How to Use USB HID Devices as Arduino Inputs - Keyboards, Mice, Barcode Readers, and More

Learn how to utilize USB HID devices as Arduino inputs in this comprehensive 32-minute video tutorial. Explore the process of using an Arduino, ESP8266, ESP32, or other microprocessors as a USB Host, enabling the use of various input devices such as keyboards, mice, trackballs, joysticks, gamepads, barcode scanners, and magstripe readers. Discover novel input mechanisms beyond typical switches and pushbuttons, with a practical demonstration of using a barcode scanner as a "decoder" for QR codes and barcodes in an escape room setting. Gain insights into customizing the project for different devices by defining appropriate logic in the report parser function based on the USB HID standard. The tutorial covers topics including the USB Host Shield, barcode scanner setup, data and power interface, and detailed Arduino code implementation. Access additional resources and escape room tutorials through the provided Patreon link.

00:00:00 - Introduction and Demonstration
00:00:39 - USB Host Shield
00:02:11 - Barcode scanner
00:03:36 - Data and Power Interface
00:08:04 - Arduino Code
00:28:53 - Wrapup