Wired Media control?

RedGTiVR6 · 09-17-2007, 06:48 PM

I'm in need of a device that will allow me to control media functions - play/pause, track forward/track back, and possibly volume control but not necessary. If I can find a product that has only a few extra buttons/switches I'm sure I can find a use for them, but I don't want a full numerical keypads worth of keys for this.

This device needs to be just buttons and nothing big like a keyboard button. One of those gamer keypads or number pads won't work for this application as they are too big and bulky and have too many keys/buttons on them for my needs. I keep thinking that a controller board that would let me map what each button press does and allow me to connect my own buttons/switches would be ideal, but I'm a bit stumped there.

To give you an idea of what I'm looking for....I will need to mold this into a spare center console lid/arm rest. This lid will be swapped out for driving purposes and once we're at the show, I'll be able to swap in the arm rest with the buttons. Something that works over serial or USB is preferred, naturally.

I want it wired because I feel that it's a) more reliable b) doesn't require a battery c) quicker responding than wireless.

Does anyone know of a product or combination of products that might work for this?

durwood · 09-17-2007, 08:43 PM

Controllers:

USB

PS/2/Keyboard

I've been eyeing them up for some time. You just find your own buttons and wire them up.

I'm hoping to use it to integrate my factory buttons so it can replace this:

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If you like that, it's a Keyspan Remote Control

http://www.amazon.com/Keyspan-URM-17.../dp/B0006OCZLM

RedGTiVR6 · 09-17-2007, 08:45 PM

You know, I had completely forgotten about groovy game gear...they have a relay control board I was looking at a few months ago...lol

thanks! I'll look more into it tomorrow for sure.

RedGTiVR6 · 09-17-2007, 09:09 PM

Ok - so I had some time to look into this tonight.

I'm trying to understand the difference between the two as it applies here...one is PS/2 and one is USB....that's about it, right? Of course, other than the EZ Solder version...

I'm obviously missing something here...lol

And I'm guessing I'd just be able to connect any push button/switch to it and map it's output, correct?

durwood · 09-18-2007, 06:25 AM

pretty much you got it. I think the buttons all share the same ground so that makes wiring easier. They had example wiring diagrams.

Here are the differences (I think) but I forgot to ask them when I was emailing them.

USB is faster and the software is 3rd party, but I think it doesn't store the keyset until software loads up maybe?

PS/2 has the keyset uploaded to it directly to the firmware so it's available the second it powers up. Setup software is not 3rd party.

I emailed the company a few months back and they responded quickly if you have any questions.

RedGTiVR6 · 09-18-2007, 01:32 PM

I've emailed Nick about the Fusion Brain....apparently it will do what I'm wanting as well:

Quote: Originally Posted by RedGTIVR6

What's up?

I'm currently looking for a solution to an issue I'm having and I'm wondering if the Fusion Brain might be that solution.

I need to be able to control volume up/down, track forward/back, and play/pause via a remote of sorts. This 'remote' can be wired into the car. In fact, I'm planning on mounting the buttons, etc. in a spare arm rest that will be put in for shows so I can quickly connect and disconnect it and put a stock arm rest back in for the drive home/to the show.

I'm wondering if you might have a solution off the top of your head. Basically, I'm wondering if the Fusion Brain might take a button input. Something like a contact closure (momentary style)?

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Jan

Quote: Originally Posted by 2k1Toaster

Yup. The brain's digtial inputs (blue header, 4 of them) are used for digital connections such as a button. The analogue inputs can also be used for buttons. If you have a resistive connection (factory controls with 1 wire interface) through a voltage divider (2 resistors) and it would only use 1 analogue input. So technically you can have about 20-25 buttons per analogue input so 204-254 buttons could be used. Although for simplicity, 1 button a channel would be best if you had the room

scott_fx · 09-18-2007, 06:07 PM

hey jan,
i had developed a device that does what you are talking about (i think). it using an ipac2 keyboard emulator and a custom lasercut facade with laser cut buttons that will be back lit.

i actually may not use this and ultimately use the spacenav for the interface. if you're interested in it i may be able to hook you up with a 'kit' that you could just finish off and integrate it into your install

RedGTiVR6 · 09-18-2007, 06:10 PM

you have a PM!

scott_fx · 09-20-2007, 12:27 AM

hey jan i have a remote control that i had taken apart. the buttons may work for you. i'll take a pic when i get some free time. if you want it i'll send it to you

RedGTiVR6 · 09-20-2007, 07:42 AM

thanks!

scott_fx · 09-20-2007, 11:27 AM

if you hack this up you may be able to fab up a nice interface with some momentary buttons behind the remote buttons:

Phatsacks · 09-20-2007, 11:51 AM

I know you're wanting wired, but this remote uses a lithium battery, which should last a very long time and is worth taking a look at. Seems to have an 8-way touchpad mouse in the center (with left/right buttons), and can customize all others. Even has a shutdown button.

Link

Quick Info:

Quote:

Innovation design of Slim type remote control RC107 for controlling DVD/CD/MP3 software with desktop or laptop PC.

Bundle with tiny eDio receiver with USB Port, it's easy to connect with your computer.

O.S.D. (On Screen Display) to show each working function of RC107 on computer screen while you are using it.

Provide default settings for computer software (PowerCinema3, Windows Media Player, Power Point) and can be reset-up depends on user demands.

3 software hotkeys convenient to edit personal hot key for different computer software with easy operation setting program.

Similarly mouse function. (8-directional arrows on mouse pad & Left/Right keys)

Offer Value software Remote Master including application of Multi Remote Control Application.

Slim type design, easy collect in your PCMCIA slot.

If you are going to hack up a remote:
Slim Remote

turbocad6 · 09-20-2007, 12:14 PM

to me, the ultimate media control would be something like the space navigator, & some extra buttons around it, all placed erogonomicly friendly & at your fingertips... kinda the way the factory is going with controls really, like benz & bmw... of course the cosmetics of this would be entirely up to you, but seeing your attention to detail you should be fine

scott_fx · 09-20-2007, 12:20 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by turbocad6

to me, the ultimate media control would be something like the space navigator, & some extra buttons around it, all placed erogonomicly friendly & at your fingertips... kinda the way the factory is going with controls really, like benz & bmw... of course the cosmetics of this would be entirely up to you, but seeing your attention to detail you should be fine

that's the route i went:

Kimota · 09-20-2007, 03:06 PM

Heya

I know you were looking for something with buttons but the touchpad I'm using works really great with StreetDeck. All of StreetDecks gesture commands can be done on touch pad pause, stop, play, track forward/ track back, music, video, nav etc.

Depending on how you configure StreetDeck the far right hand side of touch pad can be used to scroll up/down very quickly or for a volume control and the upper right hand corner emulates right click. Since installing the usb touch pad (from newegg of course) I haven't touched my screen other than for dusting.

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