How To Build An Open-Source 3D Printed Trackball... With No Buttons

How To Build An Open-Source 3D Printed Trackball... With No Buttons | Ploopy Nano DIY Build Guide

Рет қаралды 5,526

Күн бұрын

Github build guide at:
github.com/ploopyco/nano-trac...
Hi everyone!
Back again with another build guide.
I have to send a BIG thank you to Ploopy for sending me this kit to build, to help all the DIY builders out there to build their own Nano Trackballs.
Thank you all so much for being here - always happy to answer any questions or comments you might have, and looking forward to making some more videos!
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
00:29 - Step 1: Get the necessary tools
00:37 - Step 2: Remove support material
00:50 - Step 3: Solder ADNS-5050 Sensor to PCB
01:52 - Step 4: Remove the small kapton tab protecting the sensor
02:01 - Step 5: Place aluminum tape into base
02:15 - Step 6: Place PCB into base
02:39 - Step 7: Place ADNS-5050 sensor optic into top
02:52 - Step 8: Place bottom onto top
03:07 - Step 9: Screw top into base
03:13 - Step 10: Prepare bearing press jig
03:16 - Step 11: Insert roller bearing and roller bearing dowel into bearing press jig
03:27 - Step 12: Press the bearing press jig together
03:30 - Step 13: Remove bearing from bearing press jig and repeat
03:36 - Step 14: Insert roller bearings into top
03:52 - Step 15/16: Prepare and place friction pads on base
04:01 - Step 17/18/19: Make sure the ball isn't too shiny, and insert the ball
04:16 - Step 20: Verify that the Ploopy Nano Trackball is working correctly
04:28 - Outro
04:41 - Sound Test + Step 21: Spin the ball to break in the bearings

Пікірлер: 14

@astorvialaw4980 3 ай бұрын

This is adorable!

@beepbuildsathing 2 ай бұрын

Haha, yes! I agree. It's a super cute trackball, and really useful if you're in need of only a ball (like on a split keyboard)!

@marctoonz813 4 күн бұрын

Can we please see how smooth it is on a pc screen? i would like to use it for fps games. i have no use of hands so it would help me

@EMILE12345678901 28 күн бұрын

very cool and simple project but why doesnt it use a USB C connector? Also the addition of buttons for clicks would add a lot of value to it.

@daisywong-ke1kz 4 ай бұрын

Great work man, NEVER stop this!! BTW, we'd like to offer you some boards if you need them in the upcoming content. (PCBWay Daisy)

@beepbuildsathing 3 ай бұрын

Hey Daisy, thanks so much! I'll look into some projects I can create PCBs for and reach out to you when I've got a chunk of time between videos :)

@Aguyinachair 4 ай бұрын

Unbelievably awesome project! Is there a chance of adding a click? The design looks futuristic yet retro. Hard not to love, especially considering how compact it is.

@NFSSAM 4 ай бұрын

Indeed, the lack of click is a bit of a deal breaker.

@fiskfisk33 4 ай бұрын

@@NFSSAMThere are ones with buttons available too, on their website and on their github.

@beepbuildsathing 4 ай бұрын

Hi! The purpose of this mouse is actually geared towards going next to/in between your keyboard (ideally one with QMK) so you can program the mouse buttons as keyboard presses. I use it either alongside my BastardKB Scylla (split ergo keyboard) or on top of my Svalboard (integrated directly on it) and it works wonderfully! I'll be releasing a video soon of a more compact trackball that has 5 buttons (called Ploopy Mini Trackball), so stay tuned for that. I agree that it seems nice to have extra buttons on this mouse, but to do that would involve a larger footprint, and make this much less compact.

@beepbuildsathing 4 ай бұрын

@@NFSSAMHi! The purpose of this mouse is actually geared towards going next to/in between your keyboard (ideally one with QMK) so you can program the mouse buttons as keyboard presses. I use it either alongside my BastardKB Scylla (split ergo keyboard) or on top of my Svalboard (integrated directly on it) and it works wonderfully! I'll be releasing a video soon of a more compact trackball that has 5 buttons (called Ploopy Mini Trackball), so stay tuned for that. I agree that it seems nice to have extra buttons on this mouse, but to do that would involve a larger footprint, and make this much less compact.

@Aguyinachair 4 ай бұрын

@beepbuildsathing I figured something like that was the reason. And It's perfectly sound reasoning. However, I just find this form factor hugely more attractive than a Ploopy Adept If there were instructions on how to wire up your own momentary switch to the board I could modify the chassis and be on my way. As it is now, it looks like my only option is to create an entire new chassis for an Adept track ball print-it-yourself kit. Not unfeasible, but a higher hurdle to jump over. Thank you for taking the time to read and reply to my comment