I just finished to build mine. GREAT! It works perfectly! I am a musician and need such a device to drive my PC while playing a bass or a guitar, to move through patterns. First debut saturday night on stage!!!!!!! Thanks a lot for the simple but winning idea
Using RCA plugs as probes I figured out which contacts give F6 (F6 pauses and starts my transcription program). I scraped the black stuff off the correct contacts on the USB controller using a knife, held the wires in place with a small bulldog clip, and clumsily soldered them. Nonetheless, I now have a nice pedal from an old Olympus machine (thrift shop, 99 cents) that gives me hands-free control of F6. You saved me 49 bucks. Thanks.
That actually is completely dependent on both the keyboard itself as well as the keys you want to press. Gaming keyboard won't care how many keys you press at once, while others will. And the ones that do only prevent certain key combos because they work on a grid-based circuit, and if certain combos are used the closed circuits indicate ambiguous information (for example, MNJ and MNK would close the same grid-line circuits, so those can't be used).
very informative. the keyboard pcb is one of those things that is slap yourself easy but a lot of people don't realize the simplicity of it. You did a great job of explaining it along with a practical application. For those people that say this is a waste of time/money, I've seen plenty of grungy disgusting keyboards at the thrift shop that you would never want to use but the pcb would be just fine. Being a maker isn't just about saving money, it's about ingenuity.
Cool hack! I agree with your replies that there is a lot of enjoyment (and customisation potential) in making your own gear. (And what you learned doing this will let you make things for which no commercial alternative exists.)
A less permanent solution would be instead of using an old USB keyboard, use an old USB joystick, to map it to one of the buttons. Then use a program like AutoHotKey (GPL) to map the imput to whatever you'd like.
It mostly depends on the keyboard's internal switch matrix & controller. The USB HID standard allows for up to 6 keys pressed at a time, plus modifier keys (shift, alt etc). Search for NKRO if you need more info.
the problem is that a computer does not allow more than 2 keys to be pressed at the same time. If you try and press a third key it simply does not respond to it. At least that's what I've noticed over the years
How about an assignable shortcut key? If you could assign what key or combo the pedal activated it would be a lot more versatile. I play harmonica, and it would be really useful for starting and stopping recordings. A giant scroll wheel would be nice too.
This might be quite usefull when paired with the free Autohotkey software. You could actually make it work so that pedal depression and release would have DIFFERENT functions!
It depends on the keyboard and OS, I think all the command keys are usually exceptions(Ctrl,alt,shift), but yea there sometimes are problems when you press multiple buttons at same time. I think limit on mine is 5 or 6 held down (unless pressed exactly at same, then 3 at a time). Or something. Also some programs might limit the keys they can use at same time. Unless its a full n-key rollover(mechanical switch and diode per key), stuff like that happens.
How large is that crazy industrial pedal? I had a PS/2 keyboard opened and ready before I found out my used $5 sustain pedal (music instrument related thingamajig) was far too small. Saved it by sticking a little USB mouse circuit board inside and soldering it up to work as a spare mouse1/left mouse button trigger in case I need to click while having a drink, writing or I'm on the phone while playing a game. Good vid and excellent presentation :)
@NiteMare4LyF The SPST switch closes a pair on contacts on the board, just like the key on a keyboard (which is also a SPST switch). For example, it could be contact #5 and #17, it could be #4 and #20. In the shot where I show how to do trial and error, it's not clear that the wire I drag along the contacts is connected to the alligator clip on the right. That's my fault for not making that totally clear.
Nice, I'm gonna do the same sort of thing, but an Arduino connected to a dynamo on my exercise bike. The Arduino will control the screen brightness of my laptop based on how fast I pedal :0)
Thanks Matt, this is the first video I have seen of yours and it is really good and professional, two questions though, Is there such thing as a rotation censor that would trigger different keys depending on the rotation of it and what would a touch/button censor be called? Thanks,
@random5 Oh yeah, a pedal is just the beginning. Any sort of custom input device is easy to make with a hacked keyboard. In US English, it's pronounced "saw-der." I don't know why.
This is great. Any thoughts on modifying the design to place a switch on the side of the pedal to allow selecting between a few different key sequences as opposed to a single hard-coded key combination? I was also thinking that perhaps there's an Arduino USB emulator that would fit in the pedal and allow programming the output. I can see using it to switch between a key combination for something like Google Reader and then to a different one for something like Adobe Lightroom.
