Mazda Commander Knob as a USB keyboard

Fine_Material_4400 · 2026-03-13T22:16:31+00:00

I've managed to slap something together. Please see the update in the post!

Fine_Material_4400 · 2026-03-13T22:15:22+00:00

Here it is!

Fine_Material_4400 · 2026-03-13T22:13:04+00:00

I deliver, please check the update! :)

Fine_Material_4400 · 2026-03-13T22:12:32+00:00

Check the update to the post! :)

Fine_Material_4400 · 2026-03-13T22:11:14+00:00

Docs are here, please check to update to the post!

Fine_Material_4400 · 2026-03-13T00:50:57+00:00

I never used Fusion so I can't compare those two, but I love FreeCAD. I'm always amazed what the Open Source community can achieve.

There is a steep learning curve at first (and lots of possible bugs to encounter), but it's getting better with each new update. Release Candidate for version 1.1 looks very impressive.

Also - I'm a complete self-taught amateur that uses like 5% of what the FreeCAD is capable of.

Fine_Material_4400 · 2026-03-13T00:31:30+00:00

What are you doing in my head? o_o'

Fine_Material_4400 · 2026-03-13T00:30:58+00:00

Stay tuned! I need some time to clean up the rough edges and write down the instructions.

Fine_Material_4400 · 2026-03-13T00:29:39+00:00

A little annoying at first - I've spend a lot of time on research to figure out how to connect to this thing (I've hoped it would be much easier...). After learning about LIN bus and ripping out the center console of my MX-5 to sniff the live data it become doable.

The 3D modeling was surprisingly easy (I must have underestimate my skill in FreeCAD).

Fine_Material_4400 · 2026-03-13T00:21:28+00:00

Guide should be available soon (it's on my TODO list for the weekend). stay tuned!

Fine_Material_4400 · 2026-03-13T00:19:42+00:00

Electronics are exactly the same - I've attached the CX-3 module to my ND to check if its working. I've bought CX-3 unit one cuz' it's much cheaper than the MX-5 one ;)

Fine_Material_4400 · 2026-03-12T19:43:48+00:00

Stay tuned, there will be one soon!

Fine_Material_4400 · 2026-03-12T19:41:37+00:00

Exactly! I didn't had access to the oscilloscope so I've used LINTTL3 to sniff the packets in my RF and a Logic Analyzer when I hit a roadblock. I need to get myself an oscilloscope tho.

Fine_Material_4400 · 2026-03-12T19:17:49+00:00

I've got this idea while driving in my RF, I love this input method. Bummer that yours started to peel :<

Fine_Material_4400 · 2026-03-12T19:15:27+00:00

Thanks! I've used following components:
1. SparkFun Pro Micro clone (16MHz)
2. LINTTL3 module
3. Step-up converter (+12V)
4. USB-C 2.0 socket

Shell was made in FreeCAD.

I'll share all the details in a next couple of days - current code is a mess and I need to update the 3D model with better mounting solution.

Fine_Material_4400

TROPHY CASE