
USB HID Crank Controller
Ever wonder what it’s like to control things with a crank? This project explores the use of a crank mechanism that attaches to a rotary encoder. With the Adafruit ItsyBitsy M0 and CircuitPython, we can simulate a USB Human Interface Device (HID) device (like computer keyboards, mice, and gamepads) to trigger commands, macros and key presses. This idea was inspired by the Play Date device by Panic.
DIY USB HID
This project uses the USB HID CircuitPython library. It’s designed for creating custom USB input devices for creative and assistive applications. The library supports most US keypresses, multimedia and gamepad controls.
Code on GitHub
https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/tree/master/Crank_USB_HID
Adafruit ItsyBitsy M0
https://adafru.it/3727
Rotary Encoder
https://adafru.it/377
USB microB Cable – Fully reversible
https://adafru.it/4111
10-wire silicone cover ribbon cable
https://adafru.it/3890
3D Printer – Inventor II
https://adafru.it/3897
Filament for 3D Printers
https://adafru.it/2080
USB HID Crank Controller
Ever wonder what it’s like to control things with a crank? This project explores the use of a crank mechanism that attaches to a rotary encoder. With the Adafruit ItsyBitsy M0 and CircuitPython, we can simulate a USB Human Interface Device (HID) device (like computer keyboards, mice, and gamepads) to trigger commands, macros and key presses. This idea was inspired by the Play Date device by Panic.
DIY USB HID
This project uses the USB HID CircuitPython library. It’s designed for creating custom USB input devices for creative and assistive applications. The library supports most US keypresses, multimedia and gamepad controls.
Code on GitHub
https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/tree/master/Crank_USB_HID
Adafruit ItsyBitsy M0
https://adafru.it/3727
Rotary Encoder
https://adafru.it/377
USB microB Cable – Fully reversible
https://adafru.it/4111
10-wire silicone cover ribbon cable
https://adafru.it/3890
3D Printer – Inventor II
https://adafru.it/3897
Filament for 3D Printers
https://adafru.it/2080
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