[Gllug] Building an external input device

[Thomi Richards]

Hello all,


I'm contemplating my next hobby... I'd like to try and build an external input 
device. Let me explain:

I basically want a foot switch that, when pressed, emits a configurable key 
code. This means that I can have a foot switch that controls any application 
that takes a configurable keycode input.


I've seen someone do something similar years ago out of a shoebox, some 
string, and some tin cans, but they were using the old joystick interface 
(which my computer lacks). I guess the process I need to follow is:

1) select hardware interface (PS2? USB?).
2) Design hardware around interface constraints.
3) Develop kernel driver
4) I assume I'll need to do something for X as well..


I'm looking for advice on all four of those points. I know nothing about the 
PS/2 interface, although I have developed USB hardware before.

Alternatively, I guess I could sabotage someone else's hardware, and use 
premade stuff..


Does anyone know of any hardware / software that might help here?


FYI, the foot switch will be controlling a digital effects processor - 
allowing me to switch on, or off a single effect on an input feed (keyboard / 
guitar etc). Eventually I'll need analog input - but I figured that simple 
on/off functionality was a good place to start.

-- 
Thomi Richards
thomir at gmail.com
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