Best method : 60 usb buttons, knobs, etc.

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Hi all,

One of the things I’m planning to do is to create physical inputs for a computer.

Basically, imagine a big “control panel” like you’d see for a power plant (except minus the dials and stuff.)

So, what I’d like to do is to be able, for example, to connect 10 toggle switches, 10 potentiometers, 10 momentary switches, and 10 rocker switches. If anyone has advice about where to go for a good selection of these things I’m all ears. I’ve found some places online, but figure I’d ask you since there may be people integrating them with there projects on here.

What’s the “easiest” or at least “most straightforward” way to approach this? I’m a beginner and there are obviously so many components available I have little idea where to start…

I would like to be able to keep it modular, if possible, even down to the individual input level.

thanks,

Andrew

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The Arduino Leonardo has USB HID support, which sounds exactly like what you’re looking for. You could also use the serial connection on a different Arduino, but you’d need to write a program to forward or use the inputs. Just make sure your Arduino has enough pins.

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I was looking into making my own keyboard a few months ago (haven’t gotten around to it yet) and found this kit that I think is exactly what you want. There are even tutorials that explain how to build it and how it works! http://lucidtronix.com/tutorials/44

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Tomdf:
I was looking into making my own keyboard a few months ago (haven’t gotten around to it yet) and found this kit that I think is exactly what you want. There are even tutorials that explain how to build it and how it works! http://lucidtronix.com/tutorials/44

Hi Tom,

Thanks, but a large majority of what I need to use are not momentary switches. That thing is pretty cool, though.

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That’s the cool part! You can modify the kit and code to do what you want by replacing the buttons with your own switches and knobs. You could also go without buying the kit and use the tutorials to design your own from scratch. The kit may not be a perfect fit, but the principles behind it’s operation are pretty dang close.