Ultimate Workstation

Some notes on a fantasy workstation I **might** build someday.

I want the 1:2:1 monitor layout.

I hardly use the treadmill, so I think I'd rather not incorporate it, instead focus on a good sitting position. I like the stations that are slightly reclined. I would like a split keyboard.

Before I start, I would like to get a trackball and try using that for a few weeks. It'll be much easier to use that in this setup than a traditional mouse.

The controls should be "at my fingertips" but arc out. The arm rests should be more wedge shaped - my elbows will stay in one place, but my wrists will follow an arc to each set of controls. There can also be extended interfaces directly in front of my fingertips - usb controls, possibly the optical disk.

I'd also like to incorporate foot pedals. Possibly as a mouse, also to launch other features.

All of the "additional" controls can be managed through an Arduino.

I think there's room beneath the space-bar for extra-feature keys.

I want an "audio output selector". Generally I will use my speakers, but another set, close to my hears, will serve as pseudo-headphones, without the need to put on headphones.

Controls:

• volume (main/base)
• quick launch keys and selector
• macro-recorder? (run kb out through arduino?)
• output selector

V 1.0

I've really become intrigued with this idea the last few days. I'd really like to do a basic version now and a better version in a year or two. This has the advantage that it's both cheaper and I can work out some of the bugs.

The simple version would be built around a zero-gravity chair. The design would have a split keyboard. I'd have to limit the chairs recline to a fixed (comfortable position) the put the monitors 30" infront of me (in that position. The keyboard and mouse need to be attached to the arms of the chair.

Overkill: I'd like to add a whiteboard near the right hand (but in my visual field) and (don't laugh) a camelpak, but that could be emulated with a gallon jug and some tubing.

I'm not sure what I want to do for the mouse. My mouse doesn't seem to slide until around 30deg, so that might be ok. I could also go with a trackball or a touch pad. The touchpad is particularly appealing because it's thin enough it could sit right above the keyboard, in reach of my fingers without moving my wrist.

Parts

• Chair : $58
• monitor mounts 4x$15
• Keyboard: $50

Keyboard

Surprisingly, this is the tricky part. No great options (at least none yet).

Combimouse ideal, but not yet on sale.

Fentek looks a little shady and still has a wire.

Ergodox looks good, but it's a kit and not for sale.

KeyMouse another looks good, not for sale.

UltraErgo only downside here is a little pricey (and I'd need to get a separate numberpad)

Another option would be to put a compact keyboard on each hand. That could actually be cheaper. It may even be possible to remap some of the redundant keys to extra functionality.

Finally, I could build a keyboard from an Arduino. Pretty cheap, but a lot of work. Good Tutorial Probably start by buying and raiding a cheap keyboard. This actually seems to be the best option so far. I'd put the number pad on the left hand and a shift key by my foot. I'd also add a simple mouse to the right hand (joystick). also this. this might help. This could actually get fairly pricey. The cherry mx switches will cost $75, the key caps are another $20, and key decals are $18 and then I need a bunch of diodes and wires and I need to build a frame. Actually... I should try pilfering an existing keyboard and I should start with one I have. But if that works, this could be a good sacrificial keyboard.

Extra Functions

The Leonardo is easier to use as a mouse/keyboard

• scroll
• shift
• ctrl
• back (currently on mouse thumb)

So I think scroll on left foot and 3 buttons on right.

Plan

1. Figure out the keyboard. Probably tear apart one from the basement and get a prototype working with an Arduino. Then build a nice one with all the bonus keys and some foot pedals.
2. Order the chair and monitor mounts.
3. Take measurements and build the rig → At this point it's useable
4. Build foot pedals
5. Keyboard v2

However I modify the arms of the chair, make it modular. I envision adding bolts. That way can do a really basic first pass on the keyboard, and build a few nicer variations later.

Ideal "Keyboard"

Try to prototype with Lego.

This will be run from an Arduino, probably a Leondardo.

Split by hand. A lot of the "pinky" keys are moved to the thumbs and feet. I want to put a scroll wheel probably between "I" and "O". I could add a basic "weight" sensor to the chair and have it send "lock" when I get up. There are 3.6" touchscreens for arduino - that could be cool. There's also room for an additional row for the first finger on each hand. And, if I move the spacebar, one below. Again, the Ergodox layout looks really good.

I'd like to add an LCD display and internal functionality. The primary one is macro record/playback. I may do media keys this way, but I don't use media keys often. Adding a clock would be nice. I don't want it to rely on any feedback from the computer, so no "monitors" of any kind.

For the arrow keys, hitting j/k simultaneously will activate "arrow mode". JKLI will then act as arrow keys. Hitting any other key will leave arrow mode.

V 1.0B

Another option, use a late-stage feature early and skip the custom keyboard. I'd like a "swing console" when I recline. A panel that will swing into place as my chair moves into position, then swing out of the way when I get up.

For a v1, I think the easiest route would be to not move the mousepad, but have the keyboard fold. So, when sitting down both the keyboard and mouse are to my right. As I lay back, the keyboard comes down right in front of me.