Simple "file keeper" for USB-keyboard

Projects General Guidance
1

Hi everyone! :slight_smile:

I'm cigoLogic (Stefan in real life) and I am new to all this wonderful madness. I want to make a little device which will connect to a USB-keyboard and be able to store whatever I type on the keyboard in files stored on an SD-card in the device, which can later be moved to a pc. This device must be able to run on batteries and long battery life is important. It is also important that the device is as small as possible.

Any suggestings for which components I will need would be much appreciated. Thanks!

2

You will need a board which has a USB-host socket.

Obviously, a keyboard.

But how will you see what you wrote? Maybe you need a screen?

I'm thinking perhaps a Rasberry Pi will solve the problem better than anything Arduino-based.

3

Thanks, MorganS :slight_smile:

A Raspberry Pi is overkill, I was told. I will see what I have written when I transfer the files to the pc. While typing I will be typing blind.

So, can I pick any board with USB? And how about saving the files, which tiny add-on do I need for that?

Thanks again!

4

Did you consider USBHost library ?

The USBHost library allows an Arduino Due board to appear as a USB host, enabling it to communicate with peripherals like USB mice and keyboards. USBHost does not support devices that are connected through USB hubs. This includes some keyboards that have an internal hub.

5

Sounds like some sort of SPY device.

...R

6

ard_newbie:
Did you consider USBHost library ?

USBHost - Arduino Reference

The USBHost library allows an Arduino Due board to appear as a USB host, enabling it to communicate with peripherals like USB mice and keyboards. USBHost does not support devices that are connected through USB hubs. This includes some keyboards that have an internal hub.

USBHost - Arduino Reference

I much prefer a board with a smaller footprint, e.g. the Pro Micro. Would that work?

7

I don't know for the Pro Micro but this DUE compatible board (DUE CORE) has a much smaller footprint (54 X 58 mm):

8

Robin2:
Sounds like some sort of SPY device.

...R

It is not for spying, but for writing without distractions, e.g. while sitting on a beach or cafe, with nothing but this device and a keyboard.

. . .

Thanks, ard_newbie, I'll have a look at that.