The world of Arduino offers a wide range of possibilities. If you're thinking of a device with a specific function or a basic project to take your first steps, Arduino modules easily cover both cases, often simultaneously. With that in mind, we invite you to create a volume control for your PC, based on the Arduino Micro (or its direct clones) and a small, low-cost encoder. It's so simple to build that if you find the right module, you can leave the soldering iron aside...
Your first Arduino project doesn't have to be intimidating, and if you already have previous experience, you're not obligated to build something revolutionary to get back into the swing. Frustration can be a brutal enemy, ending our initial enthusiasm in record time. That's why when thinking about Arduino, it's never a bad idea to look for something simple and satisfying, with plenty of online documentation, and some tolerance for modifications if we need to improvise.
Creating a volume control for PC with Arduino definitely checks all those boxes. Many keyboards have shortcuts (very common on laptops) and dedicated controls (like some "gamer" keyboards), but if you do it yourself, you can adapt its design in different ways, and if you have access to a 3D printer, turning it into a gift is very easy. The tutorial is based on the video published by the Prusa 3D channel and its corresponding article.
(Note: Turn on Spanish subtitles!)
Learn to create a volume control for PC with Arduino
In essence, you only need two components: a compatible encoder (the KY-040 is excellent for these cases, and the pack of 5 with its knobs costs less than 10 euros), and an Arduino Micro or another clone with the Atmega32U4 controller. Now, why should we use the Atmega32U4? The answer is that this particular model can be programmed to function as a keyboard, and the presence of a micro USB port on most modules simplifies its connection to the computer.
For greater stability, it's recommended to solder the wires at the end of the project, but if you get an Arduino with its headers already installed, jumper wires are a good alternative. The encoder connections to the Arduino are five in total:
- CLK to A0
- DT to A1
- SW to A2
- + to VCC or 5V
- GND to GND
With the physical connections resolved, the last step is programming, but don't worry. All the code is already written, and all you have to do is load it with the Arduino IDE.
Here's where the original article comes into play: In addition to installing and opening the IDE, you'll also need to add the HID-project, TimerOne, and ClickEncoder libraries, which are downloaded here (click Code, then Download Zip). These libraries are not optional. If you don't install them, the volume control won't work.
Once the IDE is configured, we select the Arduino module ("Arduino/Genuino Micro" is a good option, even for clones), the corresponding COM port (the IDE will tell you), and click Upload. If everything goes well, the volume control will work immediately.
However, I want to add a small detail: If you notice that the control works backwards, you just need to modify two lines in the code: Change MEDIA_VOLUME_DOWN to MEDIA_VOLUME_UP, and MEDIA_VOLUME_UP to MEDIA_VOLUME_DOWN.
The rest is a matter of deciding where you want to keep all the electronics. The Prusa tutorial offers files to print a complete control, but nothing prevents you from exploring other options on Thingiverse and similar sites, or improvising a case with something you already have at home. Creating a volume control for PC with Arduino is easy, inexpensive, and ideal if you want a project this weekend. Give it a try!
Access the tutorial: Click here
