How to make a drawing pen out of a computer mouse ?! What to buy instead of a computer mouse? Mouse pen for drawing on a computer
- I have had the idea for a long time to draw on a PC, and indulge in Photoshop and illustrator.
- Yes, there are tablets for this, but I consider it an inappropriate decision to buy, ala, “try and forget”))
Therefore, it was decided to make from what is at hand ... And what do we have? That's right - a mouse)
And we also have a marker in which you can try to stick her insides.
- As it turned out, not everything is so simple, in mice there are usually more details than fit into the marker.
- However, if you search you can find a SINGLE-CHIP mouse, inside the body kit - 2 electrolytes of 47 microfarads / 10V each (one on the power supply, and the second on the button) + a 100nf ceramic capacitor.
- It connects directly from the PC, all buttons also go directly.
- This chip already carries a sensor + controller.
- By size - DIP chip.
1) How does the mouse work?
This is the CAMERA that "photographs" the surface. Information enters the chip, it compares this “picture” with the previous one and determines the movement.
- She just shoots at high speed.
- In order for the “camera” to see what it is shooting - it is illuminated by an LED (usually red), you CAN put any (of a different color / size). And ask for anything.
- Light-emitting diode out of sync, and changing the brightness is done to save energy, protect the matrix (camera) and aesthetics.
- Important point - optics. The meaning is simple - you need the “picture” of the surface to be sharp (otherwise you can’t compare), in general, as in your favorite soap dish.
2) What do we need in order to repeat?
- Mouse with one chip(which one is above). The price is 3 dollars. From it we will take the chip, body kit and lens.
- Marker (also above). It's 50 cents
- Hot glue.
- LED 3mm (any color)
- Button without fixation (there is a photo below). It will be analogous to the left mouse button.
- Something for decor (design pen should be with design;))
3) Getting Started:
- Disassemble the mouse (you can even break the case, we don't need it). suits us such, it is cheap and single-chip!
- Draw the pinout of the microcircuit ( the picture below is an example). The pinout can be copied from the board.
- Cut off the unnecessary part of the optics and glue the rest with hot glue to the sensor:
- Disassemble the marker. We do not need the upper part of it.
- Punch a hole for a button
- Pull the wire through the marker.
Buttons can be taken like this:
- Mounted soldering to assemble MK + wires + for the button + body kit. Should fit in the marker.
- Pour hot glue (better to check how it works first)
Get something like this)) Drivers are not needed, the mouse is still:
I work in a graphics editor and generally spend the whole day at the computer - and the mouse is not just a device for me - but a tool for work. Therefore, having stumbled upon this miracle device in the open spaces of Aliexpress, I decided to try it in action - since the price is favorable for experiments. Here is a link to the store. The seller packed everything perfectly and quickly sent it - the package arrived in 20 days in Kyiv.
So, constructive:
- The device arrived disassembled. It consists of a stand, a mouse body, a cover that covers the battery, and a mini USB that plugs into a connector on a computer. Little finger battery. not included in delivery. No wires needed - which is also convenient.
- the body of the mouse itself consists of loosely fitted parts, this, in principle, does not affect the operation of the mouse and does not rub or creak anywhere, it fits comfortably in the hand and feels like a thick handle equipped with all the buttons of a standard mouse and a wheel. If you switch to this mouse completely, you can quickly get used to it, but if you use it from time to time, then the addiction will be long. Since the device is not recharged, there is also a switch on the bottom of the case - a small black button so that the battery does not run out when you do not use the mouse. How much the mouse runs on battery is still unknown and will depend on the brand of battery
- the seller offers three color options
Work device:
- no drivers are needed, the computer quickly recognized the mouse
- work not only in graphic editors- and just browse the Internet, though if you need to write something down - then you can put the mouse on a stand or just put it on the table. I noticed that if the table is as striped as mine - it's better to put something homogeneous - like a sheet of paper - then the work is more accurate
- I also recommend slowing down the mouse for a more accurate hit.
