How to Make a Carrot Keyboard with Multi-Control

Last time, we share how to make a Whack-a-Mole game, which uses the Multi-Control’s gamepad function. As a multi-function board, it’s also equipped with keyboard function, which is to realize the same function as keyboard.

Any available conductor at home can be used as a key on keyboard. I happen to have a succulent carrot left, so let’s make a carrot keyboard.

Prepare Materials

- Multi-Control board http://bit.ly/2sTJYxx

- USB cable

- Some alligator clip cables (included in Multi-Control kit)

- Some Dupont wires (male to male)

- Carrot (juicy one)

- Utility knife

- Computer

Step 1: Slice the Carrot into Pieces

First, we should slice the carrot into pieces, ensure the slices are the same in thickness. And prepare two more slices just in case.

This step would be easy for you if you often cook. We prefer a fresh and juicy carrot to ensure good conductibility.

Step 2: Carve into Letters

Cut those slices into the letters you like. Here I make them to SUNFOUNDER.

Note: the knife is quite sharp, so be careful to operate to prevent getting injured.

Step 3: Complete Wiring

First, clip each alligator clip cable to each male-to-male wire. Then connect the carrot pieces “SUNFOUNDER” to the holes of Multi-Control board one by one as follows:

Carrot pieces----------------------------Multi-Control

S-----------------------------------------------------UP

U---------------------------------------------------LEFT

N-------------------------------------------------DOWN

F---------------------------------------------------RIGHT

O--------------------------------------------------SELECT

U---------------------------------------------------START

N-------------------------------------------------------A

D-------------------------------------------------------B

E--------------------------------------------------------X

R--------------------------------------------------------Y

Extend the GND of Multi-Control with an alligator clip cable.

Step 4: Modify and Upload the Code

Visit the wiki page of Multi-Control (http://wiki.sunfounder.cc/index.php?title=Multi-Control), you can see the related resources.

Then go to Github page (https://github.com/sunfounder/SunFounder_Multi_Control) and download the code.

Unzip the download package. Open multi-control-keyboard.ino code, and click kepmap.h to modify the mapping of keyboard values.

Then select the board type (Leonardo) and port, and upload the code.

Step 5 Carrot Keyboard! So Cool!!

After uploading successfully, create and open a new file. Hold the GND cable at one hand, and touch those carrot slices to type the corresponding words.

Note:

1. Remember to turn on the Caps Lock before typing;

2. You need to turn on the Touch Input Control switch.