I developped an Max/Msp object to controll the low cost USB measurement and automation peripheral Labjack U12 that enables the connection of a PC/Mac to the real-world.

Full details on this object: http://ljcontroller.bzhtec.com/
Full details on the hardware LJ U12: http://labjack.com/labjack_u12.html

At the end of this mail, I put some details on the hardware and software capabilities.

The object is free to download and has some example patches. If you’re interested in:
* Buying the LJ U12 device, we can make grouped orders to have better prices from Labjack (Europ only)
* Having a foot controller board which integrates LJ U12
* Making a foot controller board which integrates LJ U12 (and selling it)
* Helping us to make a foot controller board (we need to find a box and some simple electronic inside)
then you’re welcome, please go to our website to contact us.

Best regards,
Chris

Note: this object is for Mac OS X 10.3 and 10.4 (maybe 10.2…)
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LJController external is based on the Labjack U12 driver (which can be downloaded on labjack.com). This Max/Msp external encapsulate the driver, in order to provide integration in Max/Msp applications, ease of use and advanced functionnalities.

Labjack U12 is very convenient to build custom controllers for software, without any soldering (in full box version), or to integrate into a hardware equipment (electronic circuit only without box, plugs, …). It’s small size (around 8×12 cm for version without the red cover) allows it to be embeded in small devices.

The Labjack hardware doesn’t require separate power supply, it is USB powered.

The main caracteristics of LJController / LJ U12 are:

4 main digital inputs/outputs. Direction is set simply by software configuration (reading an IO set it as input, writing an IO set it as output).
16 secondary digital inputs/outputs. Direction is set simply by software configuration (reading an IO set it as input, writing an IO set it as output). The difference between main and secondary digital IO is that main digital IO can be read/written during analog read/write operations.
4 analog inputs
2 analog outputs
1 LJ U12 internal counter (an input on the LJ U12 may be used to plug a button)
The remaining LJ U12 caracteristics are not used for the moment in the LJ Controller
Scan (write or read) digital IO up to every 16ms (OS X USB limit) (all of the 20 digital IO are read/written in one operation)
Scan analog inputs up to every 16ms
Write analog outputs up to every 16ms
Write digital outputs (write operations are done with a read operation, thus avoiding an extra 16ms delay for reading for the main IO inputs).
Detect switches pressed / released and send bang to listeners objects
Have many LJController listening to inputs and writing to outputs
Read and reset counter value (not working yet)
Any Object can by dynamically configured to listen at a different input/write at a different output
Do benchmark to measure access time for digital inputs, analog outputs, analog inputs
You can integrate it into any of your Max/Msp patches (Mac OS X 10.3 and Mac OS X 10.4 only) without any restrictions.