It should be noted that the use of the mouse in many programs is not mandatory, since you can often remember keyboard shortcuts to call many functions (remember the famous ctrl + c, ctrl + v). Using the so-called hot keys is convenient, but some functions will be very inconvenient to use. However, you can buy not a mouse, but devices that will successfully replace it. First of all, we can recall the following input options:
- trackball,
- Graphics tablet,
- touchpad in the keyboard or separate.
A trackball is a ball on a stand that must be twisted to move the pointer on the screen. Anyone who is familiar with a mechanical (ball) mouse easily associates a trackball with such a ball mouse turned upside down. The trackball works exactly on the same principle as a mechanical mouse and its control does not require adaptation and special training.
A graphics tablet is made for entering graphic information, for use by artists and designers in graphic editors. But you can use such a tablet instead of a regular mouse. A graphics tablet consists of a tablet that is sensitive to the touch of a special pen (looks like a plump ballpoint pen). Using such a tablet is quite convenient and in regular programs where we usually use the mouse.
The touchpad (touchpad) is well known to computer owners. Today you can buy a touchpad that connects via USB to any computer. Most convenient option– touchpad built into the wireless keyboard. With such a keyboard, it is very comfortable not only at the computer, but also in front of a smart TV.
Useful advice: in the store, try different input methods, then you will definitely understand which device is more convenient for you.
Interestingly, today you can find original hybrids of the above devices, for example, a mouse with a trackball, which can also be convenient when used in separate programs.
Sergey Asmakov
Is it a mouse? The question is quite natural - if, of course, you have already had time to look at the photo. How else can you briefly describe the Pen Mouse recently released by Genius?
Based on the principle of operation, then this is really a mouse. However, the form that the creators of the Pen Mouse gave to their brainchild is completely confusing. However, in the process of operation, we will still have time to deal with the “class affiliation” of this manipulator. For now, let's take a look at the package.
In the box, in addition to the Pen Mouse, there is a mini receiver, a carrying case, a pair of spare nibs, a special mat measuring 10x12 cm, one AAA battery, a quick setup guide in several languages, and a software CD.
Outwardly, Pen Mouse corresponds to the first part of the name: the shape of the case really resembles a massive fountain pen (dimensions - 21x16.3x133 mm). Rather, even a marker - fountain pens of this thickness are only souvenirs. In the place where the pen (or rod) should be, an optical sensor is installed - exactly the same as those used in most currently produced computer mice (which, in fact, is confirmed by the second part of the name of this model).
Pen Mouse, branded carrying case and miniature receiver
However, there is still a functional analogue of the pen. Hole optical sensor frames a small, removable tip that allows the body to glide over the work surface. If you apply a slight force to the manipulator, then the button located under the tip will work, which performs the functions of the main (left) mouse button.
Since during the operation of the manipulator the plastic tip is constantly in contact with the working surface (and therefore wears out over time), this part is a consumable. That is why it is made removable, and a pair of spare tips is included in the package.
On the side of the body of the manipulator there is a two-position rocker key. Its lower part is analogous to the additional (right) mouse button, and when you press and hold the upper one, the vertical scrolling mode (mouse scroll) is activated.
Since the Pen Mouse is a wireless manipulator, it needs an independent power source to work. In this case, this is a standard AAA battery, installed inside a special compartment with a sliding cover in the upper part of the case. To save energy (and, accordingly, increase the operating time on one battery), after a couple of minutes of inactivity, the manipulator goes into "sleep" mode, while the optical sensor is completely turned off. To bring the Pen Mouse into an active state, just press one of the buttons on the manipulator.
The Pen Mouse is connected to the computer using a miniature standard receiver installed in USB port. Communication is carried out via a radio channel at a frequency of 2.4 GHz; the range is about 10 m. The connection between the manipulator and the receiver is established automatically, without requiring user intervention.
The operating system (in our case it was MS Windows 7) defines the Pen Mouse as a standard mouse, thanks to which the manipulator can be used without even installing a special driver. But in order to get access to additional settings, you need to install a proprietary utility from the supplied CD.
