I have an idea for a (very) simple USB device which I feel could have some pro-gaming application. Would anyone be able to point me at plans/info on how to build a USB device? I COULD cannabalise a couple of cheap USB devices for the same effect but being able to make the thing from scratch would make it a little nicer.
Strange request. How to use USB interface.
- Thread starter Mercutio
- Start date
Data. It's a keyboard mod basically. Power only isn't really a problem as 2 of the pins are for voltage. Got as far as that.
I think i'm basically after knowing "how do I build a HID compliant device?" as these seem to be what keyboards are broadly based on.
I think I may need to invest in a cheap usb keyboard or 3 and go from there.
I would think there's likely a HID type usb host device chip that simply processes keycodes into a stream the windows USB input controller can decipher.
Hmmmm, seems the reverse engineering route might not be so shoddy after all:
http://www.instructables.com/id/E6ISYTIU7QEP2874M2/
I think i'm basically after knowing "how do I build a HID compliant device?" as these seem to be what keyboards are broadly based on.
I think I may need to invest in a cheap usb keyboard or 3 and go from there.
I would think there's likely a HID type usb host device chip that simply processes keycodes into a stream the windows USB input controller can decipher.
Hmmmm, seems the reverse engineering route might not be so shoddy after all:
http://www.instructables.com/id/E6ISYTIU7QEP2874M2/
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USB interface ICs can be bought from all the online electronics components retailers (don't think they're competitors but I won't post them just in case). However, unless you have a decent knowledge of electronics I think cannibalising will be much easier and allow you to prove your idea much quicker.
Cheers Jimmy, The simplicty of 2 sets of wires in different combinations for different keys which I can then hook up to whatever control "switch" I like seems perfectly usable for my needs. It probably allows a few more wild idea's like hardware shift-states etc which could take my idea in a few interesting new directions. Have a couple of bits i'll need to work out but it's a decent start.
Ill have a look at what USB ic's can do for me though
Ill have a look at what USB ic's can do for me though
Well.... I supose at the moment its nothing revolutionary.
Basically 2/3 "rings" on the first finger. Each ring has 2 switches (using microswitches atm but will get it more refined) 1 that has a push on/push off the other is non locking (active while held). Rigged these and wired them back to the keyboard control circuit.
Basically a very simple shift/ctrl/alt switch that doesn't "cost" you any extra fingers (the buttons are on the side of the first finger of the left hand facing the thumb and are pressed with the thumb). Each one depending on which switch you hit on the ring can be just pressed like on normal keyboard or (using the locking switch) held down till u press it again.
It's mainly based on playing WoW in arena's and multiboxing when you simply don't have enough buttons under 1 hand. Gonna refine it a fair bit and see how nice I can get it looking.
The other idea was to take a leaf out of the N52's book and have a "d pad" under the thumb (so again in some way attached to the hand so you get to use full keyboard) to control movement. Trying to get movement and a button (for jump) under the thumb if I go that way. Need to mess with a few d-pads and hat switches till I get one I like if I try that.
Been out and bought a cheap numeric pad today that claims to have software allowing you to remap 1-9 on the pad. That + the knucklegrip thing could come to some interesting conclusions.
edit: Thought about it more. A flat plate with a velcro fastening strap, the plate against the palm of the hand, the strap wrapped over the back of the hand keeping the whole thing firmly fixed while still allowing normal keyboard operation with left hand. Coming off the plate a piece on the side that would sit next to the edge of the hand going along the first finger with some extra buttons on it.
Have most of what I need, piccies to follow someday!
Basically 2/3 "rings" on the first finger. Each ring has 2 switches (using microswitches atm but will get it more refined) 1 that has a push on/push off the other is non locking (active while held). Rigged these and wired them back to the keyboard control circuit.
Basically a very simple shift/ctrl/alt switch that doesn't "cost" you any extra fingers (the buttons are on the side of the first finger of the left hand facing the thumb and are pressed with the thumb). Each one depending on which switch you hit on the ring can be just pressed like on normal keyboard or (using the locking switch) held down till u press it again.
It's mainly based on playing WoW in arena's and multiboxing when you simply don't have enough buttons under 1 hand. Gonna refine it a fair bit and see how nice I can get it looking.
The other idea was to take a leaf out of the N52's book and have a "d pad" under the thumb (so again in some way attached to the hand so you get to use full keyboard) to control movement. Trying to get movement and a button (for jump) under the thumb if I go that way. Need to mess with a few d-pads and hat switches till I get one I like if I try that.
Been out and bought a cheap numeric pad today that claims to have software allowing you to remap 1-9 on the pad. That + the knucklegrip thing could come to some interesting conclusions.
edit: Thought about it more. A flat plate with a velcro fastening strap, the plate against the palm of the hand, the strap wrapped over the back of the hand keeping the whole thing firmly fixed while still allowing normal keyboard operation with left hand. Coming off the plate a piece on the side that would sit next to the edge of the hand going along the first finger with some extra buttons on it.
Have most of what I need, piccies to follow someday!
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