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Evoluent VM3 - User Manual

Evoluent VM3
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Evoluent VM3 troubleshooting
Pointer difficult to control or requires too much arm movement
1. Go to Control Panel, Mouse, and set the pointer speed slider to the middle.
2. Check the box for Enhance Pointer Precision.
Pointer moving by itself
A reflective surface may cause pointer drift. Put the VerticalMouse on a non reflective
mouse pad, such as a fabric pad.
Panning in CAD programs (middle click)
CAD programs typically use a middle click for panning.
1. When the Evoluent driver is not installed, the wheel button is the middle button.
Press the wheel to perform a middle click.
2. When the Evoluent driver is installed, select the “Wheel/Middle Click” function for
any button to make it work as a middle click. Do not select Auto Pan or Zoom.
3. In AutoCAD, the wheel/middle button is configurable at the command prompt.Type
mbuttonpan and set to 1 to enable panning. If set to 0, a pop up menu appears
when pressing the wheel button.
Customizing Pro E for panning with middle click
In the current Evoluent driver, Customizing Programming for Different Applications, look
for xtop.exe in the Pro E folder in Program Files. In Pro E Wildfire 2.0, this is the default
path: C:\Program Files\proeWildfire 2.0\i486_nt\obj\xtop.exe
Disabling button
Any button can be disabled by installing the driver and selecting the None function at the
top of the pull down menu.
Pointer jumping to screen edge
The mouse is probably on a reflective surface. Put it on a completely non-reflective surface,
such as a cotton mouse pad.
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Summary

Pointer Control and Movement Issues

Adjust Pointer Speed and Precision

Set pointer speed to middle and enable Enhance Pointer Precision in Control Panel Mouse settings.

Prevent Pointer Drift on Reflective Surfaces

Use a non-reflective mouse pad to avoid pointer drift caused by reflective surfaces.

CAD Software Middle Click Functionality

Configure Middle Click for CAD Panning

Set up wheel button for middle click, either via driver settings or AutoCAD commands like mbuttonpan.

Customize Pro E Middle Click Panning

Locate xtop.exe in Pro E Program Files for customization settings related to middle click panning.

Button Configuration and Troubleshooting

Disable Mouse Buttons via Driver

Use the Evoluent driver to assign 'None' function to any button for disabling.

Address Pointer Jumping to Screen Edge

Use a non-reflective surface, like a cotton mouse pad, to resolve pointer jumping issues.

Advanced Usage and Installation

Resolve Pointer Sluggishness

Ensure a completely non-reflective and flat surface for proper mouse tracking.

Configure Pointer Acceleration and Speed

Adjust pointer precision/acceleration via Control Panel or the driver's built-in options.

Use Multiple VerticalMouses Simultaneously

Connect each mouse to a USB port and install driver updates for both.

Handle Windows Testing Warnings

Click 'Continue Anyway' for warnings; consider System Restore for safety before installation.

Install Using Windows CD Files

If prompted, locate Windows installation files on the hard disk, e.g., C:\i386.

Overview

The Evoluent VM3 is a specialized mouse designed to enhance user comfort and productivity, particularly for individuals who experience discomfort with traditional mice or who engage in intensive computer-aided design (CAD) work. Its design focuses on ergonomic principles to minimize strain and improve control, offering a range of customizable features to suit individual preferences and application-specific needs.

Function Description

The primary function of the Evoluent VM3 is to provide an alternative to conventional mouse designs, aiming to reduce wrist pronation and promote a more natural hand and arm posture. This is achieved through its unique vertical orientation, which positions the hand in a handshake-like grip, thereby alleviating pressure on the wrist and forearm. Beyond its ergonomic design, the VM3 offers precise cursor control and a suite of programmable buttons, making it suitable for general computing tasks as well as specialized applications that require intricate navigation and frequent command execution.

Usage Features

The Evoluent VM3 is designed with several features to optimize its usability and adaptability across different computing environments and user requirements.

Pointer Control and Precision:

For users experiencing difficulty controlling the pointer or requiring excessive arm movement, the device offers solutions to fine-tune its responsiveness. Users can adjust the pointer speed through the operating system's Control Panel, specifically within the Mouse settings, by moving the pointer speed slider to a comfortable middle position. Additionally, enabling the "Enhance Pointer Precision" option in Windows can further refine cursor movement, providing a more intuitive and accurate experience. When the Evoluent driver is not installed, these system-level settings are crucial for optimizing performance. However, with the driver installed, the device offers its own built-in controls for pointer precision and acceleration, allowing for more granular customization.

Addressing Pointer Drift:

A common issue with optical mice is unintended pointer movement, often referred to as "pointer drift." The Evoluent VM3 addresses this by recommending the use of a non-reflective surface. Reflective surfaces can interfere with the mouse's optical sensor, leading to erratic or unwanted cursor movements. Placing the VerticalMouse on a fabric mouse pad or a similar non-reflective surface can effectively resolve this problem, ensuring stable and predictable cursor control. Similarly, if the pointer appears sluggish or moves randomly, the underlying cause is often a reflective surface. A cotton mouse pad is specifically recommended to ensure consistent tracking. If the mouse tracks correctly on plain white printer paper, it indicates that the mouse itself is functioning properly, and the issue lies with the surface it's being used on. It's also important to ensure the mouse surface is completely flat for optimal tracking.

