ACORN A5000 inbound

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HigashiJun
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Re: ACORN A5000 inbound

Post by HigashiJun »

rubber_jonnie wrote: 03 Dec 2023 10:11
:yay2: :dualthumbup: :cheer:

Haven't seen one of those shapes, I think it is a later one isn't it? Mine are both very wedgy.
Yes, it's the "M-PG15" from Logitech.

https://chrisacorns.computinghistory.or ... Type3.html

My A3000 has the wedgy mouse (M-PF7):

https://chrisacorns.computinghistory.or ... Type2.html
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rubber_jonnie
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Re: ACORN A5000 inbound

Post by rubber_jonnie »

HigashiJun wrote: 03 Dec 2023 10:50
rubber_jonnie wrote: 03 Dec 2023 10:11
:yay2: :dualthumbup: :cheer:

Haven't seen one of those shapes, I think it is a later one isn't it? Mine are both very wedgy.
Yes, it's the "M-PG15" from Logitech.

https://chrisacorns.computinghistory.or ... Type3.html

My A3000 has the wedgy mouse (M-PF7):

https://chrisacorns.computinghistory.or ... Type2.html
The one I'm using for my A5000 is an M-PF7, I still need to sort out a ball for my other mouse.
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
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HigashiJun
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Re: ACORN A5000 inbound

Post by HigashiJun »

@rubber_jonnie

I think that's the hardest part...

Either you manage to find one or try to make it by yourself, like you did.

I have never seen mouse balls for sale on auction sites, and particularly Acorn ones.
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rubber_jonnie
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Re: ACORN A5000 inbound

Post by rubber_jonnie »

HigashiJun wrote: 03 Dec 2023 11:43 @rubber_jonnie

I think that's the hardest part...

Either you manage to find one or try to make it by yourself, like you did.

I have never seen mouse balls for sale on auction sites, and particularly Acorn ones.
What's annoying is that I have a ton of old mice, but it uses a ball size that I just can't match. Still have plans to try and make one if I can, but not in a hurry as I have a spare.
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
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chronicthehedgehog
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Re: ACORN A5000 inbound

Post by chronicthehedgehog »

That looks quite a comfortable well-designed mouse. Unlike others I could mention :D
Reminds me that I need to try/find another adapter for my ST. The one I have creeps like crazy
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stephen_usher
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Re: ACORN A5000 inbound

Post by stephen_usher »

I wonder if you can make a good enough ball using a 3D printer.
Intro retro computers since before they were retro...
ZX81->Spectrum->Memotech MTX->Sinclair QL->520STM->BBC Micro->TT030->PCs & Sun Workstations.
Added code to the MiNT kernel (still there the last time I checked) + put together MiNTOS.
Collection now with added Macs, Amigas, Suns and Acorns.
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rubber_jonnie
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Re: ACORN A5000 inbound

Post by rubber_jonnie »

stephen_usher wrote: 03 Dec 2023 13:39 I wonder if you can make a good enough ball using a 3D printer.
Probably not on my 3d printer....

I guess that the problem would be the same as the resin one I made in that the weight isn't there.

I have considered adding solder balls to the resin to add weight but not tried it yet. I also wonder if it would work coating a steel ball with rtv silicone.

How? I don't know.

What I find odd is that the original ball was clearly resin of some sort, and the remains were very light.
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
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HigashiJun
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Re: ACORN A5000 inbound

Post by HigashiJun »

rubber_jonnie wrote: 03 Dec 2023 12:57 What's annoying is that I have a ton of old mice, but it uses a ball size that I just can't match. Still have plans to try and make one if I can, but not in a hurry as I have a spare.
Maybe you have already tried, but it's worth looking at Logitech mice from that period.
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HigashiJun
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Re: ACORN A5000 inbound

Post by HigashiJun »

Last (?) repair done...

Resistor.JPG

That one was quite tough, but it spared me from de-soldering the whole connector.

I just hope there are no other broken traces under it.
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rubber_jonnie
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Re: ACORN A5000 inbound

Post by rubber_jonnie »

HigashiJun wrote: 04 Dec 2023 07:16
rubber_jonnie wrote: 03 Dec 2023 12:57 What's annoying is that I have a ton of old mice, but it uses a ball size that I just can't match. Still have plans to try and make one if I can, but not in a hurry as I have a spare.
Maybe you have already tried, but it's worth looking at Logitech mice from that period.
I have an M-PF7 from Logitech which I use with the A5000 and the ball is too big for the Acorn mouse, and I've tried a number of period mice. from generic types to branded, including period Apple mice, and all are too big.

The Acorn mouse is oddly made in Switzerland, so I call it the 'Swiss Cheese' mouse as it is a wedge shape :)
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...

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