Now that I had a working USB interface and a means to control lights through it, I started to think that this project might actually become a reality. I really needed this to become a reality. I needed something in the “win” column to boost my self esteem.
And now that success seemed reasonable, I started thinking about the software. The Delcom USB module came with Windows drivers, but I was curious if Mac and Linux drivers were also available. I use all three Operating Systems in my home, and I am a huge advocate of interoperability. I quickly found a sample program for Mac OS X that used the IOKit Framework to communicate with the Delcom USB controller, and I found several open source Linux drivers on sourceforge.net.
But it was an entry on the main page of the Delcom site that intrigued me the most. On the front page of their site, labeled “New” was a set of USB Traffic Indicators. I was simultaneously overjoyed and disappointed. On the one hand, it was like having your lunch money stolen by your best friend. The very same people whom I was using to develop this product, had coincidentally stolen the rug right out from under me. On the other hand, it was a sense of validation that I was really onto something here. Delcom was charging $54 for a three color lamp like mine. It was the first time that my wife finally took note, and realized that maybe my idea wasn’t so crazy after-all.
I must have stared at the page for 30 minutes. Living in the state of mixed emotions. Then, true to form, I noticed something. Check out the picture below:
Either that’s the world’s largest USB connector, or that thing is the size of a freaking keychain! What gives? Is that thing seriously three LED’s in a tiny little case? I was more inspired than ever before to finish this project and share it with the world. I was convinced that there would be an interest in a product like this.
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