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Using high resolution optical laser mice as encoders? — Parallax Forums

Using high resolution optical laser mice as encoders?

grindelgrindel Posts: 68
edited 2011-08-15 10:04 in Propeller 1
I recently saw an laser optical mouse advertised as having 5200 dpi (~.0002" resolution ?!)
( http://www.logitech.com/en-us/mice-pointers/mice/devices/5092?debug=0 ) First I would be curious if I could hook it to the prop by simply using one of those usb-ps2 converter dongles ( http://www.amazon.com/Mouse-Female-Male-Computer-Adapter/dp/B0016LJJMW/ref=pd_sim_e_1 ) It occurs to me that this would be a very accurate encoder for a cnc router, reading information right off the side of the rail instead of trying to use a rotary encoder off of the lead screw or somewhere else in the drive system. Is this an idea worth pursuing? I know no-one cares if a mouse drops a pulse or two, so maybe, despite such high resolution, possibly it would not be as reliable as I would hope. Does anyone know if the prop mouse driver could keep up with the information from 3 of these? It seems like it would be in the realm of possibilities.

disclaimers:
My cnc router only exists in my head at this point
I am a horrible programmer, mostly relying on modifying others code to get anything done...
Even if i did get the prop to feed back info to the computer I wouldn't have the skill to integrate it into stepper controls.
I mostly just want to throw it out there and find out if it is a good idea and see if anyone could use it.

Comments

  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2011-08-14 20:28
    Optical mouse detectors are good for short-term relative motion tracking but are totally unsuitable for absolute position tracking over the long term.

    -Phil
  • Graham StablerGraham Stabler Posts: 2,510
    edited 2011-08-15 01:19
    Agreed, I investigated them for this sort of use and fundamentally they are based on estimation, the dpi achieved may not be linear or consistent.

    Graham
  • Peter JakackiPeter Jakacki Posts: 10,193
    edited 2011-08-15 01:28
    The usb to ps/2 converter dongle is only a connector and relies on the usb device having ps/2 compatibility of which some do and some don't. If it has an adapter with it then usually it is. On my boards I have a USB A socket to plug the mouse/keyboard directly in without the adapter and talk to it as a PS/2 device, as long as it is compatible that is.
  • idbruceidbruce Posts: 6,197
    edited 2011-08-15 10:04
    Since the subject includes encoders, I believe this link may be of interest to some folks.

    http://www.usdigital.com/

    Bruce
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