Mainly because you can spend just a ton of $ on brands like Logitech and Razer and they won't do all you need - Razer's won't do continuous presses then release of command key combos and Logitech's aren't compatible with many OS's. I have a whole collection of branded keyboards from trying to get one that could do all I needed in SolidWorks. Making one was the only way.
Hi Ryan, Thank you very much for this idea. I have made this macro pad as well. I absolutely love it. Somehow I have managed to get 2 on my table with 6 layers/profiles each. Such a amazing device.
80% of the time it works all the time 😂 dude you made me laugh so many times throughout this vid, and have also convinced me to start a project like this of my own since I have an Arduino Pro Micro laying around from an old NES Controller conversion project. I really like the implementation of a knob, especially for video and photo editing, I've looked at the more expensive off the shelf products and also think "I could make that for less" but I know it'll cost more in the end haha. Great vid and project, I've subbed 👍
I appreciate the kind words!! Now that I've have some time with it, the dual knobs are wondrous for video editing. Zooming and skipping through the timeline are meant for encoder knobs.
I have been wanting to makensomethiing like this for a while now but had no idea where to start. Great, clear, informative, easy to follow, thanks so much!
Great news everyone v0.4 is back in stock! Things that are fixed in v0.4: Foot pedal wiring (the GND of the headphone jack is now common, R and L channels are the switches 15 and 16 respectively). Full sized keyboard key can fit in place of rotary encoders.(Rotated the encoder footprint 90deg).
@@RetroBuiltGames haha BTW i want to ask you do you know a project on GitHub named deej it is also Arduino based pc sound control but you can use any simple Arduino like a uno or a nano pls try making one of those it is called "Deej" i want to see your version of it. and it was a great video :)
I would love to buy one of your PCB's. Living in Australia with $20 shipping made me cry. This is exactly (with so many extras! WOW) what I was looking for.
Yeahhh, the U.S. Postal Service wont let you put a PCB in a envelope (for international shipping) and call it a letter (that's the ~$3 ship rate) . It has to be marked as a 'package' which is stupidly expensive for flat items weighing 2oz max.
The guy at my office who does the 3D printing wired up a bucked with uv led strips encircling the inside. He puts the parts in there for 5 additional minutes prior to cleaning to maximize curing.
Ryan's Pro Tips for navigating the and HID library commands. =============== Keyboard Control================================================================================ Keyboard.write(); Sends a keystroke to a connected computer. This is similar to pressing and releasing a key on your keyboard. Will send a shift command if applicable. Example: Keyboard.write('K') will automatically do SHIFT + k. Can also accept ASCII code like this: //Keyboard.write(32); // This is space bar (in decimal) Helpful list of ASCII + decimal keys: www.asciitable.com/
Keyboard.press(); Best for holding down a key with multi-key commands; like copy/ paste This example is [ctrl] + [shift] + [e] //Keyboard.press(KEY_LEFT_CTRL); //Keyboard.press(KEY_LEFT_SHIFT); //Keyboard.press('e'); //delay(100); Keyboard.releaseAll();
Keyboard.print(); Sends a keystroke(s) Keyboard.print("stop using aim bot"); //types this in as a char or int (not a string)! Keyboard.println(); Sends a keystroke followed by a newline (carriage return ) Very practical if you want to type a password and login in one button press!
SOMETIMES, applications are coded to recognize Keyboard.press() and not Keyboard.write() and vice versa. You might have to experiment. =============== Mouse Control=============================================================================== Mouse.move(x, y, wheel); Moves the mouse and or scroll wheel up/down left/right. Range is -128 to +127. units are pixels -number = left or down +number = right or up Mouse.press(b); Presses the mouse button (still need to call release). Replace "b" with: MOUSE_LEFT //Left Mouse button MOUSE_RIGHT //Right Mouse button MOUSE_MIDDLE //Middle mouse button MOUSE_ALL //All three mouse buttons
Mouse.release(b); Releases the mouse button. Mouse.click(b); A quick press and release.
Great job! Nice video! Nice presentation! Nice PCB layout! It has the reference value for me. I have a similar project using Arduino Pro Micro with many many keys with a different approach.
Anyway I could check it out? Looking at other people's work was the only way this project was able to skip over some prototype phases and straight to what I wanted.
