Building a Retro Clip-On Trackball For The Raspberry Pi Zero Laptop

In this follow-up video, we dive deeper into the world of retro-inspired computing by upgrading our unique Raspberry Pi Zero laptop and adding a custom-built clip-on trackball. If you enjoyed the original build, you're in for a treat as we enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of this compact, command-line interface device.
Our journey begins with a revisit to Fusion 360, where we design a custom enclosure for the trackball, ensuring it seamlessly integrates with the retro aesthetic of our laptop. Using the internals of a '4D mouse,' we craft a bespoke clip-on trackball that complements the vintage-inspired design. You'll watch as the design comes to life through 3D printing, with careful attention to detail and the use of the same Inland beige PLA to maintain that nostalgic computer look.
In addition to the trackball, we perform a general rebuild and upgrade of the laptop, making subtle improvements while retaining the original physical hardware, including the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, Adafruit PowerBoost 1000C, and the 3.7V LiPo battery. We’ll walk through the assembly process, showing how the new trackball integrates with the existing setup and discussing the challenges and solutions involved in this upgrade.
As we complete the build, we'll test the new trackball alongside the updated laptop, demonstrating how the enhanced setup performs in a portable, retro computing environment. We'll also take a moment to appreciate the balance of modern functionality and retro charm that this project embodies.
Whether you're passionate about retrocomputing, a Raspberry Pi enthusiast, or simply curious about unique DIY tech projects, this video offers a detailed and engaging look at pushing the boundaries of custom, portable computing. Join me as we take this Raspberry Pi Zero laptop to the next level with a custom clip-on trackball and explore new possibilities in DIY maker technology!
#RaspberryPi #RetroComputing #DIYLaptop #Trackball #3DPrinting #MakerProject #Microcenter

[@DaveAcosta]

I just commented your post in reddit, run into KZbin to search how to do something like that and found your video! great build friend!

[@OminousIndustries]

That is awesome, I really appreciate the kind words!

[@andy_warb]

This is sick and it makes me happy to hear the joy in your voice as you work on this!

[@OminousIndustries]

Thanks very much!

[@Solomenk]

The color is much better! Really makes a difference.

[@OminousIndustries]

Thank you, I agree completely, I only really noticed how "yellow" the original looked once I held that side by side with this one, a night and day difference!

[@hallowelt9296]

Great respect. Greetings from Germany 👍👍👍🍀

[@OminousIndustries]

Thanks very much, greetings from Boston, MA!

[@ibrunop]

Greetings from Argentina! 🇦🇷

[@OminousIndustries]

Greetings back from Boston, MA!

[@bobclem-mh3ot]

Wow! Fantastic build, you have inspired me to make my own raspberry pi portable. Great job fellow maker, keep up the videos.

[@OminousIndustries]

Thank you very much! It is fun to build something like this so enjoy !

[@AlexDev14]

Great addition! can't wait to see whats next

[@OminousIndustries]

Thanks very much! I will have to see what inspiration I find.

[@joaovitormiranda1570]

great project, im planning of doing something similar using a track ball hardware inside a keyboard body, so can u share the fusion project for me to get the trackball measurements?

[@SkylerLinux]

I had one of these when I was in school, however the left/right click wrapped around the mouse. So that you could left click and thumb the mouse ball

[@OminousIndustries]

That makes a lot of sense design wise

[@tom611]

Neat! You just need to have the trackball tilt up like the old ones (they had multiple stops for different angles,) so you can get your hand around it while attached. Also, curious on why the choice of the Pi zero in a case so large (presuming a better and/or de-cased USB hub in the future)? For heat?

[@OminousIndustries]

Thank you! Yes, like the logitech trackman which comes to mine in terms of tilt, etc. The Pi zero was used as I didn't have a great way to power a full pi and I also just sort of tossed this together with components I had on hand or could get that day from my local microcenter LOL! I will be building some more retro style computers like this and will look to use much stronger hardware for my next build. Yes, I absolutely will be changing the hub ASAP as I need that one back haha.

[@bobbleczar]

Maybe you need an external wifi antenna? could be cool to see an antenna sticking out of the back at a right angle.

[@OminousIndustries]

I managed to get it connected to someone elses wifi so It appears to be a compatibility issue I am having and not necessarily related to the laptop. However the antenna idea is awesome and it would indeed add to the aesthetic I am going for here.

[@steventechno]

I would love to see this running DOOM. Something about obscure aspect ratio displays just seem interesting

[@OminousIndustries]

I will do a video on actually using it at some point and this will be in there for sure!

[@steventechno]

@@OminousIndustries It would be so neat to see that!

[@prehistoricBanana]

Woah this is awesome, could you share what filament you used, i've been after a retro beige colour for a while.

[@OminousIndustries]

Thanks very much! Sure, the filament is bone white esun pla+. For some reason on amazon it is called C-bone White so just make sure it is the correct one if purchasing from there.

[@sonicase]

cool

[@OminousIndustries]

Thanks very much!

[@ste76539]

RPi Zero is borderline unusable with a GUI, personally for me this would be perfect for Raspbian Lite (command line only). Of course that would mean you wouldn't need the trackball (which is excellent btw, very nicely done).

[@OminousIndustries]

Thanks for the kind words! It's funny you mention that, as the original build video for the laptop I did just that! It was CLI only on the lite os.

[@megazoid]

Nice work 👍 Can I ask the brand of the new beige filament?

[@OminousIndustries]

Thanks very much, it is esun bone white pla!

[@megazoid]

@@OminousIndustries Thank you. I'll order a roll. Cheers!

[@OminousIndustries]

@@megazoid No problem, not sure where you're located, but I just saw it was on sale on amazon for $17 a roll (grabbed two more myself) !

[@r0galik]

WiFi troubles are definitely caused by power (I had this happen).

[@OminousIndustries]

I have seen that as a common issue as well. Oddly enough I got it to connect to a different AP at someones house while battery life testing it (so it wasn't even connected to power) and it worked fine. Very odd and worthy of more in depth troubleshooting lol.