Trackball

[HeroXLazer]

Can I implement a Trackball into a hand wired build? It will be split and each will have a separate controller and have two USB cables going to the computer. I don't want to use something like a disassemble Logitech trackball. I want to go fully custom. Is it possible, and if it is, how would i do it?

[AKmalamute]

Software wise, I saw some folks build their own full-size custom trackball. And the major forms of keyboard controller have mouse commands now, so if you have the hardware it would seem the only other constraint would be dedicated I/O lines on your uC.

Unfortunately I can't offer more help than that, except to say there have been keyboards with builtin pointers, so it shouldn't really be that hard, aside from the physical space & construction skill needed.

[kurplop]

Can I implement a Trackball into a hand wired build?

Yes. Depending on your skill and desire, you can make just about anything.

It will be split and each will have a separate controller and have two USB cables going to the computer.

Why not combine them with a hub and only have one cable go to the computer? That's what I did on most of my trackball/keyboard builds.

I don't want to use something like a disassemble Logitech trackball. I want to go fully custom. Is it possible, and if it is, how would i do it?

Is there a reason why you don't want to implement an existing commercial trackball? It would be a lot easier than starting from scratch.

[Tye]

I'm not sure exactly how you define "fully custom" but what about something like this Blackberry trackball breakout: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13169
I suspect this is similar to what the Ultimate Hacking Keyboard uses as one of its add-ons.

[HeroXLazer]

Can I implement a Trackball into a hand wired build?

Yes. Depending on your skill and desire, you can make just about anything.

It will be split and each will have a separate controller and have two USB cables going to the computer.

Good point and it was going to be a split keyboard with a hub in the one with the trackball.
Why not combine them with a hub and only have one cable go to the computer? That's what I did on most of my trackball/keyboard builds.

I don't want to use something like a disassemble Logitech trackball. I want to go fully custom. Is it possible, and if it is, how would i do it?

Is there a reason why you don't want to implement an existing commercial trackball? It would be a lot easier than starting from scratch.