Panning in CAD Programs (Middle Click Functionality):

For professionals working with CAD software, the middle click often serves a critical function for panning, allowing users to navigate large designs efficiently. The Evoluent VM3 is designed to support this functionality, with specific considerations for both driver-installed and driver-uninstalled scenarios.

  • Without the Evoluent Driver: When the Evoluent driver is not installed, the scroll wheel button inherently functions as the middle button. Users can simply press the wheel to perform a middle click and activate panning in their CAD applications.
  • With the Evoluent Driver: When the Evoluent driver is installed, users gain the flexibility to assign the "Wheel/Middle Click" function to any of the mouse's programmable buttons. This allows for personalized button layouts that best suit individual workflows. It is crucial, however, to avoid selecting "Auto Pan or Zoom" when configuring this function, as it may interfere with the intended panning behavior in CAD software.
  • AutoCAD Specific Configuration: In AutoCAD, the wheel/middle button's behavior is further configurable through the command prompt. Users can type mbuttonpan and set its value to 1 to enable panning. If mbuttonpan is set to 0, pressing the wheel button will instead bring up a pop-up menu, which may not be the desired behavior for panning.

Customizing for Pro/ENGINEER (Pro E) with Middle Click:

For users of Pro/ENGINEER (Pro E), the Evoluent driver offers advanced customization options to optimize the middle click for panning. Within the "Customizing Programming for Different Applications" section of the Evoluent driver interface, users should locate xtop.exe within their Pro E installation folder. For instance, in Pro E Wildfire 2.0, the default path is typically C:\Program Files\proeWildfire 2.0\i486_nt\obj\xtop.exe. By configuring the driver to recognize this executable, users can ensure that the middle click functionality is correctly mapped for panning within Pro E, enhancing their design workflow.

Disabling Buttons:

The Evoluent VM3 provides the flexibility to disable any of its buttons if they are not needed or if they interfere with specific tasks. This is achieved by installing the Evoluent driver and then selecting the "None" function from the top of the pull-down menu within the button configuration settings. This feature allows users to simplify the mouse's functionality, preventing accidental clicks or streamlining its use for particular applications.

Using Right and Left VerticalMouses Simultaneously:

For users who require both right and left-handed VerticalMouses, the Evoluent VM3 supports simultaneous operation, provided both devices are connected to USB ports. The setup process involves:

  1. Connecting the first VerticalMouse to a USB port.
  2. Installing the Evoluent driver update.
  3. Connecting the second VerticalMouse to another USB port.
  4. Installing the driver update again. When prompted by the installation wizard to install again, users should click "Yes." This ensures that both devices are correctly recognized and configured by the system.

Maintenance Features

The Evoluent VM3 is designed for straightforward maintenance, primarily focusing on ensuring optimal tracking performance and driver integrity.

Addressing Pointer Jumping to Screen Edge:

Similar to pointer drift, if the pointer frequently jumps to the screen edge, it is a strong indicator that the mouse is being used on a reflective surface. The recommended solution is to place the mouse on a completely non-reflective surface, such as a cotton mouse pad. This simple maintenance step ensures consistent and accurate cursor tracking, preventing frustrating and disruptive pointer behavior.

Handling Windows Driver Testing Warnings:

During the installation of the Evoluent driver, users might encounter warning messages indicating that the driver has not passed Windows testing. In most cases, the driver functions perfectly well despite these warnings. Users are advised to click "Continue Anyway" to proceed with the installation. However, for maximum safety and to mitigate potential system issues, a precautionary measure is recommended:

  1. Cancel the installation if a warning appears.
  2. Navigate to "Start," "All Programs," "Accessories," "System Tools," and then "System Restore."
  3. Set a restore point before attempting the driver installation again.
  4. Proceed with the driver installation. If any problems arise after the installation, the system can be easily reverted to the state prior to the installation using the previously created System Restore point. This proactive approach ensures system stability while allowing users to benefit from the full functionality of the Evoluent driver.

Resolving "Install Asking for Windows CD" Prompts:

Some computer systems, particularly those with preinstalled Windows, may prompt for a Windows CD during driver installation, even if no physical disc is available. This often occurs because the necessary Windows installation files are stored on the hard disk in a specific directory. Common paths for these files include C:\i386 or D:\i386. If these folders are hidden, users can manually type the path into the prompt to direct the installer to the correct location. This allows the installation to proceed without requiring a physical Windows CD, streamlining the setup process.

Evoluent VM3 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Buttons5
ModelVM3
Hand OrientationRight-handed
Cable Length1.8 m
TypeVertical
ConnectionWired (USB)
DPI2600
CompatibilityWindows, Mac, Linux

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