Mouse as volume control - A cheap new concept

shreyasma · 03-19-2008, 01:17 AM

Hi Friends,

I have an idea to use an additional mouse as a volume control in the carpc.

There is a bit of dismantling required.
I know you all guys can do this more effeciently than I.

Here's the idea......
Whats needed is a cheap usb or ps2 mouse with the scroll wheel.

Dismantle the mouse completely.
Extend the scroll wheel shaft and we need to fix a new knob for our volume control at the end of the shaft. (Probably a wheel of a toy car or an old music system)

Refer picture Below

We can place the circuit board of the mouse behind the dashboard and make a provision for just the shaft to come out as below. We can mount the knob on the end of the shaft.

Now connect the new volume control to the PC by USB or PS2.

Download Volumouse software from Here

Install this software.

Run Volumouse and make changes exactly as indicated in the below picture.

You guys can still make further modifications to the program settings as per your need.

This should not cost you more than 15$

You are the best when it comes to ideas.
Please post your feedback, questions and suggestions.

bl3nd3r · 03-19-2008, 07:20 AM

I am actually doing this same thing as I saw it in this post:

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/inpu...ob-fabbed.html

One extra thing I am going to try and do is put a button at the end of shaft to maintain the function of pushing down the scroll wheel on a mouse. I think this will be helpful as a mute button but may be difficult to implement.

jumbodogs · 03-19-2008, 07:47 AM

Might want to check out this thread. This will cost more then $15 but will give you more options then just volume and probably easier to do.

quantum · 03-19-2008, 08:07 AM

I did something similar as well, worked it into my non-functioning factory car phone for a "clean" look.

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/inpu...ophonstar.html

shreyasma · 03-19-2008, 09:27 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by bl3nd3r

I am actually doing this same thing as I saw it in this post:

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/inpu...ob-fabbed.html

One extra thing I am going to try and do is put a button at the end of shaft to maintain the function of pushing down the scroll wheel on a mouse. I think this will be helpful as a mute button but may be difficult to implement.

You may also try the below setting in Volumouse.

But i think you can also try finding a driver for the mouse and configure the scroll button to mute/unmute

bl3nd3r · 03-20-2008, 06:08 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by shreyasma

You may also try the below setting in Volumouse.

But i think you can also try finding a driver for the mouse and configure the scroll button to mute/unmute

If I could determine a way to put a button on the end of the shaft it would work great. However, extending the shaft creates the problem as you no longer have the same angel to push down the scroll wheel.

I just got the idea of using the insides of a click pen and will let you know how it turns out.

shreyasma · 03-20-2008, 07:29 PM

Sure man, keep updating as you progress

ronjon228 · 03-21-2008, 03:15 AM

Couldn't you just make a slotted hole for the extended shaft to stick out of? Then just make sure the slot in the hole gives you enough play to push down on the shaft enough to engage the button click. Seems like it would work...

shreyasma · 03-22-2008, 05:02 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by ronjon228

Couldn't you just make a slotted hole for the extended shaft to stick out of? Then just make sure the slot in the hole gives you enough play to push down on the shaft enough to engage the button click. Seems like it would work...

Slotted hole is not really efficient in a long run

2k1Toaster · 03-22-2008, 05:06 AM

Why not just solder 2 leads to the pushbutton below the wheel and voila connect that to your mute button...

bencohen5 · 03-23-2008, 05:52 PM

you guys.....
disasembling, hacking,welding...
BUY A TOUCHSCREEN!!