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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →A ThinkPad-style TrackPoint can serve as the input for a DIY light-control project—but it does not dim a lamp by itself. In maker Guy Dupont’s build, a TrackPoint with a USB controller sends movement to a Seeed Studio XIAO RP2040, while a separate Adafruit QT Py ESP32-S3 provides Wi-Fi for network and smartphone-app control. A mains dimmer module handles the lighting load. The reported project is an inventive hardware build, not a retail switch or a complete set of instructions for safely reproducing one.
What makes the TrackPoint a light control?
The appeal is the contrast: a tiny pointing stick normally found between the keys of a ThinkPad is repurposed as a wall-mounted lighting control. Pushing the TrackPoint gives the system a physical input for changing brightness. It is a control interface, not a device that carries or switches the lamp’s mains power.
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Hackster News writer Cameron Coward reports that Dupont bought a TrackPoint module already soldered to a USB controller board. Coward’s account says: “The TrackPoint module Dupont purchased came pre-soldered on a USB controller board.” That detail shaped the design: rather than wiring the bare module directly to a microcontroller, Dupont used the controller board’s USB connection.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesHow the reported build is arranged
The feature describes a system assembled from separate input, processing, networking, and dimming components. Its architecture is useful for understanding the idea, but the article is not a wiring diagram or a verified build guide.
#1 Best Overall
- US-English
- PS/2 Connectors
- UltraNav (TrackPoint and TrackPad)
- 10-foot Cable
- Space Saver
| Part | Role in the reported project |
|---|---|
| TrackPoint module with USB controller board | Provides the physical pointing input; the exact module and controller are not identified. |
| Seeed Studio XIAO RP2040 | Acts as a USB host to read movement from the TrackPoint controller. |
| Adafruit QT Py ESP32-S3 | Was added for Wi-Fi, which the XIAO RP2040 did not provide in this setup. |
| Mains dimmer module | Controls light brightness; the article does not identify its model or electrical ratings. |
| Smartphone app | Offers a virtual on-screen nubbin control, alongside control over the local Wi-Fi network. |
Dupont initially considered removing the USB controller board and connecting the TrackPoint module directly to a microcontroller, but ran into communication problems. The reported workaround was to leave the controller in place and use the XIAO RP2040 as a USB host. The wall-mounted TrackPoint provides local physical control; the added ESP32-S3 supports the described network control and app interface.
What you would need to verify before recreating it
The project report establishes the broad arrangement, but leaves out details that determine whether a specific combination of parts will work—and whether a mains installation is safe. Treat the named boards as clues to the design, not as a complete bill of materials.
Rank #2
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- TrackPoint interface: The exact model is not given. Check that a module’s controller and USB behavior are compatible with the intended USB-host setup.
- USB host support: The reported XIAO RP2040 is used as a host, but the feature does not supply the implementation details or a software repository.
- Network design: The QT Py ESP32-S3 is identified as the added Wi-Fi board. The article does not document how the boards communicate or provide app code.
- Dimmer and lighting load: Neither the dimmer model nor its ratings, lamp compatibility, or wiring are stated. Consult documentation for the exact dimmer and load; do not infer compatibility from the word “dimmer.”
- Installation and approvals: The article does not specify jurisdiction, enclosure, wiring method, or safety approvals. Mains work must meet applicable local requirements and should be handled by a qualified electrician where required.
For construction or renovation planning, the practical distinction is between choosing a user interface and specifying the electrical control. A TrackPoint may make a memorable wall control, but the dimmer, load, enclosure, wiring, and inspection requirements need their own compatible, documented design.
Is this a finished product or a tested plan?
No. Hackster’s feature reports a maker project and its design choices; it does not establish commercial availability, independent testing, or enough component-level information for someone to reproduce the assembly from the article alone. It also supplies no measured performance figures. Coward characterizes Dupont’s eventual solution as “a bit messy, but it works,” which describes the project’s reported outcome rather than a verified result for other hardware combinations.
Rank #3
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Hackster labels the article “3 years ago” but gives no exact publication date on the page. The account mentions a 2024 context, which does not establish a precise publication date or a versioned release of the build.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Compatible Series:for IBM Thinkpad A - Series ,G - Series, R - Series, T - Series, SL - Series, X - Series, X - Series Tablet.(new Ultrabook Ultrathin laptop carefully buy, might touch the screen when you close it, such as new models of Thinkpad keyboard after the end of 2013 : X1 CARBON, T440, T440p, T440s, T540, T540p, W540, X240, X240t, X240s).
- Compatible Models:T40 T40p T41 T41p T42 T42p T43 T43p T60 T60p T61 T61p T400 T400s T410 T410s T410i T410si T420 T420s T430 T430s T500 T510 T510i T520 T520i T530 X30 X31 X32 X40 X41 X41t X60 X60s X61 X61t X200 X210 X220 X300 X301 X1 X100e X120e X130e R30 R31 R32 R40 R40e R41 R50 R50e R50p R51 R51e R52 R52e R60 R61 R400 R500 W500 W510 W700 W701 L420 L412 L512 L520 Z60m Z60t Z61m Z61t Z61p SL300 SL400 SL400c SL410 SL500 SL510 G40 G41 A20 A21 A22 A31 A31.
- Compatible Series:IBM Thinkpad A - Series ,G - Series, R - Series, T - Series, SL - Series, X - Series, X - Series Tablet.(new Ultrabook Ultrathin laptop carefully buy, might touch the screen when you close it, such as new models of Thinkpad keyboard after the end of 2013 : X1 CARBON, T440, T440p, T440s, T540, T540p, W540, X240, X240t, X240s).
- Trackpoint Cap Compatibility & Sizing Guidance： 1.Measure the diameter and shape of your original trackpoint stem and compare it with our listed dimensions; 2.This cap may be too large if your laptop’s trackpoint stem does not match the supported specification; 3. If you are unsure about compatibility, send your laptop model to customer service for confirmation before ordering.
- Package includes:5pcs Laptop Mouse Track
Rank #4
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- Connectivity:2.4 GHz Lenovo Pro Unified Pairing Receiver,Dual Bluetooth Hardware Requirements: Supported PC with USB-A Port, Blutooth Connection Battery: Type : 2 x AAA Batteries (Keyboard) 1x AA (Mouse) Battery Life : 36 Months (Keyboard & Mouse)
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