Ford Radio Rotary Encoder via PS/2 Mouse

**spudgunblunder** · 01-20-2007, 08:43 PM

I've taken the Volume knob from a Ford Radio. I asume this is a rotary encoder with a push switch.
There are 2 pins for the push switch and 3 pins for the encoder. I know one of which goes to GND and I thought the other two would be ClockWise and Anti-ClockWise.

Can I rig this upto an old roller ball PS/2 mouse by replacing one of the recievers on an axis?

I've tried it but it did'nt seem to work and I think I've killed my Keyboard/Mouse/Screen switcher.

**yonu** · 01-20-2007, 10:56 PM

I am not sure as I have never atempted to hack a mouse but don't you have to ty it in to the scroll wheel?

**Motorcity** · 01-21-2007, 04:58 AM

won't work. The radio volume knob is a variable resistor, the mouse uses a hall effect switch. Not the same. Not by a mile. The mouse won't be able to read the vr.

**spudgunblunder** · 01-21-2007, 06:48 AM

I think it is a rotary encoder as it keeps turning forever and switches continuety from pin1+GND and pin2+GND.
here's the insides:

If this is an encoder can it replace the optical enoder of the mouse?
If not how could I wire it to mu CarPC?

**spudgunblunder** · 01-21-2007, 08:39 AM

Am i trying to connect the encoder to the wrong kind of mouse? Would this one work? It looks like the same mechanism?

**spudgunblunder** · 01-21-2007, 07:32 PM

Thought I'd give it a go but I think I've killed this mouse.

It's USB. It lights up but does not react to any buttons or movement with or without the vol knob connected?

**3g Jester** · 01-21-2007, 07:50 PM

cool idea. wish i could help. seems like your doing everything right. the concept is easy and should work according to how you have it designed. but im not too sure thats the right rotary switch....i dont do componant level maintenance like that much so i really dont know what suggestions to offer.