Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: skirge66 on June 11, 2003, 02:25:37 am

Title: trackball grounding
Post by: skirge66 on June 11, 2003, 02:25:37 am

sorry for the repost of this question. I hate when you know that there was a post about something and just can't find it when it comes time to needing it.

but the green ground wires on a happs trackball should be left hanging free or attached to an earth ground, and never to the encoder correct?


thanks.

Title: Re:trackball grounding
Post by: skirge66 on June 11, 2003, 02:33:25 am

disregard...found the thread...and the above is true

Title: Re:trackball grounding
Post by: Sasquatch! on June 11, 2003, 11:25:41 pm

Which thread?

I'm curious because I was told by Hagstrom that the green wires on the trackball should be earth grounded.

Title: Re:trackball grounding
Post by: u_rebelscum on June 12, 2003, 03:05:10 am

Quote from: Sasquatch! on June 11, 2003, 11:25:41 pm

Which thread?

I'm curious because I was told by Hagstrom that the green wires on the trackball should be earth grounded.

Sort of like the "never unplug PS/2 keyboard while the computer is on" advice.  I've done it hundreds of times without effect, and most keyboards and motherboards and OSs can handle unplugging replugging while the comp's on, but there's the one in a million chance...

It's possible for a trackball to build up static, enough to spark and kill a TB optical board, but in a home enviornment the chances are very, very, very remote.  However, it looks like the wico & betson TB's optical boards are closer to the ball and rollers than on the happs TB... And in an arcade with constant use and a wool carpet and a player who constantly scruffs his feet...  Still not very likely. :)

*shrug* I haven't earth grounded my trackball.