Hello. This is my first post - not exactly a linux noob, but no expert either. I am having many problems getting my Marble Mouse USB to work with Slackware 9.1 and my laptop. I have researched the problem using this site and others for about a week now, so I'll try to be as detailed as possible.

I have Slack 9.1 working relly great on my Dell Cpt laptop that is hooked up to a docking station. I am using the ethernet that is in the docking station with no problems. I am using a Logitech TackMan Marble wheel that is attached to the ps/2 port with no problems. Also the trackpad and thumb pointer on the keyboard are also working with no problems. I am attempting to get the additional mouse (Marble Mouse USB) working by attaching it to the USB port on the docking station. At present, I get no response at all from the Marble Mouse itself by moving the ball or clicking on the buttons.

I will attach the relevant parts of my XF86Config file now:

# **********************************************************************
# Core Pointer's InputDevice section
# **********************************************************************

Section "InputDevice"

# Identifier and driver

Identifier "Mouse1"
Driver "mouse"
Option "Protocol" "MouseManPlusPS/2" #"IMPS/2"
Option "ZAxisMapping" "4 5"
Option "Device" "/dev/mouse"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "MarbleMouse"
Driver "mouse"
# Option "SendCoreEvents" "true"
# Option "Buttons" "4"
Option "Device" "/dev/input/mouse"
Option "Protocol" "IMPS/2"
# Option "Emulate3Buttons" "true"
Option "ZAxisMapping" "4 5"
EndSection

It seems like I have tried almost all of the options for the Protocol option, but I've tried so many that I'm beginning to forget. I know that "IMPS/2" and "auto" do not work for sure in this setup. These were two of the most popular options for a fix that were posted before on this site, but they don't seem to work for me.

I get a funny feeling (may be wrong) that I am using the wrong Device option. How can one tell which device to put in that section? I know that the Mouse Man USB is recognized at boot up, because I see the messages in the startup output.

I welcome any suggestions on a fix! Thanks in advance for any tips!

have a try at this:

Identifier "Mouse1"
Driver "mouse"
Option "Protocol" "MouseManPlusPS/2" #"IMPS/2"
Option "ZAxisMapping" "4 5"
Option"Device""/dev/psaux"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier"USB Mouse"
Driver"mouse"
Option"SendCoreEvents""true"
Option"Device""/dev/input/mice"
Option"Protocol""ImPS/2"
Option"Emulate3Buttons""true"
Option"ZAxisMapping""4 5"
EndSection

I'm not sure of that but slack 9.1 doesn't set up HID features by default.
You could check your /etc/rc.d/rc.modules and try to uncomment the usb mouse occourrence at HID section.
I had a similar problem with my usb keyboards that has been fixed editing such file
Ciao

kasperhans - I did try your configs verbatim in the XF86Config file and, unfortunately, they did not work. I have the same results as before - all other mouse devices working fine except the Marble Mouse USB. I still get no response from moving the trackball or clicking the buttons. Very good suggestion though! I do appreciate it!!!

urka58 - I did uncomment the following lines in the /etc/rc.d/rc.modules

/sbin/modprobe hid
/sbin/modprobe usbmouse

I tried them uncommented one at a time and in combination together - still no luck though. A good try though.

As a side note, I know the Marble Mouse is good, as I just recenlty tested on anothere system.

Thanks!

I'm not sure I'm reading your posts exactly right or not. One question, and one suggestion.

Are you seeing the docking station USB hub(s) in dmesg? I think so from your post, but wanted to ask to be certain.

Do you have a Knoppix Live CD that you can run to see if it detects the mouse? If so, then you'll be able to determine the correct device and protocol.

I used a Knoppix v3.3 Live CD to detect all manner of USB gadgets on my lappy, but the southbridge chip on the motherboard has since failed and I can't get one here :}

Ok, I am in the process of a Knoppix download. I will burn the CD in the moring tomorrow, try it and post the results. I will also check the dmesg file and make sure about the USB being recognized.

Thanks!!!!

What do you have in Section "ServerLayout" at the end of your XF86Config?
Here is what I have for a usb mouse + touchpad on my laptop,

*Note:
If you don't have the InputDevice lines correct in the ServerLayout your second device is unlikely to work.

That was it! The ServerLayout section of the XF86Config file. I put the Device name of my USB Marble Mouse in there and that worked perfectly! Using the Marble Mouse USB now. I suppose that is a pretty noob mistake, but I will never, EVER forget that again.

Thanks to Aussie and every person that replied to this problem on this great website!!! Thanks to all so much for the help!!!

For anyone else reading, the solution that worked in my case was the mouse setup configuration from Kasperhans, combined with the ServerLayout section from Aussie. All of the suggestions involved modifying the XF86Config file.

THANKS!!!!!!!!

Glad we could help :-)

well glad too always nice to help other people :=)