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A ThinkPad TrackPoint can serve as the tactile input for a DIY light-dimming setup, but it does not switch the lamp’s mains power itself. In maker Guy Dupont’s build, a Seeed Studio XIAO RP2040 reads the TrackPoint’s USB controller, while a separate Adafruit QT Py ESP32-S3 adds Wi-Fi control. The project is an inventive hardware feature, not a ready-to-buy product or a complete wiring guide.
How the TrackPoint dimmer works
Cameron Coward’s Hackster News feature describes a wall-mounted TrackPoint used to adjust dining-room lights. The small pointing stick—often nicknamed a nubbin—acts as a physical control. Its movement is read by electronics that communicate with a mains dimmer module.
- TrackPoint input: Dupont used a TrackPoint module that came already soldered to a USB controller board.
- USB host: After encountering communication problems when considering a direct connection to a microcontroller, he used a Seeed Studio XIAO RP2040 as a USB host to read the controller.
- Dimming: The setup uses a mains dimmer module to control brightness. The TrackPoint is the input device; it does not carry or switch the mains load.
- Wi-Fi control: Because the XIAO RP2040 did not provide Wi-Fi, Dupont added an Adafruit QT Py ESP32-S3. The project also included a simple smartphone app with an on-screen nubbin control, and the dimmer could be controlled over the local Wi-Fi network.
What makes the project appealing
The charm is the familiar, physical feel of a TrackPoint repurposed for something beyond navigating a laptop. A small movement on a wall-mounted control can adjust room lighting, while a phone provides another way to interact with the same setup. The approach combines an unusual input device with a conventional home function without pretending the TrackPoint itself is a dimmer.
What you would need to verify before recreating it
The feature reports the project’s architecture, but it is not a tested recreation guide. It does not identify the exact TrackPoint model, dimmer model, component ratings, wiring, lamp compatibility, software repository, or safety approvals. Those omissions matter most around the mains-voltage portion of the build.
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#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
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- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- TrackPoint interface: The described part has a USB controller board, but its exact model and compatibility are not stated. Check the controller’s interface and documentation before pairing it with a USB host.
- USB host support: The XIAO RP2040 is identified as the host used in this build. Confirm the exact board and software support you plan to use rather than assuming any microcontroller can read the controller.
- Wi-Fi: The described arrangement adds a QT Py ESP32-S3 because the XIAO RP2040 did not provide Wi-Fi. The article does not specify how the boards communicate or publish implementation details.
- Dimmer and load: The source names only a mains dimmer module category. Select nothing on the basis of that description alone: compatibility depends on the exact dimmer, lamp or lighting load, ratings, and local electrical requirements.
- Electrical safety: No wiring diagram or safety certification is supplied. Mains wiring can cause fire or electric shock; use appropriately rated, enclosed components and follow local regulations, and consult a qualified electrician if you are not equipped to assess the installation.
Components named in the feature
| Part | Role in the described build | What is not established |
|---|---|---|
| Seeed Studio XIAO RP2040 | USB host for the TrackPoint controller board | Current availability, price, and a complete software or wiring implementation |
| Adafruit QT Py ESP32-S3 | Added to provide Wi-Fi | Board-to-board communication details or app implementation |
| TrackPoint module with USB controller board | Physical input device | Exact model and compatibility with other controller boards |
| Mains dimmer module | Controls light brightness | Model, electrical ratings, lamp compatibility, and jurisdictional approval |
Is it a product or a build guide?
No. The Hackster feature reports a maker project; it does not establish a retail product, a validated build recipe, or independent testing of a recreation. It is useful as an example of how a USB pointing device, a USB-host-capable microcontroller, a Wi-Fi board, and a dimmer can fit into one concept. It is not enough information to select a safe dimmer or reproduce the wiring.
Quick Recap
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Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
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UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
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Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
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Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
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