DT225 trackball for $15 OBO (am I missing something?)

[AndrewZorn]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[rnak92a]

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]

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]

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]

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]

love a good mystery

[rdjack21]

Man these are tempting

[rnak92a]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[timw4mail]

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

[itlnstln]

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]

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]

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

[bigpook]

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]

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]

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

[AndrewZorn]

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.

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]

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]

ScrollbarAnywhere in Firefox. Uses the right mouse button.

[bigpook]

ScrollbarAnywhere in Firefox. Uses the right mouse button.

nice.

[bigpook]

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]

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

[rnak92a]

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:

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]

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]

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]

Received response from the seller:  items shipped.  

~rn

[AndrewZorn]

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]

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]

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]

that is a thing of beauty XD

[AndrewZorn]

wow that it hilarious

but to be fair
i am not yet a trackball user

[rnak92a]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[rnak92a]

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]

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

[rnak92a]

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.

Ripster:

Help me out with Marble Mouse:  it won't scroll left to right regardless of what I do...

~rn

[AndrewZorn]

wow, so this thing sounds awesome.  if i get more now, i lose on shipping.

SHOULD HAVE ORDERED 5 TO START WITH!

now just wondering if i will ever use more than 2 in my lifetime.

[bigpook]

generally speaking, isn't it better to effect changes via hardware then software.

Not to digress, but would the grammar police tell me if I used the correct effect/affect and then/than?

[msiegel]

come with me sir, your under errest

[rnak92a]

generally speaking, isn't it better to effect changes via hardware then software.

Not to digress, but would the grammar police tell me if I used the correct effect/affect and then/than?

affect with an a is a verb and effect with an e is a noun:

Affect with an a means "to influence," as in, "The arrows affected Ardvark," or "The rain affected Amy's hairdo."

Effect with an e has a lot of subtle meanings as a noun, but to me the meaning "a result" seems to be at the core of all the definitions. For example, you can say, "The effect was eye-popping," or "The sound effects were amazing," or "The rain had no effect on Amy's hairdo."

Just trying it now on my son/wife's computer and the original Trackball. Mine only has 8 DIP switches (earlier rev?) and I haven't gotten the new one yet.

Anyway, flipping DIP switches randomly I got 3 to turn on the upper right button as middle mouse and then using Marble Mouse Scroll Wheel I can scroll vertically in Adobe Lightroom fine. No joy with horizontal scrolling though - not sure why since I have some other random trackball where I remember it working. And yeah, it is a noisy little sucker. It's the stainless steel ball bearing rollers.

I'll wait until I get the new one to play with more.  I'm already taking my life in my hands messing with my wife's trackball.  God I hate DIP switches - this is what SW is for.

I re-installed Marble Mouse and it mysteriously works.  Beats the hell out of me.

As to the number of DIP switches and revisions of the DT225, maybe the FCC ID will help answer this question?  Mine, that has 12 DIP switches, is
HBZ3CY400-4XX.  Google yields few useful results, though.  

A friend came over and saw my DT225 and asked, where the hell did that come from, a nuclear bunker?!  She was more shocked that it has a dozen DIP switches and that it's opto-mechanical.  When I showed her the trackball world page and the eBay auction for this device, it was almost too much for her.  She has decided I'm off the deep end about input devices and keyboards, but wait until she gets a look at the CST2545-5W with the two external switches.  :bounce:

Thanks again for pointing out the Marble Mouse software, ripster.  It's a big help.

Cheers,
~rn

[AndrewZorn]

hardware switches are great, the only downside being that the feature set will not ever be expanded.

software, generally speaking, i hate... using software to make permanent changes to the device is a good in-between, as in, i only had to install setpoint ONCE to set up my G9.

[timw4mail]

hardware switches are great, the only downside being that the feature set will not ever be expanded.

software, generally speaking, i hate... using software to make permanent changes to the device is a good in-between, as in, i only had to install setpoint ONCE to set up my G9.

You mean firmware?

[AndrewZorn]

i was going to say that
but left it out
due to a recent discussion i had

and the fact that software is still needed to 'make' the change (which is a shame)

it doesnt have a screen so i cannot set its options independently
its not like motherboard BIOS (firmware!) either

i cannot think of a right way to do it
but 100% software "you need ________ installed to do this" is the wrong answer for sure

EDIT i mean, i guess i meant firmware, but then the problem becomes the means and practicality of settings/customization, not really just the updates.
i can change my hhkb around very quickly, without a computer, in the middle of a bootup to a different OS.
but with firmware, on a simple device with no real output, it is hard to not the main advantages of firmware.

