[Gllug] Building an external input device
Thomi Richards
thomir at gmail.com
Sun Apr 1 19:47:47 UTC 2007
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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