First, a little backstory;
After having numerous annoyances whilst listening to music with my GP32 in my pocket and trying to control it, i began to think of how to make a line control, like on most CD/MD/MP3 players. it would only need to re-use the buttons already on the GP32, as they are already set up in the player. But then I got to thinking, what about other controls?
My idea- A generic interface drivr or port on the GP32 allowing you to make a controller utilising the existing GP323 buttons without having to code your own driver. e.g. Say I wanted to make a line control as per my original idea. i would make the controller with the required buttons, then using a PIC I would connect up the buttons and flash the PIc with the correct controller interface (to allow it to communicate with the GP32 using only 2 or 3 wires, instead of 2 for each button). This would connect to either the GP32's EXT port, or to a generic port modded directly to the GP32 itself (I'm hoping for the first option). The advantage of this method would be that anyone could make their own controllers with any size & shape they want, and with little electronic knowledge, apart from rudimentary soldering skills and a PIC flasher. Also, connecting a extra button to multiple buttons (e.g. an X button connected to L and A pins on the PIC) would allow button combos to be used as extra 'soft' buttons.
After having numerous annoyances whilst listening to music with my GP32 in my pocket and trying to control it, i began to think of how to make a line control, like on most CD/MD/MP3 players. it would only need to re-use the buttons already on the GP32, as they are already set up in the player. But then I got to thinking, what about other controls?
My idea- A generic interface drivr or port on the GP32 allowing you to make a controller utilising the existing GP323 buttons without having to code your own driver. e.g. Say I wanted to make a line control as per my original idea. i would make the controller with the required buttons, then using a PIC I would connect up the buttons and flash the PIc with the correct controller interface (to allow it to communicate with the GP32 using only 2 or 3 wires, instead of 2 for each button). This would connect to either the GP32's EXT port, or to a generic port modded directly to the GP32 itself (I'm hoping for the first option). The advantage of this method would be that anyone could make their own controllers with any size & shape they want, and with little electronic knowledge, apart from rudimentary soldering skills and a PIC flasher. Also, connecting a extra button to multiple buttons (e.g. an X button connected to L and A pins on the PIC) would allow button combos to be used as extra 'soft' buttons.
I'm happy with the newest GP32 mp3-player, works great for me 
