Author Topic: DT225 trackball for $15 OBO (am I missing something?) (Read 21190 times)

AndrewZorn · « **on:** Tue, 06 October 2009, 13:25:03 »

http://cgi.ebay.com/CH-PRODUCTS-DT225-COMPUTER-TRACKBALL-NEW_W0QQitemZ130334648414QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1e588ce85e&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14#shId

DT225 trackball for about $25 shipped. Guy has feedback from others buying the same thing. Seems legit, but aren't these things over $200? I was vaguely interested in a trackball until I saw the price on some of them.

If it's real, don't leave me with nothing, I want one too.

AndrewZorn · « **Reply #1 on:** Tue, 06 October 2009, 13:55:52 »

so maybe not the ideal version... but certainly worth the novelty?

i have been planning out a htpc build/setup for a while and a trackball such as this i think would be a great coffee-table remote for it. hopefully the dpi wouldnt be that annying (maybe even advantageously low) for such casual use?

a billiard ball would make it even more decorative and neat to have on display like this.

AndrewZorn · « **Reply #2 on:** Tue, 06 October 2009, 14:03:08 »

i will do the same offer... 2 for $20... an hour ago i didnt want one, but its a good deal and a backup of something i dont need in the first place

EDIT he has 44 remaining

also, look at this SUPER-SECRET information you can only get with slow internet, before the page loads right
EDIT well, nevermind, apparently just clicking "details" brings it back up

so which one are YOU?

AndrewZorn · « **Reply #3 on:** Tue, 06 October 2009, 14:13:16 »

my calced postage for one is $10.46... he doesnt do any discounts then, i guess?
thats if i get it sent home (UPS)
and even if it was slightly cheaper to Iraq USPS, they look large, and carrying home a HHKB, filco 104, and a 17" laptop (among various other smaller things) in a commercial-airplane-sized carry-on bag will already be enough

EDIT is it really a big deal finding a PS2 to USB adapter that 'works' for these keyboards/mice? i had just assumed they were all the same cheap crap until i read about what 'works' with what.
dealextreme is a favorite site of mine, and saw that a usb hub / PS2 keyboard mouse thing for $5 works with the model M, so i might do with that, even though i am shopping for an AT101 and now this...
is it just a power thing?

EDIT still no offer approval for me yet
oh god i think he is on to us

AndrewZorn · « **Reply #4 on:** Tue, 06 October 2009, 14:30:37 »

finally got the offer acceptance!
EDIT lucked out too, $11.58 shipping, FOR BOTH, that's $15.79 each SHIPPED (for a $XXX supposedly trackball)
cant beat that even with a cheap/crappy new trackball in a store

yeah, i like some of the designs on that page too, esp the ones that will work with two keyboards/mice

also, pool balls are more expensive than i thought
like, way more
time to start looking for non-pay options
i mean, it sounds like something that turns to garbage if you dont have the whole set

and yeah i guess clear would be fine since it isnt optical
maybe i can go to magic shops or something and look for a 2.25" ~CRYSTAL BALL~

pseudolobster · « **Reply #5 on:** Tue, 06 October 2009, 18:44:28 »

Quote from: AndrewZorn;123477

also, pool balls are more expensive than i thought

http://cgi.ebay.com/REPLACEMENT-BILLIARD-POOL-BALLS-SOLD-INDIVIDUALLY_W0QQitemZ300352217145QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item45ee632039

AndrewZorn · « **Reply #6 on:** Tue, 06 October 2009, 18:47:12 »

much better, but now i am looking into yet other options
http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?t=7392

rnak92a · « **Reply #7 on:** Tue, 06 October 2009, 19:31:57 »

Quote from: ripster;123464

I'm gonna buy a couple ( I have an offer in for 2 for $20 - originally $109 LOL). I'll post what I find. It looks like in the description like I can reset the speed. Maybe they've updated the design. Or maybe that's what all those DIP switches are for.

I put in the same offer, ripster. I'll give one to a friend who has always wanted one and keep the other as a backup to my magnet-removed Kensington expert mouse (removing the magnet disables that inconsistent notched scrolling and makes the scroll wheel easier to use, IMO).

