Symptom
iPod's touch wheel seems to behave erratically jumping from one menu to another.
Solution
The iPod touch wheel models do not have a scroll wheel. They have a touch wheel. See Figure 1.
Figure 1 iPod touch wheel
With no moving parts, the touch wheel is more durable than the scroll wheel, and less vulnerable to dust, dirt, or sand.
The touch wheel, like the trackpad on an iBook or PowerBook, works on the principle of coupling capacitance. It relies on the electrical charge in your finger to measure movement. As your finger moves over the surface, the touch wheel evaluates the change in capacitance between two layers of measurement electrodes built into the surface of the touch wheel, and translates that to menu movement.
To assist with touch wheel issues:
Note: With the scroll wheel, some users used the Select button to turn the wheel. This does not work with the touch wheel.
iPod's touch wheel seems to behave erratically jumping from one menu to another.
Solution
The iPod touch wheel models do not have a scroll wheel. They have a touch wheel. See Figure 1.
Figure 1 iPod touch wheel
With no moving parts, the touch wheel is more durable than the scroll wheel, and less vulnerable to dust, dirt, or sand.
The touch wheel, like the trackpad on an iBook or PowerBook, works on the principle of coupling capacitance. It relies on the electrical charge in your finger to measure movement. As your finger moves over the surface, the touch wheel evaluates the change in capacitance between two layers of measurement electrodes built into the surface of the touch wheel, and translates that to menu movement.
To assist with touch wheel issues:
- Make sure that only one part of your finger touches the touch wheel. You cannot use a pen or other object--the touch wheel is designed to work only with a finger. Also make sure that you are not resting another finger on or very close to the touch wheel. The touch wheel may interpret this as the other finger touching it, and make the wheel react as if moved in that direction. If you suspect either of these is causing the your issue, set the iPod on a table or flat surface, and then raise your wrist in the air and touch the touch wheel with only the tip of a finger. If the symptom goes away, you know that one of the above is the cause: you need to adjust the position of your finger or manner of handling.
- If you are in a very humid environment that causes moisture to collect on the touch wheel, or your hands are damp from being washed or exercise, the touch wheel may act erratically. Using a soft dry cloth or tissue (without lotion) dry off the touch wheel. In some very humid environments, you may need to use, as a temporary measure, a dry tissue (without lotion) or thin piece of paper over the touch wheel. As with all Apple products, iPod was only designed to function properly in certain operating and storage environments. These specifications are listed in iPod's User Manual.
- Oil or lotion can cause the same issue as moisture. Remember, some tissues have lotion, and some cleaning-cloth materials may leave a residue, causing the touch wheel to work poorly.
- Jewelry may also cause interference. Try removing rings or bracelets to see whether the jumpy or erratic behavior disappears.
- For best control, you should move your finger all the way around the touch wheel, instead of making small movements in the same spot.
Note: With the scroll wheel, some users used the Select button to turn the wheel. This does not work with the touch wheel.