Sun optical mouse mat

Posted by: andym

Sun optical mouse mat - 18/04/2003 15:44

I've just been given a sun optical mouse, the guy couldn't find the special mouse mat to go with it. Does anyone know where I can get one. Or, (just thought of this one now) does anyone know the pattern that was printed on it? Maybe I could create it and print it out.
Posted by: wfaulk

Re: Sun optical mouse mat - 18/04/2003 15:50

It's a reflective pad (maybe some sort of laquered aluminum?) with a regular crosshatch of about a millimeter or two. I don't think that the spacing is all that critical; it'll just take longer to move the cursor if the spacing is bigger.
Posted by: andym

Re: Sun optical mouse mat - 18/04/2003 15:57

any chance of a piccy?
Posted by: wfaulk

Re: Sun optical mouse mat - 18/04/2003 16:05

Sun had a number of different optical mice. I think they all used the same pad, though.

Sun's page on Type-5 optical mice
You can't really tell anything from this
link to a postscript to print it out (some messages around there say that the mice weren't as compatible as I thought)
Posted by: andym

Re: Sun optical mouse mat - 18/04/2003 16:07

lovely, thanks!
Posted by: Daria

Re: Sun optical mouse mat - 18/04/2003 16:38

The printable one is for a Type 3. It won't work for a Type 5 mouse. The Type 4 and Type 5 pads were close, the Type 3 had a lower density grid.

I haven't printed that PostScript in years, but I notice it's copyright BeakSoft. I knew all most of the principals, I wonder which one wrote it?

Incidentally, yes, there is software with this license:
Copyright 1990,1991 BeakSoft Inc. All Rights Reserved. Permission is granted to copy, modify, and use this as long as this notice remains intact. CMU Sucks.
Posted by: frog51

Re: Sun optical mouse mat - 18/04/2003 17:01

I'll hunt around in my attic - I know I still have one for one of my old SGI boxes, but I think I might have a Sun one going spare. I won't promise anything, but I'll let you know after the weekend.
Posted by: Daria

Re: Sun optical mouse mat - 18/04/2003 20:57

If he doesn't there's also a chance I have one around that's mine and not my employer's. Let me know.
Posted by: andym

Re: Sun optical mouse mat - 19/04/2003 14:24

It looks like I have a Type 4 mouse and a Type 3 mat. Am I to assume this won't work together? (I don't actually have them yet) If so, Mr Frog/Mr Brashear could you help out?
Posted by: Daria

Re: Sun optical mouse mat - 19/04/2003 19:24

Won't work (assuming that's what you have).
Posted by: andym

Re: Sun optical mouse mat - 20/04/2003 02:31

i'll have to start scouring for another mat then....
Posted by: Daria

Re: Sun optical mouse mat - 20/04/2003 11:28

None at home.I'll have to look at work Monday
Posted by: frog51

Re: Sun optical mouse mat - 22/04/2003 00:37

Apologies - none at home. I could have sworn I had one spare kicking about. Hmmm - maybe need to chat with Mrs. Frog51 about over-enthusiastic tidying