Jim Meagher <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> The optical components of a mouse use infrared light so I doubt that
> sunlight caused your problems.  If at all, it may have been
> temperature
> more than light which caused your problems.
>

Sunlight contains a very wide spectrum of light, from UV to infrared, and is
quite capable of affecting IR photodiodes and transistors. However, the mouse
should be well sealed enough so that little or no light can get in.

I have seen a couple different mice that have lost one or the other axis. Most
times, I can open the mouse and slightly move either the IR emitter (LED) or the
sensor (photodiode or phototransistor) and get it to work. These are the parts
facing each other with a slotted wheel in between. The sensor is actually a dual
unit, because it uses phase quadrature to determine the direction.

The mice I have had problems with have all been cheap ones, the better
Logitech's have not given me any problem. Sometimes at the local Fry's
superstore, they have cheap mice for $2.99.


--
Russ Poffenberger               Engineering Specialist
Schlumberger Technologies ATE   DOMAIN: [log in to unmask]
1601 Technology Drive           CIS:    72401,276
San Jose, Ca. 95110             Voice: (408)437-5254  FAX: (408)437-5246