[quadibloc]

generally speaking, isn't it better to effect changes via hardware then software.

Not to digress, but would the grammar police tell me if I used the correct effect/affect and then/than?

You were right with "effect".

By modifying the hardware, I effected a change in the keyboard's behavior.

The changes to the hardware affected how the keyboard behaved.

However, you were wrong with "then".

Changing the scan codes associated with keys on a keyboard by a hardware modification is guaranteed to work with every application, even games that talk directly to the hardware, and is thus more generally applicable than remapping keys with operating system facilities.

[ak_nala]

Affect can also be a noun - a Psych term for emotion or desire, especially when it influences action. Gauging the appropriateness of one's "affect" is usually an important part of a Psych eval.

[Rajagra]

You mean firmware?

No. The G9 can be configured with a number of profiles in the onboard memory. The profiles include the resolutions that can be selected, what the buttons do, and the colour of the LEDs. Once that is done you can go to any machine and use any profile by pressing a button underneath the mouse.

[nowsharing]

Oh Geekhack, the mighty corrupter. I avoided input device purchases for almost three months...so much for that record. This looked too cool to pass by.

[AndrewZorn]

wait, what?  not that i was planning on it, but i thought they were the "american standard" blah blah blah

i would have already bought 2 more if it wasnt for the regret of combining on shipping and getting 4 in the first place

[bigpook]

It came today nicely boxed. I hooked it up and was having issues with vertical scrolling. I shook the mouse and heard something rattle inside. : (
I opened it up and noticed one of the metal wheels was lying there. I had to look at a picture( I think ripster posted it) to see where exactly it went. It was easy to put back into place and all is well.

I am running linux so ymmv. There are 12 dip switches on the bottom and the best I can do is get bottom left = 1, bottom right =3, and both top buttons = 2.

I don't think I am able to change that. Ideally, I would emulate what I have on the kensington expert where the top buttons =2 and 8. Maybe I need to play with it more.

The metal rollers that the ball rests on are excellent. They seem overbuilt and will last a good long time. That is in sharp contrast to the older opto-mechanical mice I have from kensington where they use a rubber wheel on a thin metal rod.

Whle not as smooth as the kensington it is smooth enough. Any linux users here using this mouse let me know if you had luck remapping the top buttons.

[bigpook]

Admit it.  Your wife thinks trackballs are weird.

trust me. she doesn't even notice whats on my desk anymore.

[J888www]

Tried to purchase one, after a disappointing e-bid on a Model M Space Saver (Some people has more cash than sense). After inquiry, seller replied that no International Shipping availability. Problem is that I cannot afford to move to the US ( probably won't let me enter at any case). I noticed that someone suggested using a "Forwarding Company for a small fee", can anyone  post a link. I'm trying to purchase my FIRST input device that maybe considered to be NOT RUBBISH.
 Regards.

[itlnstln]

So what is the Marble Mouse Scroll Wheel program supposed to do?  I installed it, and got the upper right button to be a "back" button for browsing, and I told the software to use this as the scroll button.  When I press and hold the upper right button and try to scroll around using the ball, nothing happens.  Am I doing something wrong?

[AndrewZorn]

Mine arrived back in the US.  "Two boxes, taped together"... is this how everyone else's was?  Sounds like the retail box, not a shipping box... I'm sure it's fine and all, but still worried.

Should have bought about 5.  I can still (or can I?) order 3 more but I would have got that ever-so-important COMBINED SHIPPING............................................

[itlnstln]

Mine came in a plain, white box.  It looks like it might be the retail packaging.  It was well-padded and in perfect condition.

[itlnstln]

I have my DT225 setup just like rnak92a's here.  Attached is a screenshot of my Marble Mouse setup.

[itlnstln]

While I am trying to figure out this whole scrolling thing, I will say, that as a non-trackball user, this is very nice.  It would be perfect if I could do a couple of things:
 
-Use the top two buttons as "forward" and, more importantly, "back" buttons (I already have "back" functionality)
 
-Get some sort of scroll wheel functionality working - I do a lot of spreadsheet work and, therefore, a lot of scrolling
 
Other than that, this trackball is great.  Thanks, Andrew, for finding this deal.