@jaisongreen What's the fun in just buying one? The thrill is the project. Also, with knowledge from this project you can pretty much customize a lot of the keys from the keyboard into other things like making your own keypad with nothing but shortcuts or something.
I really am looking for this because I plan to make a drums set out of a virtual drums set application on the computer each keys on keyboard has a corresponding parts of the drum set example the "E" button on keyboards is designed to correspond the snare drum then when you push that E button snare will sound... so I want to make a pedal for bass and etc. using the hacked keyboard .... my problem is that how am I going to position those but with this I guess I have idea now thanks!
Hey Matt, I noticed in the vid you wired two wires (blue and yellow) to the Switch. Im guessing the switch is SPST, so which contacts did u wire from the USB interface to the switch?
Do you know how I could make a foot pedal for one or even several buttons on an xbox 360 controller? Probably would be easier to do for a wired controller. This would be good for people with disabilities who want to game.
Cool, now I know how to hack a keyboard - would be fairly easy to wire to a number of buttons to make your own gamepad. Nitpick - it's soul-der not sah-der, and a soldering iron not a solder iron.
another thing... can you make another video that you are making the computer keyboard into piano keyboard through using virtual piano also... just like drums there are corresponding letters on keyboard that sounds different key notes on piano... but computer keyboard is inconvenient to use so I was really looking for a piano keyboard that is almost the same with computer keyboard that you will just connect through usb.
Pretty cool, limited uses, there are many ways, V-USB has a few projects that people with skills to make this can make better pedals, also you can find usb pedals on e-bay for $15. and they are programable.
ctrl-alt-del? some programs (like sibelius) use codes like ctrl-shift-K to input data because mouse would be slower, definetly possible to press 3 or more keys. but i believe programs 'shut down' with to much input?
@cristian3131 Try with 2 USB keyboards plugged in first. When I said that i never encountered this problem, it's because I've never had to press three keys at once. Let me know how it works.
how about multiple pedals......see there is a software called FUSE from Fender Guitars that emulates guitar pedals but it works only with the mouse and the keyboard......with this hack I can set a series of pedals for every pedal in the software right?
How were you testing the connections? I saw an alligator clip and a paper clip but were they connected to anything? I am trying to connect only my F1-F5 keys, Enter and arrow keys for the Frets On Fire game. How did you test which connection was which?
How come that 2 usb keyboards at the same time? I tried to used 2 usb keyboards but the other one isn't still working. can you help me with this because I really need your DIY pedal
u can use up arrow and down arrow... so u can scroll down any text, site or etc... and play helicopter games using the pedal to ascend and descend while W and S to forward and backwards lol
so the "J" using it on the youtube page moves the video time frame back. while the "L" move the time frame forward. The "K" plays and stops the video once i tap it off and on. would this function in a dual pedal set up?
Good video! Im looking to convert an N64 controller to usb with an old keyboard. My only issue is the cable only has one data cable along with power and ground.
Love the vid. Question how can i use this in a similar set up with a dual pedal? I want to switch or turn pages back and forth. The pedal on the right to go forward, and the pedal on the left to go back. I want to use it on an Android tablet using a micro usb connection to use the music score program called MusicSheets. i do have two piano keyboard sustain pedals i can use, Or if i can some how incorporate this to a guitar amp pedal with a aluminum chassis with stomp switch just for on the road use and abuse. Reason while a bluetooth option sounds cool just bit much for my taste. I rather use a hard wire for consistency and some thing i can make from stuff that i might have around the house.
@mrichardson23 I also thought of that...now I just need to find another keyboard to hack :)) Most likely it WILL work so I will hack one of those pedals that come with a steering wheel, because they are both in the same "shell" and I can have both save and load at my either foot.
@mrichardson23 This is perfect for my save-states in emulators when both my hands need to be on 2 keys at the same time ("run" and "left arrow" for instance) and I can't reach over to hit "+" which is the save-state key. But what I've noticed is that if I ask a buddy to press "+" WHILE I keep both keys down, it doesn't respond...maybe it has something to do with the interface, operating system, or simply the emulator itself does not allow more than 2 keystrokes simultaneously. I will try this :D
Look...it's certainly creative and interesting as a project...but really...all this work so she doesn't have to hit "j" on the keyboard? Seems like a $100 solution to a $0.01 cent problem
I just finished to build mine. GREAT! It works perfectly!