This beast is using windows 7 in 2020. Times are tough man I know but the free upgrade is worth it if your pc was made within the last 5 years. Solid stuff in the video though
been looking into macro pads lately since I was given a pair of Pro Micros to play with from work. I know they could help with my workflow in Adobe & excel. I guess I could build one for the wife as well for her to use w/ Revit/Autodesk.
Cool stuff! Been subbed since the original arcade cab indiegogo, only just now realizing that I have a ton of catching up to do on your back catalog! Haha. Gonna be using a good number of things demonstrated here soon, not for a macro keyboard, but instead to make a custom controller for some rhythm games that have super specific control schemes. Hopefully it'll work out well!
Hi. I recently bought a couple of these boards from your store on Tindie and was looking for the exact 3D models of the key caps you 3d printed. I am specifically interested in the ones you printed in green and blue seen at 7:30. Could you share some links downloads to them ? Thanks
You can place parts directly on the build plate. SLA does not suffer from elephants foot which is really a FDM symptom. OR (this is the recommended way for Form 2 printing), anchor the part using lost of tiny supports to a raft.
I decided to do this recently, and I just came across a DIY design on Thingiverse that includes linear potentiometers for use as a stream deck. Pretty cool stuff. You mentioned that you use Eagle for PCB design, and I am curious if you have used Kicad. I have been using it for years now and I would choose it over Altium for most design work. It is incredible, powerful, free and open source with no limitations on board sizes and no lock in to a license that is at the whim of the current copyright holder. I love it and I recommend anyone doing PCB work to look into it first.
I want to use KiCAD. this project started in kiCAD but I got stuck and fell back into Eagle just because i know it well. I know Eagle is inferior; I'm not a fan of Autodesk either.. I will learn KiCAD in 2021.
@@RetroBuiltGames Oh gotcha. I have been using KiCAD for years now. I even started a small tutorial series on my channel, though I haven't made it as far as I would have liked. I do plan on getting back to it some time when I have more time on my hands. What did you get stuck on specifically? Maybe I can help.
00:44 aaaactuallyyy.... the calculator has it's own scancode so no need to complicate that. It's like the mail app, browser, default media app etc - all having their unique scancodes. e0 21 for calc, I think.
Nice Project, i would like to make a macro keypad myself and would also like to order the boards myself from JLCPCB. Now my question would be whether you can provide the Gerber file?
Thankyou! Gerbers are not released, but the schematic is- you can make your own layout. Check out version 2.0 schematic- i made some improvements. th-cam.com/video/IDlcxLQ1SbY/w-d-xo.html
Mini USB connedctor is superior Why and by how much? From my perspective, I have a bunch of spare micro USB cables (as phones have switched to USB-C) around and that has been the deciding point for me so far... And yes, when testing a keyboard the other day, I screwed up a pin HIGH/LOW state (basically, I forgot that the LOW is not necessarily 0, ignored a pull-down resistor, I think, for which reason the button was always considered HIGH) and ended up with Arduino emulating CTRL+N 10 times in a second. It took me half an hour of frustrating attempts and reboots to upload a harmless blank sketch before the circus began over again (hint: use an OS where you can pin a window always on top of the others and swear a lot in the process, in my case that helped). :D Also, many years ago (pre-Arduino/RasPi time) the boss button was a thing. I think there was a small commercial solution of a button or pedal along with a small app to define the button macro. Now I am thinking of making a set of cardboard steering wheel (with MPU6050 and two buttons) and a pedal for a car racing dame. Neat!
I'm buying the parts I need to make one of these, but I don't really know what sort of LEDs to buy. I've Googled LED 1206 (as listed on the webpage) but that yields generic LEDs. Any help would be appreciated. Also, Diodes are only required for multi-keystroke macro, correct?
This is really informative however as an individual terminally inept with programming, how would one go about creating macro that repeats specific order button until pressed again but also randomises input delay between each inpuut within specified range? (let's say randomly choosing value between 13ms and 37ms for delay between inputs)
I notice you are out of stock on the PCB, can I get the eagle drawings. I was thinking of making one, however this would she a lot of time and mistakes. In the end I would like a slightly different layout. Thx
@@RetroBuiltGames thanks for responding. Since then I have spent a lot of time (to much time) looking at circuits etc., Bought some stuff.. as you said spending 3 times the amount of money buying different parts etc etc etc. Using a DMK, I just made macros work using two different programs, because I couldn't make either work on the own. I have ordered parts, and would still like to get PCB and make a custom keyboard but don't have the 32u4 chip yet. I like your circuit but would want 6x5 buttons or 6x6 with diodes. ... And would still like to program C code for this. Can you alter the board ? I can give you money..
