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geekhack Community => Input Devices => Topic started by: Paulie on Sun, 25 September 2011, 19:35:54
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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!
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An alternative is to use Sharpkeys (http://www.randyrants.com/2008/12/sharpkeys_30.html) 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:
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Oh yeah. I could just do that. *smacks self in head* Far cheaper option too, considering I've just spent £200 on keyboards...
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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.
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That is also an excellent idea. I could probably make it work under Linux too. Thanks! :D
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I use a Griffin Powermate. Works fine under Win7. Don't know the Linux compatibility.
(Attachment) 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:
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ripster likes to play with balls and knobs.
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Sadly, all his wife gets to play with lately are his knobs.
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?
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How did you bind the scroll wheel? With what?
On Windows, you can use AutoHotkey (http://www.autohotkey.com/). 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?
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Ah perfect, I've found myself reaching for the non-existent volume control on my keyboard since replacing my Logitech.
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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.
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I use 3RVX ( http://matthew.malensek.net/#/Software/ ) but it is windows only. I have it mapped to CTRL+` and CTRL+TAB.
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Can the Powermate be configured to do transport controls too (as well as volume)?
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thanks, please write more, very interesting!
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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).
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Hmm, I just use my astro mix amp :)
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Hmm, I just use my astro mix amp :)
[ATTACH=CONFIG]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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]31398[/ATTACH]
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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.
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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' ****? :)
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Hey, check this out! (the VCR head reader is too big for what I want to do)
http://tinylittlelife.org/?p=122
(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.
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Maybe a miniDV head? :)
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If you can find one, powermates are BOMB. Those things can control damn near everything.
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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?
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Does the powermate work on win7 64 bit?
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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.
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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
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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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I've been using PowerMate for a few days now and I like it!!
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mmmty:
With the Powermate 3 software?
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They have 3? I just checked and I have PowerMate version 2.0.1.
Oh! I see. version 3 for Mac. I'm using it with my Win 7 at work.
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They have 3? I just checked and I have PowerMate version 2.0.1.
Oh! I see. version 3 for Mac. I'm using it with my Win 7 at work.
Is it win7 64 bit version? I ask because there's a review in Amazon that said it didn't work for him on the 64 bit. Also Griffin's website doesn't even list their drivers work on win7.
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Works fine. The FIRST Griffen V1.0 didn't - the black one.
Cool, thanks!
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I also proposed at OCN the Dell volume mod.
Unfortunately OCN is down.
http://www.overclock.net/computer-peripherals/806019-how-do-i-make-usb-volume-2.html
(Attachment) 31390[/ATTACH]
Followed your info and found the Dell RT7D30-PS/2 and the RT7D40-wireless. A couple on fleabay for $20. I'd like to see the mod the OCN guy did. Need to see if it will work with Mac.
It's an interesting idea, if it's not too big for where I want to place it. Looks to be about as wide as 2+ keys.
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I've been thinking of hacking of the silver corner and flush mounting it so the buttons remain intact. I think if I can position it where I want, it will make an awesome fingertip media controller.
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Maybe a miniDV head? :)
Hey, at first I thought you were yanking me because I'm gullible, but I did a search and the mini-dv tape heads ARE IN FACT MINI!!!
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My new video camera arrives on Monday which means after I rip the last of my tapes I'll have a dying MiniDV camera on my hands...
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[video]<iframe width="420" height="315" src=" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>[/video]
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[video]<iframe width="420" height="315" src=" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>[/video]
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[video=youtube;OG_6CopW9GQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG_6CopW9GQ[/video]
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My new video camera arrives on Monday which means after I rip the last of my tapes I'll have a dying MiniDV camera on my hands...
[video=youtube;OG_6CopW9GQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG_6CopW9GQ[/video]
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Hi all. Just resurrecting this topic. I am new to the mechanical keyboard world and am not going back to membranes. I, however, do miss the volume control dial I had on my very old Logitech. I researched Powermate but was hesitant to get it because of the Windows x64 issues, so I ended up getting a Contour ShuttleXpress. I love it. It has buttons I can program for play, pause etc, then it has a dial (which I use for volume) and then it has a jog-dial-thingy which I am using for scrolling up and down the screen. Just another alternative for us the not-so programming oriented people!
Thanks for all the great info here! Oooh, I so loooooove this clickety clack.
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Hey! I was torn between those two items as well. Can you offer any use experience, pics of set up?
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It is fairly easy to use. You can configure it to function a certain way for particular programs or globally. So fai, I am enjoying it.In fact, I just ordered a second one for my work computer. Here is a picture of it.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69334333@N00/7357753204/
I have it on the left side because I am lefty. Sorry about the link. I cannot figure out how to get the picture to show.
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Looks good.
My initial idea is to integrate a rotary volume/scroll device on a Kinesis Advantage. Size is an issue, but the unit can be dismembered for mod purposes if needed. My concern is functionality first, obviously. Almost need to do a side-by-side comparison.