Control program for momentary switches

[Incognitotj]

I am converting a home theater reciever to a computer case and would like to use several of the existing face controls (ie. volume, channel, bass, treble, etc.). I will also be installing a lcd or vfd where the existing one is located. Are there any serial or usb solutions that will convert a momentary switch to a program function. Example: When I push the volume + or -, it would control say winamp's volume. I have several buttons/switches available to me and would like to assign functions to all of them.

Thanks for the input,

Incog

[linear1]

How about a Matrix Orbital display? They are serial or USB (take your pick), support keypads, are supported by software that will control Winamp out-of-the-box, and could make a pretty stylish addition to the front panel.

[Incognitotj]

Ok, I think I will be going with one of the Matrix Orbital displays (or two depending on if they will fit). Now I am guessing that I will have to purchase a keypad, dismantle and mount it in the case, and then solder in the external buttons on my reciever's case. Does this sound right?

Incog

[linear1]

Except for purchasing the keypad. You can go and look at their tech docs, the keypad interface on their displays has pins for rows and pins for columns. Take the switches you have, and connect each one to a different combination of a row pin and a column pin. And that's about it for wiring. Their new (USB) displays support 24 keys, the old ones did 25.

[Incognitotj]

Perfect, I was hoping that was the case and not that the keypad sent a signal or hex value to the display. Thanks for the info Linear1

Incog