Stand Alone Trackball Unit (Planning Stages 10-13)

[Ryglore]

This project isn't going to really be started soon. But I had the idea today after testing my SHMUP control panel and navigating my arcade PC with the trackball. I've decided that I want to build a stand alone trackball unit using a 2 1/4" happ trackball and 2 buttons. I've grown tired of using my Laptop's touch pad and the mouse I have has become unreliable. With that in mind, I decided I will get a smaller USB happ trackball and build a movable control unit.

Here is a extremely rough idea of what I am thinking.


The body will be made of 1/2" or 3/4" MDF, with the edges rounded and the top finished off with T-molding. I will also make the top detachable, but via screws on the bottom side to keep the face clean. I will likely put a plexiglass top on it with a graphic on the top side to help finish it off.

more that likely I will be using the leftover MDF pieces I have laying around for the box it self. So I will only have the cost of the trackball, 2 buttons and maybe t-molding. Though I might have some black left over from the SHMUP project.... we shall see.

[Ryglore]

More planning.  While I am sitting here bored I've been trying to find the perfect placement for the mouse buttons. After installing my 3" trackball, I noticed that there is a pretty good sized triangle space in the upper left corner. So, I'm thinking I will drill through the mounting plate and install mouse button 1 through it. Something like this here.

[Ryglore]

This idea is now on hold, as I've gotten another project in planning. But this may become part of / an accessory for the new project. 

[Yvan256]

This idea is now on hold, as I've gotten another project in planning. But this may become part of / an accessory for the new project. 

Oh, I think I know what that other project is. 

[Ryglore]

Oh, I think I know what that other project is. 

Well, I'll let everyone in on the secret... the next project is...