3 ms·

I love these sorts of little projects. I don't know else who is likely to use something like this other than a really serious podcaster or vlogger, but clearly

I love these sorts of little projects. I don't know else who is likely to use something like this other than a really serious podcaster or vlogger, but clearly the writer has a need for it. It's also a great reminder of the versatility of the cheap microcontrollers we are able to use these days. It's pretty straightforward to use one to make just about any kind of input device you might want, and with wireless microcontrollers like the ESP32, you can even give it wifi! I use a variety of ESPs around the house with ESPhome for home assistant, doing all sorts of things. It's pretty easy to get into (home use level, not production electronics) embedded just by reading some datasheets and writing a little code these days.

dylan604 4y ago
If you ever shop for professional video devices, you'll know exactly why people are DIY'ing this kind of stuff. When you're on set on a "real" shoot, every mistake is expensive, so the gear is priced to reflect how "solid" it is. For those on a lower budget but want the same look/features, the microcontroller world has been a gawd send. I've built so many little motion controllers, lens controllers, ultrasonic digital tape, etc types of things that I'd never purchase the "legit" models. I tried building an auto-focus for manual cinema lens with the ultrasonic sensor telling range, a motor on the focus ring, and a whole lot of patience. I would never ever bring that onto a real set, but it was an interesting couple of weekends worth of learning.
cjsawyer 4y ago
I’ve built something very similar. It uses an Arduino Pro Micro and the HID library. It uses a large knob as a scroll wheel. Now I’m so used to it that scrolling without my extra off-hand device feels awkward and slow. Easily my most useful project
- tlb 4y ago
  A writeup would probably be well-received here

dylan604 4y ago

If you ever shop for professional video devices, you'll know exactly why people are DIY'ing this kind of stuff. When you're on set on a "real" shoot, every mistake is expensive, so the gear is priced to reflect how "solid" it is. For those on a lower budget but want the same look/features, the microcontroller world has been a gawd send. I've built so many little motion controllers, lens controllers, ultrasonic digital tape, etc types of things that I'd never purchase the "legit" models. I tried building an auto-focus for manual cinema lens with the ultrasonic sensor telling range, a motor on the focus ring, and a whole lot of patience. I would never ever bring that onto a real set, but it was an interesting couple of weekends worth of learning.

cjsawyer 4y ago

I’ve built something very similar. It uses an Arduino Pro Micro and the HID library. It uses a large knob as a scroll wheel. Now I’m so used to it that scrolling without my extra off-hand device feels awkward and slow. Easily my most useful project

tlb 4y ago
A writeup would probably be well-received here