this is so exciting on creative thinking and doing it X# of ways... for my 1st starter project is: 2 real world pushbuttons: PB1 = F11 and PB2 = F12 then may be a few more PB? thanks a lot...:)
Would be nice if you could program the face of the keys.. a small oled or e-ink screen on each key. But maybe gets too expensive. An alternative would be a version with a touch screen. But maybe you can use a phone or tablet then just as well somehow coupled to the PC.. Its a bit nicer with real keys. And maybe regular stickers can solve it in the end much cheaper..
can I make a macro keyboard with, like, dozens of keys? and, the keys is not side by side, they seperated left right, up down, front back "but why?", you may ask for flight simulator like DCS, I have many buttons in the cockpit, I want to bring it out of the computer screen for easier access (normally I have to use mouse to click on them)
@@RetroBuiltGames can you make a tutorial? not necessary to make whole cockpit with hundreds of buttons, but make a scaleable one, I will follow and expand the number of buttons I have nearly no experience in this field
what do you think about making the RGB backlight change colors when you change modes? If you match a color up to different programs it could make it easier to remember the shortcuts
Cool! I have did a digital caliper result sender to my CAD program with an Arduino Pro Micro (32u4), or other program. But not finished yet the case and the PCB. On my instagram there are a short video.
can you make a 3d file fot the case that doesn't shot the switch housing because i am not really a fan of the floating switch design. I was also wondering if you were to do it, can you make a hole for the micro usb
Version 2.0 is here!!! th-cam.com/video/IDlcxLQ1SbY/w-d-xo.html I added many of the popular requests from these comments like individually address RGB lights, I2C LCD breakout, and a better 3D printed case.
how does this rotary encoder feels compared to a mouse wheel? 👀 like, if you place it sideways would it be able to rotate freely? 👀👀 or is it too stiff?
It would work, but it's bulky. The lateral forces might shorten the life. It's also kinda stiff; but that varies with the make/model, The encoder like most (not all) scroll wheels has pits/ that it will lock into so it doesn't spin freely. You can mitigate the stiffness by increasing the radius of the knob, but again, bulkiness.
Thanks a lot, you made an amazing job, one question: I downloaded switchcase_macrokeys and I need that only when I press and hold "case 3" button it should press continuously the key, example: now if I press and hold case 3 it press one time the key and print 3, I need it print 3333333333333333.......... untill I release button, but, I repeat, only in case 3. Is it possible? Thanks Again
I'm confused as to the purpose of the "R" connections on the back of the board. I get that they're to do with the LEDs but do you need to solder them, leave them, or add a resistor to them?
Loved your video! I actually do not want to build a keyboard (yet). I travel a lot for work and do not have computer access nor time to change keyboard mapping in the computer. what I would like is and intermediate device I could insert between the keyboard and the computer that would do the remapping for me - that I can fully program. Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Hi I am in Spain and I am looking for chiclet keys but I don't know where can I find it ... Every body prefers mechanical keyboards but I prefer chiclet keyboards. Do you know how can I bought that kind of keys ?
Do these roatary encoders give like an incremental pulse every time they are turned? I want to add a volume knob for my android radio. The radio has assignable steering wheel controls that are based on differential resistance. Each button gets its own value of resistance, and for volume, each press equates to a different step in volume level. Im wondering if theres a rotary encoder out there that i can add a resistor to, and use it as a volume knob for this radio. Maybe even use the built in button as a mute command? Anyone have any ideas?
Im lookinng to use a three-way switch to toggle between the different key layouts. Does any one know if that’s a reasonable idea, or what would be the easiest/cheepest hardware to get the job done? I like the idea of the classic guitar pickup selector, though probably downsized a bit.
That is very reasonable. An idea to do this: use the analog pin and make the switch select from different 'set' resistances. your logic would just be if voltage =this range, then mode 1 and so on. this application is also called a 'resistor ladder' .
I think it be best to repurpose the LED pins to replace the two row-matrix pins. The dedicated i2c lines talk to the OLED, they are currently being used as the row/ column matrix for the keyboard keys in this build. As I reflect on it, not a great design choice on my end. But that's why the revision number is sub 1.0.
