matrix buttons

[dontplaymygame]

hi i just bought a 4x4 matrix button PCB http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8033 now the question i would like to ask is: is there a specific program application that needs to be used in order to control every single button independently? and if yes where can i find this program application?

10x

[TK.]

You could use the 4x16 Button/Duo-LED application: http://www.midibox.org/forum/index.php/topic,10476.0.html

It's designed for much more control elements, but nothing prevents you from connecting a smaller button matrix (even without LEDs)

Best Regards, Thorsten.

[bugfight]

note that the sparkfun pcbs are missing the isolation diodes that would allow use it in a matrix without ghosting.

also, some traces will have to be cut to use them as fully independent switches...

[dontplaymygame]

and is it possible not to use the DOUT module and just connect the matrix directly to the DIN inputs?

10x

[bugfight]

the pads on the sparkfun pcb are connected together in rows and columns.  for use as independent buttons, the traces that connect them together will need to be cut, and connections made another way, perhaps using the vias that are near the pads (i wouldn't use the vias that are on the pads, because that will interfere with button actuation).

the gnd connections are ok, since they all just connect to gnd.

to be clearer: there are pads on one edge marked "SWITCH1" ... "SWITCH4" each connected to a row of 4 button pads (the outer part). on another edge are pads marked "SWT-GND1" ... "SWT-GND4" each connected to a column of 4 button pads (the inner part).

[dontplaymygame]

cheers 10x alot for the help