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Mouse/Trackball question

B

BlazeEagle

n00b
Joined
Aug 2, 2006
Messages
4
Is there a way to have the mouse/trackball buttons separate from the mouse/trackball itself?

Please excuse me If I already asked this. I cannot remember if I asked this here or elsewhere. I'll be careful next time. Sorry.

I ask because I'm disabled with very limited arm, hand and finger movement. I can easily move my trackballs ball, but the buttons are hard to hit while rolling the ball. My left hand can hit buttons ok, so what, if any way, could I get some kind of buttons for my left hand?

I can only use the On-Screen Keyboard to type, so keyboard emulation of mouse clicks is not an option for me. I can supply specifics about my hand movement if needed.

Thanks in advance,

BlazeEagle
 
I'm sorry to hear about your disability. Is it possible to just put your trackball on the left side and do everything with your left hand?
 
I have had a PS2 mouse and a USB trackball connected to my PC at the same time and had no problems going back and forth between the two. I did this because I like to use a trackball but everybody else doesn't. You could put the track ball on one side and the mouse on the other. Then use the mouses buttons with one hand and the ball with the other. ;)
 
Good ideas that I've thought about, but that won't work because I can't find one that I can grasp well. Temporally, My hands don't fully open. They open enough to grasp my trackball, but in the case of the trackball, rolling the ball AND pushing buttons at the same time is difficult for me. It puts undue stress on my hand and wrist.

It may seem trivial, but this is a pain for me. Physical therapy is making my hands stronger but it's a long process that takes weeks&months.
 
You could turn the mouse 180 degrees so the buttons are to wards you and then reverse there functions in the mouse settings. Then tape the mouse down or use double sided sticky tape to attach it to your desktop. You could then push the buttons without having to hold the mouse.
 
BlazeEagle, what kind of trackball are you using and what exactly are you doing that requires you to hit the mouse buttons at the same time you roll the ball? The only thing that comes to mind is dragging.

I'm using a Kensington Expert Mouse and I roll the ball, then hit the buttons. I set one of the programmable buttons to be a drag-lock... I click on something, it locks it, I roll it around (without having to keep a button depressed at the same time), then click the normal left-click button and it's unlocked.

Been a while, but I do recall at some point seeing foot operated mouse controls. :)
 
Hi Blaze

I have been through the pt thing for a hand/wrist problem myself. I have inoperable carpal tunnel and couldn't use a mouse (or computer) for almost a year. At first I couldn't even really dress myself well - could not do buttons, zippers or tie my own shoes.

I found this mouse to be helpful once I could start using one again, and actually it was one of my doctors who recommended it. He likes it, says it takes alot of the pressure and stress off of his hand and wrist, having to use his computer all day.

http://www.fentek-ind.com/logitech.htm - I used the Trackman, and there is a cordless Trackman. On the same site I found what may really help you (and I wish I'd known about or had been around when I needed it) - a foot controlled mouse! http://www.fentek-ind.com/nh-mouse.htm It is very expensive unfortunately, though if you're on workmen's comp or something like that and you can get your doctor to say it's medically necessary, it may be either fully or at least partially covered by insurance. I don't know. If I find one cheaper, I'll pm you with the link, ok?

And best of luck with your pt!
 
if you know someone with a bit of DIY electronics ability it would not be hard to get a USB mouse and make external foot switches for the buttons.or alternately placed buttons on your desk. you can 2 USB mouse devices connected at once in XP and they will both work.

it is a very simple thing to extend wires from where the switches in a mouse are to alternate momentary switches. (or they could modify your trackball)
 
what kind of movement difficulties do you have?

most of the trackballs i've played with you run the ball with your thumb and click with fingers... or some uncomfotable variant.

i've got a microsoft trackball i absolutely love that you run the ball with your fingers, and the buttons with your thumb. works much better, you might give it a look.

now i use my trackball for everything, except my copperhead for games. love those trackballs.
 
Thank you all for the good advice.

Feet is not an option for me. They barely wiggle.
I like using my thumb to roll the ball.

I ordered the Nostromo Speedpad that fits in your left hand. I'll let everyone know how it works out.
 
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