mouse splitter construction

[menace]

here's the situation:

I have a steering wheel and a spinner both running off of seperate ps/2 mice respectively.  Now both devices are player one so to resolve the issue with having 2 mice and 1 ps/2 port I constructed a switch to switch the +5v incoming to whichever device I want to use.

The problem:  the computer doesn't recognize either device now

Does anyone know of the correct way to switch between 2 ps/2 mice so that the computer can only see one at a time?  I am using DOS and have no USB capability.  Also using the optimouse program is not an option because it picks up the second mouse as player 2.  thanks!

[rampy]

I've got a silly question... why not just use one mouse and remap the x and the y?    I'm not even sure if that makes sense or not...

let me rephrase... use 1 mouse instead of two... one spinner wired to the x-axis, the stearing wheel wired to the y-axis.... and just do any assignment in software/config...

is that feasible for your situation?

Also what OS are you using, I'm assuming DOS and dmame, right?

rampy

[RandyT]

here's the situation:

I have a steering wheel and a spinner both running off of seperate ps/2 mice respectively.  Now both devices are player one so to resolve the issue with having 2 mice and 1 ps/2 port I constructed a switch to switch the +5v incoming to whichever device I want to use.

The problem:  the computer doesn't recognize either device now

Here's something you can try:

Use a DPDT switch and switch the clock and data lines from one device to the other rather than the power.  That way, both devices are always powered up, and you just switch the communication lines.  If it works for you, it's a lot safer than switching the 5v line as the power surge could pop the fuse on your motherboard (not likely on the newer boards, but it can/has happened).

Let me know if it works

RandyT

[eightbit]

You could use a KVM switch  but that would be an expensive way to go for only switching the mouse.

[menace]

Thanks for the input!  I considered the whole x and y thing but I was hoping to get away from configuring every game that I want to play seperately (I am lazy after all  )  However the DPDT idea seems to be the one I will try since its obvious that you have to switch more than one of the wires on the mouse for it to transfer its functions to the other mouse--could it really be that simple? we'll see today--thanks again!

[menace]

RandyT:

just curious--if I run the 5v to both devices--isn't it going to split the voltage/amperage between the two (series/parallel respectively)?  thanks!

[RandyT]

RandyT:

just curious--if I run the 5v to both devices--isn't it going to split the voltage/amperage between the two (series/parallel respectively)?  thanks!

It shouldn't be a problem.  Just don't hook it up in series!  Think about the wiring in your house.  Eveything is hooked up in parallel, so as long as the available current (amps) is sufficient, and you have the proper gauge wiring you have no voltage drop.

Same thing applies here.  I can't say for sure what the PS/2 mouse port can supply for current, but the keyboard port is capable of quite a bit.  They usually have a 3amp fuse on the motherboard if that's any indication.  I think the mouse port can probably power 2 mice at the same time without too much difficulty, but this could be motherboard independant.

RandyT

[menace]

Randy T:

Thanks--wired it up last night and I now have two mice to one port and all I do is throw a micro DPDT switch and can switch seamlessly between the two.  its sweet!

[ErikRuud]

Which two wires did you end up switching?

I need to do this to switch between my serila mouse spinner and my serial track ball.

[RandyT]

Menace:

No Problem, glad I could help.  

Which two wires did you end up switching?

I need to do this to switch between my serila mouse spinner and my serial track ball.

ErikRuud:  The Serial port has a few more lines of importance, depending on the type of device you are using and the manner of communication.  The safest way to deal with a serial port is a dedicated switchbox.  I have seen these for as little as $9 at computer shows.

RandyT