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Cleaning your mouse
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  Does your pointer jerk around the desktop, even when not using
drunkard-pointer sillies, refuse to work in one direction, or perhaps
the adjust button has ceased to work completely.  If so, your mouse
is probably due for it's service, so why not follow the Sounds Riscy
guide to a clean electronic rodent.

  Remove the circular cover on the base of the mouse by turning it
anti-clockwise.  Take out the mouse ball, and leave it in a bowl of
warm water (only) to soak the dust and dirt off.  Using your
finger-nail or otherwise, clean any dirt that is on the rollers
situated the top, left hand side and bottom right of the ball-holding
recess.  Replace the (dry) ball and the cover and away you go.

  If your pointer still won't move in a certain direction properly
then the sensors are dirty and need cleaning.  Remove the screws
underneath and take off the top, which can be cleaned with soapy
water to remove grubby fingerprints.  Locate the small black wheels
that spin when the ball is moved.  You will see two pairs of IR
transmitters/receivers for the x and y positions of the mouse.  The
mouse works by sending a pulse to the computer every time one of the
IR beams is broken.  What can happen is that dust gets between the
sensors and the wheel, which stops the mouse sending these pulses. 
To fix this simply get a small piece of card and slide it between the
wheel and sensor to scoop out the offending dust.  Now your mouse can
be put back together, and should work as good as new.

  If you are having problems with the buttons, then the microswitches
may need replacing.  This will require some basic soldering, so you
have been warned.  A relevant replacement switch can be purchased
from most (decent) electronic shops.  It may be better to take out
the switch first to show your supplier.  Ask for a subminature
microswitch with lever, dimensions 12.8 x 6.5 x 5.8mm - Maplin Order
code GW67X (page 400 '94 catalogue) price 60p.  This can then be
soldered back in place of the old one, and the mouse put back
together.

  Having said all of this, if your mouse really has had it, then a
new (or reconditioned - cheaper) mouse can be purchased.  We
recommend Greenweld Electronics where prices start at around 5.

 Greenweld Electronic Components,
  27 Park Road,
   Southampton SO15 3UQ

  (0703) 236363

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