Thanks for pointing this out.

Cheers,
~rn

Hak Foo · « **Reply #8 on:** Tue, 06 October 2009, 20:25:37 »

Grabbed one; the last trackball I used was a $15 serial one which was clear plastic and had LEDs in its base.

Honestly, though, I've been spoiled by mice now; I NEED back-and-forward buttons and a scroll wheel for maximum productivity. Now, if they could wedge 'em all and a trackpoint into a Customizer 104...

rnak92a · « **Reply #9 on:** Tue, 06 October 2009, 20:35:55 »

Like ripster, my offer of $10.00 each was accepted. damned cheap, even though it's the non-programmable PS/2 model.

With shipping, $31.14 for two. Not bad.

Cheers,
~rn

AndrewZorn · « **Reply #10 on:** Tue, 06 October 2009, 21:48:21 »

Quote from: Hak Foo;123593

Grabbed one; the last trackball I used was a $15 serial one which was clear plastic and had LEDs in its base.

Honestly, though, I've been spoiled by mice now; I NEED back-and-forward buttons and a scroll wheel for maximum productivity. Now, if they could wedge 'em all and a trackpoint into a Customizer 104...

me too. even a 'regular' wheel bothers me now that i am used to the spinny one (mode) on my g9...

the project i have in mind for this will be revealed once i am confident i will be the first to complete it

msiegel · « **Reply #11 on:** Tue, 06 October 2009, 21:55:33 »

love a good mystery

rdjack21 · « **Reply #12 on:** Tue, 06 October 2009, 23:20:48 »

Man these are tempting

rnak92a · « **Reply #13 on:** Tue, 06 October 2009, 23:36:07 »

Quote from: rdjack21;123620

Man these are tempting

Compare: $10.00 plus shipping to your location versus the following:

http://www.trackballworld.com/40-800.html

Easy decision if you want one...

Cheers,
~rn

AndrewZorn · « **Reply #14 on:** Wed, 07 October 2009, 01:50:08 »

maybe even if you DONT want one. i feel like i should be buying about 20, to keep 5 even if i dont like them, you know, JUST IN CASE, and resell the rest.

but i realize that buying 2 is already a lot for someone who has no idea how useful this will ever be

rnak92a · « **Reply #15 on:** Wed, 07 October 2009, 01:54:27 »

Quote from: AndrewZorn;123627

maybe even if you DONT want one. i feel like i should be buying about 20, to keep 5 even if i dont like them, you know, JUST IN CASE, and resell the rest.

but i realize that buying 2 is already a lot for someone who has no idea how useful this will ever be

Built-like-a-tank trackballs are always useful. But for this eBay seller, these are ex-pen-sive. They can, as you point out, be resold later...

Cheers,
~rn

hyperlinked · « **Reply #16 on:** Wed, 07 October 2009, 02:46:12 »

Quote from: msiegel;123611

love a good mystery

The plot thickens. I just sprung for one on the "What the Hell" rationale. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it though. It may well end up being a foot massager.

AndrewZorn · « **Reply #17 on:** Wed, 07 October 2009, 02:55:10 »

Noooo! My idea!!! (well it was supposed to be all caps...)

timw4mail · « **Reply #18 on:** Wed, 07 October 2009, 09:10:22 »

Were any of these sold before you found this auction, because there are now 22 sold...

itlnstln · « **Reply #19 on:** Wed, 07 October 2009, 09:25:59 »

I decided to get one, too. I figured that about $25 for a good quality trackball isn't bad. I can try it out, and if I don't like it for everyday use, I can use it on my quasi-HTPC setup.

itlnstln · « **Reply #20 on:** Wed, 07 October 2009, 09:44:40 »

Ripster, does this trackball have some kind of scroll-wheel-like functionality to it? This might be the only deal-breaker for using this at work.

AndrewZorn · « **Reply #21 on:** Wed, 07 October 2009, 09:49:54 »

i am hoping for some sort of software 3-button emulation no-click scroll type thing

bigpook · « **Reply #22 on:** Wed, 07 October 2009, 09:50:54 »

Quote from: itlnstln;123669

Ripster, does this trackball have some kind of scroll-wheel-like functionality to it? This might be the only deal-breaker for using this at work.