Where can I find the pro micro that you use? I can only find the version with MicroUSB. In the U.S. here and can't find it on Amazon. Edit: grammar Edit2: Nevermind, I found it here www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07J2Q3ZD5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
"Why buy it when you can build it for three times the cost" is my new family motto.
I came searching for this comment, was glad I found it 😂😂
dude 😂
Mainly because you can spend just a ton of $ on brands like Logitech and Razer and they won't do all you need - Razer's won't do continuous presses then release of command key combos and Logitech's aren't compatible with many OS's. I have a whole collection of branded keyboards from trying to get one that could do all I needed in SolidWorks. Making one was the only way.
I love this quote 😂
cuz building is fun and customizing for a new application is awesome!
"80% of the time, it works all the time" you have my subscription good sir
You should subscribe to Anchorman too. You'll love it!
Three times the cost and more hours than you can imagine. My magic formula. I'M IN !
You son of a gun... I'M IN. Heist team assemble.
You are goooood. If i'm being honest, def one of the top 5 youtube presenters in this niche!
With ctrl+R you can compile first and then ctrl+U uploads a lot faster. Great video, thanks for the ideas.
Now I have TWO uses for my Time Crisis reload pedal.
Hi Ryan,
Thank you very much for this idea. I have made this macro pad as well. I absolutely love it. Somehow I have managed to get 2 on my table with 6 layers/profiles each. Such a amazing device.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video, as always. Almost makes me want to build this even though I can’t think of a use for it!
80% of the time it works all the time 😂 dude you made me laugh so many times throughout this vid, and have also convinced me to start a project like this of my own since I have an Arduino Pro Micro laying around from an old NES Controller conversion project. I really like the implementation of a knob, especially for video and photo editing, I've looked at the more expensive off the shelf products and also think "I could make that for less" but I know it'll cost more in the end haha. Great vid and project, I've subbed 👍
I appreciate the kind words!! Now that I've have some time with it, the dual knobs are wondrous for video editing. Zooming and skipping through the timeline are meant for encoder knobs.
I have been wanting to makensomethiing like this for a while now but had no idea where to start. Great, clear, informative, easy to follow, thanks so much!
Great news everyone v0.4 is back in stock!
Things that are fixed in v0.4:
Foot pedal wiring (the GND of the headphone jack is now common, R and L channels are the switches 15 and 16 respectively).
Full sized keyboard key can fit in place of rotary encoders.(Rotated the encoder footprint 90deg).
Will these be posted under the same link as before?
@@miles5407 Yes, exact same link.
How damn this is a great project. I'm still just learning Arduino and using breadboards as a complete noobie but this is inspiring. Thanks!
you could use the potentiometer to select operation modes by reading of the analogue values as a potential divider.
legend say he is still making more revisions
i am still editing this comment..
@@RetroBuiltGames haha BTW i want to ask you do you know a project on GitHub named deej it is also Arduino based pc sound control but you can use any simple Arduino like a uno or a nano pls try making one of those it is called "Deej"
i want to see your version of it. and it was a great video :)
I would love to buy one of your PCB's. Living in Australia with $20 shipping made me cry. This is exactly (with so many extras! WOW) what I was looking for.
Yeahhh, the U.S. Postal Service wont let you put a PCB in a envelope (for international shipping) and call it a letter (that's the ~$3 ship rate) . It has to be marked as a 'package' which is stupidly expensive for flat items weighing 2oz max.
this is great, I love the versatility. Great job man, i'll buy a PCB as soon as the store is back
As a bachelor student in economics and a tech enjoyer, I have to tell you this is awesome and you look kinda like Tony Stark
Wow, thanks! thats better than being told i look like Moby.
The guy at my office who does the 3D printing wired up a bucked with uv led strips encircling the inside. He puts the parts in there for 5 additional minutes prior to cleaning to maximize curing.
Just found your videos the other day - I love this video as well as all your content! Keep up the great work!
Like your style and interests. Got yourself a new subscriber 👍🏼
Awesome, thank you!
Just stumbled across your videos and you're making some great content. keep up the good work.
I love your video bro, its so funny, because i share youre feeling of doing myself everithing
Ryan's Pro Tips for navigating the and HID library commands.
=============== Keyboard Control================================================================================
Keyboard.write(); Sends a keystroke to a connected computer.
This is similar to pressing and releasing a key on your keyboard.
Will send a shift command if applicable. Example: Keyboard.write('K') will automatically do SHIFT + k.
