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I have electronic maintenance experience but it dates to 1985 (last use). I can still solder well but I have forgotten all the electronic theory I once new except for VERY basic stuff. So assume I'm a newbie.

I would like to install a micro vibrating motor (from an old flip style cell phone) that runs off 3.7 V inside a Micorsoft Optical USB Intellimouse and include a miniature on/off push button switch that turns the "timing" circuit on and off.

I would like to have the motor turn on for about 3 seconds(+-2 seconds) and turn off for about 3 minutes (+- 20 seconds) and continue that on/off cycle until I press the miniature push button switch to turn the "timing" circuit back off.

I would like the motor and "timing" circuit to use the mouse's internal +5v coming in via the USB cable.

The purpose of this project is to provide a mechanical means of periodically moving the mouse preventing my computer from entering sleep mode. I cannot use a software solution because my workplace IT department has locked users out from changing configurations settings in Windows.

Is this possible? Can you provide circuit diagram(s) and list of components required?

Update: I did not intend to start an ethics discussion with my question. Respectfully, I submit some should not be so quick to judge. It is difficult to provide ALL the facts within a short post.

Prior to my initial post I did, in fact, discuss this with my boss & IT dept. BOTH gave me the ok to investigate a timing circuit because

  1. I am fortunate to work in a walled office that has a self-locking door; every time I exit, I must use my key to re-enter.
  2. Most other users work in an open cubicle environment in multiple locations so IT is reluctant to change configuration settings that are managed via our network.
  3. I spend a large amount of time in teleconferences and the time out issue has become a nuisance.

I have already demonstrated to IT two methods of moving the mouse w/o software:

  • placing mouse on top of an analog watch w/ second hand. Second hand movement is interpreted by mouse sensor as movement of mouse preventing timeout. Problem is it's hard to balance mouse on crystal face of watch consistently.
  • I installed a cell phone vibrating motor with micro switch directly to 5v coming into mouse (motor runs until switched off hence the need for a timing circuit.)

If, after reading this update to my original post you still feel this is violating some ethical or legal rules, I withdraw my question and will seek advice elsewhere. However, if you feel you can assist in clear conscience, please help me with a circuit design within the parameters originally specified. Many thanks.

Dave Tweed
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Matt
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  • You may use a lm555c for the timer this IC is specialized for timing works like that, so consider checking printerest or google image to see diverse diagrams & schematic on how to use it. This is the first step to think around your project –  Feb 28 '19 at 20:37
  • How about this: https://windowsreport.com/prevent-computer-from-sleeping-locking/ – Eugene Sh. Feb 28 '19 at 20:40
  • but: instead of modifying a mouse to mechanically vibrate, why not modify a keyboard to send a fake key press of an unmapped every few seconds? Or better even: Talk to the IT department about changing your user's lock screen settings. – Marcus Müller Feb 28 '19 at 20:40
  • francois P - thank you, I have searched Google some but haven't found a circuit that meets my cycle criteria and power source. I will keep trying though. – Matt Feb 28 '19 at 20:45
  • Eugene Sh - thanks for the link but as I indicated, a software solution is not possible. IT refuses to change settings nor will they allow users to install apps. – Matt Feb 28 '19 at 20:47
  • Some of the apps listed are "portable", I.e. not requiring installation. – Eugene Sh. Feb 28 '19 at 20:49
  • Is there a reason given for the aggressive timeouts? For example, do you work with data to which strict privacy controls applies? – Chris Stratton Feb 28 '19 at 20:49
  • Chris Stratton - my IT dept has set the time out on all computers to 4 minutes and yes it involves sensitive personal data being used. Can you provide more specifics on how to employ/use the ATtiny and N-FET you mentioned - I will google to see what I can find. Thank you! Mouse jiggler dongle is not an option; IT policy prevents users from using ANYTHING in USB ports other than keyboard & mouse. – Matt Feb 28 '19 at 20:55

1 Answers1

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You may still be able to do this in software. Try saving this on your desktop as 'idle.vbs'. Double click it to run.

Dim objResult
' Prevent screen saver lock
Set objShell = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell")    
i = 0

Do While i = 0
  objResult = objShell.sendkeys("{NUMLOCK}{NUMLOCK}")
  Wscript.Sleep (60000)
Loop

This script sends a double NumLock keypress every 60 s and keeps the OS awake with very little risk of you missing a number while typing. If that does prove to be a problem see if you can send a double Scroll Lock instead.

Transistor
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