CHALLENGE: Modding a trackball?

[Schadenfreude]

So yes, I use a trackball. I must be one of the 3 in the world that uses one; anyhow, I'm not here to really debate whether I "should" use one or not, that's irrelevant.

What I'm interested in, however, is modifying the trackball I have now; the Trackman Marble - it's almost perfect - it has 4 buttons, is comfortable on the hands, responsive and has been working flawlessly for the last 5 years I've had it.

But there's one fatal flaw for this trackball; no mouse wheel.

I mean, what kind of wacko designer doesn't include a scroll-wheel with a mouse nowadays, right? Apparently trackballers don't get the same luxury.

To add insult to injury, trackballs are definitely a dying breed; it's not like I can just throw this one out and get another one that would fit what I'm looking for (like with computer mouse) - I defy you to find a trackball that's not thumb-controlled, ergonomic and has a mouse-wheel (anyways, I have this one already anyways, so . . ..).

So it comes down to this; I WANT TO ADD A SCROLLWHEEL TO THE TRACKBALL. Question is, how do I even get started on doing this?

Red box is (approximately) where I want to add the wheel. Taking apart the mouse, it looks fairly straightforward;

Question is, could I add just the mousewheel to this? If this helps any, the button layout on the trackball goes like:

- Button 1
- Button 2
- Button 4
- Button 5

Meaning that button3/the middle mouse button is not listed.

Or would I have to gut anther pointing device for this project? I have an MX310 mouse ready for sacrifice; or this is the very last drastic option, gut another trackball to fit (I like using the ball with my pointing finger, not my thumb).

Any ideas/suggestions to read up on how to do this? Or is this a lost cause?

 

[The Keeper]

No clue whether it's doable or not, but why not get a trackball that has mousewheel? Such as http://www.logitech.com/en-roeu/mice-pointers/trackballs/devices/7365
I use that and it's great.

 

[Rainey]

I think there is a way to do it. You would have to get a custom program to make it where u can make your mouse buttons do whatever you want and you could set button 2 or 4 or w/e you prefer to do like a Little Trackball in a lenovo and when you click the center mouse button on the laptop, it lets you scroll. Yes I said laptop so Idk how far into you expect to look so yeah...lol

 

[Blain]

Question is, could I add just the mousewheel to this?

Of course you can, it will physically fit.
A Dremel and a hot glue gun.

 

[Exterous]

No clue whether it's doable or not, but why not get a trackball that has mousewheel? Such as http://www.logitech.com/en-roeu/mice-pointers/trackballs/devices/7365
I use that and it's great.

Hey - thats my mouse too! We're mouse buddies! Want to hang out? We can swap stories about how we laugh when people try to use our mouse

I never did understand why they got rid of the wired version. Not like the wire is moving around much....

Anyway - I was curious why the OP doesn't like thumb controlled. Its no big deal but I tried both and much preferred the thumb controlled

 

[Blain]

I wish I had a mouse buddy to hang out with. :'(

 

[Rainey]

what mouse u use

 

[Blain]

Logitech Mouseman Dual Optical

 

[Schadenfreude]

No clue whether it's doable or not, but why not get a trackball that has mousewheel? Such as http://www.logitech.com/en-roeu/mice-pointers/trackballs/devices/7365
I use that and it's great.

Much like how you prefer the thumb control, I just plain prefer the other; I tried using the wired version years ago, I could not get used to it regardless of how much I tried - I just don't have the thumb dexterity I suppose.

Of course you can, it will physically fit.
A Dremel and a hot glue gun.

Har har; how about so that it works?

 

[brunof]

Yes, this is also my "perfect mouse" and yes, only the scroll wheel is missing! I have used this one:
http://www.logitech.com/en-roeu/399/4751?selectedcrid=399&selectedcid=4751&osid=&bit=
for a while, but the batteries die too fast and the left button is placed unfortunately (only right handed).
My solution for now is to place a second "normal" mouse with a scroll wheel right next to the marble.
Has somebody connections to Logitech? I would like to have the wheel placed right behind the ball at the top of the device