Apple Desktop Bus Transceiver

[saybur]

Inspired by bmow's work, I've created a generic Apple Desktop Bus device transceiver using Atmel AVR microcontrollers.  The goal is to make it (relatively) easy for the hardware hackers here to integrate ADB support.  Take a look at the GitHub repo if you're interested in playing around with the code:

https://github.com/saybur/trabular

Mouse and keyboard support work.  I threw together a quick Java program on my computer that bombs my Arduino with the serial control codes, which then sends them to the Mac.  It functions pretty well for a kludge.  Also note: it's trippy to control a Mac using a modern optical mouse :O   No real lag either, which for a non-optimized setup was quite encouraging.  Pics here:

https://imgur.com/gallery/6GL0r

If someone wants to replicate this specific test setup, you'll need Linux and the code I wrote to control the serial link.  Ask if interested.

I'm continuing to squash the remaining bugs and ensure that everything works correctly, so expect some more updates here as I find time to for this.   If anyone has questions/comments, please fire away.

 

[paws]

Pretty cool stuff! Thanks for sharing it.

(Love your timing too -- after ages of not being able to use my beige Macs for lack of an ADB mouse I finally got one on sunday..)

 

[Scott Squires]

This is a neat project. Now we just need some ideas for new types of ADB peripherals to invent.

 

[olePigeon]

How about an ADB IR receiver, then use a Wii Mote to control the mouse.

 

[EvieSigma]

I'd be happy with just an optical version of the old "block of cheese" mouse.

 

[saybur]

The Java software is in a usable state for Linux desktops.  See https://github.com/saybur/trabatar.  Enjoy something along the lines of Synergy, but for vintage Macs :beige:

Take a look here for hardware instructions involving an Arduino.

Long term, the goal is to get this working on a Raspberry Pi with a custom PCB shield that includes a level shifter IC (like the MAX3232).  This should let you both control the system and browse your local network/Internet with the serial line.  Work is proceeding on that front: plenty of other people have done similar things, so it should hopefully go pretty quickly.

 

[joethezombie]

Ah, missed this.  NEAT!

 

[saybur]

I'd be happy with just an optical version of the old "block of cheese" mouse.

Sparkfun used to sell this, which would make for a pretty sweet stockalike mouse with much better tracking behavior.  The software could be modified by removing the serial communications code and plugging in sensor tracking logic instead.  It'd definitely be a project: code for that + custom PCB + actually finding some sensors, which don't appear to be sold anymore.  Definitely should be doable though.  I figured someone would be interested in gutting the serial component at some point, so the software is already set up for that kind of modification.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/raneko/4205240466 has pictures of the mouse innards, for anyone feeling adventurous.

 

[jamie marchant]

How about an ADB IR receiver, then use a Wii Mote to control the mouse. 

Just so you know The WiiMote uses Bluetooth not IR. The sensor bar might use IR but then you would need custom hardware to read it. 

I think IR needs line of sight and that would be a bad thing for a game controller. Example:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubgAKns75kc