Track Ball problem

[Bonnie]

Hi everyone,

As you can see from my profile I still have an old AVIO with Smart Edit 3.6d. I also have an old track ball that is slipping like crazy. I've taken it apart and cleaned the ball and the contact points. It helped minimally for a few spins. So, my question(s):

-is there somethng I can do to make this one work
-do I need a new one (where can I obtain one)
-is there some other item that could take the place of the track ball

It is taking forever to get anything done due to the lack of functioning of the track ball. If there is another item that would work- with my current system - I would appreciate the information.

Thanks
Bonnie

[HansJoachimKoenig]

Hi Bonnie,

don't know which connectors your old trackball has.
If you have a PC mouse with same connectors try that one
on your unit.

[DerekLegg]

Hi Bonnie,
If it's an old trackball with rubber sleeves on the operating spindles the problem could be that the sleeves are turning independently of the spindles. This happened to me a long while ago and I put a spot of glue to secure the spindles and it cured the problem.

[DerekLegg]

Bonnie a correction I should have said a spot of glue to secure the sleeves to the spindles.

[MichaelD]

If your trackball has a smallish red ball and round (often green or blue) plug this connection is the same as older PC's had so a replacement mouse or trackball should be relatively easy to find.

If it's a Fellowes make (large grey (or gray)) trackball then it's probably not worth saving anyway - not the best design in the world.

You should also have two USB ports on the back of the Avio and so you could use a normal USB mouse or trackball in either of those too.

Some of the Casablanca's came with an adapter (definitely a bright green) that converted a USB to the round pin type.
If your's has this you can pull it off and use it on a new USB device to leave the two USB sockets on the Avio free for keyboard and card reader - if you have those.

[Bonnie]

HI,

Thanks, MichaelD, You're right, I have a fellows and it is a poor design.

Is a trackball or mouse better for replacement? Any benefit one over the other regarding functionality?

Thanks,
Bonnie

[MichaelD]

I have trackballs on all my computers and editors, I prefer them.

Some people don't like them and use a mouse instead.

The only difference is that a mouse needs more space to operate other than that it's personnel choice.

(If you have a mouse on your PC try that and see what you think).

[Bonnie]

Hi,

Tried the mouse. It was okay until it came to triming a clip. Without the trackball I couldn't figure out how to move the trim line to change the length of the clip. I have a keyboard, but only moves one frame at a time using the arrow keys. Am I missing a function of the mouse? The mouse has two keys and a wheel.

I checked Best Buy on-line for trackballs. They talk about using with Windows XP or VIsta. Will any trackball work?

Thanks,
Bonnie

[TimKennelly]

Any USB trackball should work Bonnie.

Don't get a real fancy one as the Avio will not be able to take advantage of extra features beyond the ones you have been using.

[Martyn]

I would recommend the Logitech Marble Mouse as supplied with all Casablancas. Smooth to use and very reliable. The ball operates optically so no rollers to break and so far the only problems we have had is one where the cable was chewed by a dog and another where someone dropped and chipped the ball. (the balls are not secured in place). The newer ones have two extra buttons which are used for some functions in later versions of the o/s.

Martyn
Dalco uk