Powermate for Screen Saver Login

brownaa82 · 10-09-2009, 09:59 AM

Has anyone ever attempted to use their powermate to enter a password at the screen saver?

I am intending on using spaces and I have one of the powermate's keybindings such that it activates Spaces so I can switch to a GPS app. However, using ICE3's lock screen is futile if someone can use the Powermate to switch to another space...

Here's what I was thinking would be AWESOME!!!

use the dial like a rotary combination lock. Left would be 'A' and right would be 'B'. Obviously 'Click' would be 'enter'. That way you could enter a code like

Left-Left-Right-Left-Click = A - A - B - A - enter

david69leonard · 10-09-2009, 12:39 PM

Sounds like an old nintendo contra code. LOL seems like a good idea, hope you get it to work.

VmtSquad · 10-09-2009, 03:18 PM

^^ would say more like a Mortal Kombat Code :P

Good idea bro!!

natedawgg · 10-09-2009, 03:40 PM

this is a good idea except that it would be somewhat difficult (not impossible) to have the powermate precisely enter that kind of code. This is because as you turn the knob, it keeps repeating the "key press". soo you would end up with something like:

AAAAAAABBBBBBBBEnter

it could be done i guess by setting the repeat rate all the way down, but that would suck for anything other than the specific purpose of entering a passcode.

it would be nice if the powermate had some type of physical feedback of a "click" or something while you are turning the knob.

brownaa82 · 10-09-2009, 09:00 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by natedawgg

this is a good idea except that it would be somewhat difficult (not impossible) to have the powermate precisely enter that kind of code. This is because as you turn the knob, it keeps repeating the "key press". soo you would end up with something like:

AAAAAAABBBBBBBBEnter

it could be done i guess by setting the repeat rate all the way down, but that would suck for anything other than the specific purpose of entering a passcode.

it would be nice if the powermate had some type of physical feedback of a "click" or something while you are turning the knob.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if you stop turning the dial the Powermate won't KEEP typing 'A' or 'B'....RIGHT?

Then it would be just memorizing how far I need to turn for each code. Similar for what I do now entering the pass code for my iPhone. I don't even look at the keys, I just swipe and enter.

Does anyone know which app controls the screen saver so I can keybind that specific app? Alternatively, I could make the global settings for the passcode entry and ensure that all of the apps I plan to use have specific keybindings defined.

I will test the alternative to see what happens and let everyone know.

brownaa82 · 10-11-2009, 04:07 PM

SWEET ACTION!

SO, here's how to make it work.

For "Global Settings" your should look like the attached image below.

The limitation is that all other apps will use this setup unless you specify.

Quote: Originally Posted by natedawgg

this is a good idea except that it would be somewhat difficult (not impossible) to have the powermate precisely enter that kind of code. This is because as you turn the knob, it keeps repeating the "key press". soo you would end up with something like:

AAAAAAABBBBBBBBEnter

it could be done i guess by setting the repeat rate all the way down, but that would suck for anything other than the specific purpose of entering a passcode.

it would be nice if the powermate had some type of physical feedback of a "click" or something while you are turning the knob.

No issues with repeating characters at all. The characters stop entering as soon as I stop turning the dial. WHEW!

natedawgg · 10-12-2009, 01:29 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by brownaa82

No issues with repeating characters at all. The characters stop entering as soon as I stop turning the dial. WHEW!

Awesome! Im glad you were able to get it to work. My main concern was more for the fact that while driving it is very difficult to control exactly how far you turn the wheel on the powermate since it is free spinning. I know for me, when i am driving i can't focus on the screen for very long to make sure that i only put the input that i intend through the powermate. Once again this is just me yapping, it sounds like you were able to get it to work, and that is awesome. congrats!

VmtSquad · 10-13-2009, 02:13 PM

You should also look into ControllerMate 4 for Mac, it's easy to use and tried it with a PS3 a like cheap USB remote....I completely changed all buttons commands in couples minutes.

NICE THREAD BRO!

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