Interface: RS-232
FCC ID: HQXATB3200
Year: 1996
Interesting full-sized trackball, sold mainly under "Agiler" distributor name. Existed in PS/2, serial, and combo variants. Mechanics is quite primitive: steel shafts rotating in plastic holders with plastic support roller - but despite of that, movement is relatively good. Design of casing, covered by US patent Des.387,043 is fine: convenient arrangement of controls, perfectly accessible to use. Teal-colored 2" ball is freely laying in the holder, so it's easily removable for cleaning. Microswitches are high-quality Matsushita AH14809 with 74g actuation force. Single-piece block of buttons had some unpleasant wobbling due to loose fixing, but after simple improvement (adding pieces of plastic to reinforce the hooks), button operation is very good.
Device supports both 3-button and 2-button serial protocols, selectable by sliding switch at the bottom. The left-click button is equipped with mechanical click-lock latch, physically holding it in depressed state. Interesting detail is - it can be operated by itself, i.e. engaging causes "automatic" press of the button without the need to click it beforehand. Controller chip is Sysgration SYS2007. Calculated resolution - 335 PPR (53 CPI).
The device looks very stylish, and is quite convenient in practical use. Shape of casing and arrangement of buttons is great, with pleasant light-touch clicking feel. With better bearing system (either gliding beads or ball bearings), this trackball could be really superior - but in its default state it doesn't look like a good candidate to be a "daily driver" due to high tracking force. I definitely like its shape, and probably will use its case & ball to retrofit some decent mechanics later.
Conversion to USB was done in usual way: controller replaced with PS/2 one (this time, Genius K0309029) with PS/2-USB converter chip added. Traditionally, this trackball was used to prepare & publish this article.
