Author Topic: Trying to build a DIY IBM Pointstick like device  (Read 678 times)

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Offline PeterFWTopic starter

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Trying to build a DIY IBM Pointstick like device
« on: January 21, 2020, 05:07:18 pm »
Hello! 
I would like to build a keyboard like device but instead of regular piano keys it should have a "IBM Pointstick" like device for each note instead of keys. 

There are a few pre-made solutions for this available, either magnetic or resistive.
Due to the amount of keys needed, magnetic solutions are cost prohibitive. 

The only resistive input devices i could find are Gameboy touch sticks (the c button on DS devices) but whose are expensive too. 

From there i recalled the existence of Velostat and thought about designing my own sensors but the usual Velostat is a bit too thin and i have reservations about the longevity. 

I could swear i have seen a material like Velostat but the only other "conductive tape" i could find was Z tape which is not what i need. 

I thought about doing some experiments on my own with some silicone and carbon black but i would really love something i can just buy. 

Anyone got a suggestion? 

Greetings,
Peter
 

Offline george.b

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Re: Trying to build a DIY IBM Pointstick like device
« Reply #1 on: January 21, 2020, 05:11:46 pm »
Why not use strain gauges, like the IBM/Lenovo TrackPoint does?
 

Offline PeterFWTopic starter

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Re: Trying to build a DIY IBM Pointstick like device
« Reply #2 on: January 21, 2020, 05:38:33 pm »
Thanks for the reply! 
Did not think of that yet, after thinking a bit about it, i got problems figuring out a way how to make this work with strain gauges. 
Until now i thought the track points are resistive.

Can you give me some links to so i can resarch it? 
I got a hard time finding the right key words.

Greetings,
Peter
 

Offline george.b

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Re: Trying to build a DIY IBM Pointstick like device
« Reply #3 on: January 21, 2020, 05:50:25 pm »
Well, depends on what you call "resistive". Strain gauges are resistive, in that they change their resistance according to deformation.

Perhaps the original patent for the TrackPoint could help: https://patents.google.com/patent/US5867808A/en
 

Offline PeterFWTopic starter

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Re: Trying to build a DIY IBM Pointstick like device
« Reply #4 on: January 21, 2020, 07:31:55 pm »
Thanks, did not get me closer yet but send me down a rabbit hole of other research and ideas.
 


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