Trackpoint. Cursor sometimes flies to the top without touching the device

General
1

Hello!

Sometimes after long usage of keyboard, mouse cursor doesn’t stop after taking finger away from trackpoint. Cursor continues flying top (sometimes top left), if I use trackpoint cursor moves following my commands, but then continue strange moving. Reattaching trackpoint module helps. Also shaking module top and bottom can help without reattaching. Can it be fixed?

With best regards

2

Look for the resetTrackpoint command in the ref manual here:
Uncategorized commands

I also just realized there’s a mention of resetTrackpoint in Agent’s Smart macro reference flyout:

TP Drift SM Ref
TP Drift SM Ref2061×985 248 KB

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3

That’s exactly what I do, haven’t bothered to bind a command to reset it. Modules attach/detach easy enough :man_shrugging:

4

Assuming it is the same problem, here is more detail: Trackpoint module drift · Issue #382 · UltimateHackingKeyboard/firmware · GitHub

TL;DR:

Cause:

  • the issue is trackpoints internal adaptive calibration, which, when a constant pressure is applied for a couple of seconds, tends to adjust the “zero” parameters towards the constant pressure average. When the trackpoint is released, this results in the trackpoint thinking it has been pressed in the opposite direction.

Fix:

  • Fixing the root cause is not possible, because it depends on the trackpoint’s board internal calibration and anti-drift systems and their configuration. We can’t tweak it since we don’t have proper documentation from the manufacturer, because of technology-related NDAs.
  • Iirc, we are trying to detect such drifts (ones that the trackpoint’s internal algorithm failed to detect) and when we detect such a drift, then we reset the trackpoint board. I.e., one way or the other, a drift should stop after a few seconds if you release the nib.
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