I ordered one too : ) You guys are a bad influence.

I don't think it has a scroll wheel, but under linux the top left button will/should/can be progammed to be a universal scroll.

itlnstln · « **Reply #23 on:** Wed, 07 October 2009, 10:04:17 »

Hmm. I usually use 2 buttons for Forward and Back. Maybe if I can program it to do a universal scroll by holding down 2 buttons at the same time...

bigpook · « **Reply #24 on:** Wed, 07 October 2009, 10:40:30 »

hmm, it is ps/2. it might behave differently then usb. will let you know when I get it.

AndrewZorn · « **Reply #25 on:** Wed, 07 October 2009, 11:13:21 »

Quote from: bigpook;123672

I ordered one too : ) You guys are a bad influence.

I don't think it has a scroll wheel, but under linux the top left button will/should/can be progammed to be a universal scroll.

Quote from: itlnstln;123680

Hmm. I usually use 2 buttons for Forward and Back. Maybe if I can program it to do a universal scroll by holding down 2 buttons at the same time...

the L+R is what i was talking about, but i ASSUME (with no real evidence) that left and right click LOCK (top left and right) are actually hardware/firmware implemented...
i mean, i have never seen an option for changing "click lock" button function on a mouse

might just be me

but if i can set these buttons then that would be awesome... back and forward is what they will be, and continue using L+R for free scroll.

hyperlinked · « **Reply #26 on:** Wed, 07 October 2009, 15:04:24 »

Quote from: bigpook;123672

I ordered one too : ) You guys are a bad influence.

I don't think it has a scroll wheel, but under linux the top left button will/should/can be progammed to be a universal scroll.

This is some sort of GeekHack version of the tipping point.

lowpoly · « **Reply #27 on:** Wed, 07 October 2009, 15:48:20 »

ScrollbarAnywhere in Firefox. Uses the right mouse button.

bigpook · « **Reply #28 on:** Wed, 07 October 2009, 16:38:23 »

Quote from: lowpoly;123764

ScrollbarAnywhere in Firefox. Uses the right mouse button.

nice.

bigpook · « **Reply #29 on:** Wed, 07 October 2009, 16:40:19 »

Quote from: hyperlinked;123759

This is some sort of GeekHack version of the tipping point.

I was looking at one of these months ago on trackballworld. They wanted $225 IIRC which I thought was insane. I got the one off of e-bay for $21. Even if I end up not liking it, I won't be out much. I can then add it to the rest of the collection that lives in the closet : )

Hak Foo · « **Reply #30 on:** Thu, 08 October 2009, 20:41:54 »

Did anyone hear from the seller? Maybe we've all been had.

rnak92a · « **Reply #31 on:** Thu, 08 October 2009, 20:43:24 »

I'm going to write him and ask for an update on shipping status. I'll report back with the reply.

I wrote the following:

Quote from: rnak92a

Hello:

I'm writing to inquire about the shipping status for the two CH DT225 PS/2 trackballs I purchased on 6 OCT 09. Have these been shipped? If so, would you mind providing the shipment/tracking information for the parcel(s)?

Thank you for your time and assistance.
.

Edit:

The seller replied with a tracking number. He shipped my purchases on 7 OCT. No worries, it seems.

Cheers,
~rn

Cheers,
~rn

bigpook · « **Reply #32 on:** Thu, 08 October 2009, 20:55:54 »

I was thinking that too. I have yet to hear anything, but on my ebay page it says expected delivery is 10/8 -- 10/15

rnak92a · « **Reply #33 on:** Thu, 08 October 2009, 20:58:40 »

Quote from: bigpook;123991

I was thinking that too. I have yet to hear anything, but on my ebay page it says expected delivery is 10/8 -- 10/15

Same here.

~rn

rnak92a · « **Reply #34 on:** Fri, 09 October 2009, 09:05:54 »

Received response from the seller: items shipped.

