| Additional Resources Accessories | | Product Summary |
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The PC-Trac from Clearly Superior Technologies is a robustly built trackball line offering options and features not readily available in other trackballs.The low profile of the PC-Trac acts as a natural hand rest mirroring the natural contour of your hand and is designed to easily accommodate both right and left-hand use, as well as different size hands.
Unlike most trackballs on the market, the high density phenolic trackball in the PC-Trac has significant inertia. This provides far more tactile feedback than that normally offered trackballs, while still offering smooth response to even a light touch. The PC-Trac also offers "dynamic acceleration" which increases distance covered proportional to the speed of rotation. This feature ensures fine control as well as offering accurate rapid movement when required. (See the Features section on the Detailed Specifications Page for a deeper explanation of this feature.)
PC-Trac basic models offer both "middle click" and "drag lock" functions (see the Features for more details.) On the Pro models this button only supports "middle click" but there is downloadable software available which enables individuals to customize their trackball features. There is also a 5-button model which offers 2 input jacks for the connection of optional external switches.
The PC-Trac is now available from PI Engineering as the X-Keys O-Trac | | Ergonomic Benefits |
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Uses Less Space Than Conventional Mice - The stationary nature of the PC-Trac trackball also allows you to conserve space on your workspace. It is ideally suited for space restrictive environments or narrower keyboard trays that can accommodate a keyboard with only a few inches extra to spare.
Reduces Strain on Arm, Elbow and Shoulder Muscles - Like a touchpad, PC-Trac Trackballs are stationary mousing devices. (Moving the ball with the fingers moves the cursor on the screen.) Limiting the repetitive movements of the arm and shoulder can greatly reduce the potential for injury and inflammation in these muscle groups. The housing of a trackball can also be angled in any direction, allowing one to keep the elbow, wrist and hand in a straight line, and to limit ulnar and radial deviation. Learn More About Ulnar Deviation.
Reduces Strain on the Hand, Wrist and Arm - Trackballs effectively counter any tendency their may be to grip the pointing device too hard. This often inadvertent static grip can cause pain and injury to the muscles and soft tissues in the back of the hand and in the wrist and forearm. Trackballs, by requiring a simple spinning motion accomplished with the fingers, eliminate static grip entirely. Learn More About Static Grip Force.
Reduces Reach for Buttons - PC-Trac Trackballs have large oversized buttons surrounding the trackball, letting one use whichever finger minimizes reach and strain when pressing buttons. The available customizing software allows assignment of functions to whichever button is desired.
Hardwired Drag Lock Feature Reduces Finger Fatigue - The hard-wired drag-lock feature (the non-Pro versions of the PC-Trac) allows activation of drag-lock by simply clicking on the middle button without having to hold down the button while dragging the selected item on the computer screen. This will simplify using applications that require significant click-and-drag actions. There is also a scroll-lock feature that allows horizontal and vertical panning throughout a page without having to hold down a button. By not having to continually hold down the button while dragging with the mouse, finger fatigue can be greatly reduced.
Enables Load Balancing Between Left and Right Hands - PC-Trac Trackballs feature an ambidextrous design and can be placed on the left or right side of the keyboard in the traditional desktop layout. They can also be used between the two modules of a separated keyboard, on the arm of a couch, or wherever else one might find convenient and comfortable. The ability to distribute the workload as desired can reduce the strain on the muscles of the dominant side.
Large Diameter Weighted Ball - The 57 mm ball on the PC-Trac Trackballs is weighted to provide excellent response feedback. With the PC-Trac there is no "accidental" movement the ball has sufficient inertia to ensure exceptional control. The weighted ball also supports rapid movement which faciltates rapid adjustment of cursor position with exceptional speed.
Dynamic Acceleration Reduces Repetitive Movement - The Dynamic Acceleration feature incorporated into all PC-Trac models is especially beneficial to those working with large high resolution screens or those who need to rapidly move the cursor across greater distances. This feature ties the distance travelled to the speed with which the ball is rotated. For example, a 1/4 rotation of the ball at a rapid rate will cause the cursor to cover a substantially greater distance than the same 1/4 rotation performed at a slow rate. This can be especially beneficial for uses (such as CAD) where exceptional accuracy is required at one moment while still needing to move larger distances the next. It is possible to set the resolution of the trackball to a lower setting in order to achieve a greater degree of control, yet with a rapid movement of the ball can still cover the greater distances necessary for accessing menus. A "fixed acceleration" trackball would require a greater degree or number of rotations in order to cover these larger movements, resulting in an increase in the amount of necessary finger movement.
Software Driver for Increased Productivity - Both Windows and Mac users of the PRO models of the PC-Trac can take advantage of programming software options which can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website. This can be used to program keys to perform common functions with a single click, program contextual "program specific" commands, enter macros, or to totally reprogram the PC-Trac to fit individual needs. Functions can be assigned globally or as "program specific" commands.
| | Features |
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- Middle Button Hardwired for Drag-Lock (for non-Pro models): The Middle utton is a drag-lock - this means that there is no need to hold a button down to highlight, select or drag an item. This is a real plus for individuals with trigger finger, who are constantly having to click, or for those with motor skill difficulties.
- Middle Button in Scroll-Lock Mode: The middle button can also act as a scroll-lock. To have the button perform a scroll-lock (instead of the default drag-lock), press and hold the button for 2.5 seconds and it goes into scroll-lock mode. To leave scroll-lock mode, press any button again.
- Universal Compatibility: The universal compatibility of this design means it works well in a multi-user environments with a range of individuals.
