spaceballs...

[g]

On 07/05/2011 09:01 PM, DJ Delorie wrote:
> Is there a standard for how multi-axis trackballs (spaceballs)
> interact with X?  Are they common enough to "just work" now or is it
> the usual proprietary-hardware-nightmare still?

axis are 'x' and 'y'. no 'z', or other direction.

> The common trackball seems to have the ball, some scrollwheel
> replacement and a bunch of buttons and portions of angle.  It would be nice to be able to
> *rotate* the ball, or push it in various directions, etc.  But only if
> there's a sane mapping to X events.

*roll* would be a better description than 'rotate'.

with 'optical' trackballs, you will note that they are of two colors,
most being red with black dots.

there are ir leds emitting at surface of balls and ir detectors receiving
reflections from ball surface.

the arrangement of leds and detectors are such that, when track ball is
rolled, the movement can be determined and passed to circuitry that can
determine 'x' - 'y' movement.

output from this circuitry is _pure_ 'x' - 'y' and ratio determines amount
of angular movement, same as with a standard mouse.

i have been using a Logitech TrackMan Marble m/n T-CH11, 3 button thumb
marble, with ps/2 connector, that i purchased about 6 months after they
where first released.

from day one of use, i have never had a problem using it and have noted
that it has always been listed as a "PS/2 Logitech Mouse".

from which i can conclude that there is nothing really special in signal
output or the drivers used.

even when X used a config file for keyboard, monitor, video card, mouse,
etc, there has never been anything special in configuration.

so, long story short, if you want a trackball mouse, i recommend that you
get a Logitech 'thumb marble' mouse.

you should have no problems using it and linux will see it and install the
proper driver.

advantages that i have found with my 'space ball' is that it is convent,
comfortable, fast, easy to use, and i can still have a messy desktop.

i do recommend that you get a small stiff bristle brush to keep the 3
'bearing points' clean because they will build up with dust and slow down
ball movement.

hth.
-- 

peace out.

tc.hago,

g
.

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