Ready-made Controls

[oznetradio]

I know that this forum is all about making your own controls, but I am sure that you guys could offer some advice on purchasing a ready-made control for my jukebox project.
I have not decided on the software yet, but the control layout I have in mind would suit any of the three programs I am looking at.
Basically, I would need a numeric keypad and two seperate buttons (for left and right). Ideally, I would like to be able to plug it in to the PC via USB or PS2 and then "map" the keys within the software itself.
Anyone know of a company (or individual) who specialises in this type of thing. I am in Australia, but would be willing to purchase from O/S if need be.

[seoushi]

They do make usb numpads that will act like a keyboard, if that's what your looking for. something like http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=23-119-119&depa=0 would probably do the trick. I'm sure you could find a local retailer that will sell the same thing. if you don't like the look of them you could find some of your own buttons and wire them on there (sorta like a mini-keyboard hack).

[oznetradio]

Thanks for the reply. I was aware that you could get these. The one which I favor at the moment is this one
http://www.gotink4u.com/keyboards/167376.htm

I would really prefer the jukebox-style numeric keypad with two triangle buttons (from Happ).

Any more ideas??

[Chris]

You could interface a non-PC keypad through a keyboard hack or encoder...



these even have arrow buttons...

Jameco Link

[Chris]

Futurlec has a couple of keypads... on the minus side they look like phone keypads, on the plus side they're cheap and they're in Australia.

http://www.futurlec.com/Keypads.shtml

[teef two]

What about using an lcd touch screen. Fairly cheap.

Alternatively how about using an IR receiver and any cheap remote control. I have no idea how to program the PC to interpret the IR codes as keystrokes or macros but I'll bet anything someone on here will know how. This gives you the added flexibility of remotely controlling the jukebox.

Ready made solution for the above at http://www.streamzap.com/products/pcremote/

[oznetradio]

Thanks for the replies.

Touch screen is out of the question at the moment ($$$$).

I really like the keypads from Jameco (thanks Chris). I assume that I will need an encoder to run this?

[Chris]

I really like the keypads from Jameco (thanks Chris). I assume that I will need an encoder to run this?

That or a keyboard hack. Since these are matrix based and you don't need to worry about ghosting or blocking, the keyboard hack is exceedingly easy.  Hook up the first four lines to one side of the matrix, hook up the other four to the other side, and push each button and see what comes out and set up your map accordingly.

[LordDamo]

Gday, and welcome to the forum. Good to see another Aussie on here. Ive seen numeric num pads at Dick Smith electronics, that just plug into the PS2 port. No need to worrk about a hack cause its all done., the PC just thinks its a keyboard.

Im going into the city in a few days, I can check it out for you if you like, if you dont have a Dick Smiths's where you live. Hope this helps, cheers . . .

[oznetradio]

G'day Damo,
Thanks for the offer, but I have already checked out the items from Dick Smith (there is one near me). I really want to go for something different like the pads from Jameco that Chris posted. Another option is a keypad from an old Rowe Ami wallbox. I know a guy that will sell me one, but I don't know if it can be wired into an encoder.
Once again, thanks for the offer.