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Two wireless mice in conflict?

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colttaylor

Programmer
Aug 20, 2002
117
US
I posted this in the Win2K forum, thinking it was a networking problem, but I have since decided that the problem is purely hardware... ie. mice!
I have two computers sitting next to each other at a distance of 5 feet max. Each computer uses a wireless optical mouse. One is a dell mouse and the other is a logitech, but they are absolutely identical and so are their receivers.
Each mouse moves the cursor on the appropriate computer without problem, WHEN IT IS THE ONLY MOUSE MOVING. When they both are moved or clicked at the same time, the logitech (which is on the slower computer) stutters in its movements, and occasionally accepts the clicks from the other mouse. Even when the two mice are moving together, the dell on the faster computer does not stutter or accept unexpected clicks.
I am going to replace one with a wired mouse to see if that helps, but that will have to wait till tomorrow when the stores are open. If anyone has had similar experiences, please let me know. If there is a solution, I would much rather keep both mice wireless.
Thanks in advance for all your advice.
Peace,
Colt


If it's stupid but it works, it isn't stupid
 
Wireless implies radio frequencies and 2 in the same room can certainly conflict. Might check if there is a switch to change channel/frequency like on a cordless phone. I've a client with 2 computers and wireless Microsoft Optical mouses and no conflict but one receiver is blocked from line of sight to the other by a metal file cabinet, no conflict.
 
I know you can "setup" with Logitech mouseware secure channels for both devices so that they don't interfere with eachother.
I suspect that there is no need to swop out either of these mice.
Martin

Replying helps further our knowledge, without comment leaves us wondering.
 
Thanks to All!

Blujacket, thanks for the tip about the metal file cabinet. I will re-arrange some furniture and see if that helps.

Martin, which Logitech mice have multiple secure channels? I could not find any switches on the hardware, nor any options in the driver screens for the mice I am using.

Does anyone know how to make a wireless room divider? I'm imagining a thin vertical surface with a wire mesh or maybe some sheilding inside. Maybe some metal window screens set adjacent to each other so that they create an interference pattern. Just a wild thought!
Thanks again!
Colt

If it's stupid but it works, it isn't stupid
 
If you use Logitech "mouseware" then click properties and then cordless, it should allow you to sellect differant channels when connecting.
The manufactures are wise enough to realise in an office of similar enviroment two or more of their mouses could be in use at any one time.
Martin

Replying helps further our knowledge, without comment leaves us wondering.
 
The cordless mice auto-negotiate frequency/security code by pressing the reset buttons on the transmitter and mouse within the same window of time. [This is also how your car and keyless entry system sync up.]

When changing batteries you may have to resync their communication this way. If the 2 computers were ever resynced together within that window of time, then they could have generated the same code. Try reseting just one pair with the other pair off.
 
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