I am a musician and need such a device to drive my PC while playing a bass or a guitar, to move through patterns.
First debut saturday night on stage!!!!!!!
Thanks a lot for the simple but winning idea
Using RCA plugs as probes I figured out which contacts give F6 (F6 pauses and starts my transcription program). I scraped the black stuff off the correct contacts on the USB controller using a knife, held the wires in place with a small bulldog clip, and clumsily soldered them. Nonetheless, I now have a nice pedal from an old Olympus machine (thrift shop, 99 cents) that gives me hands-free control of F6.
You saved me 49 bucks. Thanks.
That actually is completely dependent on both the keyboard itself as well as the keys you want to press. Gaming keyboard won't care how many keys you press at once, while others will. And the ones that do only prevent certain key combos because they work on a grid-based circuit, and if certain combos are used the closed circuits indicate ambiguous information (for example, MNJ and MNK would close the same grid-line circuits, so those can't be used).
very informative. the keyboard pcb is one of those things that is slap yourself easy but a lot of people don't realize the simplicity of it. You did a great job of explaining it along with a practical application.
For those people that say this is a waste of time/money, I've seen plenty of grungy disgusting keyboards at the thrift shop that you would never want to use but the pcb would be just fine. Being a maker isn't just about saving money, it's about ingenuity.
Good fun hack for any power user. There's so many ways to play with this really.
Cool hack! I agree with your replies that there is a lot of enjoyment (and customisation potential) in making your own gear. (And what you learned doing this will let you make things for which no commercial alternative exists.)
A less permanent solution would be instead of using an old USB keyboard, use an old USB joystick, to map it to one of the buttons. Then use a program like AutoHotKey (GPL) to map the imput to whatever you'd like.
It mostly depends on the keyboard's internal switch matrix & controller. The USB HID standard allows for up to 6 keys pressed at a time, plus modifier keys (shift, alt etc). Search for NKRO if you need more info.
the problem is that a computer does not allow more than 2 keys to be pressed at the same time. If you try and press a third key it simply does not respond to it. At least that's what I've noticed over the years
How about an assignable shortcut key? If you could assign what key or combo the pedal activated it would be a lot more versatile. I play harmonica, and it would be really useful for starting and stopping recordings. A giant scroll wheel would be nice too.
Thanks for posting this. I'm starting to think of other uses for stuff like this. Cool.
Thanks for this, I've been looking to build a foot pedal for my microphone, this will work perfectly.
Like KipKay on steroids! Great vids...looking forward to more!
I really have to thank you. Your video helped me with an idea I have for an important project. Thank you!
This might be quite usefull when paired with the free Autohotkey software. You could actually make it work so that pedal depression and release would have DIFFERENT functions!
It depends on the keyboard and OS, I think all the command keys are usually exceptions(Ctrl,alt,shift), but yea there sometimes are problems when you press multiple buttons at same time. I think limit on mine is 5 or 6 held down (unless pressed exactly at same, then 3 at a time). Or something. Also some programs might limit the keys they can use at same time. Unless its a full n-key rollover(mechanical switch and diode per key), stuff like that happens.
yes, it's definitely application-dependent
How large is that crazy industrial pedal? I had a PS/2 keyboard opened and ready before I found out my used $5 sustain pedal (music instrument related thingamajig) was far too small. Saved it by sticking a little USB mouse circuit board inside and soldering it up to work as a spare mouse1/left mouse button trigger in case I need to click while having a drink, writing or I'm on the phone while playing a game. Good vid and excellent presentation :)
@Naba008 Nope, it doesn't interfere. You can have multiple USB keyboards plugged into one computer.
@NiteMare4LyF The SPST switch closes a pair on contacts on the board, just like the key on a keyboard (which is also a SPST switch). For example, it could be contact #5 and #17, it could be #4 and #20. In the shot where I show how to do trial and error, it's not clear that the wire I drag along the contacts is connected to the alligator clip on the right. That's my fault for not making that totally clear.
I had this same idea, but it was for the shift key.
