Optipac Vs Mouse Hack

[Mike]

I've got a question to anyone who has tried both. I plan on eventually buying an optipac once I get a spinner but for now I'd like to go ahead and hack a mouse to start using my trackball. I know when it comes to keyboard hacks Vs the ipac the latter works much better. I was wondering if it's even worth the time to hack a mouse or if I should just hold off until I order the optipac.

[rampy]

I've got a question to anyone who has tried both. I plan on eventually buying an optipac once I get a spinner but for now I'd like to go ahead and hack a mouse to start using my trackball. I know when it comes to keyboard hacks Vs the ipac the latter works much better. I was wondering if it's even worth the time to hack a mouse or if I should just hold off until I order the optipac.

optipac is the most flexible, easy to use interface for arcade optical devices...  (or should I say more flexible, easier to use... in case someone wants to debat the merits of a hagstrom or happs interface, etc...)

However depending on your situation (how many track balls, spinner(s) and combinations there for you have) it;s cheaper to hack a mouse if you already have a mouse, and soldering iron, and some basic electronic/soldering skills...

I was/am on a super tight budget so I hacked a mouse and sidewinder gamepads for my cabinet.  I'd rather had an ipac/optipac and may "upgrade" the rats nest in my cabinet in the future as it really isnt *that* much money... but I'm cheap, enjoying the minor wiring/soldering part of the project, and went with a hacks...

YMMV, but i think that's a decent explanation...

"easier, quicker, more seductive the ipac/optipac is, yes... but cost a few duckets more it does. "

"I'm not afraid to solder master yoda"

"you will be... you WILL be!"

rampy

[1UP]

I have tried both, and I have found the Optipac invaluable.  One simple question: can you afford it?  Then GET IT!!!  Unquestionably the best interface for optical controls.  The best thing is, you can hook up many devices to it.  With the USB versions of the Ipac and Optipac, plus a USB hub, I'm able to interface everything in my cab (spinner, trackball, 5 joysticks, 19 buttons) using just one USB cable.

As I said, I tried hacking my own, using something like the "cheep spinner" design, and it never really worked to my satisfaction.  Using a mouse PCB to interface a trackball is probably easier to do than making your own spinner, since you're only making a few electronic connections.  But it might not even work after all your work is done.  The Optipac most assuredly will, without spilling a drop of solder.

"The choice is yours.  But choose wisely, for as the Optipac will save you time and give you everlasting joy, the mouse hack will take it from you."

[eightbit]

I have tried both, and I have found the Optipac invaluable.  One simple question: can you afford it?  Then GET IT!!!  Unquestionably the best interface for optical controls.  The best thing is, you can hook up many devices to it.  With the USB versions of the Ipac and Optipac, plus a USB hub, I'm able to interface everything in my cab (spinner, trackball, 5 joysticks, 19 buttons) using just one USB cable.

As I said, I tried hacking my own, using something like the "cheep spinner" design, and it never really worked to my satisfaction.  Using a mouse PCB to interface a trackball is probably easier to do than making your own spinner, since you're only making a few electronic connections.  But it might not even work after all your work is done.  The Optipac most assuredly will, without spilling a drop of solder.

"The choice is yours.  But choose wisely, for as the Optipac will save you time and give you everlasting joy, the mouse hack will take it from you."

Somebody watch Indy on the Tely over the holiday...  

[x-wing]

I have done both, and this is what I think....

Since you are interested in only getting a single trackball to work for the moment, I would suggest going with the mouse hack for now.  Once you have it connected to your computer, you can't tell the difference between a trackball running through either a mouse or the opti-pac.

If you had asked about interfacing multiple devices without having to do any soldering, then the answer would be the opti-pac.  If you aren't against gutting a $2 usb mouse, then the answer is easy.  Besides, there is a lot to be said for a little experimenting.  The next time somebody else asks this same question, you can give your opinion on it as well!  

Don't let anyone fool you, a mouse hack won't take you more than 15 minutes tops if you know what you are doing.  So far the best mouse hack site with pictures I've seen is http://mamewah.mameworld.net/MouseHack.html.

[Tiger-Heli]

Another option is OSCAR's pre-hacked USB mouse for $9.00.  Slightly less flexible than an Opti-pac, but less soldering than a mouse hack.

http://www.oscarcontrols.com/order.htm

[SirPoonga]

My trackball is a mouse hack.  I went through 3 mice before I got a stable hack.  I;d get the optipac if I had money.  Actually, at the time there was no usb optipac so my choice was limited to a mouse hack.

My spinner is an oscar.