14 Jul
2001
14 Jul
'01
9:51 a.m.
--- Tony Duell <ard(a)p850ug1.demon.co.uk> wrote:
True.
The advantage
of the ancient mice is that the quadrature encoder is
mechanical, not optical, and a discrete component. Much easier to
mount than a toothed plastic wheel molded onto a plastic shaft.
The disadvantage is that the mechanical encoders have a much shorter life
(the contacts wear out). Personally, if I was going to do a mod like this,
I'd probably start from
an old trackball mechanism. They're bigger, easier to work on, and a lot
more solid. Most trackballs have optical encoders, but the parts are
large enough to remount on a new chassis.
That is one way to do it. This mouse was $1. The shaft was strong enough
to screw a knob right to it. The "right" way is to have some gearing and
a flywheel for the right feel for Tempest or Arkanoid, but I did this in
an evening.
You can buy the right thing from places like Happ.
-ethan
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