USB Host to Arduino

Using Arduino Microcontrollers
#1

Hello,

I've been looking into connecting a USB keyboard and mouse to an Arduino and came across this little gadget: USB host mini
I'm thinking of buying or building one, as it's based on a PIC 24FJ64GB002 chip that can be had for cheap from Digikey, in a 28 PDIP package, no less.

Since I have zero exposure to PICs, I am wondering if this is feasible and how complex of a project it would be?

Thank you

#2

All the hard USB work is done by the pre-written firmware loaded onto the PIC chip and on the Arduino you just read key presses as serial or I2C, cannot get much simpler than that.
You may need a couple of these connected to your Arduino though, one for keyboard & one for mouse.

#3

Thanks Riva

I take it you are familiar with this particular device, or with the PIC?

So building it is not an option, as the software is proprietary…

#4

I have quite a collection of older - but perfectly functional - PS/2 keyboards and (optical) mice. I suspect many of us do.

It's a pity you don't as these are immediately connectable to an Arduino and there should be plenty of code to do so.

#5

Paul,

Although I would prefer USB, this is a very valuable piece of information and I thank you very much.
I think I still have a couple hidden somewhere...

What about mice? Same deal? I assume that if PS/2 keyboards work, it's because of the protocol, hence a mouse should also work.

As a matter of fact, my project is far more ambitious - I am hoping to use a more modern keyboard and mouse to emulate the Apple Destop Bus devices that are very scarce.

#6

somedude:
What about mice? Same deal? I assume that if PS/2 keyboards work, it's because of the protocol, hence a mouse should also work.

Did I not mention mice? Optical mice (the only ones worth using) preceded the USB interface, so there are plenty of them around.

somedude:
As a matter of fact, my project is far more ambitious - I am hoping to use a more modern keyboard and mouse to emulate the Apple Desktop Bus devices that are very scarce.

Well, AFAIK, the ADB was quite similar to PS/2 in operation, so that should be little problem.

#7

BURN!!!

You totally did, I was so excited about the possibility, I totally missed that.

Thank you.

#8

I looked at that when I was setting a USB MIDI to real MIDI adapter set up. Hobbytronics is a great shop but I optedfor a Keyes USB shield V2 from ebay as it was half the price and it just sits on top of an Uno.

Haven’t tried it yet but once you’ve got USB you can always use a hub to attach more devices?

Making your own is always best if you are prepared to put in the learning when things go wrong. It adds another unknown into the mix.

Interesting sounding project though, keep us posted about progress and if you want any code tested on a Keyes host shield, let me know.

#9