Wireless Game Show Buzzers Buttons
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This hack allows you to create three wireless buttons similar to that used by game
show contestants. This was created for a Jeopardy style tournament a friend of mine
is hosting.
I may clean up these docs later and create a YouTube video, but here is a run down.
Required Parts:
(3) 1.5V lithium button batteries.
(3) battery holders for the above batteries.
(3) "That was Easy" Buttons from Staple's ($6 each)
(3) Microsoft Wireless USB Mobile Mouse 3500 ($19 each)
A computer that has at least 3 usb ports free.
Theory:
Lets suppose you just have one wireless three button mouse and have each of the three
contestants stand over the mouse and have their finger on one of the mouse buttons.
Then using some Javascript code we can easily write a web page that just waits and
reports which button is clicked first.
Now recognize that when you connect multiple mice to the same computer the computer
treats them all as one mouse.
Implementation:
So we can just connect the three mice to the computer and do the same task mentioned in the
first theory paragraph. But clicking mouse button doesn't provide that game show drama of slapping
a buzzer. That's where the Easy Buttons from Staples come in. They are large, weighted, and can
take a good slap.
Start by completely disassembling the mice and Easy Buttons. Trim off the power connectors to the
mouse circuit boards. The circuit board should be totally flat.
Next you are going to carve out the inner edge of the battery compartment of the easy buttons.
This way you can slip the mouse circuit board completely into the Easy Button. Part of the mouse
circuit board will now extend into the Easy Button battery compartment.
Using an exacto blade, isolate the electrical traces going to the Easy Buttons electrical button.
Now solder away. I leave you to figure out where to put the lithium ion battery and holder.
Note that each Easy Button's electrical button will wire to either the left, right, or middle mouse button
exclusively.
Considerations:
You will need to drill or ream a small hole so that you can turn the mouse on and off and hit the
connect button.
I haven't been back to my friends place to finish this project. I will post pictures and code soon.
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See also