Can also accept ASCII code like this:
//Keyboard.write(32); // This is space bar (in decimal)
Helpful list of ASCII + decimal keys: www.asciitable.com/
Keyboard.press(); Best for holding down a key with multi-key commands; like copy/ paste
This example is [ctrl] + [shift] + [e]
//Keyboard.press(KEY_LEFT_CTRL);
//Keyboard.press(KEY_LEFT_SHIFT);
//Keyboard.press('e');
//delay(100); Keyboard.releaseAll();
Keyboard.print(); Sends a keystroke(s)
Keyboard.print("stop using aim bot"); //types this in as a char or int (not a string)!
Keyboard.println(); Sends a keystroke followed by a newline (carriage return
)
Very practical if you want to type a password and login in one button press!
SOMETIMES, applications are coded to recognize Keyboard.press() and not Keyboard.write() and vice versa.
You might have to experiment.
=============== Mouse Control===============================================================================
Mouse.move(x, y, wheel); Moves the mouse and or scroll wheel up/down left/right.
Range is -128 to +127. units are pixels
-number = left or down
+number = right or up
Mouse.press(b); Presses the mouse button (still need to call release). Replace "b" with:
MOUSE_LEFT //Left Mouse button
MOUSE_RIGHT //Right Mouse button
MOUSE_MIDDLE //Middle mouse button
MOUSE_ALL //All three mouse buttons
Mouse.release(b); Releases the mouse button.
Mouse.click(b); A quick press and release.
Great job! Nice video! Nice presentation! Nice PCB layout! It has
the reference value for me.
I have a similar project using Arduino Pro Micro with many many keys with a different approach.
Anyway I could check it out? Looking at other people's work was the only way this project was able to skip over some prototype phases and straight to what I wanted.
Amazing!!!
I'll make one with your pcb !!
This beast is using windows 7 in 2020. Times are tough man I know but the free upgrade is worth it if your pc was made within the last 5 years. Solid stuff in the video though
i am riding this rig into the ground
@@RetroBuiltGames no mercy ☠️
This is fantastic !
Thank you !
been looking into macro pads lately since I was given a pair of Pro Micros to play with from work. I know they could help with my workflow in Adobe & excel. I guess I could build one for the wife as well for her to use w/ Revit/Autodesk.
Cool build! Wish I had gotten one in time!
version 2.1 will be restocked end of Oct
Ryan Bates: Writes keyboard firmware for an Arduino
QMK: Exists
Nice video, well done, thanks for sharing it with us :)
Thanks for watching!
Cool stuff! Been subbed since the original arcade cab indiegogo, only just now realizing that I have a ton of catching up to do on your back catalog! Haha.
Gonna be using a good number of things demonstrated here soon, not for a macro keyboard, but instead to make a custom controller for some rhythm games that have super specific control schemes. Hopefully it'll work out well!
My Zalman keyboard has a button that opens the calculator. According to SwtichHitter, the Windows scancode is: 0xB7.
Aye nice I use shotcut editing software too 2:15
noice!
Hi. I recently bought a couple of these boards from your store on Tindie and was looking for the exact 3D models of the key caps you 3d printed. I am specifically interested in the ones you printed in green and blue seen at 7:30. Could you share some links downloads to them ? Thanks
blue ones were not printed- bought those. I believe it was this file i used for the 3D printed caps. www.thingiverse.com/thing:738769
@@RetroBuiltGames Thank you!
It would be awesome if you could have RGB LEDs illuminating the key caps that were programmable and could change colour depending on the preset modes
I agree. I've got a ver 2 that does this... will release soon-ish
Where and how can I get a circuit like the video? I'm from Colombia
So.. what if I wanted to use this for an ENTIRE PAD OF ROTARY ENCODERS? :-) I'm thinking for controlling flight sim radios, alt, hdr, etc...
How did you resin print directly on the build plate? Do Formlabs printers not suffer from "elephant's foot" on the build plate?
You can place parts directly on the build plate. SLA does not suffer from elephants foot which is really a FDM symptom. OR (this is the recommended way for Form 2 printing), anchor the part using lost of tiny supports to a raft.
I decided to do this recently, and I just came across a DIY design on Thingiverse that includes linear potentiometers for use as a stream deck. Pretty cool stuff. You mentioned that you use Eagle for PCB design, and I am curious if you have used Kicad. I have been using it for years now and I would choose it over Altium for most design work. It is incredible, powerful, free and open source with no limitations on board sizes and no lock in to a license that is at the whim of the current copyright holder. I love it and I recommend anyone doing PCB work to look into it first.
