psurge@cs.utexas.edu (Troy Carpenter) (12/08/89)
On November 27, 1989, Bruce Blaner gave instructions for changing the 2600
trackball to a mouse on the ST.
Here is an update to that modification:
I assume he was refering to the CX22 trackball, which I just modified using
his instructions. However, it was noted that only the left button would
be usable with the trackball. What follows is a description on how to
modify the right button on the trackball to be the right mouse button.
First, cut the RED wire that leads from the left button to the right. if
you notice, both buttons are connected through a black and a red wire,
cut only the red one and cut it close to the left button.
Lead that wire out the back of the trackball and
close the case, we are now through with the internal modifications.
Now you must cut open the connector on the other end, being carful not to
cut any of the wires. Inside you should find a plastic block with all
the wires running in. You will be inserting the wire (you will need to
extend it) into hole number nine. Looking at the CONNECTOR, not the port,
the holes are as follows:
-------------
\ 5 4 3 2 1 /
\ 9 8 7 6 /
---------
There might be some kind of plastic plug going into that hole. BE CAREFUL,
don't pull out any of the other wires, you might not be able to put them
back in! If in doubt, look in any reference manual such as ST Internals.
Remember to check if you are look at the PORT or the CONNECTOR. You want
to get the wire to hook to the PORTS pin 9.
Now when you have room, shove your wire (with bare end, of course!) as
far as it will go into that hole. Tape everything back up with electrical
tape as tight as you can, then tape the extra wire along the cord back to
the trackball unit to keep it from being pulled out. Plug in your trackball
and see if the right button will now work (Interlink uses the right button
extensively, but from the desktop you use it to access something in a window
other than the active window.)
Normal disclaimers apply, I did this mod in 5 minutes after I modified my
trackball, so it really isn't that hard, just be sure not to force any wires
out of the jack when cutting it open. Please don't blame me if you screw up
your connector, Use this mod at your own risk.
Feel free to write if you have any questions about this mod. I thank
Bruce Blanar for his original description on modifying the trackball, it makes
an excellent "remote" mouse. Now you can use those program which require the
right button also.
Troy Carpenter
Computer Sciences
THE University of Texas, Austin
psurge@cs.utexas.edu