Experiencing problems with your scan tool in Elite Dangerous? Pilots sometimes encounter frustrating situations where their controls seem unresponsive, hindering their ability to effectively use vital tools like scanners. If you’re facing issues where your keyboard or mouse inputs aren’t registering correctly when trying to deploy or operate your Elite Dangerous Scan Tool, you’re not alone. Let’s explore some common causes and troubleshooting steps that can help you get back to scanning and exploring the galaxy.
One common scenario reported by commanders is the sudden loss of keyboard control while in their ship or on foot. You might find yourself unable to accelerate, turn, or interact with your scan tool using the keyboard, while mouse functions might still partially work. This can be particularly confusing when you seemingly lose all input, only to accidentally trigger the chat dialog by pressing Enter, revealing that the game is still registering some inputs.
This type of issue can stem from unexpected in-game states, such as accidentally opening the comms panel without realizing it. In such cases, the game might be waiting for text input, effectively blocking other commands intended for your scan tool or ship controls. A simple first step is to try pressing the default key for opening and closing the chat dialog (usually Enter) to ensure it’s not inadvertently active and stealing your input focus.
However, input problems with your elite dangerous scan tool aren’t always due to in-game interface glitches. Hardware and software conflicts, particularly those related to gaming peripherals and their drivers, can also be culprits. Users of Logitech gaming mice, especially newer models like the G502 X, have reported instances where the game mistakenly registers a constant left mouse button press. This phantom input can interfere with tool operation and other game functions, making it seem like your scan tool is malfunctioning or your controls are unresponsive.
If you’re using Logitech peripherals, especially with their accompanying software like GHUB or LogiBolt, consider these troubleshooting steps:
- Profile Conflicts: If you use custom profiles for your mouse, ensure they are correctly configured for Elite Dangerous and are not causing unintended input conflicts.
- Software Interference: Outdated or buggy Logitech software has been known to cause input issues in games. A drastic but sometimes effective solution is to completely uninstall Logitech GHUB and LogiBolt software. While this might seem counterintuitive, many players have reported improved stability and input responsiveness after removing these applications. You can always reinstall them later if needed, keeping the installers readily available.
- Bluetooth Dongle Placement: Wireless peripherals can sometimes suffer from interference. If you are using a Bluetooth dongle for your mouse, try moving it away from your PC using a USB extension cable and positioning it closer to your mouse. This can minimize potential interference from other devices or the PC itself. Avoid using USB pass-through ports on keyboards or monitors, as these can sometimes introduce lag or interference.
By systematically checking for in-game interface issues, software conflicts, and hardware interference, you can effectively troubleshoot input problems affecting your elite dangerous scan tool and ensure a smoother, more responsive piloting and scanning experience.