~rn

AndrewZorn · « **Reply #35 on:** Fri, 09 October 2009, 10:01:20 »

as i got these shipped home, i will know whether or not they shipped, but not really whether or not i got two working, new mice.

rnak92a · « **Reply #36 on:** Fri, 09 October 2009, 10:04:03 »

Quote from: AndrewZorn;124093

as i got these shipped home, i will know whether or not they shipped, but not really whether or not i got two working, new mice.

They're made by CH products. They'll survive a damned nuclear blast, Andrew.

I highly doubt this seller has pulled any sort of shenanigans.

Cheers,
~rn

AndrewZorn · « **Reply #37 on:** Fri, 09 October 2009, 10:13:00 »

yeah, im not worried about the SELLER either, just random DOA rates for whatever reason (shipment damaged/lost, initial manufacturing problem, etc)

but i am sure with package tracking combined with said toughness i should surely be fine.

msiegel · « **Reply #38 on:** Fri, 09 October 2009, 11:59:57 »

that is a thing of beauty XD

AndrewZorn · « **Reply #39 on:** Fri, 09 October 2009, 12:15:56 »

wow that it hilarious

but to be fair
i am not yet a trackball user

rnak92a · « **Reply #40 on:** Fri, 09 October 2009, 13:46:53 »

Both trackballs I ordered arrived today in OEM packaging with a CH Products barcode on the top of each box. The trackballs are new-in-box and include a quick start instruction sheet that indicates several DIP switch combinations for adjusting the functionality of the trackball.

Among those functions are:

x/y axis rotation 90-180°
enabling/disabling clicklock for the L and R top buttons
adjusting trackball sensitivity

This thing's a damned U.S. Army tank and can survive anything I'd possibly throw at it. For $10.00 plus shipping, it's an absolute steal. If you're on the fence about this, go for it: you won't find a better trackball for less anywhere.

Cheers,
~rn

AndrewZorn · « **Reply #41 on:** Fri, 09 October 2009, 14:03:25 »

what is the max DPI?
if set to NO click lock, are the mouse buttons uniquely identified (ie, can set them to be mouse3, mouse4 back/forward etc)?

EDIT this will be my first trackball since 386 days. i wont see them or use them until february. i already ordered two. should i get more?

rnak92a · « **Reply #42 on:** Fri, 09 October 2009, 15:52:52 »

About connecting this beast:

The PS/2 --> USB "blue cube" that so many of us use for Model M and other keyboards won't power this trackball. When connected to this adapter, the trackball will identify itself as a USB device but won't respond to any button presses or trackball movement. Discouraged by this fact, I connected the trackball to a PI Engineering Y-Mouse dual PS/2 --> USB adapter and the trackball works flawlessly. Now to experiment with DIP switch settings to adjust sensitivity and upper L and R button functionality.

If anyone would like me to post the instructions on the DIP switches, let me know.

Cheers,
~rn

JBert · « **Reply #43 on:** Fri, 09 October 2009, 16:26:44 »

Ehr, does the blue cube's package say it also works for mice? The PS/2 mouse and keyboard protocol are really different beasts so I wouldn't be surprised if the blue cube didn't support it.

rnak92a · « **Reply #44 on:** Fri, 09 October 2009, 16:35:27 »

Quote from: JBert;124183

Ehr, does the blue cube's package say it also works for mice? The PS/2 mouse and keyboard protocol are really different beasts so I wouldn't be surprised if the blue cube didn't support it.

The blue cube is billed as a PS/2 keyboard to USB adapter, but I've used it for mice in a pinch--testing, etc. I'm not terribly surprised it didn't work in this case, however. The Y-Mouse, as I said above, works flawlessly with the trackball.

As far as DPI and sensitivity: no issues here. I'm able to freely scroll dual 1920*1200 displays without a hitch.

If you're looking for a trackball that'll outlive you, buy one of these. The seller is on the up-and-up; though I had to ask about shipping status and tracking information, he replied within 24 hrs. and provided tracking information.

