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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Al C. on Thu, 17 February 2011, 19:54:26

Title: Unicomp M Trackpoint + Repairs
Post by: Al C. on Thu, 17 February 2011, 19:54:26

Hi folks --

I just discovered this forum. It's strangely interesting :-) ... I have a Unicomp M with a trackpoint-style pointing device, and I have two issues with it I'm hoping you might be able to help me with.

First, the left mouse button has gotten quite soft over time, as if its spring(?) is broken. Is it easy for a newbie like me to take this thing apart and see if I can figure out what's going on?

And, second, I find the trackpoint-style pointing device to be slow or sluggish. Is there anything I can do to make it more responsive or fast? (Note: no need to tell me about the mouse control panel)

Thanks, in advance -- Al C.

Title: Unicomp M Trackpoint + Repairs
Post by: keyb_gr on Fri, 18 February 2011, 14:02:25

Issue #1 might just be a microswitch that hasn't been holding up too well. You can try looking for notes on M13 or On-the-stick disassembly, I do remember some inside shots of one.

The Unicomp pointing sticks are known for being slow. It's not the same hardware as an IBM trackpoint.

Title: Unicomp M Trackpoint + Repairs
Post by: ch_123 on Fri, 18 February 2011, 14:20:43

Their pointing stick is pretty crappy by today's standards. Really, they need to update the technology to be more suitable for today's high res monitors. (the old IBM trackpoints have the same issue too)

As for the dead buttons, you could email them and ask for a new set. They are mounted on a ribbon cable, and are quite simple to replace.

(http://webwit.nl/input/ibm_misc/unicomp/6.jpg)