Mouse Mod

[Jfwhitt]

I have a regular optical mouse with the red led, and am wanting to replace the red led with a blue one. I was wondering if it was possible and if it is will it decrease the responsiveness of the mouse.

[Rankenphile]

It is possible, but it can effect the operation of the mouse, sometimes. THe most important thing is to make sure you are replacing the LED with one that requires the same power.

Here is an article that explains the basic steps and some of the things to think about and watch out for if you do decide to try it.

If you do, keep a worklog and take pics!

[Jfwhitt]

That article answered most of my questions. THANKS
One more thing where can I buy LEDs?

[wingman358]

You can buy LEDs at Radioshack, however they might be a couple bucks. You can get the same quality LEDs on eBay (or other online places) for much cheaper.

EDIT: I just did this mod in about 3 minutes. It's wicked easy! I'll show pictures later

[Malatory]

Led can be found at:
http://www.lsdiodes.com/

http://www.superbrightleds.com/

[Jfwhitt]

I've been looking at the sites you gave me and the leds give a viewing angle. Does it matter what that angle is if im using it form my mouse. BTW Thanks for the help!

[wingman358]

The viewing angle probably doesn't matter much. I say this because they put little plastic thingies (like prisms) in the mice to angle the light from the LED to the right spot.

[Malatory]

A 10% View Angel all that is needed for the mouse. As the plastic thingies (using the same technal term as above) focuses the light.

Just dont use a UB Led in place of the red.

[wingman358]

A 10% View Angel all that is needed for the mouse. As the plastic thingies (using the same technal term as above) focuses the light.

Just dont use a UB Led in place of the red.

By "UB" do you mean "UV" as in UltraViolet? Generally I would agree with you... but I was just thinking that since many CCDs (the light-detecting chips in cameras) can detect UV, perhaps the one the mouse uses can too?

[Malatory]

By "UB" do you mean "UV" as in UltraViolet? Generally I would agree with you... but I was just thinking that since many CCDs (the light-detecting chips in cameras) can detect UV, perhaps the one the mouse uses can too?

Yes I ment UV .. Key must have moved on my while I was typing.

It can but you need a white mousing surface for the reflection to work. Most mice need at least a 2600 MCD Red LED and 3500 MCD blue to work right (Red is more visable) most UV Led are around 500MCD. the Ten I picked up are only 405MCD.

Plus I tryed and know from the trial and Error method.