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USB Mouse -> CMI Lightpen adapter

USB Mouse -> CMI Lightpen adapter

2010-05-25 by tama_rat

Hi all,

I've been working on an adapter to let me replace/augment the lightpen on my IIx with a USB mouse.  I just uploaded some pics of the adapter in operation.

It connects in between the CMI and the display, synchronizes with the video coming from the Q219 board, and generates appropriately-timed pulses to emulate the lightpen.

I use the right mouse button to toggle the cursor on and off.  You can see the cursor in the photos as the little 3 scanline tall spaceship-looking thing.

You can then use the mouse to freely move the cursor all around the screen, and click with the left mouse button.

The lightpen (if one is fitted) continues to work, even with the adapter in place.

I'm thinking about doing a run of them for sale.  I'm not sure what the finished cost will be yet, I need to get better numbers on a couple of things (assembly, enclosure fabrication).

If you're interested (and/or have advice on the enclosure), please let me know!

Joe

Re: [Fairlight-CMI] USB Mouse -> CMI Lightpen adapter

2010-05-25 by WT

----- Original Message -----
Show quoted textHide quoted text
From: "tama_rat" <britt@shapetable.com>
To: <Fairlight-CMI@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 11:51 PM
Subject: [Fairlight-CMI] USB Mouse -> CMI Lightpen adapter


Hi all,

I've been working on an adapter to let me replace/augment the lightpen on my 
IIx with a USB mouse.  I just uploaded some pics of the adapter in 
operation.

It connects in between the CMI and the display, synchronizes with the video 
coming from the Q219 board, and generates appropriately-timed pulses to 
emulate the lightpen.

I use the right mouse button to toggle the cursor on and off.  You can see 
the cursor in the photos as the little 3 scanline tall spaceship-looking 
thing.

You can then use the mouse to freely move the cursor all around the screen, 
and click with the left mouse button.

The lightpen (if one is fitted) continues to work, even with the adapter in 
place.

I'm thinking about doing a run of them for sale.  I'm not sure what the 
finished cost will be yet, I need to get better numbers on a couple of 
things (assembly, enclosure fabrication).

If you're interested (and/or have advice on the enclosure), please let me 
know!

Joe

Re: [Fairlight-CMI] USB Mouse -> CMI Lightpen adapter

2010-05-25 by WT

Oops....trigger happy.

WOW. Very very cool !!

Would like to see some cost on this one too....just in case.

WT
Show quoted textHide quoted text
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "tama_rat" <britt@shapetable.com>
To: <Fairlight-CMI@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 11:51 PM
Subject: [Fairlight-CMI] USB Mouse -> CMI Lightpen adapter


Hi all,

I've been working on an adapter to let me replace/augment the lightpen on my 
IIx with a USB mouse.  I just uploaded some pics of the adapter in 
operation.

It connects in between the CMI and the display, synchronizes with the video 
coming from the Q219 board, and generates appropriately-timed pulses to 
emulate the lightpen.

I use the right mouse button to toggle the cursor on and off.  You can see 
the cursor in the photos as the little 3 scanline tall spaceship-looking 
thing.

You can then use the mouse to freely move the cursor all around the screen, 
and click with the left mouse button.

The lightpen (if one is fitted) continues to work, even with the adapter in 
place.

I'm thinking about doing a run of them for sale.  I'm not sure what the 
finished cost will be yet, I need to get better numbers on a couple of 
things (assembly, enclosure fabrication).

If you're interested (and/or have advice on the enclosure), please let me 
know!

Joe

Re: USB Mouse -> CMI Lightpen adapter

2010-05-26 by lancelink84

Amazing work Joe!!!  I would probably go for one as well as a backup in case my lightpen decides to stop working!

--- In Fairlight-CMI@yahoogroups.com, glenn <glenn234@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Second that!
> 
> On May 25, 2010, at 5:02 PM, synthy55 wrote:
> 
> > O.M.G. !
> > 
> > what a dream. I need one. that's the best news ever!
> > 
> >
>

R: [Fairlight-CMI] USB Mouse -> CMI Lightpen adapter

2010-05-26 by fabio delben

Very good job Joe,  I also need one!
Fabio

--- Mar 25/5/10, tama_rat <britt@shapetable.com> ha scritto:


Da: tama_rat <britt@shapetable.com>
Oggetto: [Fairlight-CMI] USB Mouse -> CMI Lightpen adapter
A: Fairlight-CMI@yahoogroups.com
Data: Martedì 25 maggio 2010, 23:51


  



Hi all,

I've been working on an adapter to let me replace/augment the lightpen on my IIx with a USB mouse. I just uploaded some pics of the adapter in operation.

