[Ham-Computers] RE: Optical Mouse Pointer Cursor Drifts off Screen

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

I have mixed feelinsgs about the new breed of optical mice.  Almost two
decades ago, optical mice were shunned because they required a tracking
surface.  Logitech then had the right idea with a hybrid that used
optical encoders internally while using the ball for the mechanical
motion (and most all "ball" mice use this design).  Now the craze is
back to optical mice because they don't require cleaning.  However, I've
found nothing but tracking problems except for the highly expensive
"laser" tracking mice or the better optical "trackballs".

Generally, my biggest pet peeve with the optical mice is when you
pick-up the mouse to move it (such as when you're at the edge of the
"working" area of your desk, the optics detect the motion and move the
mouse.  Sometimes, the cursor jumps all over the place.  Other times,
I'll find the cursor somewhere hiding in the corner.  Luckily, I haven't
run into the "locked" cursor described by Jim.

However, I have encountered "locked" and "jumpy" cursors with different
brands of mice.  One of several things cause this...

* Faulty mouse driver or driver conflict.
Did it come with it's own mouse software/drivers are did you use the
native Windows drivers?  If you're using the bundled software, try
un-installing it and using the native Windows drivers.  Vice versa if
you're using the native Windows drivers.  

* Faulty connection (such as a bad connector on the motherboard)
Not an easy thing to fix.  In this case, use a different port.

* USB bus issue (with USB mice)
Try a different USB port.  Also, try disconnecting all the other USB
devices - USB bus contention is starting to become a *MAJOR* headache.
I've found some USB devices that refuse to work when some other
particular USB device is connected (such as two USB hard drives with the
exact same USB-IDE bridge chip).

* Power issue - some motherboards may not supply enough current to the
mouse port to power some optical mice.  Older "ball" mice generally used
<10ma @ 5v.  Some opticals use >100ma.  Check the power requirements for
the mouse and make sure you're not exceeding the limits of the
motherboard (if you're using the mouse port).

* Dirty rollers (on ball mice)
Clean the rollers (not in your case, Jim).

* Conflict with a "hidden" device
I've posted in the past how "hidden" or "ghosted" devices can cause
problems - usually conflicts with "real" or "currently attached"
devices.  Check for "hidden" instances of mouse drivers in the Device
Manager.  In Win2K/XP, you'll need to make sure the
"devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices" variable is set to do this.  In Win9x,
you'll need to start in Safe Mode.  Search the archives for specific
details about hidden devices.  I can dig out the old post and re-post if
need be.


BTW, you don't need to cut power to the system to reboot.  Hit
<CTRL><ESC> to bring up the "Start" menu.  From there, you can perform
an orderly shutdown/reboot.

For reference, I use two tracking devices - a Logitech "Marble Mouse"
trackball is my primary.  I also have a Logitech G5 Gaming mouse (laser
tracking) for Battlefield2 sessions.  Only reason I got it was because
it was a mark-down for $25 (normally $79).  Why would anyone spend $80
on mouse these days (and don't get me started on $300 Creative Labs
crap!)?  The G5 tracks *REALLY* well and the ability to shift tracking
precision works great in-game.  But $80?  However, I can say it was $25
well spent! <g>

73,

  - Aaron, NN6O


-----Original Message-----
From: ham-computers-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:ham-computers-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jim Hill
Sent: Wednesday, June 14, 2006 12:03 PM
To: Computers (or other) used for amateur radio, communications, or
experimenting
Subject: Re: [Ham-Computers] Optical Mouse Pointer Cursor Drifts off
Screen

Thanks for the suggestions, but unfortunately they don't help in my
situation. The problem occurred while working on a Word document. At the
present time, the cursor is up at the upper right corner on the welcome
screen, flickering on and off when I attempt to move it. I can't reach
the region to turn off the computer, so must use the power switch.

Jim


At 11:51 AM 6/14/2006, you wrote:
>Make certain there are no flourescent lights line of sight to the mouse
and
>that you do not use the mouse on a visually uniform surface, such as a
white
>desktop, paper, etc.  These things have caused ALL my optical mouse
>troubles.
>
>Kurt
>
>______________________________________________________________