Author Topic: USB volume control thing (Read 5716 times)

Paulie · « **on:** Sun, 25 September 2011, 19:35:54 »

Hey everyone,
I've got some new keyboards arriving soon, which means the long reign of the rubber dome on my desk will finally be over. It's finally dawned on me, however, that I actually use the keyboards' built in volume buttons, and might just miss them.

I'm aware that there's USB controls available, but I don't know much about them. Would anyone care to enlighten me?

One condition: has to work equally well with Windows 7 and Linux Mint (Ubuntu).

Thanks!

Deverica Wolf · « **Reply #1 on:** Sun, 25 September 2011, 19:45:08 »

An alternative is to use Sharpkeys to bind F1-3 (or whatever) to Volume Up, Volume Down, and Mute. No harm will be done. Just change and restart. I am using it right now on my Unicomp Spacesaver. Works wonderfully and binds will work for all Keyboards plugged in. :typing:

Paulie · « **Reply #2 on:** Sun, 25 September 2011, 19:55:02 »

Oh yeah. I could just do that. *smacks self in head* Far cheaper option too, considering I've just spent £200 on keyboards...

alaricljs · « **Reply #3 on:** Sun, 25 September 2011, 21:04:16 »

I like the speed of a volume knob, so I bound Win-key and the mouse scroll wheel to volume control. Win-middle click to mute.

Paulie · « **Reply #4 on:** Sun, 25 September 2011, 21:20:52 »

That is also an excellent idea. I could probably make it work under Linux too. Thanks!

Paulie · « **Reply #5 on:** Sun, 25 September 2011, 21:39:32 »

Quote from: ripster;421342

I use a Griffin Powermate. Works fine under Win7. Don't know the Linux compatibility.
(Attachment Link) 27296[/ATTACH]

I've been looking at them. Found a site which claims they work with Linux (there's a package for it), so might have to give it a try. It is relatively inexpensive, compared to everything else I've bought this month...

*Has second look*
Alright, what have you done to yours? :shocked:

alaricljs · « **Reply #6 on:** Sun, 25 September 2011, 21:41:44 »

ripster likes to play with balls and knobs.

Deverica Wolf · « **Reply #7 on:** Sun, 25 September 2011, 22:50:27 »

Sadly, all his wife gets to play with lately are his knobs.

Quote from: alaricljs;421332

I like the speed of a volume knob, so I bound Win-key and the mouse scroll wheel to volume control. Win-middle click to mute.

How did you bind the scroll wheel? With what?

daerid · « **Reply #8 on:** Sun, 25 September 2011, 23:16:08 »

Quote from: Deverica Wolf;421366

How did you bind the scroll wheel? With what?

On Windows, you can use AutoHotkey. It's fairly simple to use.
Not sure about the Ubuntu/Mint side of things.

Rip: is that an old typewriter part on the Griffin?

Malphas · « **Reply #9 on:** Mon, 26 September 2011, 15:32:44 »

Ah perfect, I've found myself reaching for the non-existent volume control on my keyboard since replacing my Logitech.

dorkvader · « **Reply #10 on:** Tue, 27 September 2011, 23:43:59 »

I took apart a mouse, and epoxeyed a read head out of a VCR to the scrollwheel. Then I epoxeyed the bearing to a projectbox. I like the weight.

I use it to change volume, and especially to manage long lists. It's awesome.

startacked · « **Reply #11 on:** Wed, 28 September 2011, 00:23:22 »

I use 3RVX ( http://matthew.malensek.net/#/Software/ ) but it is windows only. I have it mapped to CTRL+` and CTRL+TAB.

arplod · « **Reply #12 on:** Fri, 30 September 2011, 15:46:30 »

Can the Powermate be configured to do transport controls too (as well as volume)?

Jennia · « **Reply #13 on:** Sun, 02 October 2011, 07:00:59 »

thanks, please write more, very interesting!

arplod · « **Reply #14 on:** Fri, 28 October 2011, 14:41:31 »

Hey, sorry for the resurrection but I'm wondering if there's anything I can buy to get regular media buttons (play/pause, fwd/rwd) which is maybe USB-based. I don't need volume. Failing that, fully programmable tenkeypad which offers 'real' media keys (i.e. not just macros or regular keypresses).

Bry · « **Reply #15 on:** Fri, 28 October 2011, 16:02:31 »

Hmm, I just use my astro mix amp

arplod · « **Reply #16 on:** Fri, 28 October 2011, 16:26:21 »

Quote from: Bry;441342

Hmm, I just use my astro mix amp

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 30231[/ATTACH]

Not sure if that reply was for me, but as I said, I already have volume controls. It's just the transport controls I need, and I mean actual media controls as you'd find on a media keyboard - i.e. not the ability to macro regular keystrokes.

arplod · « **Reply #17 on:** Fri, 28 October 2011, 16:39:34 »

Quote from: ripster;441367

All the Media Control keys do, like on this camo I'm typing on, is just send Windows Scancodes. Off the top of my head 073/074/075/076 etc...

