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This is a wonderful hack! But — using a Raspberry Pi and Linux is overkill for this. It introduces huge unnecessary complexity. A simpler approach would be to

by jwr 2y ago

This is a wonderful hack! But — using a Raspberry Pi and Linux is overkill for this. It introduces huge unnecessary complexity. A simpler approach would be to go with Zephyr and a small microcontroller (ARM Cortex M4).

0_____0 2y ago
It's not unnecessary complexity if the thing wouldn't get made otherwise, especially for a personal project.
imhoguy 2y ago
Right, I think it is doable (an would say even easier/faster) with Raspberry Pico Pi W controller, it has BT and can behave like USB HID device.
JoBrad 2y ago
a.k.a. > A delightfully over-engineered solution
- bahaaador 2y ago
  <3
bahaaador 2y ago
Thank you! I think that's a fair point about potentially wasted resources, something like Pico would have been and a leaner choice if this was going to be mass-produced. But for me, part of the decision was my comfort level with system programming and what I desired to tinker with and learn along the way and still, it's a very affordable option (around 20 CAD I believe) Perhaps I'll look into porting it to Pico in future as new challenge and learning experience. Thank you for your sharing your thoughts.
- imhoguy 2y ago
  I had same worries like yours but worry not, check MicroPython/CircuitPython when you get a chance. You load it up onto Pico and play with REPL in IDE. It is easier than debugging Go on large-RPi.
- jwr 2y ago
  Please don't get me wrong: I really do appreciate the hack value and I absolutely understand choosing this route to scratch a personal itch! My point was more general: I see a lot of things getting built using Linux that really have no need for this level of complexity. And it doesn't come free: complex systems are more fragile, there are more things that can go wrong. In this particular case, I'd recommend taking a look (for example) at the Seeed XIAO nRF52840 module and Zephyr: around $10, very capable CPU, very good Bluetooth stack (Zephyr+Nordic), USB-C connector.
beardyw 2y ago
I would think an esp32 with Bluetooth would do wouldn't it?

by jwr 2y ago

0_____0 2y ago

It's not unnecessary complexity if the thing wouldn't get made otherwise, especially for a personal project.

imhoguy 2y ago

Right, I think it is doable (an would say even easier/faster) with Raspberry Pico Pi W controller, it has BT and can behave like USB HID device.

JoBrad 2y ago

a.k.a. > A delightfully over-engineered solution

bahaaador 2y ago
<3

bahaaador 2y ago

Thank you! I think that's a fair point about potentially wasted resources, something like Pico would have been and a leaner choice if this was going to be mass-produced. But for me, part of the decision was my comfort level with system programming and what I desired to tinker with and learn along the way and still, it's a very affordable option (around 20 CAD I believe) Perhaps I'll look into porting it to Pico in future as new challenge and learning experience. Thank you for your sharing your thoughts.

imhoguy 2y ago
I had same worries like yours but worry not, check MicroPython/CircuitPython when you get a chance. You load it up onto Pico and play with REPL in IDE. It is easier than debugging Go on large-RPi.
jwr 2y ago
Please don't get me wrong: I really do appreciate the hack value and I absolutely understand choosing this route to scratch a personal itch! My point was more general: I see a lot of things getting built using Linux that really have no need for this level of complexity. And it doesn't come free: complex systems are more fragile, there are more things that can go wrong. In this particular case, I'd recommend taking a look (for example) at the Seeed XIAO nRF52840 module and Zephyr: around $10, very capable CPU, very good Bluetooth stack (Zephyr+Nordic), USB-C connector.

beardyw 2y ago

I would think an esp32 with Bluetooth would do wouldn't it?