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| Apple Desktop Bus Transceiver |
Posted by: saybur on 2016-10-26 09:09:39
Inspired by bmow's work, I've created a generic Apple Desktop Bus device transceiver using Atmel AVR microcontrollers. The goal is to make it (relatively) easy for the hardware hackers here to integrate ADB support. Take a look at the GitHub repo if you're interested in playing around with the code:
https://github.com/saybur/trabular
Mouse and keyboard support work. I threw together a quick Java program on my computer that bombs my Arduino with the serial control codes, which then sends them to the Mac. It functions pretty well for a kludge. Also note: it's trippy to control a Mac using a modern optical mouse :O No real lag either, which for a non-optimized setup was quite encouraging. Pics here:
https://imgur.com/gallery/6GL0r
If someone wants to replicate this specific test setup, you'll need Linux and the code I wrote to control the serial link. Ask if interested.
I'm continuing to squash the remaining bugs and ensure that everything works correctly, so expect some more updates here as I find time to for this. If anyone has questions/comments, please fire away.
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Posted by: paws on 2016-10-26 10:21:02
Pretty cool stuff! Thanks for sharing it.
(Love your timing too -- after ages of not being able to use my beige Macs for lack of an ADB mouse I finally got one on sunday..)
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Posted by: Scott Squires on 2016-10-26 12:19:53
This is a neat project. Now we just need some ideas for new types of ADB peripherals to invent.
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Posted by: olePigeon on 2016-10-27 10:16:02
How about an ADB IR receiver, then use a Wii Mote to control the mouse. 😛
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Posted by: EvieSigma on 2016-10-27 13:31:27
I'd be happy with just an optical version of the old "block of cheese" mouse.
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Posted by: saybur on 2016-10-31 13:23:53
The Java software is in a usable state for Linux desktops. See https://github.com/saybur/trabatar. Enjoy something along the lines of Synergy, but for vintage Macs :beige:
Take a look here for hardware instructions involving an Arduino.
Long term, the goal is to get this working on a Raspberry Pi with a custom PCB shield that includes a level shifter IC (like the MAX3232). This should let you both control the system and browse your local network/Internet with the serial line. Work is proceeding on that front: plenty of other people have done similar things, so it should hopefully go pretty quickly.
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Posted by: joethezombie on 2016-10-31 13:28:24
Ah, missed this. NEAT!
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Posted by: saybur on 2016-10-31 14:42:32
I'd be happy with just an optical version of the old "block of cheese" mouse. Sparkfun used to sell this, which would make for a pretty sweet stockalike mouse with much better tracking behavior. The software could be modified by removing the serial communications code and plugging in sensor tracking logic instead. It'd definitely be a project: code for that + custom PCB + actually finding some sensors, which don't appear to be sold anymore. Definitely should be doable though. I figured someone would be interested in gutting the serial component at some point, so the software is already set up for that kind of modification.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/raneko/4205240466 has pictures of the mouse innards, for anyone feeling adventurous.
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Posted by: jamie marchant on 2016-11-01 11:10:58
How about an ADB IR receiver, then use a Wii Mote to control the mouse. 😛 Just so you know The WiiMote uses Bluetooth not IR. The sensor bar might use IR but then you would need custom hardware to read it.
I think IR needs line of sight and that would be a bad thing for a game controller. Example:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubgAKns75kc
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