Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: DiskTwo on May 22, 2008, 11:41:44 pm
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Ive found, whats labeled as a
"BETSON IMPERIAL 3" TRACKBALL"
For a lot cheaper than im seeing other trackballs listed. ($30 w/shipping)
If I were to purchase this, is it difficult to get it working with a mame machine? It will have a Jamma connector / jpac/ipac. Would I need ANOTHER "Pac", or would I be able to get this working acurately and easily on my own?
and is 3" the standard size? like what I would see in the typical Golden tee game?
Ty for any help.
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It would not be difficult (depending on your comfort level with connecting wires), but it may cost you a bit more money. Presumably it is not a USB model, which means it will need to be connected first to an optical interface, which can then be connected to your USB port.
You can make your own optical interface by disassembling a USB or PS2 mouse and connecting the trackball to the encoder board inside. Search the forums and wiki for more information and examples on this method (commonly called a mouse hack).
Or you can buy an optical encoder. Groovy Game Gear sells one called the Opti-Wiz, and Ultimarc sells one called the Opti-pac. Or if the I-Pac is not already purchased, you can buy the Mini-Pac instead (also from Ultimarc) which is a combined I-Pac and Opti-Pac all in one. Lots of "pacs", I know.
And 3" is very common in games. Centipede used the smaller 2.25" trackball, and Missile Command used the huge 4" trackball. But most people use the 3" if they have the space.