3dconnexion (3dxware) serial controller with Arduino

I know it's a long shot, but worth trying...

I am amazed how well Arduino works with a ps2 mouse! I have begun wondering whether it might be possible with another serial controller - 3dconnexion SpaceBall (my model is 3003).

Of course, the protocol is for sure proprietary so it's possible it cannot be reverse engineered at all, but maybe someone did start working on it? My hopes are not high, as the hardware is ancient...

...an old post I realize, but maybe worth resurrecting as I am currently working on just what you describe with a model 2003 serial spaceball 6dof controller. I have the arduino and spaceball communicating and now have to work on the parsing of the binary packets. A lot of reading and use of John E Stones 'libsball' library and also his explanation of the protocol. Ancient stuff and hard to find. My plan is ultimately a unique MIDI controller for music synthesis...