The regular Pen Mouse setup utility allows you to choose one of two ways to capture the manipulator - for the right or left hand. Depending on the selected grip, the orientation of the coordinate axes relative to the body changes: in the first case, the key on the side of the manipulator points in the “up” direction, in the second - “left” or “right” (respectively for the right and left hands).
Pen Mouse Configuration Utility window
The resolution of the optical sensor installed in the Pen Mouse is 1200 cpi (counters per inch). Thus, the sensor can fix the displacement of the manipulator by only 0.021 mm. Since such sensitivity is excessive for most tasks, the developers have provided for the possibility of reducing the resolution by two and four times (up to 800 or 400 cpi, respectively). To switch, you must press and hold the two buttons of the manipulator for 5 s. To confirm the action performed, a small window pops up in the corner of the screen where you can see the current resolution value.
The first impressions of using the Pen Mouse, which replaced the usual mouse on the desktop, were far from delighted. One of the main problems when working with the graphical interface of the OS and applications is that, due to the design features, this manipulator is much more difficult (than a conventional mouse) to keep stationary while pressing the main button. On a more or less slippery surface, he strives to move to the side in the process of pressing, and as a result, the cursor at the time the button is triggered is no longer where the user originally set it. Needless to say, this makes working with small buttons and sliders much more difficult. Even installation doesn't help. minimum value resolving power.
After several attempts to use the Pen Mouse in the field of computer painting, it became clear that this is far from the most effective tool for such an activity. The fact is that in most graphics packages, the drawing tools work when the main button is pressed, so that in the process of drawing you have to press the Pen Mouse body against the work surface. If there are even the slightest irregularities on it, then they correspondingly distort the shape of the resulting line. In addition, the lower part of the body of the Pen Mouse is quite thick, and for this reason it is not as comfortable to hold the manipulator as a regular pen or pencil. In general, the feeling of using the Pen Mouse in the process of drawing turned out to be very far from those provided even by inexpensive tablet models.
When switching resolution
the current value of this parameter is displayed
in a popup window
Analyzing the identified problems, we came to the conclusion that in order to increase the efficiency and convenience of working with the Pen Mouse, it is necessary to somehow change the functions of its buttons. Unfortunately, the developers of the proprietary utility did not provide for such an opportunity. Therefore, I had to use the capabilities of the operating system: by opening the mouse properties in the control panel, changing the functions of the left and right buttons. In addition, for drawing and dragging objects, the emulation mode of holding the main button turned out to be very convenient.
After the “tuning” and a couple of days of adaptation, Pen Mouse finally stopped causing a feeling of something alien. It also turned out that using this manipulator as a mouse is much more convenient, holding it with an alternative (side) grip. Nevertheless, the return of the familiar mouse to the desktop caused genuine joy.
Let's summarize. As tests have shown, Pen Mouse can be a worthy replacement for a traditional mouse and a wireless device for controlling presentations - especially if you have to literally work on your knees. At the same time, it does not make sense to consider this manipulator as an alternative to a graphics tablet, even with a very limited budget.
Based on operating experience, we dare to assume that in most cases Pen Mouse will be purchased to work with mobile PCs. Apparently, the creators of this manipulator hold a similar opinion - this indirectly confirms both the form factor of the standard receiver and the fact that the case is included in the delivery set.
A computer mouse is such a dull and mundane item that not everyone will think of buying it in China. It is much easier to go to any digital equipment store and buy the mouse you like. In addition to saving time, an obvious plus is that you will have the opportunity to choose a physiologically and functionally convenient gadget. The review is dedicated to a rather unusual "rodent". After all, when it comes to a computer mouse, 99% of PC users imagine such a device
... although they are also, and. Today we will talk about a computer optical mouse in the pen form factor.
I bought a pen mouse for my wife. The main mode of use is making presentations in Powerpoint. No super-tasks, except to show off, were not set before the mouse. I was not looking for this particular instance, but accidentally stumbled upon it on the site
SPECIFICATION:
Dimensions: 14 x 2 x 41.4 cmPower: 1 x AAA (not included)
Frequency: 2402MHz - 2480MHz
Channels: 16 (auto frequency switching)
Rated operating voltage: 5V
Rated operating current: 15mA
Type: Optical
Maximum speed: 14 inches / sec
Resolution: 500CPI / 1000 CPI (switchable)
USB interface: 2.0
Color: gray
1 x mouse
1 x receiver
1 x pack
EQUIPMENT
The device came in a retail package in the form of a combined blister.
