RollerMouse spazz out?

[intealls]

Hi everyone. I'm having some trouble with my RollerMouse Station (rev 2.2). Every so often the cursor spazzes out (like cheap optical mice sometimes do) and jumps to a different part of the screen. I tried cleaning the optical sensor with some rubbing alcohol and washed the case to get rid of dust etc, but this appears to have made no difference. It's virtually impossible to get rid of all the dust/fibers from the rollerbar. Can it be dust/hairs causing this? I understand if a $5 mouse occasionally would spazz out, but a $220 device? Is anyone else experiencing this?

[Input Nirvana]

It's probably not dust causing it. I have 3 of these units. I don't know what the problem is, but it sounds like a deal breaker for using it If mine ever break, I'd cry.

You should contact Contour Designs support, they are very helpful when I've called/emailed. Their link is in my sig!

[intealls]

Ugh. Okay. Seems like it's probably worn out.

Another problem that appeared recently is that the rollerbar 'button' randomly sends double-clicks when single clicking. It uses the same type of microswitches as Razer mice, which also suffer from this problem. The spazzouts and the doubleclicking issues make it kind of frustrating to use.

[strike]Guess I'll have to save up for a new one. [/strike]

Replaced the rollerbar microswitch with another (MB3 from an old Logitech mouse), worked a treat. Took forever though, these suckers are not meant to be desoldered. Also, for some reason, the spazzouts seem to have gotten less frequent. I have no idea why.

[Input Nirvana]

My very first Rollermouse Station rev. 1.2 has the same problem with the single click coming out as a double click. It happens on the left button and the rollerbar. Nice to know it is the micro switches, I wouldn't mind fixing it. I am going to cut it down to a 9" overall length after the holidays, good time to fix the switches.

What rev. # is your unit?

I also have rev. 2.3 which I like a lot better, and a Free which is fantastic.

[intealls]

Mine is rev 2.2. After fixing the switch I decided to upgrade to a black Free (got it relatively cheap). I agree the Free is nicer, but it feels kind of heavier to roll around. I guess I'm getting used to it. :smile: The lack of a dedicated driver is also quite weird. All their other devices have proper drivers, so why not this one?? I use a Dvorak layout so the copy/paste buttons generate Ctrl+K and Ctrl+J, which isn't exactly great. I remapped them using AutoHotKey to browser back/forward so it's no biggie (lost jump to google field and open downloads window though).

You can get replacement switches from eBay for between $1-$5, just do a search for 'mouse microswitch' and you should get lots of different options. They're probably also available from DigiKey or some other electronics supplier. The RollerMouse originally had an Omron (D2F-F37(S)). I replaced it with a switch from an old Logitech mouse (switch was branded Zippy) so I think just about any switch they sell would work. The shortening down mod is really interesting. Be sure to post pics! Might be tempted to hack up my own. :smile:

Microswitches!

http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=mouse+microswitch&_sacat=0&_odkw=mouse+microswitch&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313

[Input Nirvana]

Thank you for the info, very helpful for me.

About what did you get your Free for...very hard to get at a discounted price.

I'm using Steermouse and USB Overdrive for mouse button control.

I'll document the cutdown mod as well.

[intealls]

I got the Free for 850 SEK which is about $115 (a new one costs $340-$440, you Americans are spoiled with your low prices :smile:). It had apparently been used as a demo unit, but didn't look like it had ever been used. The risers etc were still in their original packaging. The guy I bought it from worked for a company helping municipalities purchase IT-related equipment, my guess is that the unit was demoed, forgotten about and then left in a closet until he decided to sell it.