- Low Profile: The low profile case of the PC-Trac case acts as a natural hand-rest, mirroring the natural contours of the hand.
- Robust Design: Employing strong ABS plastic construction, a virtually indestructible phenolic trackball and stainless steel rollers, Clearly Superior Trackballs are designed with durability a key consideration. .
- Dynamic Acceleration: The Dynamic Acceleration feature incorporated into all PC-Trac models is especially beneficial to those working with large high resolution screens or those who need to rapidly move the cursor across greater distances. This feature ties the distance travelled to the speed with which the ball is rotated. For example, a 1/4 rotation of the ball at a rapid rate will cause the cursor to cover a substantially greater distance than the same 1/4 rotation performed at a slow rate. This can be especially beneficial for uses (such as CAD) where exceptional accuracy is required at one moment while still needing to move larger distances the next. It is possible to set the trackball resolution to a lower setting in order to achieve a greater degree of control, yet with a rapid movement of the ball can still cover the greater distances necessary for accessing menus. A "fixed acceleration" trackball would require a greater degree or number of rotations in order to cover these larger movements, resulting in an increase in the amount of necessary finger movement.
- Software for Additional Functionality: PRO models of the PC-Track support Superior-X Button Control for Windows or USB Overdrive for Mac, enabling individuals to set different button settings depending on the application. This allows control of applications, such as media players, directly from the trackball (volume control via scroll wheel, etc.), putting maximum control at the fingertips. Superior-X also allows keystrokes to be recorded and played back with the click of a button, allowing repetitive application tasks to be completed quickly.
- Large Weighted Trackball: The large 57 mm ball provides increased accuracy and control. The weight also enables rapid movement across large distances as it can be "spun".
- Ambidextrous Design: The symmetrical, comfortable design means that both left and right-handed individuals will be able to enjoy the benefits of the PC-Trac Trackball.
- Switch Adapted Model: The switch adapted model of this trackball is a two button device that has three 3.5 mm audio jacks positioned on the side of the trackball. These jacks are arranged in parallel to the buttons on the trackball, and you can plug in any standard switch to generate the 3 different button actions corresponding to the regular buttons (left click, drag lock, right click). There are a variety of Switches which can be used with the SA models of the lPC-Trac, Kid-Trac, or L-Trac trackballs.
| | Images (Click on any thumbnail to view larger image) |
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PC-Trac - white model
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PC-Trac - black model
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| | Technical Specifications |
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- Width: 3.75" (9.5 cm)
- Depth (front to back): 6.75" (17.1 cm)
- Height (to top of case): 1.75" (4.4 cm)
- Ball Diameter: 2.25" (5.7 cm)
- Ball Elevation From Housing: 0.75" (1.9 cm)
- Ball Type: High density phenolic
- Bearings: Dupont Delrin with Teflon
- Ball Suspension: Nickel plated brass alloy
- Resolution: 300 CPI (Counts per inch)
- Tracking: Mechanical Optical
- Case: High impact ABS
- Compatibility: USB with a USB to PS/2 adapter
PC: 98SE, 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10
Mac: Mac OS 9 (or later)
Linux: most versions
Other: any HID 1.0 compatible operating system (e.g. Sun Solaris) - Interface: USB 1.1 (USB to PS/2adapter included)
- Warranty: 1 year
- Package Contents: PC-Trac Trackball, Paper and CD Quick Start Guide, USB to PS/2 adapter
| | Usage Tips |
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- If you are new to a trackball expect that it will take a while to get accustomed to the different style of control. It is also a good idea to limit the amount of time you use it in the first while. Rather, build up to longer periods of usage by interchanging with a different mousing device or by Load Balancing (see next point).
- Load Balance Your Use: The freedom of an ambidextrous trackball lets you easily switch between left and right handed use. Make a point of using it with your non-dominant hand. Not only is this good for your dominant hand, which gets a break from working, it can slowly build dexterity and endurance which your non-dominant hand generally does not have. As a bonus, it is also a way of stimulating the other half of your brain, which is never a bad idea.
- Take Regular Breaks: If you find that you are experiencing discomfort in your fingers, especially in the learning stages - that is a good sign that you may want to take a break by switching to a different device or by swapping to the other hand. As with any device, make an effort to regularly change your usage, take breaks, and perform stretches. Some may find that the fingers can benefit from occasionally flexing them through a full range of movement, both extending and contracting them fully.
- Employ the "Dynamic Acceleration" feature to reduce unnecessary repetitive rotation movements when needing to move across large distances. Moving the ball quickly will cause it to cover a much greater distance than it will if rotated slowly for the same amount of rotation (i.e. a quarter of a rotation at a higher speed will cover a much greater distance than a quarter of a rotation at a slow speed).
- If you have a PRO model consider installing the Superior-X Button Control.
Note: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for removing other input device software prior to installing the Superior-X software.
| | Models |
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 | | Model # | Description |
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| CST1545-PRO | PRO model, black cable, black ball, programmable middle button. USB interface
PLEASE SEE NEW PART NO: TKB-6003-UBKBK-R
| | CST1545-5-PRO | PRO model, black cable, black ball, programmable middle button, 2 input jacks. USB interface | | CST1100 | Basic model, beige case, beige cable, black ball, hardwired middle button. PS/2 interface | | CST1150 | Basic model, beige case, beige cable, black ball, hardwired middle button. USB interface | | CST1145-PRO | PRO model, beige case, beige cable, black ball, programmable middle button. USB interface | | CST1550 | Basic model, black case, black cable, black ball, hardwired middle button. USB interface |
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