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ipod remote control for disabled person

seneca

I want to build a remote control box for an ipod so my disabled step son can listen to his music. He has limited control of his arms and fingers, so he can't use the standard click wheel on the ipod. I want to build a remote control with 6 large buttons (like pinball buttons) that would be connected to his ipod. The buttons would be in pairs to control: next song - previous song; next playlist - previous playlist, play - pause. I have a little experience with ardunio, but none with the ipod. Could this be the next Ben Heck challenge? Or perhaps someone else can head me in the right direction.

  • Great suggestion.

     

    I wonder if something like Ben made in the last episode could be used in the same way to map the moves on the Ipod to the arduino. Instead of a switch doing the big buttons like on a pinball machines flipper control.

  • Jim,

     

    I love the idea.

     

    I suggest to first remove the actual iPod or mp3 player you use from the large button controls all together. Use a wireless connection between the two platforms....

    (Before I continue, I did a little research that has changed what I was going to suggest. Many people have already made wireless controls for iPods. So, why re-invent the wheel. They have many people designing these low cost devices, it is hard to match that price even with a DIY attempt.)

     

    See these:

    Beklin option (Well designed)

    A $5 dollar option

     

    I think you should take the $5 dollar option and wire in the "pin-ball" buttons to the remote's button contact. You are bypassing the membrane contacts with external switches.

    Build the remote and buttons into a easy to handle console interface.

     

    Should be easy enough.

     

    Otherwise, get your Bluetooth/IR/or Wifi communication programming books out of the closet.

     

    Cabe

     
    ps. Post your project on element14 when you are done.
  • in reply to Catwell

    Cabe,

     

    Thanks for the reply. I did look into the Belkin, but that model is no longer being sold as far as I can tell. That press release dates back a few years and I could not find that model for sale anywhere in the US. The $5 option may work. My only concerns are (1) that the user still needs to have access to the headphone jack, and (2) that the ipod not be restricted to sitting in a dock. He wants to take the ipod and remote on trips in the van and to his work place. I'll look into rewiring the remote and the dock. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again.

  • cool project seems simple enough just open the ipod find the controls and rewire them to switches or buttons.

  • Hi

     

    Did you build such converter?

     

    Isn't there any thing exist?

     

    Uri

  • in reply to Former Member

    Yes Uri. I made a 5 button ipod remote control using arcade style buttons. The buttons are used to switch between playlists, skip to the next song, skip back one song, etc. I also inlcuded a power switch on the outside and a rechage port. It uses an Arduino with a logic level converter and a lithium rechargable battery. It uses a simple ipod cable to connect the ipod to the unit. Works great and the buttons are big enough for my step son to use even with his deminished motor skills. He loves it. I'll try to get some photos up soon.

     

    Seneca

  • in reply to seneca

    Hi Seneca,

     

    Sorry I know this post is over a year old, but I'm trying to make this same exact thing.  Can you tell me what you did?