It connects in between the CMI and the display, synchronizes with the video coming from the Q219 board, and generates appropriately-timed pulses to emulate the lightpen.

I use the right mouse button to toggle the cursor on and off. You can see the cursor in the photos as the little 3 scanline tall spaceship-looking thing.

You can then use the mouse to freely move the cursor all around the screen, and click with the left mouse button.

The lightpen (if one is fitted) continues to work, even with the adapter in place.

I'm thinking about doing a run of them for sale. I'm not sure what the finished cost will be yet, I need to get better numbers on a couple of things (assembly, enclosure fabrication).

If you're interested (and/or have advice on the enclosure), please let me know!

Joe

Re: USB Mouse -> CMI Lightpen adapter

2010-05-26 by tama_rat

Thanks all for the kind words and encouragement!

So far it looks like there is interest in 10 units total (including 2 for my own use :-).  I'll get a few extra boards.

I'm making some changes to the layout for the next rev of the PCB.  This is mainly to correct a few errors in rev 1, but also to add an RCA jack for a simple composite video output.  (Those 5-pin Cannon connectors are expensive!)

I am planning on also doing a version for adapting USB keyboards to the I/II/IIx (and CVI), and for emulating the Series III keyboard and G-pad.

I'd also like to thank my friend Joe Sleator for his invaluable help brainstorming via email during the development of the adapter! :-D

Joe


--- In Fairlight-CMI@yahoogroups.com, "tama_rat" <britt@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Hi all,
> 
> I've been working on an adapter to let me replace/augment the lightpen on my IIx with a USB mouse.  I just uploaded some pics of the adapter in operation.
> 
> It connects in between the CMI and the display, synchronizes with the video coming from the Q219 board, and generates appropriately-timed pulses to emulate the lightpen.
> 
> I use the right mouse button to toggle the cursor on and off.  You can see the cursor in the photos as the little 3 scanline tall spaceship-looking thing.
> 
> You can then use the mouse to freely move the cursor all around the screen, and click with the left mouse button.
> 
> The lightpen (if one is fitted) continues to work, even with the adapter in place.
> 
> I'm thinking about doing a run of them for sale.  I'm not sure what the finished cost will be yet, I need to get better numbers on a couple of things (assembly, enclosure fabrication).
> 
> If you're interested (and/or have advice on the enclosure), please let me know!
> 
> Joe
>

Re: [Fairlight-CMI] USB Mouse -> CMI Lightpen adapter

2010-05-26 by Joe Sleator

Whoa, wish I'd thought of that!
Evil-genius clever if I say so myself! ;-)
Well done, you. Hopefully there will be a future upgrade for the III to replace the lovely and inimitable Preh tablet.
Joe Sleator
Show quoted textHide quoted text
On Wed, May 26, 2010 at 7:51 AM, tama_rat <britt@shapetable.com> wrote:

Hi all,

I've been working on an adapter to let me replace/augment the lightpen on my IIx with a USB mouse. I just uploaded some pics of the adapter in operation.

It connects in between the CMI and the display, synchronizes with the video coming from the Q219 board, and generates appropriately-timed pulses to emulate the lightpen.

I use the right mouse button to toggle the cursor on and off. You can see the cursor in the photos as the little 3 scanline tall spaceship-looking thing.

You can then use the mouse to freely move the cursor all around the screen, and click with the left mouse button.

The lightpen (if one is fitted) continues to work, even with the adapter in place.

I'm thinking about doing a run of them for sale. I'm not sure what the finished cost will be yet, I need to get better numbers on a couple of things (assembly, enclosure fabrication).

If you're interested (and/or have advice on the enclosure), please let me know!

Joe


Re: [Fairlight-CMI] Re: USB Mouse -> CMI Lightpen adapter

2010-05-26 by Peter K.

Wanna have an idea how happy the last posts about floppy drives and this lightpen upgrade makes me feel?
It puts a smile on my face as big as Dr. Phlox shows here: http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/memoryalpha/en/images/b/bf/Phlox_grinning.jpg
Thanx soo much for doing this
Peter.

