Optical mouse for Amiga classic

[aGGreSSor]

I adapted modern optical mouse for standard Amiga port.  The author of this idea StarCat from amiga.org.ru forum. He described it verbally, but I decided to solder in reality. The advantages of optics to mechanics obvious. It doesn't require any adapter, plug'n'play

You can watch a short video on You Tube (including English subtitles).

If you are (non)interested in this topic - let me know.

[nyteschayde]

Interested in making some money? I'd like one. Make it for me and name a price.

[vince_6]

Amazing!

[trekiej]

I remember an Amiga optical mouse back in 91 that needed a special mouse pad with a grid pattern to work.

[guest11527]

I adapted modern optical mouse for standard Amiga port.  The author of this idea StarCat from amiga.org.ru forum. He described it verbally, but I decided to solder in reality. The advantages of optics to mechanics obvious.  If you are (non)interested in this topic - let me know.

Well, you can only convert a couple of older optical mice with a sensor chip that has quadrature output pins. There are a couple of older Logitech mice for which this works. Basically, one has to remove the microcontroller and connect the quadrature pins of the sensor chip directly with the Amiga mice.

Yes, I've done this a while ago with an old Logitech mouse, works fine given that you have the right type of vintage mouse.  Here is the link to the relevant thread to the a1k forum. This is in German, though:  http://www.a1k.org/forum/showthread.php?t=43613&highlight=Optische+M%E4use

[aGGreSSor]

Interested in making some money? I'd like one. Make it for me and name a price.

Interested, but not this time. Modification is extremely easy.
You don't need programming PIC. Only required accuracy.

Amazing!

I'm photographed the entire process and will describe it "step-by-step" in his blog.
My article is written in Russian language. I didn't know how to write in English.
It gives me great difficulty. At the same time I'm well read English texts.

I would like to find someone who would be able to translate into English and publish
this simple thing for everyone. This may be material for amazing Amiga magazine. =)

I remember an Amiga optical mouse back in 91 that needed a special mouse pad with a grid pattern to work.

I like mouse pads, but for this mouse doesn't need.

[aGGreSSor]

Well, you can only convert a couple of older optical mice with a sensor chip that has quadrature output pins. There are a couple of older Logitech mice for which this works. Basically, one has to remove the microcontroller and connect the quadrature pins of the sensor chip directly with the Amiga mice.

Yes, I've done this a while ago with an old Logitech mouse, works fine given that you have the right type of vintage mouse.

You are absolutely right. But I never read about it.
It works on a large number of mouses. It's necessary to specifically look for the mouse with the right sensors. For example PAW3602DH, PAN3201H, etc

[guest11527]

It works on a large number of mouses. It's necessary to specifically look for the mouse with the right sensors.

Sure. But if you just buy an average optical mouse today, it comes with an all-integrated sensor chip that includes the USB interface. Only older models used two separate chips, which is a more expensive design and is nowadays no more available due to its cost factor.  Thus, if you find a probably ten year old mouse in your house (an electronic one, not the biological cheese-loving creatures), chances are quite good. Everything younger uses likely a single-chip design that is unsuitable for a modification.

[aGGreSSor]

quadrature pins of the sensor chip directly with the Amiga mice.

I read your link. I think so, no one working? This is possible, but it is wrong. It should look a bit different.

Sure. But if you just buy an average optical mouse today, it comes with an all-integrated sensor chip that includes the USB interface.

Most of today are designed such mice. I'm redid Logitech M-BJ58 with USB interface (2008 year). Logitech M-BJ69 (2012 year) also nice. I'm even find them on sale, not only in museums. :lol:

Only older models used two separate chips, which is a more expensive design and is nowadays no more available due to its cost factor.

Of course I am always inclined to plunder museums. In fact, the sensor is licensed "know-how". His only produced in different versions, with different power and strapping. The same sensor can be operated with different 400-2000 cpi. Artificial lock. Some sensors have a CPI pin for select. Often in a mouse for gamers and office is the same sensor .. =)

Thus, if you find a probably ten year old mouse in your house (an electronic one, not the biological cheese-loving creatures), chances are quite good. Everything younger uses likely a single-chip design that is unsuitable for a modification.

 The Chinese produce sensors including quadrature outputs. I bought a USB-mouse year ago in Finland, some Trustex and found in it a chip HM-bla-bla with quadrature outputs. They do it. The presence of the interface chip allows use USB -> PS/2 adapter. It's more compatible mouse. There is no guarantee that chinese sensor will approach us. Required a list of compatibility.

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

Just going out on a limb here, but I would imagine that what to THoR is a "museum piece", is a much more common piece of tech in St. Petersburg, Russia, perhaps?  LOL.  Great hack, anyway!  Funny thing, I just bought another Cocolino today, but if I were more inclined (and less happy with how well the Cocolino works) I might be willing to try it.  I've got a drawer full of old mice (not the cheese-eating kind, but there may be one or two of those in there also!)  :roflmao:

[trekiej]

I hope this is not too far off topic.
Do track-balls still exist for the Amiga?

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

Do track-balls still exist for the Amiga?

They definitely still exist.  I have one.  I think what you mean is "Can you still buy one?"  In that case, ummm...  ebay?  Amibay?  Maybe this mod would work on a trackball, too?  :idea:

[trekiej]

I assume Atari Track Ball.

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

I assume Atari Track Ball.

[trekiej]

Cool.
edit:
I hope this is not a bad question.
Did the Amiga have serial mice?