[itlnstln]

Have you verified top right is working as Middle Button. Is SetPoint installed? Any Spotted **** crumbs on the Button?

-Yes
 
-No, should I?  I assumed from the Marble Mouse page I didn't need it, but I'll try it.
 
-I don't have sex with my peripherals.  You have me confused with Welly.

[itlnstln]

I've tried rebooting.  It might be that I am misunderstanding the purpose of this software.  I was assuming that I would be able to hold the "middle" button down and scroll with the trackball, and if I were to normally click the "middle" button, it would have "back" functionality.  What I can do, is set the middle button to act like when you click a scroll wheel where the little scrolling arrows come up, and I can then scroll by using trackball, which is OK, but then I lose my "back" functionality (which isn't).  If this is how it's supposed to work, then that's OK, and I'll just have to find another way to get a "back" button.

[itlnstln]

I tried in Excel to no avail.  The arrow stops moving, but the page doesn't scroll.  I'll keep trying different things and see what I come up with.  I wonder, too, if there is a problem with me using XP x64.  Thanks for your help, ripster.

[itlnstln]

Actually, it does work just not in IE8 or Office 2007.  That sucks.  I need to see if there might be another solution.

[timw4mail]

Actually, it does work just not in IE8 or Office 2007.  That sucks.  I need to see if there might be another solution.

I'd laugh so hard if it worked in Firefox, and OpenOffice.

[itlnstln]

Right.  Because handling scroll wheel commands differently in different programs is somehow bad programming, and because a hack doesn't work is obviously the fault of the object software you are trying to hack.  That's downright side-splitting.
 
Obvious troll is obvious.

[AndrewZorn]

unless...

the software solutions you have discussed do not follow common standards that others have agreed to...

couldnt resist

[itlnstln]

unless...
 
the software solutions you have discussed do not follow common standards that others have agreed to...
 
couldnt resist

I think they do.  Scroll wheels work great in IE8 and Office 2007.

[Rajagra]

unless...

the software solutions you have discussed do not follow common standards that others have agreed to...

couldnt resist

Is there even a proper standard for sideways scrolling? You would think it would be easy to define, yet they haven't done it.

Anyhow, Marble Mouse Scroll Wheel only messes up badly in IE for me.
Works in FF, Chrome, Open Office, basically anywhere a scroll wheel normally works except IE.

[AndrewZorn]

I think they do.  Scroll wheels work great in IE8 and Office 2007.

yeah, if you're using an explorer mouse, maybe...

[itlnstln]

yeah, if you're using an explorer mouse, maybe...

It works fine on a Logitech, Generic Dell mouse and some GE mouse I have here at my desk, too.

[itlnstln]

I actually had to put away the trackball for awhile.  I was causing me wrist pain.  I might use it some more tomorrow.  I guess it might be that I have used mice for so long, I am not used to the position and movement needed for trackball use.

[itlnstln]

Why don't Model F springs work in a Filco Tenkeyless with worn keys, special edition switches, and Linux keys?  It's probably because it would create transposition errors.  At any rate, the person who can figure it out deserves the Nobel Peace Prize.

[maxlugar]

Trolls can cause pain. Next time just say:

Wingardium Leviosa

Show Image

Anybody want to talk about Windows Keys, Model F Foam, HHKB2 DIP Switches, or the Nobel Peace Prize?

Is that a red neck troll or a European troll?

[itlnstln]

Must be European.  It's not overweight enough to be redneck.

[maxlugar]

Must be European.  It's not overweight enough to be redneck.

I was looking to see if he was carrying a bayonet or a sawed-off shotgun...that's a sure way to tell.

[itlnstln]

Well, I could be wrong.  It is wearing a sleeveless, flannel shirt.  It might be using Meth, which would explain the lack of weight.  Hmm.  Maybe it is a redneck troll.

[timw4mail]

I wanted to buy one of these, but apparently the last nine were bought today.

[AndrewZorn]

well, i guess that solves my indecision of buying more.

should have simply hoarded them for value alone.
i dont see these being $10 normally in the foreseeable future.

EDIT and 6 switches is all you need.

