MT4 and MT6 Trackballs

Trackballs are ideal for applications that require the precise positioning of a cursor on a display screen. Daco trackballs are extremely robust and are designed to provide an exceptionally smooth, free and linear action.

We have designed our trackballs to deliver the highest performance under the most difficult conditions. In many trackballs the encoder shafts used to sense rotation are also used to support the ball. This design leaves the device vulnerable to damage because any shock applied to the ball is transmitted to the encoders.

The use of inflexible suspension points means that, if the trackball is mounted at an angle or is subjected to vibration, the contact between ball and encoder can be broken, thereby stopping meaningful electrical output. And as the ball can never rotate in the direction of both encoder shafts simultaneously, there is a bias in the ball’s rotation that prevents it from operating smoothly.

Daco trackballs feature separate support and encoder shafts, optimising function and usability.

Ball rotation is sensed by two high-quality optical encoders that, in our modular designs, contact the ball via a soft polyurethane foam roller chosen for its resistance to compression set, flame and corrosion. The foam’s flexibility allows it to “ride over” any small particulate contamination, which can cause jamming on other trackball encoders. This also ensures that contact between the ball and the encoders is maintained even if the trackball is mounted at an angle or is subjected to heavy vibration.

We have engineered the encoders specifically for demanding applications. They have very low friction and inertia, which means there is minimum effect on the “feel” of the trackball’s operation.

The ball itself is supported by six stainless steel ball bearings – within a polymer bearing – that are free to rotate in any direction. This means that there is never a bias in the direction of operation. Any excessive force applied to the ball is transmitted through the lower polymer bearing into the robust housing holding it, thereby avoiding damage to the encoders.

The result is a highly-reliable and cost-effective design.

 

Electrical

Excitation Voltage: 5 ± 0.5 VDC
Current: 150 mA + output current
Output voltage, per encoder TTL compatible true square wave on output A (Yellow) and B (Orange)
High: 2.7V min.
Low: 0.8V max.
Output current, per encoder 18 mA max sink; Fan out of 10 TTL
Insulation, per encoder >10M ohms at 500V
Direction sensing +X: XB leads XA by 90 ± 30°
+Y: YA leads YB by 90 ± 30°
Typical Resolution 1.5 inch ball: 150 pulses per ball revolution
2.0 inch ball: 200 pulses per ball revolution
2.5 inch ball: 250 pulses per ball revolution
3.0 inch ball: 300 pulses per ball revolution

Mechanical

Storage Temperature MT4 Series: -60°C to +90°C
MT6 Series: -10°C to +55°C
Operating Temperature MT4 Series: -40°C to +70°C
MT6 Series: 0°C to +50°C
Humidity MT4 Series: Up to 100% non-condensing
MT6 Series: Up to 95% non-condensing
MTBF >Trackball only: 100,000 hours - 2 million ball revolutions
Assumes a level of routine maintenance

Daco's modular trackballs are available in two versions – the MT4 and the MT6. The MT4 is higher specification and is therefore the more popular choice for more demanding environments. The MT6 is commonly used for less extreme applications.

Electronic Options

Both Series Feature MT4 Trackballs also feature
High Reliability Anodised main structure to give extra corrosion resistance
Very Smooth action Fully floating drip seal
Quiet operation High-temperature components on interface circuit boards
Extreme Robustness Operating temperature range extended to -40°C to +70°C
Low start-up and operating force Aluminium top flange to reduce products of combustion
Operating force unaffected by direction of rotation Warranty extensions to three years
Operation at any angle of mounting Wire with dual-wall insulation combining radiated polyalkene and radiated polyvinylidene fluoride – this wire has low toxicity products of combustion and meets a wide range of specifications including MIL W 81004 and DEF STAN 61-12 part 18
Operation even under heavy vibration
Ball - and hence cursor - direction remains linear even when spun to make large movements (does not exhibit a curving response)
Minimum two year warranty
Engineered under an ISO 9001/ AS9100 approved quality system

Each trackball model features a range of options including different ball sizes, control buttons and interfaces, contact us for a configuration that suits your requirement

 

Modular Options Available

Trackball Series
MT4
MT6
Ball Size
1.5 Inches
2.0 Inches
3.0 Inches
Ball Colour
Black
Yellow
Mounting Detail
Plate with 0 switches
Plate with 1 switch
Plate with 2 switches
Plate with 3 switches
Plate with 1 ergo switch
Plate with 2 ergo switches
Plate with 3 ergo switches
No plate, threaded holes in flange
No plate, through holes in flange
Interface
None (flying leads)
None (9 way D connector)*
RS232 (Mouse Systems)
Sun
RS422 (Mouse Systems)
RS232 (Microsoft)**
PS2
USB

*The 9-way D connector is mounted in place of an interface circuit board

**The RS232 (Microsoft) Interface can only encode 2 switches

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