Maker David Hayward has launched a gadget designed to show virtually something right into a one-button keyboard — primarily as a method of interfacing classic Morse keys with a buddy’s newly-launched sport.
“QMKeybox is a small USB-C interface based mostly on the [Arduino] Professional Micro, that may make virtually any conductive object act as USB keyboard,” Hayward explains of the compact creation. “It is also VIA suitable, so whereas it behaves as an area bar by default, it will probably simply be remapped to behave as every other keyboard key you need. Relying on what you join the opposite facet of it to, in addition to switches and buttons, you may additionally discover many different methods of triggering it. I’ve included supply information for all the pieces from the firmware to the 3D prints, so you possibly can modify it to satisfy your particular wants.”
The QMKeybox turns any momentary change right into a single-key USB keyboard — together with Morse keys. (📷: David Hayward)
A one-key keyboard would possibly sound slightly restricted, however there is a methodology to Hayward’s insanity. Whereas it may be programmed, due to its open-source and fully-customizable firmware choices, to carry out a variety of one-push duties as much as and together with the playback of pre-recorded multi-key macros, Hayward had a extra particular job in thoughts: interfacing classic Morse keys with fashionable computer systems.
“My buddy Alex Johansson’s videogame MORSE […] is managed by Morse Code and could be performed with precise Morse keys,” Hayward explains. “Connecting a type of to a PC is not all the time simple although. There are DIY options involving stuff like relays, or Alex’ personal instance of hacking a damaged mouse; or there are neat off-the-shelf options like Brett Hollifield’s wonderful VAIL Adapter (good for individuals severe about telegraphy; which continues to be very a lot a factor in HAM Radio communities!)”
The QMKeybox is smaller and less complicated than most current options. There are solely two connections: one USB Kind-C for information and energy, and one other for any two-wire change or switch-equivalent. Join your Morse key — or every other momentary change — to at least one finish and the opposite to your desktop, laptop computer, video games console, or different USB-compatible gadget, and also you’re achieved.
Extra particulars can be found on Instructables, whereas Hayward has launched supply code and 3D print information on GitHub underneath the reciprocal GNU Normal Public License 3.
