Introduction: The Giant Computer Mouse

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About: I am an aspiring Electrical/Electronic Engineer. I love innovation and using technology to solve problems.

Have you ever imagined having a giant computer mouse that is 20 times bigger than your normal mouse, a mouse with a left-click button that needs a complete hand in order to be pressed?

Yes, in this instructable, I will show you how to make one, using cardboard and other readily available materials.

And interestingly, the giant mouse can also be connected to a PC via a USB cable.

Supplies

  • Cardboard
  • Pencil
  • Ruler
  • Compass
  • Paper tape
  • Transparent tape
  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • Straw
  • Red LED
  • 220 Ohms Resistor
  • USB Cable
  • Breadboard (mini)

Step 1: Cut Out the Main Piece

After all your supplies are readily available, pick up your cardboard and pencil, then mark out the dimensions of the shape on the cardboard, using the measurements given in the image above. Use your scissors to cut out the outline. The resulting shape will resemble a T.
All the planes needed to form your giant mouse are contained on this T shaped cardboard.

Step 2: Cut Out the Curved Sides

The flanks of the T shape will be used to form the curved sides of the mouse. So, on both sides, mark out a 25 cm line at 2 cm away from the base side (the cardboard piece in the center). [See image for more details].
Then, locate the center of the line (12.5 cm), and the mark a point at 6 cm vertically down the line (the point should fall inside the center piece).
Open your compass to 14 cm, then using the previously marked point as center, draw an arc. The ends of the arc should align with the ends of the 25 cm line, thus, forming an umbrella shape.
Next, draw a similar arc on the second flank.
After, use your scissors to cut out the curved (umbrella) shapes on both sides, as demonstrated in the image.

Step 3: Mark Out Other Dimensions

Next, from the base of the center piece, mark out horizontal lines at 2 cm, 33 cm and 35 cm. This lines will be the edges at which the cardboard will be folded.

Step 4: Cut Out the LED Hole

An LED will be at the base of the mouse. Therefore, a hole has to made for it.

To make the hole, locate the center of the mouse’s base piece (the center piece), and mark out a 2 cm by 2cm cross at the point. Then, trace out a diamond shape from the cross. After, cut out the diamond shape to form the hole.

Step 5: Cut Out the Circles for the Scroll Wheel

The scroll wheel will be made using 7 circles having a radius of 2.5 cm each. 

So, open your compass to 2.5 cm, mark out 7 circles on a new cardboard sheet, then cut out the circular pieces. Make a hole at the center of each of the 7 circles. The holes are where your straw will pass through. Therefore, ensure that the holes are wide enough.

Place the 7 circles next to each other and ensure that their combined thickness is 2 cm or less. However, if the thickness is more than 2 cm, remove the needed amount of circles until the thickness is 2 cm.

Next, glue the circles together, and then use paper tape to wrap them. The resulting object should be a short cylinder. 

After, you can pass the straw through the wheel. Cut the straw short, and ensure have 2–3 cm on both sides of the wheel.

Step 6: Cut Out the Scroll Wheel Hole

A hole will be needed for your giant mouse’s scroll wheel.

The width of the hole is 2.5 cm and its length is 5.5 cm. Therefore, there is a distance of 8 cm from the cardboard’s edge on both sides of the hole. The hole is also located 7 cm from the lower end of the cardboard.

Step 7: Setup the LED Circuit

The circuit inside the base of the giant mouse is a simple one. It is connected on a breadboard. The circuit is made up of a red LED and a 220 ohms resistor connected in series. 

The negative (shorter) terminal of the LED is connected to the resistor, while the positive (longer) terminal of the LED is connected to the red (positive) wire of the USB cable. Further, the other terminal of the resistor is connected to the black (negative) wire of the USB cable.

For the USB cable, you can just get any readily available USB cable, and cut away the other end of the cable.

Step 8: Assemble the Parts of the Giant Mouse

Since all your needed pieces are ready, it is time to put each piece in its place.

Firstly, on the inner side of the cardboard, insert the scroll wheel into its hole, and tape the straw on both sides. 

Next, tape the diamond hole with a transparent tape, then take your connected circuit and bend the LED to face the diamond hole on the cardboard base. 

You should also use paper tape to tape the USB wire on the cardboard so as to keep it in place. Also make a hole for the wire to pass. The hole should be centered vertically below the scroll wheel.

Step 9: Fold and Glue the Pieces

Once all pieces are in place, the giant mouse can be finally formed. 

There should be few millimeters at the bottom part below the scroll wheel. This clearance can be used as a surface to glue the bottom part. You may need to diagonally cut away the sides of the clearance.

Fold and glue all the edges of the cardboard necessary to form your giant mouse.

Step 10: Connect Your Giant Mouse to Your Laptop

Finally, you can connect the giant mouse to a laptop/PC using its USB cable. Once connected, there will be a red light glowing at the bottom of your giant mouse.