I want to use KiCAD. this project started in kiCAD but I got stuck and fell back into Eagle just because i know it well. I know Eagle is inferior; I'm not a fan of Autodesk either.. I will learn KiCAD in 2021.
@@RetroBuiltGames Oh gotcha. I have been using KiCAD for years now. I even started a small tutorial series on my channel, though I haven't made it as far as I would have liked. I do plan on getting back to it some time when I have more time on my hands. What did you get stuck on specifically? Maybe I can help.
A macro to auto insert "Select top 1000 * From DbName.dbo. " ... I'm drooling. Must build.
00:44 aaaactuallyyy.... the calculator has it's own scancode so no need to complicate that. It's like the mail app, browser, default media app etc - all having their unique scancodes. e0 21 for calc, I think.
Hey Ryan, could you make an assembly video?
Yes.
Nice Project, i would like to make a macro keypad myself and would also like to order the boards myself from JLCPCB. Now my question would be whether you can provide the Gerber file?
Thankyou! Gerbers are not released, but the schematic is- you can make your own layout. Check out version 2.0 schematic- i made some improvements. th-cam.com/video/IDlcxLQ1SbY/w-d-xo.html
i need a board with 8 rotary encoders do do different stuff is this possible with your pcb? how should i program this?
Mini USB connedctor is superior Why and by how much? From my perspective, I have a bunch of spare micro USB cables (as phones have switched to USB-C) around and that has been the deciding point for me so far...
And yes, when testing a keyboard the other day, I screwed up a pin HIGH/LOW state (basically, I forgot that the LOW is not necessarily 0, ignored a pull-down resistor, I think, for which reason the button was always considered HIGH) and ended up with Arduino emulating CTRL+N 10 times in a second. It took me half an hour of frustrating attempts and reboots to upload a harmless blank sketch before the circus began over again (hint: use an OS where you can pin a window always on top of the others and swear a lot in the process, in my case that helped). :D
Also, many years ago (pre-Arduino/RasPi time) the boss button was a thing. I think there was a small commercial solution of a button or pedal along with a small app to define the button macro. Now I am thinking of making a set of cardboard steering wheel (with MPU6050 and two buttons) and a pedal for a car racing dame. Neat!
I'm buying the parts I need to make one of these, but I don't really know what sort of LEDs to buy. I've Googled LED 1206 (as listed on the webpage) but that yields generic LEDs. Any help would be appreciated.
Also, Diodes are only required for multi-keystroke macro, correct?
check the links in the desc. I list part numbers to buy from a supplier.
What software do you use to make the keys do different things, I built one of these (epic btw) and I am unable to make the keys so much of anything
software is Arduino IDE
@@RetroBuiltGames once the keys are bound to the extended f keys I mean
This is really informative however as an individual terminally inept with programming, how would one go about creating macro that repeats specific order button until pressed again but also randomises input delay between each inpuut within specified range? (let's say randomly choosing value between 13ms and 37ms for delay between inputs)
try asking this question in the Arduino forms. be warned, "how-do-i-do-my-program" can result in an 'abrasive' response
Just got the boards! What should I look for when getting a rotary encoder? Or do you have some models you recommend?
I updated the Tindie store with Digikey p/n for encoders.
987-1398-ND
Any chance there's going to be a restock on the Black PCB's? Love the design and I'm definitely going to pick one of these up.
I'd say 3 weeks? I've got a few spare rev 0.3 boards; just email me. (foot pedal wiring is goofed)
@@RetroBuiltGames Thanks for the reply! I ended up getting a green one haha. Got all my parts ordered and looking forward to building it!
I notice you are out of stock on the PCB, can I get the eagle drawings. I was thinking of making one, however this would she a lot of time and mistakes. In the end I would like a slightly different layout. Thx
back in stock! i added the PDF schematic if you want to try building your own
@@RetroBuiltGames thanks for responding. Since then I have spent a lot of time (to much time) looking at circuits etc., Bought some stuff.. as you said spending 3 times the amount of money buying different parts etc etc etc. Using a DMK, I just made macros work using two different programs, because I couldn't make either work on the own. I have ordered parts, and would still like to get PCB and make a custom keyboard but don't have the 32u4 chip yet. I like your circuit but would want 6x5 buttons or 6x6 with diodes. ... And would still like to program C code for this. Can you alter the board ? I can give you money..
