SCROLL MOUSE issue with CADMouse possibly resolved through disassembly

[bikerchris]

Hey all,

Thought I'd register and share if interesting.

I've had a scroll mouse erratic issue for sometime, scrolling up would suddenly have scrolling down, zooming in/out in CAD would sometimes be reversed, etc. This is clearly not a software issue.

Today I had finally had enough, so disassembled. In summary, normal can of air sprayed up-side-down between the scroll wheel you touch, and the smaller wheel its connected to. Tissue over the side and smaller wheel as you rotate the scroll wheel.

Early days, but seems to have fixed it for me.

Cheers,
Chris

Here's photos that I've had to reduce in file size, in case they help

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[bikerchris]

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[CDRDA]

I am on my 3rd CAD Mouse and they have all had this issue. My latest one, only 6 months old has also sadly developed the scroll wheel issue, so I will be sending it back this time. Previously I had completed the same steps as you have nicely outlined in your photos, with the additional steps of disconnecting, cleaning and reconnecting the white cables between the mouse wheel micro-controller and the main board, as well as completely taking off the wheel and separating it from the microcontroller.

Whilst I have also had success in this cleaning process, it has always been temporary. After a few times of cleaning out the mouse, no amount of cleaning helped. I suspect that some dust had worked its way into the microcontroller, even though I have been storing the mouse in the case overnight and when not in use.

Strangely, when my new mouse recently developed problems (I haven't opened that up to clean it) I went back to my old mouse which was stored in its case for 6 months and to my surprise it has worked perfectly well. However after a couple of weeks of experimentation, the scrolling issue is starting to come back, suggesting that it is indeed a problem with the microcontroller. I also had this issue with Razer mice a few years ago.

I have since purchased a new dustproof microcontroller from ebay (following advice on these forums) and will attempt a more robust repair given the old mouse is well out of warranty. It is a shame as these mice are by far the best quality in other areas and in terms of productivity it is second to none.

[bikerchris]

Thank you for this post, apologies for the delay but I didn't receive any notification (I've clicked the relevant tickbox now).

I'm very sorry to hear of your problems, though at the same time, I'm glad it's not just me. Wow, you've gone through 3 of them, I was just looking to see when I bought mine (brand new) and it was March 2022, so I feel lucky that it's lasted this long without issue.

It sounds like you went much further than I did, attempting to resolve the issue and considering the price of the unit, it's disappointing that 3DConnexion haven't identified and solved the issue by now. It is a great mouse and for the work I do in CAD and 3D, has made my life more comfortable, for my hand at least (yes, 1st world problems eh). I'm considering buying a new wireless one, though I'm loathed to, considering the experience to date.

I'm very interested in the dustproof microcontroller idea, do post about that when you try it and it would be great if you mentioned me so I'm notified.

[juzzi]

Hi!
Me as many of the cadmouse compact' users faced with the problem of malfunctioning of mouse scrolling.
It makes working in a cad software is impossible. I hasten to inform you the issue of trouble is a mouse' encoder.
First I tried to clean internal space of the mouse from dust, in vain. An attempt of disassemlying of the installed encoder was without any success.
Then I measured size of encoder, it is 5 mm, and bought a new one.
Using a soldering gun i replaced the installed encoder to the new one and now the mouse work good.

The encoder - TTC 5mm.

[bikerchris]

Hi Juzzi!

Thank you very much for sharing this, very kind of you.

You're right it makes CAD impossible, it's been horrible lately!

Is there any chance of you showing a sample of the actual part and any special references it might have on it please? I only ask because although I'm within warranty this time around, it would be disappointing if it happens again...or if 3DConnexion go bust (unlikely I would hope!).

I do wonder though, is the encoder a thing that physically wears out or is it really down to dust ingress? My air compressor goes up to 120PSI, but I didn't want to break the mouse internals.

Thanks!

[bikerchris]

Just wish to confirm the status. After unsuccessfully resolving the issue myself, I made a warranty claim and have received a replacement unit.

I await with anticipation of this device failing in the same manner, though hopefully some component upgrades have been made during the interim.

[juzzi]

Hi everyone!
I attached pictures of the new encoder which I installed in CadMouse Compact. I am sure it is availible in Ebay or Amazon. I bought it in Alibaba.

[damabbot]

Hi!
Me as many of the cadmouse compact' users faced with the problem of malfunctioning of mouse scrolling.
It makes working in a cad software is impossible. I hasten to inform you the issue of trouble is a mouse' encoder.
First I tried to clean internal space of the mouse from dust, in vain. An attempt of disassemlying of the installed encoder was without any success.
Then I measured size of encoder, it is 5 mm, and bought a new one.
Using a soldering gun i replaced the installed encoder to the new one and now the mouse work good.

The encoder - TTC 5mm.

What are the key differences between the TTC 5mm Green Core Encoder and other mouse encoders available on the market, such as those with different sizes or brands?
Thank for advance!