[timw4mail]

well, i guess that solves my indecision of buying more.

should have simply hoarded them for value alone.
i dont see these being $10 normally in the foreseeable future.

EDIT and 6 switches is all you need.

I hate hoarding. Especially when it comes to opportunities like this, as it makes it a lot more difficult for the people who just want one, to get one.

[AndrewZorn]

I hate hoarding. Especially when it comes to opportunities like this, as it makes it a lot more difficult for the people who just want one, to get one.

morally, yes.  but often it is hard to resist something like this.  i think i have only ever bought about 3 of something when i consider myself 'grabbing' at them...

[Hak Foo]

Mine just arrived.  I set it for 3-button mode, left-handed, double-speed rolling.

However, I'm noticing Opera lets you middle click and convert mouse motion to scrolling. Don't care for it with the mouse, like it with the DT225.

[rnak92a]

Mine just arrived.  I set it for 3-button mode, left-handed, double-speed rolling.

However, I'm noticing Opera lets you middle click and convert mouse motion to scrolling. Don't care for it with the mouse, like it with the DT225.

Hak,

It's a beast of a trackball, isn't it?  I agree with ripster's assessment that it's the Model M of trackballs.

Cheers,
~rn

[Hak Foo]

Yeah.  It feels like the only appropriate keyboard to be sitting beside it is the '87 1391401.  The cute little black Solidtek doesn't belong next to it.

[rdh]

Mine arrived back in the US.  "Two boxes, taped together"... is this how everyone else's was?

That's how mine arrived.

Mine came in a plain, white box.  It looks like it might be the retail packaging.  It was well-padded and in perfect condition.

The boxes were in perfect shape, but the trackballs weren't.
I had to open up one of them and reseat two of the three metal shafts.
The buttons on the other one work but the ball itself does not.
Good thing I bought two...

Interestingly, they have completely different circuit boards inside.

[Hak Foo]

Mine, I notice, seems a little slower than I'd like, even though it's not miles slower than the Logitech G5 on the other side of the keyboard.

The conclusion "Model M of trackballs" seems clever considering the case shape is very similar to the key area of these boards-- or maybe an AT101W is closer.

[rdh]

It's about 800 DPI.  Or whatever scale they use for trackballs (CST called it Counts Per Inch).  To cover a 1920x1200 screen I have to roll the ball sideways about 170 degrees of rotation.  The CST doubles that at it's highest setting (about 90 degrees to cover the screen).  A little slow but I guess you could play with acceleration and the OS a bit.

When I was looking inside mine, I noticed the holes in the encoding disks (the black plastic disks attached to the vertical and horizontal shafts) seemed to be relatively widely spaced.

It might be possible to speed up the trackball by replacing those with more densely-slotted ones from an old mouse.

I'd provide pictures but I can't remember where I left my ancient serial mouse...

[J888www]

Sold out last night, this time failed again because of International Shipping (seller won't ship to UK), time taking to set-up with forwarding company took toooooooo loooooooong. Seems difficult to spent cash nowadays without hindrances or other obstacles. When I was living in Hong Kong, things get completed within a matter of Hours, not days or Weeks, its like nothing is impossible in "Moneyland".


Ripster, nothing too personal, but may I have your personal preferences in regard to Trackballs. Also any other Trackballs which enables customizing with a Pool Ball ?

[rdh]

It might be possible to speed up the trackball by replacing those with more densely-slotted ones from an old mouse.

Didn't find the serial mouse, but I found a ADB mouse I didn't care about.

The disks in the trackball have 19 holes, the ones in the mouse have 40 or so slots.

The more I look at it, the less practical the idea looks.  There're lots of geometric details that probably would make the task fiddly; I doubt it's worth the trouble.

[AndrewZorn]

170 degrees for 1920 pixels is pretty good.  since i wont be using it primarily this sounds actually about right.

the thing is... do the DIP switches actually increase sensitivity, or interpolate (as increasing software sensitivity does)?  it will be hard to test, many people don't know or care, but a DIP switch to interpolate really isn't that handy.

ripster has a thread somewhere about steel balls and a bunch of mice different sizes work in.

and of COURSE the HHKB is equipped with instantaneous instruction.  goes perfectly with the ability to program it anywhere... with no additional equipment.   making it better than your silly "software"...

