Multiple buttons in DeviceScript

What is DeviceScript?

If you are familiar with or have used MicroPython, you would know that MicroPython is a lightweight version of the Python programming language specifically designed for embedded systems and microcontrollers.

DeviceScript, initiated by Microsoft, is a TypeScript-based language for hardware development. It is a scripting language suited for embedded devices and IoT applications, offering features such as simplicity, cross-platform support, device management, network communication, and scalability.

DeviceScript brings a TypeScript developer experience to resource-constrained devices based on microcontrollers. DeviceScript code is compiled into custom VM bytecode that can run under highly constrained conditions.

If you are a TypeScript developer looking to venture into hardware, you don't want to miss out on DeviceScript!

Project Introduction

Creating a Keyboard with Only Two Buttons (Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V) through DeviceScript has been said to improve the efficiency of programmers😂.

Another aim is to familiarize oneself with the programming techniques for multiple identical modules under the Jacdac protocol.

Hardware Connection

KB Brain RP2040 x 1

KB KeycapButton x 2

Jacdac Cable x 2

LEGO bricks x 1

3M adhesive

Launch Visual Studio Code

Choose DeviceScript.

The software automatically detects three devices: KB Brain RP2040 and two KeycapButton. If you are still unable to connect at this point, please refer to the DeviceScript configuration tutorial mentioned in the previous article.

Programing

Open the "main.ts" file in the DeviceScript environment.

Do you remember the single button program from last time?

Simply follow the format and add another button accordingly.

It is evident that the following program is incorrect; what we need to do is distinguish between the two buttons.

Revise the program once again to differentiate between buttonA and buttonB.

Make further amendments to specify the attributes of the buttons, and thus the task will be complete.

Please provide the complete code for reference.

import { pins, board } from "@dsboard/msr124"

import { startHidKeyboard} from "@devicescript/servers"

import { Button } from "@devicescript/core"

import * as ds from "@devicescript/core"

const buttonA = new Button('BtnA')

const buttonB = new Button('BtnB')

const keyboard = startHidKeyboard({

})

buttonA.down.subscribe(async ()=>{

const selector=ds.HidKeyboardSelector.C

const modifier = ds.HidKeyboardModifiers.LeftControl

const action = ds.HidKeyboardAction.Press

await keyboard.key(selector,modifier,action)

})

buttonB.down.subscribe(async ()=>{

const selector=ds.HidKeyboardSelector.V

const modifier = ds.HidKeyboardModifiers.LeftControl

const action = ds.HidKeyboardAction.Press

await keyboard.key(selector,modifier,action)

})

Click the "Run" button to successfully upload the program to the motherboard.

The buttons have been bound to specific names as shown in the diagram. BtnA is bound to the key MM96, and BtnB is bound to JA99. If this does not meet your expectations, you can modify the code accordingly.

Experimental Findings

Simulation Results: When clicking on the string associated with BtnA or BtnB in the emulator, a "Select a role" window will pop up. Selecting a role temporarily does not have any noticeable effect, and the purpose is yet to be determined.

Let us proceed with an attempt to observe the outcome.

Additional tutorials are available for further guidance

This tutorial aims to swiftly familiarize you with DeviceScript.

For further study materials, you can refer to the following sources:

DeviceScript | DeviceScript (microsoft.github.io)

The TypeScript syntax documentation for Jacdac can be found at:

Jacdac TypeScript - v1.33.1 (microsoft.github.io)