From: tama_rat
Sent: Wednesday, May 26, 2010 3:42 PM
Subject: [Fairlight-CMI] Re: USB Mouse -> CMI Lightpen adapter

Thanks all for the kind words and encouragement!

So far it looks like there is interest in 10 units total (including 2 for my own use :-). I'll get a few extra boards.

I'm making some changes to the layout for the next rev of the PCB. This is mainly to correct a few errors in rev 1, but also to add an RCA jack for a simple composite video output. (Those 5-pin Cannon connectors are expensive!)

I am planning on also doing a version for adapting USB keyboards to the I/II/IIx (and CVI), and for emulating the Series III keyboard and G-pad.

I'd also like to thank my friend Joe Sleator for his invaluable help brainstorming via email during the development of the adapter! :-D

Joe

--- In Fairlight-CMI@yahoogroups.com, "tama_rat" wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
>; I've been working on an adapter to let me replace/augment the lightpen on my IIx with a USB mouse. I just uploaded some pics of the adapter in operation.
>
> It connects in between the CMI and the display, synchronizes with the video coming from the Q219 board, and generates appropriately-timed pulses to emulate the lightpen.
>
> I use the right mouse button to toggle the cursor on and off. You can see the cursor in the photos as the little 3 scanline tall spaceship-looking thing.
>
> You can then use the mouse to freely move the cursor all around the screen, and click with the left mouse button.
>
> The lightpen (if one is fitted) continues to work, even with the adapter in place.
>
> I'm thinking about doing a run of them for sale. I'm not sure what the finished cost will be yet, I need to get better numbers on a couple of things (assembly, enclosure fabrication).
>
> If you're interested (and/or have advice on the enclosure), please let me know!
>
> Joe
>

Re: USB Mouse -> CMI Lightpen adapter

2010-05-27 by mercybox

Holy crispy crap. Count me in for a couple of units as well. Well done, me boy!

Laurence

--- In Fairlight-CMI@yahoogroups.com, "tama_rat" <britt@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Hi all,
> 
> I've been working on an adapter to let me replace/augment the lightpen on my IIx with a USB mouse.  I just uploaded some pics of the adapter in operation.
> 
> It connects in between the CMI and the display, synchronizes with the video coming from the Q219 board, and generates appropriately-timed pulses to emulate the lightpen.
> 
> I use the right mouse button to toggle the cursor on and off.  You can see the cursor in the photos as the little 3 scanline tall spaceship-looking thing.
> 
> You can then use the mouse to freely move the cursor all around the screen, and click with the left mouse button.
> 
> The lightpen (if one is fitted) continues to work, even with the adapter in place.
> 
> I'm thinking about doing a run of them for sale.  I'm not sure what the finished cost will be yet, I need to get better numbers on a couple of things (assembly, enclosure fabrication).
> 
> If you're interested (and/or have advice on the enclosure), please let me know!
> 
> Joe
>

Re: USB Mouse -> CMI Lightpen adapter

2010-05-27 by dd_62622

Saved at last.

please add me to the list.

--- In Fairlight-CMI@yahoogroups.com, "tama_rat" <britt@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Hi all,
> 
> I've been working on an adapter to let me replace/augment the lightpen on my IIx with a USB mouse.  I just uploaded some pics of the adapter in operation.
> 
> It connects in between the CMI and the display, synchronizes with the video coming from the Q219 board, and generates appropriately-timed pulses to emulate the lightpen.
> 
> I use the right mouse button to toggle the cursor on and off.  You can see the cursor in the photos as the little 3 scanline tall spaceship-looking thing.
> 
> You can then use the mouse to freely move the cursor all around the screen, and click with the left mouse button.
> 
> The lightpen (if one is fitted) continues to work, even with the adapter in place.
> 
> I'm thinking about doing a run of them for sale.  I'm not sure what the finished cost will be yet, I need to get better numbers on a couple of things (assembly, enclosure fabrication).
> 
> If you're interested (and/or have advice on the enclosure), please let me know!
> 
> Joe
>

