Mouse Blinking: Microsoft Wireless Desktop 900 (PT3-00001)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the blinking light behavior of the Microsoft Wireless Desktop 900 mouse, particularly when it is suspended from a surface for a period of time. Participants explore whether this behavior is indicative of low battery, energy conservation modes, or firmware peculiarities, and they also consider similar experiences with other devices.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant observes that the light emitter on their mouse blinks after being suspended for about 56 seconds and wonders if others have experienced this with the same or different models.
  • Another participant suggests that the blinking light indicates low battery levels, implying that the mouse may soon fail.
  • There is a suggestion that the blinking light could be related to an energy conservation mode, rather than a malfunction.
  • A participant mentions that some mice enter a sleep mode after inactivity and can be reactivated with a button click, indicating a possible design feature.
  • Concerns are raised about the lack of documentation explaining the blinking behavior, with one participant noting that such details may not be included in user guides.
  • There is a discussion about the willingness to take apart the mouse for further investigation after the warranty period, reflecting a lack of confidence in the provided documentation.
  • One participant suggests checking the manufacturer's website for more information and offers advice on finding a replacement mouse if needed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the cause of the blinking light, with some attributing it to low battery and others suggesting it may be a feature related to energy conservation. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the exact reason for the behavior.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the absence of definitive documentation regarding the blinking light behavior and the potential variability in user experiences with different models or brands of wireless mice.

mwatts
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I have this mouse/keyboard combo Microsoft Wireless Desktop 900 (PT3-00001) (Amazon link for reference), and I noticed that if I leave the bottom of the mouse suspended from my desk for about 56s, the light emitter starts blinking -- has anyone seen the same thing with this model or, more interesting, a different model or even different brand?

Probably this is just a peculiarity of the firmware, but I'm curious if anyone else has observed this and whether it's a feature common to other such devices or if there's some commonality like a particular device manufacturer.
 
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When mine does that, it means the battery is running low and the mouse (battery/batteries) will soon fail.
 
Are you talking about the light under the mouse? It's probably an energy conservation mode.
 
Read the documentation that comes with or came with your mouse, since it might explain a few things to help. I too sometimes use a mouse which goes to sleep if not used during several minutes or seconds; and then can be re-awoken with a button click or by turn off and then turn on again. If this problem is a sudden one, the blinking light on top of mouse, then it is probably an indication that battery is dying.
 
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Thanks for the suggestions.

russ_watters said:
Are you talking about the light under the mouse? It's probably an energy conservation mode.
That sounds about right. If they do acceptance testing on the assembled product, I can see using a slow blink to indicate power-saving mode is active rather than just turning the light off since that could just mean a short or bad connection.

@symbolpoint, this doesn't seem like the kind of thing that shows up in a user guide, but I checked and it doesn't mention.

Maybe I can take it apart after the warranty runs out ...
 
mwatts said:
@symbolpoint, this doesn't seem like the kind of thing that shows up in a user guide, but I checked and it doesn't mention.

Maybe I can take it apart after the warranty runs out ...
Documentation on such things as wireless mouse will vary; sometimes with no helpful documentation included to explain anything. Several of the wireless mouses are for very low prices. For this I do not care much about warranty; but maybe one would feel differently if mouse price were over $50.

You can check how your mouse is still behaving and if or if not failing. You might also try checking their website if they have one and see if you can learn any insight there.

In case you find you need a replacement mouse, like if changing battery does not help, you should be able to find a mouse from an office supply store for less than $15.
 

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