Need to make EXT. Volume Control
 

Hi,

I run a computer DJ setup, using Winamp (currently v. 2.xx) as the main player. It's a completely homemade setup, that runs all audio sources through the computer (needs to be that way for recording purposes).

What I've been trying to figure out is a way to control winamp's main volume control via the serial port using a standard POT. I've browsed through all the controller plugins on this site, but nothing seems to fit the bill. One looked rather promising (uICE), which appears to have the COM elements I need. But not being an electronics major, I'm not sure how to build the corresponding serial component; or if i'm even looking at the right software.

If anyone knows how to set something like this up, please let me know. It can be a real pain adjusting winamp's little volume slider with a mouse (especially if the beer is free). :-)

Thanks.

The scrollwhell of a mouse will allow you to adjust the volume.

For an uber l33t volume control, grab a cheap cordless scroll mouse (doesnt have to be optical), rip it to bits, mount the circuitry and battery holder inside a small plastic project box, and have the scroll whell stick up through the top.

No messing about with building kits that way.

Thanks for your reply.

I already know about that ability, as well as the cursor keys. The trouble is the winamp window has to be in focus for these to work. I'm checking out some of the joystick & com port plugins, maybe they'll work better for me. Trouble right now is; I don't have any joysticks I can sacrifice in the name of science. Will let you know :-)

Is it vital that it only controls the winamp volume?

You can get cheap multimedia keyboards that will adjust the master system volume.

I am using an IRMan infrared receiver (http://www.evation.com/irman/index.html) and the "genIR" plugin for WinAmp (http://www.evation.com/software/winamp.html). It learns any remote and will respond whether WinAmp is in focus or not. I use it for when I have guests over and we're playing cards or something. I can control all of my music from just a remote. I know it's not a potentiometer, but it may be an alternative. You can load playlists and do most functions in WinAmp and you don't even have to be at your laptop or DJ setup, just within IR range. :)

Yeah, it has to control the winamp volume exclusively. My thinking on the whole idea is to make the system as "idiot proof" as possible; since I'm not the only one who uses it. Right now, talk-over requires a bit too much effort. I'm trying to make the whole thing function (more or less) as a normal hardware mixer would. I think the com port plugin (http://classic.winamp.com/plugins/de...ponentId=92855)might be the way to go. Just have to build the buttons and find out.

Getting back to the IR receiver and remote... it only uses the buttons you assign, so if you only assign volume to the IR plugin, it will only accept the volume up/down commands. This way you can use any small remote for it.

For a physical volume control... you could always get something like a Nostromo gaming pad or external keypad which you can use to control the volume up/down. Nostromo is completely configurable. I would think that hooking a pot up to a serial port would take a circuit board containing a chip that converts the pot changes into digital signals, then you need a plugin that converts those signals into commands for up/down. I'm assuming you'd need one of those positionless pots that click and have no particular up or down, but measure their changes in clicks to a chip, which in turn knows whether the clicks are going one way or another and adjusts volume accordingly. You may be able to use something like is on this page... a multimeda access panel: http://www.ebusinesscables.com/conversion_products.htm

Check this out! It's for the Mac. I wonder if there's one made for the PC? http://www.smalldog.com/product/39847

Dude! Check it out! It works for both Windows and Mac!! Nice piece of hardware! http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/powermate/

Thanks for all your suggestions.

I got it to work with the com plugin (with buttons instead of a knob). Now all I have to do is go to RadioShack and get some better looking buttons. :-)