I'm successfully using this USB host to read the keyboard inputs and have the ASCII numbers of the characters out to be converted.
It is very useful since it is integrating all the translation process of the keyboard signals and I have only to read its serial output as an ASCII character.
Anyways there are two problems.
The first problem is that this USB host controller is now sold as a kit, minimum 10 pieces, and it is very hard to be implied in a long term project, since it can be dismissed by the producer etc..
The second problem is that I don't have the full control on it since I have to flash it with its software, so again it's not reliable in a long term view, since I don't know what's going on at the board level.
Do you know any open source or arduino friendly alternative, able to read and translate USB keyboard inputs?
Note that many keyboards have PS/2 compatibility. With these keyboards, you can wire them directly to any Arduino's IO pins and use any of the several PS/2 libraries available (search Library Manager for a selection) to get input from the keyboard and even control the LEDs.
Some Arduino boards have native USB host capabilities. I've never tried this out, so I can't say how easy it is to do.
spycatcher2k:
They supply the firmware image, once youdownload it, just keep it safe. Even if they go out of business, you can buy the blank chips and a programmer to program them.
Yup but since I don't really know the code in the image it's not something I like to use actually.
I prefer using a library and keep all the things in the Arduino IDE.
ard_newbie:
An Arduino DUE has a Native USB port USB 2.0.
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.