How to use Raspberry as a USB keyboard repeater

[akkronik]

Hi there,

I have a little project that I don't know if it could be possible. Let me explain:

I'm using a software called PlayBack Pro. This software is use to play video and sound during shows (conventions). I have 2 MacBook, one is the MAIN and the other one is the BACKUP. This software is controlled by an external keyboard via USB, one controller for each MacBook.

I would like to connect the controller to my raspberry and then connect a "USB A Male-Male" from the Raspberry PI3 Model B to the 2 MacBooks and use the Rasp as a "Repeater/splitter" USB. So then I will be able to control the 2 MacBook with only one key hit: play button.

Do you think it's something achievable ?

I know a box that does it but it cost 250$ and it is for Qlab. https://www.teamsound.nyc/store/go-box-6-rev-2

Thank you in advance

[fruitoftheloom]

Hi there,

I have a little project that I don't know if it could be possible. Let me explain:

I'm using a software called PlayBack Pro. This software is use to play video and sound during shows (conventions). I have 2 MacBook, one is the MAIN and the other one is the BACKUP. This software is controlled by an external keyboard via USB, one controller for each MacBook.

I would like to connect the controller to my raspberry and then connect a "USB A Male-Male" from the Raspberry PI3 Model B to the 2 MacBooks and use the Rasp as a "Repeater/splitter" USB. So then I will be able to control the 2 MacBook with only one key hit: play button.

Do you think it's something achievable ?

I know a box that does it but it cost 250$ and it is for Qlab. https://www.teamsound.nyc/store/go-box-6-rev-2

Thank you in advance

The USB Port on you MacBooks are USB Host

The USB Port on the Raspberry Pi 3B is a USB Host

With USB you need a Host and Slave..


There are cables with A plugs on both ends, which may be valid if the cable includes, for example, a USB host-to-host transfer device with 2 ports, but they could also be non-standard and erroneous and should be used carefully.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB

[gregeric]

The Pi3 isn't appropriate here - it's USB host only, thus cannot act as a HID/Keyboard.

Two x Pi Zero(W) is what you want, one attached to each Mac.

You'll need some means of connecting the Zeros (network, bluetooth, GPIO) so they both send the same "play" etc keyboard event on that button press.