See the camo pics in my subforum for details.

Yes. I'd like something separate that can send media key Windows scancodes. I have no intention of using a Cherry-switch keyboard as my main so the camo is out.

Input Nirvana · « **Reply #18 on:** Wed, 09 November 2011, 15:16:45 »

Quote from: dorkvader;422478

I took apart a mouse, and epoxeyed a read head out of a VCR to the scrollwheel. Then I epoxeyed the bearing to a projectbox. I like the weight.

I use it to change volume, and especially to manage long lists. It's awesome.

I would like to see this, even if it's ugly (if you haven't finished it). Have you already posted it? I've taken a looky-loo around and didn't see it.

I'm thinking of sticking with a dial for volume rather than up/down/mute buttons on the Split Kinesis Mod.... the VCR head sound beyond *****'in... Could go to a junk/thrift store and probably get one for $10.

I also read a couple peeps here talking about using a VCR head for something similar, was that you?

Input Nirvana · « **Reply #19 on:** Wed, 09 November 2011, 16:03:47 »

Probably that's the better of most ideas. Possibly finger/thumb activated if it is smooth enough, small (non-mechanical) buttons could be located there too.

[ Attachment Invalid Or Does Not Exist ] 31398[/ATTACH]

dorkvader · « **Reply #20 on:** Wed, 09 November 2011, 21:25:21 »

Quote from: input nirvana;448713

I would like to see this, even if it's ugly (if you haven't finished it). Have you already posted it? I've taken a looky-loo around and didn't see it.

I'm thinking of sticking with a dial for volume rather than up/down/mute buttons on the Split Kinesis Mod.... the VCR head sound beyond *****'in... Could go to a junk/thrift store and probably get one for $10.

I also read a couple peeps here talking about using a VCR head for something similar, was that you?

I lied: The VCR read head is out, and the mouse is apart, but I only PLAN on epoxying it.

There is an instructables on this, though. I also need a project box to contain it.

Input Nirvana · « **Reply #21 on:** Wed, 09 November 2011, 21:54:52 »

Would like a smaller 'wheel/knob/turning-thingy" so it fits nicely on a Kinesis keyboard, but still turns like a smooth mother-f***er.

How big of a diameter is the VCR head reader, you lying sack o' ****?

Input Nirvana · « **Reply #22 on:** Thu, 10 November 2011, 02:50:19 »

Hey, check this out! (the VCR head reader is too big for what I want to do)

http://tinylittlelife.org/?p=122

I did see that a Griffin Powermate can have the knob removed and a smaller one put on so it might fit in the application I'm thinking about.

alaricljs · « **Reply #23 on:** Thu, 10 November 2011, 07:17:15 »

Maybe a miniDV head?

spolia optima · « **Reply #24 on:** Thu, 10 November 2011, 11:12:24 »

If you can find one, powermates are BOMB. Those things can control damn near everything.

Input Nirvana · « **Reply #25 on:** Thu, 10 November 2011, 14:26:03 »

Ripster:

Would the Powermate still turn nicely and easily with a smaller diameter knob? (Thumb or fingertip control?) Any downside to replacing it with a smaller knob and mounting in my Kinesis mod?

ZeroGraVT · « **Reply #26 on:** Thu, 10 November 2011, 14:38:23 »

Does the powermate work on win7 64 bit?

Input Nirvana · « **Reply #27 on:** Thu, 10 November 2011, 15:31:52 »

I meant to possibly get one last year, but most project things have been mostly on hold for much of 2011. I'll look around for one under $30 after the beginning of the year. I've seen some youtube videos and some pics of disassembly/mods. I thing it can be an awesome optional addition with a smaller, flatter knob and the Powermate 3 software.

If someone here is burning one off, let me know.

ZeroGraVT · « **Reply #28 on:** Thu, 10 November 2011, 15:45:53 »

Amazon have them for under $30
http://www.amazon.com/Griffin-1100-PWRMTS-PowerMate-Multimedia-Controller/dp/B000RZO482/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1320957400&sr=8-4

Input Nirvana · « **Reply #29 on:** Thu, 10 November 2011, 15:59:32 »

Look at that! I had $45 plus tax in my head, probably from a year or two ago.

Once I'm done trying to cheaply pursue 2 companies that have gone under, that owe me over half of what I earned in 2011, maybe I'll have $30 left over for a Powermate and a coke

Thank you

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Author Topic: USB volume control thing (Read 5716 times)

Jennia