Learn how a Rolee
Polee trackball was designed and functions. It is really amazing
that they could pack so much electronics inside such a tiny package.
How does a trackball work?
This is the top side of the Rolee Polee trackball assembly. Here you
can see the trackball rollers and stabilizers. I have to admit the
new 2009 trackball rollers look just like little marshmallows. The
older model Rolee Polees had black colored trackball rollers.
Here's a nice close up shot of the marshmallow. I mean trackball
roller.
When I say "Chopper Wheel" I'm not talking about an exotic
motorcycle. No, I'm talking about a slotted chopper wheel which is
positioned right in between an optical sensor. The chopper wheel
"chops up" the light in optical sensor. Notice that the new 2009
Rolee Polee has a chopper wheel with more cogs. This gives it better
resolution.
Above is a photo of an old style "chopper wheel". I guess you could
call it "old school".
Here is a close up of the new 2009 slotted chopper wheel. This gives
the new Rolee Polee more resolution.
Here is a photo of the optical sensor. See that notch in the sensor?
That's where the chopper wheel is positioned right in that notch.
Here's the bottom side of the trackball assembly. Notice the
marshmallows... I mean white trackball rollers.
You are looking head on at the back of the Trigger Switch. You can
also see the micro switch in the background. This micro switch sits
directly behind the trigger button. It clicks every time you click.
What is it? It's a trigger button assembly without a Rolee Polee.
Here's another shot of that micro-switch for the trigger button.
Here's a photo of the top side of the Rolee Polee circuit board.
Here you can see the 2 optical sensors. There is one sensor for
horizontal movement and one sensor for vertical movement. There are
2 micro-switches at the top. These are for the 2 mouse buttons on
the top of the Rolee Polee next to the trackball.
Here's a photo of the bottom side of the Rolee Polee circuit board.
Here you can see the IC chip that controls the Rolee Polee.
Here is a side by side comparison between the old Rolee Polee
circuit board and the new 2009 circuit board.
The Rolee Polee is powered by a USB cable. Here you can see the 4
wires that make up a standard USB (universal serial bus) cable.
