[SOLVED] Logitech TrackMan Marble+.

[AutonomY]

Hi all,

I have a Logitech TrackMan Marble+.
The mouse point itself will not respond anymore after a day of two going to bee weird. Is there anything I can do to repair it? I hope so, the new ones are to expensive for me.

Greetings,

AutonomY

 

[keith1200rs]

Have you removed the ball, cleaned it and cleaned the dust from inside, particularly around the sensor windows?

Keith.

 

[AutonomY]

Hi Keith,

Thanks for your quick response. Yes the inside is clean (I keep everything clean )
I have not a clue how this ‘thing’ works. Looks like two infra red led’s and a sensor.
I am not even sure if I can get spare parts for it,...
Hope you can help me out,…

Greetings

AutonomY

 

[keith1200rs]

As far as I know it uses reflective IR sensors to pick up the dots on the ball, but I have never had one fail so I don't know what is inside. If it's not working you have nothing to lose by taking it apart and having a look. I guess you will need an oscilloscope to get anywhere.

Try it on another computer/USB port first though.

Keith.

 

[AutonomY]

Hi Keith,

Boldly I will take it apart to work around in it . I have tried it on another computer, no deal there to. I do have an oscilloscope and even a LogicProbe but I do not know what to measure.

Greetings

AutonomY

 

[keith1200rs]

Look for simple things first - broken cable where it solders on to the board, for example.

Keith

 

[AutonomY]

Hi Keith,

Thanx! It's a good idea to start out simple. I will delve into it,... I’ll let you know the outcoming,...

Greetings

AutonomY

 

[AutonomY]

Hi Keith,

Thanx for your support. I solved the problem. Indeed, keep it simple in the beginning. One of the CMOS legs was broken. This is caused by corrosion (moist environment, handheld over 10 years). Didn't see it the first time because the legs are hard and not moving easily. I tested it on a laptop and found it to work good again when I juggled it. So I was already happy to know all the electronics worked well. I cleaned out the board and solder the rest of the CMOS sensor leg in to it.
Runs like a charm

Greetings,

AutonomY