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Type on your computer with Morse Code!
Type on your computer with Morse Code!
The Morse Board is a wireless keyboard chip connected to two wooden foot pedals which simulate the dot and dashes of Morse Code onto a computer using a program that runs directly on the computer. Beyond typing letters, the program maps other computer functions into morse, such as the Windows key, Caps Lock, or function keys.
This project was created for an assignment where students are tasked with creating controllers that are designed for individuals with the symptoms of cerebral palsy. Our (theoretical) patient was one of these individuals who struggled with fine motor skills in the arms.
Process to Production
Process to Production
 Though we were instructed to use a low-cost MakeyMakey as our foundation for this controller, I decided to go a different route because of a flaw I saw in its design. MakeyMakeys can only transmit wired signals, and for controllers such as foot pedals (which I wished to make), this can lead to a cluttered space. Using an old Logitech wireless keyboard in my living room, I was able to strip down the keyboard to its components to reverse engineer how the keyboard inputs on this chipset worked. It was very exhilarating entering this uncharted territory and coming out with the two key inputs I knew could interface with the GitHub Program I was going to use.
Much of my difficulties in producing this device came from areas of circuit interference, points that led the device working inconsistently. Often, this was due to the conductive/uncondectiveness of specific materials. For example, this led me to resulting to add electrical tape under any copper tape throughout the device. Another issue I faced with was the hub of the device itself. Until I made the 3D printed chip holder, the hub was solely made out of foamcore, leading to my prodect feeling more like a prototype than a device with confidence. Although the device now works very consistently, one area of improvement I would love to work on if given a second go would be to find a way to best organize the wires that connect to each footpedal, as other devices in my class had this quality which I did not. Although this would lead to a more mechanically complex design, I would have loved to make foot pedals that are more in-line with what is commonly defined as a "foot pedal" instead on the simple button-like structure I committed to.
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