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Re:Show HN: AutoCursor by rakeyia on Tuesday May 18, 2021 @08:56PM (#27203326)
I would like to get feedback on my new start AutoCursor. AutoCursor is made for individuals that work from home and need to find a sense of worklife balance. AutoCursor keeps your computer awake even while you step away. I would like to get a few people to watch the video and provide feedback or even become a beta tester. Thanks for your thoughts in advance.
Re:Show HN: AutoCursor by schappim on Wednesday May 19, 2021 @06:05PM (#27215137)
Super dangerous enclosure. Looks like you could open it with just a fingernail.

Australian standards require coincell battery holders to: "have a battery compartment (or other enclosure) that is secured (preferably with a captive screw, a bolt or mechanism) such that it requires a tool to gain access to the batteries." [1]

There are probably more stringent standards in other jurisdictions (hear California / Europe).

[1] https://www.littlebird.com.au/products/safe-battery-pack-for...

Re:Show HN: AutoCursor by mritchie712 on Thursday May 20, 2021 @06:26AM (#27219425)
If you're wondering why, kids can swallow (or attempt to swallow) a coincell, which can cause serious issues.
Re:Show HN: AutoCursor by kwdc on Wednesday May 19, 2021 @01:39PM (#27211832)
Its an interesting take, but I feel like this product and landing page has issues in its current form.

Website isn’t clear on what the product is actually for.

It is apparently intended to be used near a computer. Yet it appears to use cr2032s? They just end up in landfill. Why isn’t it USB powered? I have a usb fan, usb coffee warmer, usb light, usb clock, usb FM radio, usb cb radio. Why not a usb-spinning-wheel thing?

How does it compare to a repurposed keyboard with a wind-up toy connected to the cursor keys? Wouldn't that be better? No batteries!

Finally, why not just change the sleep mode so the laptop doesn't sleep at all?

Re:Show HN: AutoCursor by 0x426577617265 on Wednesday May 19, 2021 @02:36AM (#27205322)
recognized as a regular mouse, no software install needed:

https://wiebetech.com/products/mouse-jiggler-mj-3/

Re:Show HN: AutoCursor by ChrisGranger on Tuesday May 18, 2021 @09:36PM (#27203578)
I don't mean to be rude, but this is like a child's solution. Keeping a system awake is a software issue. Nobody needs to buy hardware and waste batteries for this.
Re:Show HN: AutoCursor by jjeaff on Tuesday May 18, 2021 @11:02PM (#27204058)
Perhaps this is for people on machines that are locked down and don't allow extra software.
Re:Show HN: AutoCursor by wrboyce on Wednesday May 19, 2021 @01:47AM (#27205038)
I feel like an optical mouse sat on a clock (or perhaps a mirror) would achieve a similar result.
Re:Show HN: AutoCursor by ktpsns on Wednesday May 19, 2021 @05:39AM (#27206361)
This is a reall clever hack :)
Re:Show HN: AutoCursor by hasodif on Tuesday May 18, 2021 @09:33PM (#27203562)
There is software that does the same thing.

Additionally there are USB sticks that register as a mouse and just slightly move the mouse continuously.

Lastly, almost any microcontroller that can act as a HID can do this with the right program.

All of these don't require a battery and can be much cheaper.

Re:Show HN: AutoCursor by tanduv on Tuesday May 18, 2021 @10:27PM (#27203847)
This still has an audience of the "normies" who's work machines are locked down and block random Python scripts.

Agreed, a simple micro-controller emulating as a mouse would've much more elegant.

Re:Show HN: AutoCursor by bayindirh on Wednesday May 19, 2021 @04:16AM (#27205889)
There are USB devices called jigglers which show up as ordinary HID compliant mouses and wiggle your mouse. They are also designed to solve similar problems.
Re:Show HN: AutoCursor by ChrisGranger on Tuesday May 18, 2021 @09:37PM (#27203585)
A simple PyAutoGUI script could do it for free.
Re:Show HN: AutoCursor by 0x073 on Wednesday May 19, 2021 @06:09AM (#27206577)
Hardware hack: Notepad open and a cup on the keyboard
Re:Show HN: AutoCursor by jpl56 on Wednesday May 19, 2021 @11:16AM (#27209858)
AutoHotKey with a script that moves the mouse 1 pixel every 10 minutes does the job for me.