Parallax mouse: 100% PS/2 compatible?

peterz

The cute Parallax mouse that is included in some kits from Parallax (Parallax demo kit, Hydra,...) seems to be non compatible with certain machines or operating systems. Of course, it·works as expected with the Propeller.

My Windows-XP system works well with this mouse. My Windows-2000 system·does not. On this one I have tried a couple of other PS/2 mouses (one from Logitech and another one from Genius) and both work. The·led·within the Parallax·mouse·lights up but the system cannot detect the mouse motion or button clicks.

I wonder why this may happen. Perhaps something related to weak signals, different protocol,....? I though all PS/2 worked same way! Perhaps am I wrong?
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LoopyByteloose

Well, Windows-2000 is older, so the drivers may vary quite a bit. And yes, at least with the keyboard, there are 3 or more different protocols. I suspect if I Google this topic, I'd find at least two or more protocols for mice.

Some mice are a real mystery to me. PS/2 sometimes work with a USB adapter, sometimes doesn't. I recently had one USB mouse that I have been using with XP for ages and without problem through a PS/2 adapter. But I tried to use it directly with a new Linux mini-laptop and it just would work in fits and starts. So it went into the recycle bin.

Some manufacturers - Logictech for one - adhere to each and every item of the specs AND charge a higher price because they do. Being branded, they want to work with everything to gain customer loyalty. But, the OEM brands, take short cuts for the sake of cost and work somewhere between most of the time to some of the time.

The problem really lies in the fact that Parallax doesn't make mice, so the best it can do is to try to buy a top notch OEM mouse. At least it is included and works 100% with the kit it was intended for. I am sure they tested in thoroughly for that context.

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PLEASE CONSIDER the following:

Do you want a quickly operational black box solution or the knowledge included therein?······

···················· Tropically,····· G. Herzog [noparse][[/noparse]·黃鶴 ]·in Taiwan

kjennejohn

It would have been nice if they mentioned that when they originally advertised these. I purchased two each of the mice and keyboards for work because of the price. I checked them out at work on a PC we use for testing items like these against. None worked, in any way shape or form. A mouse and keyboard was found to work on one PC or another, but not reliably on any one computer. I contacted Parallax and got an RMA number and paid to ship them back. They of course found no problem. They of course offered no refund. Then they asked if I was willing to pay for the shipping to get these defecto units back. I declined and took the loss. These were supposed to be used in the future as replacements for failed parts, but obviously couldn't be trusted to work at all. Mine may be the unusual experience, but no mouse or keyboard purchased, name brand or not, high priced or otherwise, has failed to plug in and work. Except the ones from Parallax.

So much for Parallax's vaunted customer appreciation.
kenjj

Chris Savage

Kenjj,

As we are not a supplier of PC accessories we have never done any testing on the various PC platforms and operating systems for compatibility. The keyboard and mouse were intended for use on our Propeller Boards. That said, we do understand where you are coming from and can offer the following…we will refund your purchase price and shipping on the units if we still have them. Please e-mail me directly using the e-mail link to the left and let me know what the RMA number was that was issued so we may attempt to credit you. We will have our web page updated to be clearer about the intended use of our products. Take care.

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Chris Savage
Parallax Tech Support

LoopyByteloose

Both the Parallax keyboard and the mouse have been working quite well with my desktop PC for a year or so, but for Parallax this is really a no win situation. They need to provide keyboards and mice for the Propeller, but some of us want to put them to other uses. I like a small keyboard at my desk.

While Parallax can easily test the keyboard and mouse for use in a kit with the Propeller, it is prohibitive for them to test reliablity with any and all computers of various ages that are out and about in the world. That is how Logitech makes the big bucks -- they cover all the angles and assure retailers that customers won't be coming back with a problem.

I happened to get into studying the PS/2 interface as I wanted to have an SX48 respond to keyboard and mouse inputs. The topic is a bit hairy. Several editions of protocols have evolved, but many manufacturers refuse to comply with the most up-to-date standards and nearly none have included a microprocessor that can identify exactly which protocol the computer wants to use and then morph its services accordingly.· So if one wants to create their own interfaces -- like the ones in the Propeller, one·actually has to test the mouse or keyboard and adapt the software to the quirks of the individual device.· I gave up.

▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
PLEASE CONSIDER the following:

Do you want a quickly operational black box solution or the knowledge included therein?······

···················· Tropically,····· G. Herzog [noparse][[/noparse]·黃鶴 ]·in Taiwan

Post Edited (Kramer) : 5/28/2008 6:05:36 PM GMT