There are no decals on the box indicating the manufacturer and model of the mouse. On the back of the package there is something like a specification, on the end - friendly Operating Systems. 
A small instruction insert in Chinese and English, duplicated information from the seller's page. The software is not included either in the form of a disk or in the form of a link. 
The battery compartment hides another component of the kit - a tiny USB dongle. MOUSE
The physical dimensions of the gadget - 142x21x41mm, tactile in the hand is perceived as a stationery marker.
It is impossible to call a high-quality assembly: the plastic is thin, the assembly is clip-on. There is a sticker with device parameters on the case. 
The whole structure is based on 1 screw, hidden under this very sticker. 
Under the yoke of compression and twisting, the rodent squeaks plaintively. The shake gives out with a roar the only loose button located in the center (it is also the “left” button in a regular mouse). 
To eliminate discomfort, a small piece of double-sided tape was used as the basis of the button. The gaps are also not ideal ... sobsna, China. The weight is almost imperceptible. Buttons in the device found 4 pieces and 1 wheel.
The travel of the buttons is short and hard, when pressed, they click dryly. The scroll works smoothly, there is no button function. The CPI switch button does not have any indicators; it is not clear which mode is selected. I have not fixed the visual difference between switching CPI from 500 to 1000 and vice versa. 
On the belly of the mouse is a toggle switch for turning on the device. This can only be done with a toothpick or a paper clip. DISASSEMBLY
I do not feel pleasure from this process, but I sacredly honor traditions.
I will not puff up in deciphering the inscriptions, because I don't understand any of this. The only thing that is clear to me is that the components of 2013, by the standards of digital technology, are the “Stone Age”. CONNECTION AND OPERATION
To connect a mouse to a PC, neither a disk nor a tambourine is required. You just need to insert the dongle into USB and turn on the mouse. The cursor picked up even without rebooting the computer and the device worked correctly. The fixed range of the device is 5-6 meters. After turning on the mouse, I decided to run the device with a couple of tests. I sifted the general technical parameters of the mouse with the program AIDA64
Our mouse is called ELAN PS/2 Port Smart-Pad. In the parameters you can see the capabilities of the gadget. Contrary to expectations, windows Functions static - you can not check or uncheck the box. After establishing the pedigree of the device, the search for drivers becomes . We will need them in case of sudden “amnesia” of the mouse.
The smoothness of the cursor movement on the surface of the monitor depends on the frequency of the mouse poll. The size of this indicator for the monitored can be fixed using the program Mouse Rate Checker .
The average result is 200. The result is literally “average”: gaming units give readings many times higher. For average needs, it is quite enough. For comparison with a “mere mortal” wired mouse, its indicator barely exceeds 140-150 Hertz. It is not possible to check DPI, because I did not find a corresponding program on the Internet (does it exist?). Dongle practically does not heat up during operation. Autonomy has not yet been checked, the period of use is short.
PECULIARITIES
The whole mouse is a solid feature and if you are not mature enough to use it, you should not take it initially. If the desire to stand out is higher than the developed habit, then keep in mind:- The first time using the mouse is very inconvenient. After 2-3 days, an ordinary mouse will seem uncomfortable to you;
- After the start of use for 2-3 hours, you will have to look to see if the thumb is there, which is responsible for the "right" key. AT this device this button practically does not protrude above the surface of the case and the rough skin of the finger does not feel it;
- Mouse scroll works the other way around, that is, by turning the wheel “towards you”, the page will go up rather than down;
- The inclination of the mouse-handle is possible only by 40-45 * relative to the vertical. With a larger angle of inclination, the connection with the surface is lost and the cursor sticks.
The mouse looks like this:
The eldest boy of six years acted as a model
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