The Gauntlet

I stumbled onto this very descriptive page about how to make an Arduino appear to the computer as a USB keyboard, rather than the standard MCU/Serial Port combo:

http://mitchtech.net/arduino-usb-hid-keyboard/

I'll be using these instructions for the first round of testing (wired USB scancodes) once i figure out any changes I want in the scancode output and hardcode it into the firmware.

After a long amount of debate with myself, I've decided to focus exclusively on the USB scancode set (at least until this project works as planned).  Turns out that the USB-to-PS/2 adapters convert the scancodes, so there's no reason to double the work! And it looks like Bluetooth utilizes the USB scancode set, so this will decrease the amount of work while maintaining a workable goal.

My hands are conductive!! Right now I need to wear a second glove under The Gauntlet, but if I insulate the pads in the next iteration (probably with electrical tape) I can avoid this uncomfortable problem.

Why stop at just keyboard input? Why not add hand tracking too, so it can be a mouse/gesture input too?! Because I might not have time, that's why. But it's still a decent idea to consider.

If there is still as much friction between fingers at the end of this build as there is now, it's all wasted. Smooth finger motion is necessary, since jerky motions will result in incorrect typing and sore tendons.

For USB and serial connections, this baby should be able to power itself off of the lines provided.  Bluetooth connections are going to need some external power source, and a way to switch the power off/charge when connected over wires.

Scancodes are pretty freaky, since there are 3 different sets used over PS/2 and a single defined set over USB. Since this is supposed to be a seriously connected device, and not every machine accepts the USB standard (or even anything besides Set 1...), I'll need to include all of them into the device and give it either (preferably) a way to differentiate its connection or (less preferably) manually set which set to use. Should be loads of fun!

Arduino's a (relatively) nice, so I'll give this a shot for now and see if it works any better than the TI Launchpad I was trying to use before...(turns out, it DOES!!).