Hi, I'm wanting to make a numeric 0 to 9 input/output device with visual feedback as to the key or button pressed plus output of the digit via USB as if it is a Keypad.
I'm am interested in what combination of hardware, particularly Arduino products I may need, as I have had no experience with Arduino up to now.
The device probably needs to look like a Keypad to the Windows PC as I need 3 of these connected via a USB Hub. Each inputs the digit into its own text box. The current PC software looks for the additional keypads. (This may not be a project killer as the PC software may be able to be modified)
My thoughts are either a keypad with enough keys for 0-9 or 10 separate push buttons. I only need the digits 1-9, 0 can be used as a Clear or Reset key or button. Visual feedback would probably be by 7 segment LED (needs to be very easily seen) or a separate LED for each digit.
Operation would be - When a key/button for digits 1-9 is pressed all other keys/buttons are disabled i.e only 1 digit can be selected until the keypad is reset with the Clear or Reset key/button. The LED will indicate the value of the pressed digit and the digit will be sent via USB to a PC and a waiting text box.
After pressing Clear/Reset the display would reset to 0 or blank and the next input is allowed.
Down the track it would be good to do the reset from the PC either by the software where the input is going or simply a Function Key maybe. Also a switch could be added to allow only certain inputs eg allow 1 to 5 incl or 1 to 9 incl or only 1 and 9. Or even better set this via PC software as well.
For the curious the device is to be used by 3 judges where they can assign a score from 1 to 9. Existing keypads allow multiple keypresses and don't provide verification as to what was pressed. (or hard to find anyway).
The device probably needs to look like a Keypad to the Windows PC... Each inputs the digit into its own text box. The current PC software looks for the additional keypads.
How are the keypads presented to the computer? In Device Manger, are they listed under Keyboards?
I ask because it is my understanding that user mode applications cannot easily distinguish between keyboard devices. There is the possibility that the keypads you are using present themselves as a specialized HID.
(This may not be a project killer as the PC software may be able to be modified)
If there is something funky about the keypads, a virtual serial port is always a good choice.
I believe @CrossRoads (a regular user here) made a wireless keypad that will very likely be of interest. It works with his Fencing Scoring Machine. Trying searching for his moniker, "keypad", and "fencing".
How are the keypads presented to the computer? In Device Manger, are they listed under Keyboards?
I ask because it is my understanding that user mode applications cannot easily distinguish between keyboard devices. There is the possibility that the keypads you are using present themselves as a specialized HID.
My thought would be the "new" keypads would be the Arduino devices so they would need to look to Windows like a KeyPad or Keyboard (Plug n Play?).
3 of these would be connected via a USB hub to the PC. Currently the software finds attached Keypads but not sure how, I haven't actually connected any ordinary keypads as yet, as I don't want to use them anyway.
I am corresponding with the developer of the software so I can get more info if necessary. I see from your subsequent posts that certain Arduinos can be configured as a Keyboard which is probably all I need, at least for that particular part of the project.