Device into a mouse port

I'd like to test a small electronic device that sends integer data and the
customer would like it to plug into the PC's mouse port. Can I plug a
non-mouse into the mouse port and access its data through the API?

I don't have any direct advice to give you, but I do have a potential
contact:

The Zak Morris Company (http://www.zmc.com) makes a device called the
Z-Keys that essentially does what you want to do when it's in its
"Programming" mode.

However, they cautioned me that the upload/download utility that stores
their device's settings in a file and recalls it would only work in Windows
95/98, and not in any of the professional operating systems, so there must
be some fundamental differences between the two types of operating systems
with regards to the PS/2 ports.

This is apparently pretty high-brained stuff, so if you want to contace them
and see if they can offer assistance, I'd make sure your coffee maker is in
top-notch condition before diving in.

"Brad Markisohn" <dbmarkisohn@INDesign-LLC.com> wrote in message
news:3d407055$1@10.1.10.29...
> I'd like to test a small electronic device that sends integer data and the
> customer would like it to plug into the PC's mouse port. Can I plug a
> non-mouse into the mouse port and access its data through the API?
>
>

Hi,

>>
I'd like to test a small electronic device that sends integer data and the
customer would like it to plug into the PC's mouse port. Can I plug a
non-mouse into the mouse port and access its data through the API?
<<

I suppose that this can be done. However, it would be much more
straight-forward to use the PC serial port (data into the mouse port is
asynchronous serial data). The code would be more straight forward, and
Windows itself would be less likely to install a mouse driver that might
interfere with your hardware device use (Windows 2K is a pain this way,
Windows XP is less problematic, but still a potential problem).

--
Richard Grier (Microsoft Visual Basic MVP)

See www.hardandsoftware.net for contact information.

Author of Visual Basic Programmer's Guide to Serial Communications, 3rd
Edition ISBN 1-890422-27-4 (391 pages) published February 2002.