Do I need an OptiPac?


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Posted by Tony C on 21, 2001 at 7:26 PM:

All right before I embark on my quest to build a cabinet, I'm going to start small by building a controller to hookup to my PC. I am going to go the Sidewinder connection route.

My controller is going to have an 8-way stick, some Happ buttons, an Oscar spinner, and probably a Happ 3" trackball. However, I want to plan my purchases so that I can reuse all the controls when I build my cabinet.

So I have a few questions...

1. Do I need an OptiPac? The Oscar Spinner has a USB interface. If I go with a Happ trackball (where I'm leaning) I could also get a USB interface for that. With 2 USB ports, what's the need for the OptiPac? Does the OptiPac give me anything special that I should consider buying it? I don't plan on adding any more spinners or trackballs to my cabinet when I build it.

2. I haven't seen a lot about the various trackballs on these forums or elsewhere... I'm a little confused about the various Happ models. I saw one project which used the model #56-5500, but the page is odd because it says in the description BOTH "2 1/4 inch diameter ball" and "3 inch diameter ball." Well which is it? I also saw a project which used the #56-0100 series. Here are the two pages for comparison:

http://www.happcontrols.com/trackballs/565500xx.htm

http://www.happcontrols.com/trackballs/560100xx.htm

So is the 5500 model 3" or 2 1/4"? Can anyone comment on their experiences with either of these trackballs?

Thanks in advance for any help.
-Tony


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