Re: USB Mouse -> CMI Lightpen adapter

2010-05-27 by egrefin

Hi Joe,

Great !
Add me to the list.
Thanks,

David


--- In Fairlight-CMI@yahoogroups.com, "tama_rat" <britt@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Hi all,
> 
> I've been working on an adapter to let me replace/augment the lightpen on my IIx with a USB mouse.  I just uploaded some pics of the adapter in operation.
> 
> It connects in between the CMI and the display, synchronizes with the video coming from the Q219 board, and generates appropriately-timed pulses to emulate the lightpen.
> 
> I use the right mouse button to toggle the cursor on and off.  You can see the cursor in the photos as the little 3 scanline tall spaceship-looking thing.
> 
> You can then use the mouse to freely move the cursor all around the screen, and click with the left mouse button.
> 
> The lightpen (if one is fitted) continues to work, even with the adapter in place.
> 
> I'm thinking about doing a run of them for sale.  I'm not sure what the finished cost will be yet, I need to get better numbers on a couple of things (assembly, enclosure fabrication).
> 
> If you're interested (and/or have advice on the enclosure), please let me know!
> 
> Joe
>

Re: USB Mouse -> CMI Lightpen adapter

2010-05-28 by David

Sounds excellent. Keep us informed on cost..
David

--- In Fairlight-CMI@yahoogroups.com, "egrefin" <egrefin@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Hi Joe,
> 
> Great !
> Add me to the list.
> Thanks,
> 
> David
> 
> 
> --- In Fairlight-CMI@yahoogroups.com, "tama_rat" <britt@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi all,
> > 
> > I've been working on an adapter to let me replace/augment the lightpen on my IIx with a USB mouse.  I just uploaded some pics of the adapter in operation.
> > 
> > It connects in between the CMI and the display, synchronizes with the video coming from the Q219 board, and generates appropriately-timed pulses to emulate the lightpen.
> > 
> > I use the right mouse button to toggle the cursor on and off.  You can see the cursor in the photos as the little 3 scanline tall spaceship-looking thing.
> > 
> > You can then use the mouse to freely move the cursor all around the screen, and click with the left mouse button.
> > 
> > The lightpen (if one is fitted) continues to work, even with the adapter in place.
> > 
> > I'm thinking about doing a run of them for sale.  I'm not sure what the finished cost will be yet, I need to get better numbers on a couple of things (assembly, enclosure fabrication).
> > 
> > If you're interested (and/or have advice on the enclosure), please let me know!
> > 
> > Joe
> >
>

Re: USB Mouse -> CMI Lightpen adapter

2010-05-31 by JB

Hi Joe, 

I am also interested in the adapter. Please, do me on the list.

Josef 

  

--- In Fairlight-CMI@yahoogroups.com, "tama_rat" <britt@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Hi all,
> 
> I've been working on an adapter to let me replace/augment the lightpen on my IIx with a USB mouse.  I just uploaded some pics of the adapter in operation.
> 
> It connects in between the CMI and the display, synchronizes with the video coming from the Q219 board, and generates appropriately-timed pulses to emulate the lightpen.
> 
> I use the right mouse button to toggle the cursor on and off.  You can see the cursor in the photos as the little 3 scanline tall spaceship-looking thing.
> 
> You can then use the mouse to freely move the cursor all around the screen, and click with the left mouse button.
> 
> The lightpen (if one is fitted) continues to work, even with the adapter in place.
> 
> I'm thinking about doing a run of them for sale.  I'm not sure what the finished cost will be yet, I need to get better numbers on a couple of things (assembly, enclosure fabrication).
> 
> If you're interested (and/or have advice on the enclosure), please let me know!
> 
> Joe
>

Re: [Fairlight-CMI] USB Mouse -> CMI Lightpen adapter

2010-05-31 by WT

Just in case I wasn´t clear enough.

I would also be interested in one.

WT
Show quoted textHide quoted text
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "tama_rat" <britt@shapetable.com>
To: <Fairlight-CMI@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 11:51 PM
Subject: [Fairlight-CMI] USB Mouse -> CMI Lightpen adapter


Hi all,

I've been working on an adapter to let me replace/augment the lightpen on my 
IIx with a USB mouse.  I just uploaded some pics of the adapter in 
operation.

It connects in between the CMI and the display, synchronizes with the video 
coming from the Q219 board, and generates appropriately-timed pulses to 
emulate the lightpen.

I use the right mouse button to toggle the cursor on and off.  You can see 
the cursor in the photos as the little 3 scanline tall spaceship-looking 
thing.

You can then use the mouse to freely move the cursor all around the screen, 
and click with the left mouse button.

The lightpen (if one is fitted) continues to work, even with the adapter in 
place.

