mouse cable

[phigdon]

I have a microsoft optical trackball, USB interface. Long story but how hard is it to replace the cable? Is it as simple as buying a bargain bin USB mouse and taking everything appart?

[EzyStvy]

The wires are thin as the hairs on your head and not very easy to work with.

[phigdon]

Is it something that I can have done? I really love this trackball and dont want to spend the money on a new one.

[tmathews]

My first step would be to open up the trackball and see how the cable is connected. If it's soldered, you'll need to solder; if there's a connector, maybe you can find a USB mouse with that type of connector or you can attach a new cable to the existing connector.

Bottom line is if you can solder, it can be done.

[toomyg]

Does the old cable have a short in it or something
?

[phigdon]

more like a cut. we have a new kitten and I try to keep the computer room door closed but it was open one morning and the mouse cable was chewed a bit exposing the copper grounding. the inner wires are unexposed but there is a bit of signal interruption. right now I got it to where it works normally and taped it off but I would like to change out the cable. getting the trackball apart is proving to be an issue.