@@sjay67 Thank you Ian. I must respectfully decline; i do not have the resources [time] to design a new layout.
I hope you'll have a stock of the kit with knob.
this is so exciting on creative thinking and doing it X# of ways... for my 1st starter project is: 2 real world pushbuttons: PB1 = F11 and PB2 = F12 then may be a few more PB? thanks a lot...:)
Would be nice if you could program the face of the keys.. a small oled or e-ink screen on each key. But maybe gets too expensive.
An alternative would be a version with a touch screen. But maybe you can use a phone or tablet then just as well somehow coupled to the PC..
Its a bit nicer with real keys. And maybe regular stickers can solve it in the end much cheaper..
Why didnt you use a shift register or two for you keyboard ? Just curious
for DIY projects I want other people to adopt, a minimum parts list is more appealing.
can I make a macro keyboard with, like, dozens of keys?
and, the keys is not side by side, they seperated left right, up down, front back
"but why?", you may ask
for flight simulator like DCS, I have many buttons in the cockpit, I want to bring it out of the computer screen for easier access (normally I have to use mouse to click on them)
yes that can be done
@@RetroBuiltGames can you make a tutorial? not necessary to make whole cockpit with hundreds of buttons, but make a scaleable one, I will follow and expand the number of buttons
I have nearly no experience in this field
i mean this is the tutorial right here. It scales. Just use 4 more pins for a 6x6 and that's 36 keys....
what do you think about making the RGB backlight change colors when you change modes? If you match a color up to different programs it could make it easier to remember the shortcuts
lol you should watch my version 2.0 video!
Cool!
I have did a digital caliper result sender to my CAD program with an Arduino Pro Micro (32u4), or other program.
But not finished yet the case and the PCB.
On my instagram there are a short video.
So the macro to open any software is basically achieved by win+R and then print the software name?
Have you considered just direct soldering the 32u4 chip? you could then run USB C and the component count wouldn't go up that much
good idea for future revision.
can you make a 3d file fot the case that doesn't shot the switch housing because i am not really a fan of the floating switch design. I was also wondering if you were to do it, can you make a hole for the micro usb
Why didnt you use the existing TX/RX LED as mode LEDs? They can be activated and deactivated…
bc i forgot
Version 2.0 is here!!! th-cam.com/video/IDlcxLQ1SbY/w-d-xo.html I added many of the popular requests from these comments like individually address RGB lights, I2C LCD breakout, and a better 3D printed case.
how does this rotary encoder feels compared to a mouse wheel? 👀
like, if you place it sideways would it be able to rotate freely? 👀👀 or is it too stiff?
It would work, but it's bulky. The lateral forces might shorten the life. It's also kinda stiff; but that varies with the make/model, The encoder like most (not all) scroll wheels has pits/ that it will lock into so it doesn't spin freely. You can mitigate the stiffness by increasing the radius of the knob, but again, bulkiness.
Thanks a lot, you made an amazing job, one question:
I downloaded switchcase_macrokeys and I need that only when I press and hold "case 3" button it should press continuously the key, example: now if I press and hold case 3 it press one time the key and print 3, I need it print 3333333333333333.......... untill I release button, but, I repeat, only in case 3.
Is it possible?
Thanks Again
remove the "break;" from case 3. that will help a bit
I'm confused as to the purpose of the "R" connections on the back of the board. I get that they're to do with the LEDs but do you need to solder them, leave them, or add a resistor to them?
if you do not want LEDs, then leave then blank/ unpopulated
What what type of resistors do you popluate it with if you’re using LEDs?
nooooo😱
OUT OF STOCKS!😩
Please, I'm interested in the kit to solder+flash+go :)
We're a horde out there bro!! :D
the mini (which is a spin off of this), is still in stock. www.tindie.com/products/21799/
can you show how you made the pcb?
Loved your video! I actually do not want to build a keyboard (yet). I travel a lot for work and do not have computer access nor time to change keyboard mapping in the computer. what I would like is and intermediate device I could insert between the keyboard and the computer that would do the remapping for me - that I can fully program. Can anyone point me in the right direction?
autohotkey.com
Unfortunately the PCB is out-of-stock, so I'm trying to figuring it out:
How is the MODE button connected?
