How to make a mouse

[Zora8912]

Ok so I want to make my own computer mouse. What I mean is literally design and make one from scratch not taking a bunch of mice and tearing then apart to make some sort of frakistien mouse lol. I am hoping someone here can help me or point me in the right direction. For example what kinda language do computer mice run on ex. C++ or something like that.

Here is what I currently know:

I took a c++ course about 3 years ago

I have some experience with soldering.

What I don't/need to know:

Pretty much everything.

How do mice work, what are the components usually found in a mouse, what language do they usually run on, etc.

So all in all I don't know anything really but I want to learn so hopefully someone can help me. And yeah I know this can be a very expensive project especially if I want to go into really complicated stuff but for now I just want to know the basics.

[Zayzo]

Can i ask why? Is there really no mouse on the market that satisfies you or is this just for funsies? 

[sirtoby]

There isn't a lot of programming necessary if you get a mouse controller IC (didn't think of that) micro controller. Put a HID firmware on it (there should be a few of them online. If not, they aren't too complicated to write.)

A DIY mouse is a lot of work though. Especially the ergonomic side of things, to make it fit perfectly in your hand will take a lot of time and patience. You'll also have to source some nice switches as well as a sensor.

[dalekphalm]

Ok so I want to make my own computer mouse. What I mean is literally design and make one from scratch not taking a bunch of mice and tearing then apart to make some sort of frakistien mouse lol. I am hoping someone here can help me or point me in the right direction. For example what kinda language do computer mice run on ex. C++ or something like that.

Here is what I currently know:

I took a c++ course about 3 years ago

I have some experience with soldering.

What I don't/need to know:

Pretty much everything.

How do mice work, what are the components usually found in a mouse, what language do they usually run on, etc.

So all in all I don't know anything really but I want to learn so hopefully someone can help me. And yeah I know this can be a very expensive project especially if I want to go into really complicated stuff but for now I just want to know the basics.

You're getting into electrical engineering. You're gonna have to design or source IC's, circuit boards, sensors, the whole works.

 

I'm sure it's possible, but this project might be vastly more complex then you realize.

 

One possible place to start:

http://www.quora.com/How-could-I-go-about-building-my-own-computer-mouse

[givingtnt]

Ok so I want to make my own computer mouse. What I mean is literally design and make one from scratch not taking a bunch of mice and tearing then apart to make some sort of frakistien mouse lol. I am hoping someone here can help me or point me in the right direction. For example what kinda language do computer mice run on ex. C++ or something like that.

Here is what I currently know:

I took a c++ course about 3 years ago

I have some experience with soldering.

What I don't/need to know:

Pretty much everything.

How do mice work, what are the components usually found in a mouse, what language do they usually run on, etc.

So all in all I don't know anything really but I want to learn so hopefully someone can help me. And yeah I know this can be a very expensive project especially if I want to go into really complicated stuff but for now I just want to know the basics.

?http://makezine.com/projects/make-38-cameras-and-av/build-a-wireless-ergo-mouse/

[iamdarkyoshi]

Generally you will need to find a sensor, figure out what interface it uses (serial, direct USB, ect) and find a way to connect it to your PC. If the sensor uses a direct USB communication (like my logitech M100) then just connect ground, D+, D-, and VCC. If it is not direct USB, such as a serial output, you might need to find a way to convert serial to USB. The sensor might even have a direct X/Y output of some sort, in which you will need a seperate controller chip (maybe even an arduino!) to take the raw data from the sensor and convert it into a USB mouse interface. You will also need to connect switches and a mechanical/optical rotary encoder (whatever the datasheet specifies) for thr scroll wheel. The hardest part will probably be the lens and LED for the sensor.

This is something for the EEVBlog forums. Good luck!

[Zora8912]

Can i ask why? Is there really no mouse on the market that satisfies you or is this just for funsies?

To be honest its a little of both. There really isnt a mouse that I like thats out in the market and I just feel this would be something great to get into.

[Zora8912]

There isn't a lot of programming necessary if you get a mouse controller IC (didn't think of that) micro controller. Put a HID firmware on it (there should be a few of them online. If not, they aren't too complicated to write.)

A DIY mouse is a lot of work though. Especially the ergonomic side of things, to make it fit perfectly in your hand will take a lot of time and patience. You'll also have to source some nice switches as well as a sensor.

Thanks for the info I will look into it. Yeah I just kinda figured its going to be complicated but its something I really want to try.

[Zora8912]

You're getting into electrical engineering. You're gonna have to design or source IC's, circuit boards, sensors, the whole works.

I'm sure it's possible, but this project might be vastly more complex then you realize.

One possible place to start:

http://www.quora.com/How-could-I-go-about-building-my-own-computer-mouse

Thanks so much for the link. I am currently taking mechanical engineering class which I know its different than electrical but we do touch base on some of the stuff so I am hoping its enough to atleast get me started.

[Zora8912]

Generally you will need to find a sensor, figure out what interface it uses (serial, direct USB, ect) and find a way to connect it to your PC. If the sensor uses a direct USB communication (like my logitech M100) then just connect ground, D+, D-, and VCC. If it is not direct USB, such as a serial output, you might need to find a way to convert serial to USB. The sensor might even have a direct X/Y output of some sort, in which you will need a seperate controller chip (maybe even an arduino!) to take the raw data from the sensor and convert it into a USB mouse interface. You will also need to connect switches and a mechanical/optical rotary encoder (whatever the datasheet specifies) for thr scroll wheel. The hardest part will probably be the lens and LED for the sensor.

This is something for the EEVBlog forums. Good luck!

Ok thanks so much that info is really helpful and I will check out EEVBlog as well.

[Zora8912]

Just to specify what I'm trying to do is pretty much make a mouse that has a side scroll wheel and 4-6 extra buttons thats not including the left and right click. While it fits my hand size.