Nice, I'm gonna do the same sort of thing, but an Arduino connected to a dynamo on my exercise bike. The Arduino will control the screen brightness of my laptop based on how fast I pedal :0)
Thanks Matt, this is the first video I have seen of yours and it is really good and professional, two questions though, Is there such thing as a rotation censor that would trigger different keys depending on the rotation of it and what would a touch/button censor be called?
Thanks,
thats awesome! keep up the good work!
@random5 Oh yeah, a pedal is just the beginning. Any sort of custom input device is easy to make with a hacked keyboard. In US English, it's pronounced "saw-der." I don't know why.
She still won't go out with you, dude.
This is great.
Any thoughts on modifying the design to place a switch on the side of the pedal to allow selecting between a few different key sequences as opposed to a single hard-coded key combination?
I was also thinking that perhaps there's an Arduino USB emulator that would fit in the pedal and allow programming the output. I can see using it to switch between a key combination for something like Google Reader and then to a different one for something like Adobe Lightroom.
Skeleton King! I choose you!
@jaisongreen What's the fun in just buying one? The thrill is the project. Also, with knowledge from this project you can pretty much customize a lot of the keys from the keyboard into other things like making your own keypad with nothing but shortcuts or something.
@hiquality thanks...I'm a bit of a programmer too and I adore gadgets and DIYs :D
Ever hear of the keystroke combo Control+Alt+delete? That's 3 and it works with ANY keyboard..... :)
Could a similar method work to make foot pedals to control mouse clicks, or does the USB controller in a mouse not work the same way?
Remapping the key of a 10 dollar usb foot pedal to make a sendkey of the J button would be easier. True story
I really am looking for this because I plan to make a drums set out of a virtual drums set application on the computer each keys on keyboard has a corresponding parts of the drum set example the "E" button on keyboards is designed to correspond the snare drum then when you push that E button snare will sound... so I want to make a pedal for bass and etc. using the hacked keyboard .... my problem is that how am I going to position those but with this I guess I have idea now thanks!
@Mamiya645 The pedal in this video is 4" x 3 7/16" x 1 1/8". It's item 7516K21 from McMaster Carr.
0:30 where did he get the pedal?
www.mcmaster.com/7516k21-7516K13
I have made a video game controller out of it. (2 pedals and a steering)
*Or you can put your keyboard on the floor and click the spacebar with your big toe
Hey Matt, I noticed in the vid you wired two wires (blue and yellow) to the Switch. Im guessing the switch is SPST, so which contacts did u wire from the USB interface to the switch?
@jaisongreen You could also ask why people knit scarves when they could just buy one.
@elusi0nx I eat breakfast while browsing my unread items. I can't live without it now.
Do you know how I could make a foot pedal for one or even several buttons on an xbox 360 controller? Probably would be easier to do for a wired controller. This would be good for people with disabilities who want to game.
Hi Matt this video is great. Do you have any idea for game controller using this USB keyboard but should work for two players. Thanks
I dont know of this weird thing, Soder? speak correctly, yes I AM MAD BRO
Cool, now I know how to hack a keyboard - would be fairly easy to wire to a number of buttons to make your own gamepad.
Nitpick - it's soul-der not sah-der, and a soldering iron not a solder iron.
another thing... can you make another video that you are making the computer keyboard into piano keyboard through using virtual piano also... just like drums there are corresponding letters on keyboard that sounds different key notes on piano... but computer keyboard is inconvenient to use so I was really looking for a piano keyboard that is almost the same with computer keyboard that you will just connect through usb.
Pretty cool, limited uses, there are many ways, V-USB has a few projects that people with skills to make this can make better pedals, also you can find usb pedals on e-bay for $15. and they are programable.
ctrl-alt-del?
some programs (like sibelius) use codes like ctrl-shift-K to input data because mouse would be slower, definetly possible to press 3 or more keys.
but i believe programs 'shut down' with to much input?
@cristian3131 Try with 2 USB keyboards plugged in first. When I said that i never encountered this problem, it's because I've never had to press three keys at once. Let me know how it works.
Press pause, then play and hold number 8
@djrollin212 If you keep pressing the pedal, it's as though you're holding the key down.
how about multiple pedals......see there is a software called FUSE from Fender Guitars that emulates guitar pedals but it works only with the mouse and the keyboard......with this hack I can set a series of pedals for every pedal in the software right?
Thanks a lot! Was usefull for me!
