What happens when you connect a cutting-edge optical mouse from the early 2000s to a vintage Macintosh from 1984? This intriguing experiment reveals a surprising compatibility that combines decades of technology. In a recent video, the creator explores the feasibility of using the first-generation Logitech optical mouse (M-BJ69) with the original Macintosh models like the 128K, 512K, and Macintosh Plus. These systems utilize a straightforward 9-pin quadrature mouse interface, making the prospect of such an upgrade tantalizing.
The Search for Compatibility
While on the hunt for more affordable alternatives to the increasingly rare and expensive original Apple mice, the creator stumbled upon a forum post that hinted at the Logitech optical mouse’s potential compatibility with early Macintosh systems. The key to this compatibility lies in the optical sensor used in the mouse, the Agilent ADNS-2051, which conveniently provides quadrature outputs—exactly what these vintage Macs require. However, the challenge remained: no one had tested this theory, leaving the creator with a bold mission.
A Hands-On Approach
Determined to find out if this optical mouse could indeed work with a Macintosh, the creator invested less than $12 in a mouse, connector, and cable. With a bit of ingenuity, they disassembled the mouse to examine its internal wiring. By directly connecting the mouse to the Macintosh’s 9-pin port without the need for an Arduino, microcontroller, or protocol converter, they were able to bridge the gap between modern and retro technology.
The Results Are In
After wiring the connections, the moment of truth arrived: testing the modified mouse on the Macintosh. To the creator’s astonishment, the optical mouse functioned flawlessly with the vintage computer. This experiment not only highlights the ingenuity involved in retro computing but also showcases the potential for repurposing older hardware with newer technology, breathing new life into classic systems.
Conclusion
This fascinating project serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of retro computing and the innovative spirit of hobbyists who seek to make old technology work again. By successfully integrating a modern optical mouse with a classic Macintosh, the creator demonstrates that with a bit of creativity and hands-on experimentation, it’s possible to bridge the gap between past and present. For those interested in retro computers, electronics repair, and creative modifications, this project is a perfect example of how the old can still coexist with the new.
What happens when you wire an optical mouse from the early 2000s directly into a Macintosh from 1984? The original Macintosh 128K, 512K and Macintosh Plus use a simple 9-pin quadrature mouse interface. While looking for alternatives to increasingly old and expensive original Apple mice, I came across a forum post claiming that the first-generation Logitech optical mouse (M-BJ69) might be directly compatible.
Forum post: https://68kmla.org/bb/threads/cheap-usb-mouse-adapter-for-128k-512k-plus.35490/
The reason? Its Agilent ADNS-2051 optical sensor actually provides quadrature outputs — exactly what these early Macs are expecting. There was just one problem: I couldn't find anyone who had actually tried it. So naturally, I bought a mouse, connector and cable for less than $12, tore the mouse apart, figured out the connections and wired it directly to the Macintosh's 9-pin mouse port. No Arduino. No microcontroller. No protocol converter. Just a roughly 25-year-old optical mouse talking directly to a roughly 40-year-old Macintosh… and it actually works. In this video I go through the ADNS-2051, how the original Macintosh mouse interface works, the wiring, modifications, and the final test on the Mac.
SalvageGeek Retro computers • electronics repair • questionable modifications • making old crap work again
Watch on YouTube: A $12 Optical Mouse Upgrade for the Original Macintosh?!
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