MouseTrapper
A MouseTrapper is a pointing device that could be described as a mechanical trackpad. Instead of sliding the finger around on the pad, the finger moves the pad itself.
The "steering pad" consist of a rubber sheet suspended on rollers. The rollers themselves are mounted on a sliding rail on the orthogonal axis. The pad is called "roller pad" in manuals for earlier devices. The device is supposed to be placed in front of / under the user's keyboard and it also functions as a wrist rest.
In many ways, the MouseTrapper resembles a RollerMouse. The first model was very similar and did not have any steering pad.
It is marketed mostly as a special ergonomic device for avoiding mouse-related injuries. The price of a new MouseTrapper Advance is around 2500 SEK (277 Euro).
Contents
Usage
Left clicking is done via either a button or by pressing down anywhere on the roller pad. Right clicking is done with a button. There are also buttons for scrolling mode and for double-click.
Like a RollerMouse, vertical motion is unrestricted but horisontal motion has stops. When the steering pad reaches the far left or far right, the cursor moves automatically in that direction.
Far left and far right sensing is done optically, before the actual limit is reached and without any tactile feedback. This can be somewhat of an annoyance.
See also info about different models below.
Construction
The steering pad consists of a belt made of a rubber material suspended between two rollers (actually: multiple wheels and tracks) at the top and bottom. The roller wheels are mounted on a sleigh that can slide left and right on a track.
The entire track rests on a microswitch for clicking.
Sensing is done by an optic sensor underneath the steering pad, stationary pointing up at the underside of the pad. Sensing sleigh position at the extreme left and right is done optically by there being arms protruding from the sleigh and a photo cell sensor at each end.
Versions
MouseTrapper Classic
The first product called "MouseTrapper" did not actually have a roller pad. It got the "MouseTrapper Classic" name first when the MouseTrapper Electronic had been released.
It was operated via a roller like a RollerMouse but was simply mechanical, with no electronics of its own. Instead, the user was supposed to supply a ball mouse to be "trapped" into the device so that its ball touched against the roller. When the user moved the roller, the mouse's ball rolled. When the buttons on the MouseTrapper were pressed, arms pressed the mouse's buttons. This mechanism is what has given the product line its name.
It has sometimes been sold together with a Microsoft mouse that fit inside the MouseTrapper's trap.
MouseTrapper Electronic
First incarnation of MouseTrapper with "roller pad". White plastic. Black wrist pads, buttons and roller pad. Resolution is not adjustable. USB cable, but with a PS/2 out for an external mouse. Buttons are at the top on the left and right side of the roller pad. Lifts the keyboard one centimetre off the desk.
MouseTrapper Office, first generation
Very large footprint on the desk, but slimmer and lifts the keyboard less. White, black or silver plastic.
There was wrist rest extension that clamps to the desk, sold as an optional accessory.
MouseTrapper Office, second generation
Left and right buttons have been moved to the front of the pad. Somewhat smaller desk footprint. White or black.
ergosMart
A MouseTrapper Office with a new brand name.
MouseTrapper Advance
Scrolling up and down can be done by holding the finger at the right edge of the roller pad. Back and forward buttons. Modern black/grey colour scheme.
MouseTrapper Flexible
Smaller footprint, intended for use with laptops. Wireless. Built-in battery that charges via a detachable USB coord.
MouseTrapper Delta
Has a mechanical roller bar, like a RollerMouse, not a trackpad.