[chuckading]

Anyone tried plugging this trackball into a PS/2 to USB converter and then into an apple computer?

I would like to use this in OSX and was curious if anyone has attempted yet.  

Thanks

[rdh]

Anyone tried plugging this trackball into a PS/2 to USB converter and then into an apple computer?

Works for me.

[chuckading]

Yeah, I'm aware they are sold out and glad that I ordered two when I could.  I am really curious about getting the trackball to scroll in OSX.  I have bought a ps2/usb adapter and installed the software recommended on this forum for Windows.  But for OSX, I do not see any available options in the system preferences to program a button to enable scrolling.  

Rdh, can you scroll?

If not... I have noticed some software available from Logitech and Macally for trackballs.  Any wild chance either of those would work?

My package of two won't be delivered until Monday, and this question has bugged me ever since this thread started.

Thanks a bunch

[rdh]

Rdh, can you scroll?

I installed the "Scrollbar Anywhere" Firefox plugin, but aside from that, I haven't tried very hard to locate suitable software.

[Hak Foo]

Been using the Marble Mouse Scroll utility mentioned here; works in Opera, not IE8.

[chuckading]

Thanks Rdh, I'll definitely install that for firefox, but I almost exclusively use safari and I hope to find a way to scroll there.  I guess I'll have to give firefox a go more often.

I may install the software from logitech and macally just to see if it works. I know it's probably like a one in a hundred chance, but I'd rather know for sure what my options are with this trackball.

Thanks again Rdh

[chuckading]

Been using the Marble Mouse Scroll utility mentioned here; works in Opera, not IE8.

Yeah, I have installed "Marble Mouse Scroll" on my XP machine, but my concern is getting scroll to work in apple's OSX, 10.6.1 (10.6.2 around the corner).  I don't need horizontal scrolling, but it'd be nice to vertically scroll in safari, mail, and iTunes (over 7000 songs).

[rdh]

I may install the software from logitech and macally just to see if it works. I know it's probably like a one in a hundred chance, but I'd rather know for sure what my options are with this trackball.

I did a little Googling and one thing you might check out is Smart Scroll.  It does a bunch of scroll-related things, and it might suit your needs.   It's $19, but has a free trial.

Let us know if the Logitech or Macally software does the trick for you.  :-)

[texteur]

I did a little Googling and one thing you might check out is Smart Scroll.  It does a bunch of scroll-related things, and it might suit your needs.   It's $19, but has a free trial.

Because of you, rdh, I've spent $19 for a... quite nice app!

Your message wasn't meant for me but y'know, threads...

Thanks!

[chuckading]

I did a little Googling and one thing you might check out is Smart Scroll. )

Wow oh wow, this application is handy.  I installed and I'm during "evaluation" of the software, but so far this application is really handy for the trackball or mouse.

The Hover Scroll feature is the only thing I've experimented with and I find it perfect with only one flaw.

In Hover Scroll, you can create specific settings for as many individual applications as you want, or apply settings to all applications, as well as have settings for both, individual settings, and then a setting for all those w/o an individual setting. Hope that's not too confusing...

The Hover scroll WORKS both horizontally and vertically in Finder, Preview, Safari, Mail, iWeb, iChat, iPhoto, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, Address Book, and CandyBar.

The Hover scroll feature does NOT WORK with iTunes, iCal (weekly mode), Logic Express 8, Microsoft Office 08, and MSN Messenger.

In Safari, the hover scroll function works in smaller text boxes inlayed in the page like the one I'm typing this reply. In Preview, while viewing a picture larger than the window, both vertical and horizontal hover zones pick up and allow for diagonal scrolling.

Not being able to scroll in iTunes and the Microsoft Office suite is a negative.  I would imagine this can be updated though by the developers of Smart Scroll. I really need it in iTunes.  Even if I type "Rolling Stones" in my search box, I yield 20 LP/EPs... or 197 songs.  I'll need scroll in iTunes to make this a big winner.  I'm on the fence of wether or not I'll be spending the 19 bucks to register this software.

Thanks again Rdh for your OSX help

[FourOhFour]

KeyRemap4MacBook can enable scrolling while holding down the fn key or right, middle, or fourth click. If you don't have an fn key, it can also map a whole selection of keys on the keyboard to fn.

The interface is... meh. But the price is right.