Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!cornell!uw-beaver!uw-june!uw-entropy!dataio!pilchuck!ssc!fyl
From: fyl@ssc.UUCP (Phil Hughes)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.st
Subject: Re: Atari ST mouse: is there an alternative?
Summary: a fix and a solution
Message-ID: <1687@ssc.UUCP>
Date: 8 Feb 89 21:53:26 GMT
References: <733@bnlux0.bnl.gov>
Organization: SSC, Inc., Seattle, WA
Lines: 27

In article <733@bnlux0.bnl.gov>, litt@max.bnl.gov (Laurence Littenberg) writes:

> Our group has a number of Atari ST1040s, used mainly as graphics
> terminals.  We have been having a certain problem, apparently well
> known, with the mice.  After a while they stop being able to drag the cursor
> properly. 
>                                        I'd like to know if there is
> any more reliable alternative mouse (or other device which could serve 
> the function) that could be adapted to the ST.

Sure.  First, if you take them apart you can probably temporarily
fix them (until the next time you drop one).  The problem is generally
alingment of the opto interruptor.  There is a screw on each one that
can be used to tweek its position.  Warning, however: the mouse may
work fine with the cover off because the room light strikes the
phototransistor at a different angle.

The real solution is a track ball.  It doesn't get lost and seems to
be real reliable.  I got one for EA Brown Co. and we have been using
it for over a year with no problem.  Here is how to get it:
	# 340-400 ST Mouseball II    $39.95
	E. A. Brown Co.
	800-322-4405

-- 
Phil Hughes, SSC, Inc. P.O. Box 55549, Seattle, WA 98155  (206)FOR-UNIX
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