geekhack

geekhack Community => Input Devices => Topic started by: Voyager on Sun, 21 November 2010, 14:37:21

Title: Microsoft optical sensor transplant
Post by: Voyager on Sun, 21 November 2010, 14:37:21
Hi peeps,

I just wanted to ask if anybody ever swapped sensors in their Microsoft mice? The story goes like this: my brother used a Wheel Mouse Optical for years until the cable broke off. He then got an IntelliMouse Explorer 4.0 without knowing that it was substandard and, surely enough, hated it. I managed to locate and get him an Explorer 3.0 and now he's overjoyed. I, however, am stuck with his Explorer 4.0. Now, I was thinking - was it possible to swap the sensors between a Wheel Mouse Optical and an Explorer 4.0? I really like the tilt wheel and the shape is just perfect.
Title: Microsoft optical sensor transplant
Post by: Shuki on Sun, 21 November 2010, 15:21:14
It can be done with the right knowhow. Many people have turned the old logitech wingman into a "frankenmouse" with the internals of a more reliable one. I'm sure google will provide a few comprehensive guides.
Title: Microsoft optical sensor transplant
Post by: zefrer on Sun, 21 November 2010, 18:16:31
Yeah it's possible. But I'd just get an IE3.0. You can still get them. Or a WMO.
Title: Microsoft optical sensor transplant
Post by: chimera15 on Mon, 22 November 2010, 00:18:52
I tried to do this to make my trackball mods initially.  It's very difficult to do.  It's easy to damage the optics.

 It might be easier just to use the whole board and swap the case...is there a button/functional difference, or is it just the case that he prefers?
Title: Microsoft optical sensor transplant
Post by: Voyager on Mon, 22 November 2010, 00:52:41
I disassembled the mice and just thought it's not worth it. I'm actually rather clumsy and will probably damage things beyond repair.
Title: Microsoft optical sensor transplant
Post by: ricercar on Mon, 22 November 2010, 05:21:17
I tried to put a MadCatz trackball sensor on a Microsoft optical mouse and failed. YMMV.