Analog pin A0 = mode button
Could this be done without the PCB? I’ve seen many others solder wires from switches to Arduino pins directly
yeah you absolute can. I just like PCBs
do you have a link to the stl for the printable key caps? thanks
I bought a couple recently, there is no documentation for soldering the back side of the board... could someone help me out ?
Amazing project.
💝💞💞💓🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳💞💝💝
Just subscribed
I should make one with Alps switches.
Hello, I checked the link and the version with knob is out of stock.
i have one question cause im confused, can i make this on a breadboard without your pcb and if so how can i?
Hello, how are you? Where can I find more details for building the plate on this micro keyboard?
www.tindie.com/products/ryanbatesrbg/pcb-for-programmable-macro-keyboard-encoders/
Hi I am in Spain and I am looking for chiclet keys but I don't know where can I find it ... Every body prefers mechanical keyboards but I prefer chiclet keyboards.
Do you know how can I bought that kind of keys ?
I have seen these chiclet keycaps on pimpmykeyboard pimpmykeyboard.com/all-products/keycaps/novelty-keys/
Do these roatary encoders give like an incremental pulse every time they are turned?
I want to add a volume knob for my android radio. The radio has assignable steering wheel controls that are based on differential resistance. Each button gets its own value of resistance, and for volume, each press equates to a different step in volume level.
Im wondering if theres a rotary encoder out there that i can add a resistor to, and use it as a volume knob for this radio. Maybe even use the built in button as a mute command?
Anyone have any ideas?
If I want to build this with the foot pedal, can I just connect them as i would connect the switches just use the trrs cable?
yes
@@RetroBuiltGames Thanks! I will give it a try
when will the pcb in stock?
Im lookinng to use a three-way switch to toggle between the different key layouts. Does any one know if that’s a reasonable idea, or what would be the easiest/cheepest hardware to get the job done? I like the idea of the classic guitar pickup selector, though probably downsized a bit.
That is very reasonable. An idea to do this: use the analog pin and make the switch select from different 'set' resistances. your logic would just be if voltage =this range, then mode 1 and so on. this application is also called a 'resistor ladder' .
How do i add a profile button so i can change what each one does based on what app is open is it possible
ignore me didnt watch the whole video
Is there be a way to juryrig a seeeduino xiao onto the board?
maybe, but looking at that pinout (there are less IO) you would have to sacrifice some keys or LEDs.
where can I buy separate Cherry MX keys?
How can i add an oled display for thia macro pad?
The I2C lines are tied up with 2 column lines for the keys. But you could probably swap them with the 'mode' status LEDs and use a OLED.
@@RetroBuiltGames thanks, so I change the mode status LEDs to oled? right?
I think it be best to repurpose the LED pins to replace the two row-matrix pins. The dedicated i2c lines talk to the OLED, they are currently being used as the row/ column matrix for the keyboard keys in this build. As I reflect on it, not a great design choice on my end. But that's why the revision number is sub 1.0.
why not include joysticks for 2d scrolling/ fine mouse control and arrow keys. or even CTRL Z CTRL Y CTRL S CTRL A
Can i actually make split keyboard with that using breadboard ?
yes, You'll need to omit some features I have (LEDs, potentiometer) and just expand the rows and columns for a full keyboard.
@@RetroBuiltGames But sir , i dont know which pin i have to solder and i dont know which pin should i connect with the breadboard
Could you help me? I’m stuck with my project
Resistor arrays are a pain to source and the larger package size ones keep getting discounted.
Where did you get the PCBs made?
seeed studio
Where can I find the pro micro that you use? I can only find the version with MicroUSB. In the U.S. here and can't find it on Amazon.
Edit: grammar
Edit2: Nevermind, I found it here www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07J2Q3ZD5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I try to use in obs but when the obs is not in focus, the.macros dosent work.. I dont know why
obs might need to be the active window...
Couldn't you just wire a toggle switch that prevents it from going into HID mode?
probably?
how can i upload code in pro micro by Android???
need this video
Please give me Mini Version! (Macro Keyboard v1.0) code without LCD
mini version will be back soonish
Why are u so short sided, not thinking before doing something like me?
i am but human
I'll take one of your bad PCB. To you might be bad to me Looks like a good way to get started :)
i actually did throw them in the trash, just with less drama as shown in the video.
@@RetroBuiltGames aww man no board is trash to me 😪