USB Crank Controller

See it in action! https://twitter.com/ecken/status/1136711911196827649

Ever wonder what it's like to control things with a crank? This project explores the use of a crank mechanism that attaches to a rotary encoder. With the Adafruit ItsyBitsy M0 and CircuitPython, we can simulate a USB Human Interface Device (HID) device (like computer keyboards, mice, and gamepads) to trigger commands, macros and key presses. This idea was inspired by the Play Date device (https://play.date/) by Panic.

Learn Guide
https://learn.adafruit.com/usb-hid-crank-controller/

Code on GitHub
https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit\_Learning\_System\_Guides/tree/master/Crank\_USB\_HID

Adafruit ItsyBitsy M0
https://adafru.it/3727

Rotary Encoder
https://adafru.it/377

USB microB Cable – Fully reversible
https://adafru.it/4111

10-wire silicone cover ribbon cable
https://adafru.it/3890

3D Printer – Inventor II
https://adafru.it/3897

Filament for 3D Printers
https://adafru.it/2080

Turbo Mode
The rotary encode simulates key presses each time a pulse is produced. By turning the encoder, rapid key presses are generated – This is similar to the "Turbo" button prominently featured on USB gamepads. We've come up with some use cases for this.

Turn up/down volume or screen brightness
Play MakeCode Arcade games
Scroll webpages
Rotate 3D models in CURA Slicer

Print instructions

Licence: Creative Commons - Attribution Category: DIY Custom Section