Ichinisan
Lifer
Has anyone ever tried an "open" mod project before? Like open-source software, I find the idea intriguing. Let's try one where we can develop a marketable idea together! I came up with this plan after realizing that I did not have the skills to develop this alone. Each member of the project should have his-or-her own technical skills to contribute. My hope is that this project will develop a new functional standard.
We will need people with the following skills:
-Electronics: identify the required parts and assemble them, determine optimal method to interface with PC
-Programming: write simple Win32 drivers that can work with the decided interface
-Compatibility testers
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Please view this picture first!
I developed a few good ideas while brainstorming for ways to enhance the functionality of my "mod box." It was always frustrating to have a volume knob as a separate part or built into the speakers, especially when taking my computer to a LAN party. Digital speakers should have their volume set by the sound card (or Windows).
It would be far more convenient to have the volume control mounted on the front of the computer case. Placing the controls on a keyboard will not accommodate the planned additional functions.
The controls should be in the form of a knob or dial, not a set of buttons which would have to be pressed repeatedly to reach the desired volume level.
The user should be able to read the current volume level immediately with a simple glance. However, it should not have "bloatware" drivers such as those with on-screen display, which can crash or interfere with full-screen applications. Instead, it should have a dot-matrix LED display immediately above the dial which displays the volume level (100% = Maximum Volume). An LED display is preferable over LCD because it is easily visible in dark or low-light situations.
The driver should be completely transparent to the user. Although it will add small enhancements such as controlling focus within the Windows Volume Control applet if the applet is open.
Preferably, the dial should have tactile feedback such that the user can feel notches or "bumps" while turning it.
The knob should be "clickable." Clicking the knob will immediately mute all sound output. Clicking the button again will disable mute. Unlike some laptop and keyboard controls, the user should be able to manually lower volume levels before disabling mute.
Users should be able to switch modes by turning the knob while holding it in. Modes include Main, Wave, and CD Audio, allowing you to set separate levels for each slider in the Windows Volume Control applet. Each mode will be displayed as text on the LED display during mode selection. When the knob is released, the current level for the selected mode is displayed (XXX%). Captions for different modes will not be built into the hardware because this should be configurable through driver enhancements and updates. Mode captions scroll into the display based on the direction of the dial. An additional mode allows the user to set the dial sensitivity.
How this internal device will interface with the PC is undecided. Suggestions please? Perhaps it should have a cable that can use a motherboard USB header. An adapter could be used to create a "loop around" cable to plug into the back of the computer. Several USB/USB2.0 expansion cards have a single internal USB port for such uses.
We will need an electronics professional to assemble the prototypes. Each project member should expect to pay the cost parts for assembled prototypes.
Is anyone interested in creating a temporary website and message board for the project? I do not wish to manage the entire thing. But, for now, prospective members should send an email to: jevansturner@hotmail.com
Or simply reply to this thread with your email address and usable skills.
Once a group is established, we will need to stay in contact through email and an alternative communication method. I never liked AOL Instant Messenger, or any IM client for that matter. If I had to choose one, I would prefer MSN messenger because each member could use his/her Hotmail ID for both IM and email. If required, I will install AIM to communicate with project members.
This is the place to discuss the latest computer hardware issues and technology. Please keep the discussion ON TOPIC, and covering computer hardware ONLY.
AnandTech Moderator
We will need people with the following skills:
-Electronics: identify the required parts and assemble them, determine optimal method to interface with PC
-Programming: write simple Win32 drivers that can work with the decided interface
-Compatibility testers
----------
Please view this picture first!
I developed a few good ideas while brainstorming for ways to enhance the functionality of my "mod box." It was always frustrating to have a volume knob as a separate part or built into the speakers, especially when taking my computer to a LAN party. Digital speakers should have their volume set by the sound card (or Windows).
It would be far more convenient to have the volume control mounted on the front of the computer case. Placing the controls on a keyboard will not accommodate the planned additional functions.
The controls should be in the form of a knob or dial, not a set of buttons which would have to be pressed repeatedly to reach the desired volume level.
The user should be able to read the current volume level immediately with a simple glance. However, it should not have "bloatware" drivers such as those with on-screen display, which can crash or interfere with full-screen applications. Instead, it should have a dot-matrix LED display immediately above the dial which displays the volume level (100% = Maximum Volume). An LED display is preferable over LCD because it is easily visible in dark or low-light situations.
The driver should be completely transparent to the user. Although it will add small enhancements such as controlling focus within the Windows Volume Control applet if the applet is open.
Preferably, the dial should have tactile feedback such that the user can feel notches or "bumps" while turning it.
The knob should be "clickable." Clicking the knob will immediately mute all sound output. Clicking the button again will disable mute. Unlike some laptop and keyboard controls, the user should be able to manually lower volume levels before disabling mute.
Users should be able to switch modes by turning the knob while holding it in. Modes include Main, Wave, and CD Audio, allowing you to set separate levels for each slider in the Windows Volume Control applet. Each mode will be displayed as text on the LED display during mode selection. When the knob is released, the current level for the selected mode is displayed (XXX%). Captions for different modes will not be built into the hardware because this should be configurable through driver enhancements and updates. Mode captions scroll into the display based on the direction of the dial. An additional mode allows the user to set the dial sensitivity.
How this internal device will interface with the PC is undecided. Suggestions please? Perhaps it should have a cable that can use a motherboard USB header. An adapter could be used to create a "loop around" cable to plug into the back of the computer. Several USB/USB2.0 expansion cards have a single internal USB port for such uses.
We will need an electronics professional to assemble the prototypes. Each project member should expect to pay the cost parts for assembled prototypes.
Is anyone interested in creating a temporary website and message board for the project? I do not wish to manage the entire thing. But, for now, prospective members should send an email to: jevansturner@hotmail.com
Or simply reply to this thread with your email address and usable skills.
Once a group is established, we will need to stay in contact through email and an alternative communication method. I never liked AOL Instant Messenger, or any IM client for that matter. If I had to choose one, I would prefer MSN messenger because each member could use his/her Hotmail ID for both IM and email. If required, I will install AIM to communicate with project members.
This is the place to discuss the latest computer hardware issues and technology. Please keep the discussion ON TOPIC, and covering computer hardware ONLY.
AnandTech Moderator
