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Interfacing push-buttons through USB port?

A

Armitage

Banned
I'm building a small ogg server with a mini-itx epia board, I'm putting a 4x20 LCD on the box and I'd like to put some control buttons on it. Basically

<< < [] > >> and an "up one level" button, so six total. I've been googling for keypads but all I've found for panel mount keypads are ugly industrial type stuff, ussually only 4 keys, or a 3x3, 4x3 or larger grid. And ussually only sold in large quantity to manufacturers.

So, if anybody know where I can get a manufactured one, I'm all ears. Barring that, how hard can it be? I'm thinking a bunch of momentary contact switches that I can mount some nice buttons over. But how to interface it? The MB has two internal USB headers. One of those will drive the LCD. So I need to interface it to USB, or I could get a USB -> serial adaptor if serial would be easier.

Any ideas, pointers, etc.?
 
The parallel port is always the easiest digital interface, if your board has one. If not, I'd buy a parallel port card.

Another idea. There are mice with like five or more buttons. Tear it apart and replace its button switches with your own. The mouse acts as a switch to USB converter.
 
Parallel port isn't really an option, because it's external ... I want to keep the wiring inside, and a card would be to big (whole thing will be about the size of a dictionary).
I like the mouse idea though! Could maybe use the ball somehow as well ... maybe a balance & fade control 🙂
 
ftdi make the dominant usb to parallel/serial chipset
i think they have a development kit that is for 8-ish i/o lines
 
I don't think Via Epia mini-itx boards have a game port ... actually I thought game ports had fallen off the map by now!?
Either way ... I want an interface inside the case, so that pretty much limits it to USB.

What I've decided on is a USB interface sidewinder gamepad. Was significantly cheaper then the multi-button mice i found ($19 vs. about $45) has more buttons, and I may use the rocker control for a volume & balance control. And the Linux support is supposed to be good as well. Haven't actually pulled it apart yet though.
 
Some adapter cards you can buy have external and internal connections , i know some usb cards do, and im guessing somone makes a parallel adpater card that does, but am not sure
 
I'd rather not go with an adaptor card due to the space issues ... the whole thing is going to be about the size of a dictionary. Although you can get a riser card that lets you put the adaptor card horizontal.
 
if you decided to do USB, since it is serial, you would need an IC, and I'm not qualified enough to tell you how it shoudl be done.

actually, I think parallel port would be the best option. jut desolder the actual "port" from the motherboard and wire the buttons directly to that. 🙂
 
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