Cheers,
~rn

bigpook · « **Reply #45 on:** Fri, 09 October 2009, 16:40:13 »

thats good news rnak92a. So how is the feel of the mouse and how does it compare to the kensington expert (if you have one to compare it with)?

rnak92a · « **Reply #46 on:** Fri, 09 October 2009, 16:58:19 »

Quote from: bigpook;124188

thats good news rnak92a. So how is the feel of the mouse and how does it compare to the kensington expert (if you have one to compare it with)?

pook,

The DT225 is as smooth a trackball as I've ever used. The switches beneath the four buttons are solid without feeling rigid and provide a robust response. I turned on DIP switches 4 and 6--4 to double cursor speed and 6 to disable L and R click-lock--so that I can map upper L and R for other things via AHK.

I have the same expert mouse you do--with the gray scroll wheel--and prefer the DT225 to it. The DT225 has a more robust feel beneath my tortured right hand, is more responsive, and I don't have to deal with that ratchety and ersatz scroll wheel Kensington implemented; even after removing the magnet (and the notch effect) from my Expert Mouse, I'm not fond of that particular scroll wheel.

I've not yet spent much time with the DT225 in Photoshop (my raison d'être), but I'm certain it'll perform exceptionally. I can't say it often enough: buy one of these!

Cheers,
~rn

bigpook · « **Reply #47 on:** Fri, 09 October 2009, 17:50:51 »

thanks for the reply, I am hoping to have mine next week. am looking forward to it.

rnak92a · « **Reply #48 on:** Fri, 09 October 2009, 22:22:38 »

Quote from: bigpook;124198

thanks for the reply, I am hoping to have mine next week. am looking forward to it.

You're welcome, pook.

After a little experimenting, I've found that AHK's #InstallMouseHook picks up the trackball's unlocked L and R click-lock as LButton and RButton, which are standard L and R mouse buttons. This means assigning functions to L and R click-lock under AHK interferes with the L and R mouse buttons, too. This won't do at all.

More reading about DIP switch configuration reveals that a Logitech PS/2 3-button configuration is available; this means upper L button is the click-lock button and upper R is the middle mouse button (which AHK detects as MButton, thereby making it independently programmable) and can act as a scroll button. This configuration makes the DT225 more useful.

Here is my DIP switch configuration:

1 and 2 ON: Normal Axis Operation
3 OFF: Normal Cursor Speed
4 ON: Doubles Cursor Speed (2x)
5--NULL (not used)
6 OFF: Disables upper L and R click-lock
7 ON: Logitech 3-button configuration
8 OFF
9 and 11 OFF: enables PS/2 mode
10 and 12 ON: enables Normal PS/2 mode

In sum, connected to PC via a PI Engineering Y-Mouse USB adapter. 2x cursor acceleration, Logitech 3 button configuration (upper L: click-lock; upper R: scroll; lower L and R: normal L and R mouse).

After a few hours with it, the trackball is silky smooth. There is occasional noise when rolling the trackball--I presume from the opto-mechanical mechanism--but there is no hesitation at all. The buttons are comfortable to press and press and hold when doing a click-lock operation, and I've experienced no hand or finger fatigue using this trackball. I'd recommend it over every Logitech I've used (Wheel, Marble), the MS Explorers, and the Kensington Expert Mouse v. 7 that you and I have, pook. I have the CST2545-5W on the way to compare against--and it may well be better than the DT225; but, for the price and considering the build quality--nuclear facility rugged--you can't go wrong and won't be disappointed.

Hope this helps, pook.

Cheers,
~rn

rnak92a · « **Reply #49 on:** Sat, 10 October 2009, 00:29:58 »

Quote from: ripster;124239

28 sold. They are moving em out quite nicely.

So if you can get the upper right button to act as a middle button (DIP Switch 7) then you can load up this third party app if you are a windows users - Marble Mouse Scroll Wheel to get scrolling.

Sweet. I always wondered what all those DIP switches were for. Someday in the future HHKB2 users will be asking themselves the same thing.

Holy ****, thanks for pointing out that Logitech joint there, ripster. Now I can pull the marble out of the storage drawer and use it and crank it on the CH here.

Yeah, the DIP switches are useful. The 3-button and 2x acceleration are the most useful, IMO, but I'd also imagine axis rotation would work, depending on what it's used for.

And ripster: where'd you get the pool ball?

Cheers,
~rn

News:

Author Topic: DT225 trackball for $15 OBO (am I missing something?) (Read 21190 times)