I'm thinking about doing a run of them for sale.  I'm not sure what the 
finished cost will be yet, I need to get better numbers on a couple of 
things (assembly, enclosure fabrication).

If you're interested (and/or have advice on the enclosure), please let me 
know!

Joe

[Fairlight-CMI] Re: USB Mouse -> CMI Lightpen adapter

2010-09-22 by Roland

Hi Joe and all,

received a cople of days ago the CMI lightpen-->USB mouse + graphics 
adapter box + cable, and I must say I am very happy with it ! It just 
works perfectly, it is just plug and play.

It's really good to know that now we are not longer dependent on the 
old (but lovely) monitor and lightpen. It's nice to work with, of 
course, but once there should occur a problem with it, we are no 
longer stuck with the whole system.

Thanks Joe, excellent work !

Cheers

Roland Weissflog

Re: USB Mouse -> CMI Lightpen adapter

2010-09-22 by tama_rat

Thanks Roland, glad you like it! :-)

Joe

--- In Fairlight-CMI@yahoogroups.com, Roland <kinematic2002@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Hi Joe and all,
> 
> received a cople of days ago the CMI lightpen-->USB mouse + graphics 
> adapter box + cable, and I must say I am very happy with it ! It just 
> works perfectly, it is just plug and play.
> 
> It's really good to know that now we are not longer dependent on the 
> old (but lovely) monitor and lightpen. It's nice to work with, of 
> course, but once there should occur a problem with it, we are no 
> longer stuck with the whole system.
> 
> Thanks Joe, excellent work !
> 
> Cheers
> 
> Roland Weissflog
>

Re: USB Mouse -> CMI Lightpen adapter

2010-09-27 by dvdborn

I'm also one of the happy few with a mouse interface.

I can only say that it is brilliant. I never had a chance to use the Fairlight with a light pen since mine was broke. I was used to working with all the key commands. But using it with a mouse makes everything feel much more natural and faster since the whole interface was made to be used with a light pen.

I'm using mine with a white Apple optical mouse. The one with only one button. It works like a charm.

Thanks Joe!

Cheers,
David

--- In Fairlight-CMI@yahoogroups.com, Roland <kinematic2002@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Hi Joe and all,
> 
> received a cople of days ago the CMI lightpen-->USB mouse + graphics 
> adapter box + cable, and I must say I am very happy with it ! It just 
> works perfectly, it is just plug and play.
> 
> It's really good to know that now we are not longer dependent on the 
> old (but lovely) monitor and lightpen. It's nice to work with, of 
> course, but once there should occur a problem with it, we are no 
> longer stuck with the whole system.
> 
> Thanks Joe, excellent work !
> 
> Cheers
> 
> Roland Weissflog
>

Re: [Fairlight-CMI] Re: USB Mouse -> CMI Lightpen adapter

2010-09-27 by greg thurman

I'm a little out of touch with some of the new fairlight technology. Is there a web site where I can view the  CMI lightpen-->USB mouse + graphics  adapter box + cable? Who sell's it and the price. Also Is this for the IIX or III?
 


--- On Mon, 9/27/10, dvdborn <dvdborn@pandora.be> wrote:


From: dvdborn <dvdborn@pandora.be>
Subject: [Fairlight-CMI] Re: USB Mouse -> CMI Lightpen adapter
To: Fairlight-CMI@yahoogroups.com
Date: Monday, September 27, 2010, 5:04 PM


  



I'm also one of the happy few with a mouse interface.

I can only say that it is brilliant. I never had a chance to use the Fairlight with a light pen since mine was broke. I was used to working with all the key commands. But using it with a mouse makes everything feel much more natural and faster since the whole interface was made to be used with a light pen.

I'm using mine with a white Apple optical mouse. The one with only one button. It works like a charm.

Thanks Joe!

Cheers,
David

--- In Fairlight-CMI@yahoogroups.com, Roland <kinematic2002@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Hi Joe and all,
> 
> received a cople of days ago the CMI lightpen-->USB mouse + graphics 
> adapter box + cable, and I must say I am very happy with it ! It just 
> works perfectly, it is just plug and play.
> 
> It's really good to know that now we are not longer dependent on the 
> old (but lovely) monitor and lightpen. It's nice to work with, of 
> course, but once there should occur a problem with it, we are no 
> longer stuck with the whole system.
> 
> Thanks Joe, excellent work !
> 
> Cheers
> 
> Roland Weissflog
>

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