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

[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.