I have ZERO, literally no microcontroller programming experience, so please forgive the likely simple questions below.
Is it possible to use a USB keyboard like the X-Keys 24 button device to control analog IC switches? Something like this:
**broken link removed**
How would I go about doing that?
I would assume that I could set the microcontroller pins to be LOW, and when a usb button is pressed, to go HIGH which would then open the switch (or vice versa). But what would I need to make that work?
I know NOTHING about programming. I started (months ago) to learn Java at codeacademy.com, but life got in the way and I wasn't able to finish, and because I never used it, I don't know if I remember much about it...
Not necessarily already built, but I need some advice for a starting point, I suppose.
It would be nice to know what type of controller I need, what the easiest way to program the controller is, what language, any hints or tips. I don't mind trying to learn to program, and I know I'm diving into the deep end a little bit, but this is a project that I want to get done. The quickest way from point A to point B would be helpful!
Well!!! As I said...C# is a nice tool ( its a kind of java ) Microsoft released J++ (MS's java) Sun microsystems took them to court.... MS changed and renamed J++ to C#..
C is a very nice language to learn.... You could pic up a small pic24jxxx development board..Download MPLAB and the C30 C compiler ( run in lite mode) Download the Microchip libraries, and compile the USB host examples......
examples.. **broken link removed**
compiler.. **broken link removed**
MPLAB.. **broken link removed**
This board has several outputs that I imagine I could use for control of the switches, correct? The USB Host shield would read the output of the keyboard, interpret the button press of button 1 and then respond by making pin 1 low, which then causes the IC switch to open up... Is that accurate?
With the wealth of information about Arduino out there, is there a smaller learning curve with it than the other ways you mentioned?
Or will the way I described, or the board, not able to be able to work as mentioned?