnected the harness from the board, I was able to fish the connectors out through the hole sideways. I'm not sure if it will work with the trackball though.