I use for work (transcription) :)))
How were you testing the connections? I saw an alligator clip and a paper clip but were they connected to anything? I am trying to connect only my F1-F5 keys, Enter and arrow keys for the Frets On Fire game. How did you test which connection was which?
Before i make this could i theoretically keep the pedal down and the program take it as im still pressing the key?
can you elaborate more to me the settings of HID MACROS?
It's kinda hard to operate
How come that 2 usb keyboards at the same time?
I tried to used 2 usb keyboards but the other one isn't still working.
can you help me with this because I really need your DIY pedal
u can use up arrow and down arrow... so u can scroll down any text, site or etc... and play helicopter games using the pedal to ascend and descend while W and S to forward and backwards lol
can you show how to make a game controler from a key board
so the "J" using it on the youtube page moves the video time frame back. while the "L" move the time frame forward. The "K" plays and stops the video once i tap it off and on. would this function in a dual pedal set up?
There's a much better invention called a Mouse that allows you to free up your feet.
ok who as all this stuff laying around in the house.
Thanks so much!!!
Would windows work with 2 keyboards?or do I have to plug and unplug each time?
Good video! Im looking to convert an N64 controller to usb with an old keyboard. My only issue is the cable only has one data cable along with power and ground.
Love the vid. Question how can i use this in a similar set up with a dual pedal? I want to switch or turn pages back and forth. The pedal on the right to go forward, and the pedal on the left to go back. I want to use it on an Android tablet using a micro usb connection to use the music score program called MusicSheets. i do have two piano keyboard sustain pedals i can use, Or if i can some how incorporate this to a guitar amp pedal with a aluminum chassis with stomp switch just for on the road use and abuse. Reason while a bluetooth option sounds cool just bit much for my taste. I rather use a hard wire for consistency and some thing i can make from stuff that i might have around the house.
Will this work with an android tablet?
dude Engadget sent me
hey that`s good to use as a rudder pedal for flight simulator tnx
@mrichardson23 I also thought of that...now I just need to find another keyboard to hack :)) Most likely it WILL work so I will hack one of those pedals that come with a steering wheel, because they are both in the same "shell" and I can have both save and load at my either foot.
is it possible to do this for the left click on a mouse?
of course. Just solder a switch to an old mouse.
What is with ctrl+alt+del ? There are three keys at same time.
can you make an update with key combos, like paste and cute? thanks
for that you should get the control key then the another one
I would like one of this!!!!
@mzungu54 I tested on a Mac and a Windows machine. On both you can have multiple USB keyboards.
@MobbleFilms photoshop?
@hiquality Even more of a coincidence : I am from RO too :)
@mrichardson23 no worries, your comment does!
Can this act like a clutch pedal in DiRT rally or Euro Truck Sim?
sure you just wont get a real clutch but it will turn on the clutch when pressed and turn it off when not
doh in russia they just put keyboard on floor and step on keys
or a ps1 keyboard
There is inexpensive alternative. Search for "USB Foot Control Keybaord " in Ebay or Amazon. for 7 or 8$
@HaloHamsturyep you got it we otaku anime people gota draw our stuff.
@cristian3131 I haven't encountered this problem during real-world usage.
@mrichardson23 This is perfect for my save-states in emulators when both my hands need to be on 2 keys at the same time ("run" and "left arrow" for instance) and I can't reach over to hit "+" which is the save-state key. But what I've noticed is that if I ask a buddy to press "+" WHILE I keep both keys down, it doesn't respond...maybe it has something to do with the interface, operating system, or simply the emulator itself does not allow more than 2 keystrokes simultaneously. I will try this :D
É ate usual e meu teclado é exatamente este do vídeo, vou testar!
@danimal511 I did... a long time ago now! Hakko 936.
Could you just use a USB tinsy
Control Z here I come
Thumbs up if you watch these things and dont even do them LOL
nice! I must say, I`ve never heard "solder" pronounced "sodder" :-0
Look...it's certainly creative and interesting as a project...but really...all this work so she doesn't have to hit "j" on the keyboard? Seems like a $100 solution to a $0.01 cent problem
do urself a favor and buy a real soldering iron
its SOLDER , not soder .. but good vid,, thx
nah he's saying it right
More videous! :)
hi
LOL i have excact same keyboard and i typed this message with it >_>
you sir have a hot friend ;)
@Killzone626 LOL
lmao