So, I’m planning on turning the Lego Typewriter into a USB keyboard driven by a pico. I’s not going to be a particularly good typewriter, but it’s a fun project
I’ve worked out how to get the keys to work. carriage return is actually moving the carriage (a switch when the carriage is pushed back), but the 2 parts I haven’t got sorted are:
a bell when you hit the end of the line
up & down arrow with the turning of the paper scroller wheel
For the first: what’s the easiest way to get the pico to make a “ping” sound? My current thought is a solenoid and a cheap bike bell, but I’d prefer something simpler. Is there a way for the pico to play a sound through a speaker?
They other part, all I want to do is register the direction and speed of the turn, not the angle. Is a rotary encoder going to be the easiest way? Is there a good guide on how they work? Or would something like this be the best bet? 8421 Encoder-Vertical | DFRobot DFR0721 | Core Electronics Australia
An encoder is definitely the way to go - the Core guide outlines the working principal and implementation on an Arduino, for the Pico in micropython I’ve had success with this guide: Rotary Encoder - MicroPython for Kids