adding an external antenna to my PC mouse
 

hi there,

i read an article(link below) on adding an external aerial to a PC
mouse to improve its transmitting ability using a twist tie to its
front

http://lactose.blogspot.com/2007/06/...prove-its.html

but it didnt improve its range. i figured you ppl here know your
aerials so i was wondering if you could give me some ideas to try.
this is what the mouse looks like (RF board is one on the right). thx

http://www.geocities.com/ymailus/mouse.JPG (i can upload a hi res one
if anyone needs it)

s

adding an external antenna to my PC mouse
 

s wrote:
[...]

Certainly interesting ...

However, I'd suggest you would get a more acceptable performance by
purchasing a USB hub. Plug the hubs' cable into the computer, and place
the hub on the desk in proper range of the mouse and plug the mouses'
dongle into the hub ...

I know, not as fun as experimenting, but loads more performance!

Regards,
JS

adding an external antenna to my PC mouse
 

On Dec 26, 6:57*pm, John Smith wrote:

I know, not as fun as experimenting, but loads more performance!

that wud definately provide a solution, but i am bent on tryng to get
this wireless mouse designed to work on the same desk as the receiver,
to transmit from a different room.

i am trying to establish where to solder an antenna.

adding an external antenna to my PC mouse
 

s wrote:

...
i am trying to establish where to solder an antenna.

Got 'cha ...

I don't think anyone here would hesitate to offer assistance. However,
for beginnings, the antenna should be cut for the specific freq of the
mouse. Do you know that freq?

And then, without a schematic of the mouse, how would someone locate the
"final amp" on the mouse with any certainty? Can you identify the
trace/other which is serving as the ant now? That is where, most
likely, you would make the connection. If it were my mouse I'd be more
brazen--you hating me for making a wrong "guess" just doesn't cut it!

There is more to worry about also ... trust me.

Crux of the matter being--no one is a big hurry to help you "burn up"
your mouse!

Regards,
JS

adding an external antenna to my PC mouse
 

likely, you would make the connection. *If it were my mouse I'd be more
brazen--you hating me for making a wrong "guess" just doesn't cut it!

no worries,its an old, non optical mouse that i am trying to give a
2nd life.
i think it runs at 27Mhz. there is a little can on the underside which
has 27.045 on it.

the current antenna laid on the pcb is shaped thus
http://www.geocities.com/ymailus/pcb.JPG

thx

adding an external antenna to my PC mouse
 

s wrote:

...
i think it runs at 27Mhz. there is a little can on the underside which
has 27.045 on it.

the current antenna laid on the pcb is shaped thus
http://www.geocities.com/ymailus/pcb.JPG

thx

Some of the "more to it" is that at 27Mhz, you are not going to add on
anything I can think of which will improve distance--all I see is that
you will detune circuit and antenna and degrade performance. (at least,
in a usable way)

At 900Mhz and above, a complete antenna can consist of a "bread tie" and
performance can be improved.

Let's see if any others have some thoughts ...

Regards,
JS

adding an external antenna to my PC mouse
 

AI4QJ wrote:

...
In the 11m band the antenna can be extended simply by touching the antenna.
This is because the human body is basically a saline conductive material and
the size of the human body approaches 1/4 wave for these frequencies (that
is why RF safety only allows 200 watts max at these frequencies). It might
be worth a try to extend the antenna by using conductive material onto the
surface of the mouse so it is possible for the user to touch the antenna
input connection. This could improve the gain of both transmission and
reception, that is, if it is actually in the HF 27MHz range



If loading of the "final" doesn't cause significant detuning and results
in worse performance ...

Regards,
JS

adding an external antenna to my PC mouse
 

AI4QJ wrote:
[...]

I'd say, get a longer usb cable and a hub, or else a 900+ Mhz mouse ...

Regards,
JS

adding an external antenna to my PC mouse
 

On Dec 27, 1:32 am, John Smith wrote:
AI4QJwrote:

[...]

I'd say, get a longer usb cable and a hub, or else a 900+ Mhz mouse ...

Regards,
JS

That was exactly what the writer was trying to avoid, "John".

adding an external antenna to my PC mouse
 

adding an external antenna to my PC mouse
 

John Smith wrote:

...
At an early age, I attempted to avoid death; I am 55. I have done well
to this point ... I will NOT always be so successful.
...

Well, to a certain extent, I lie; I feel 18! Those who came before me
had the same experience--I am almost certain. Another thing, those
coming after, most likely, will experience the same ...

Warm regards,
thanks for the memories,
JS

adding an external antenna to my PC mouse
 

AI4QJ wrote:

[let's cut the BS]

Then, on the top of your desk, cut a piece of copper foil which is self
resonant to ~27Mhz; construct it so the operation of the mouse is
always over this plate. I will guarantee you, your range will be
extended!, and, noticeable so!

Warm regards,
and,
thanks for the mental exercise!

JS

adding an external antenna to my PC mouse
 

s wrote:
hi there,

i read an article(link below) on adding an external aerial to a PC
mouse to improve its transmitting ability using a twist tie to its
front

http://lactose.blogspot.com/2007/06/...prove-its.html

but it didnt improve its range. i figured you ppl here know your
aerials so i was wondering if you could give me some ideas to try.
this is what the mouse looks like (RF board is one on the right). thx

http://www.geocities.com/ymailus/mouse.JPG (i can upload a hi res one
if anyone needs it)

s

Sorry I'm late, we were away for Xmas.

One thing already suggested is somehow making electrical contact between
your body and the antenna terminal so your body acts as a larger
effective antenna at the mouse. I wouldn't worry about any impedance
mismatch between the RF portion of the mouse and your body, power levels
are so low you won't damage anything.

Another thing is making the antenna at the PC bigger, like maybe a full
wave loop of #36 magnet wire strung up the walls and across the ceiling
and coupled in to the dongle by wrapping it with a few turns of the loop
wire. Different orientations of the loop may give you better performance.

adding an external antenna to my PC mouse
 

On Dec 27, 7:28*pm, John Smith wrote:


[let's cut the BS]

"John", as a result of this and several other posts, I am joining a
growing list of people who have plonked you. I guess when you post in
anonymity, you can say anything you want...anything goes...from the
just plain stupid, which is marginally tolerable considering the
damage that the lysergic acid must have ravaged on your right frontal
lobe in your early years, to the dangerous, including your casual
mentions of past drug use by substance name when you know there are
kids who read this forum. I wouldn't want my teenager reading some of
your posts. The ng isn't just about you "John", or the poor image you
continue to profess about the amateur radio community in many cases
when you post here. You wouldn't be posting the very stupid things you
write if you were exposed to the embarassment of using your real name,
yet you write in such a way as to attempt to exude guilt on those who
criticize you, as if there were a real "John Smith" to feel sorry for.
Your persona name is nothing, it is vapor, and I do not want to waste
any more time on vapor. So I agree, let's cut the BS (I just did so,
permanently).

adding an external antenna to my PC mouse
 

adding an external antenna to my PC mouse
 

John Smith wrote:

[stuff]

In fact, just remembered how much the copper was going for in the scrap
yard--in place of "copper foil" use aluminum foil ...

Regards,
JS