MacroPad

My own firmware for the Retro Built Games's MacroPad Mini.

(:warning: This project has no affiliation with Retro Build Games :warning:)

Why?

Why not? Having a small device capable of performing a custom macros is a grate idea.

This firmware maps the MacroPad's buttons and rotary encoders to the F13-F14 keys (unused by normal keyboards), this keys inputs than can be mapped to a custom macro you want using scripts or programs like AutoHotkey.

Keymaping

This firmware implements the following layout:

Key Matrix:
  F13 | F14 | F15 | F16 
  F17 | F18 | F19 | F20

Left-Encoder:
  clockwise:        F21
  anti-clockwise:   F22

Rigth-Encoder:
  clockwise:        F23
  anti-clockwise:   F24

Layers:
  0: []
  1: [Ctrl]
  2: [Shift]

Layers can be selected by pressing "mode"button and are indicated by the LEDs:

Layer 0: 
    LED1 = ON
    LED2 = OFF

Layer 0: 
    LED1 = OFF
    LED2 = ON

Layer 0: 
    LED1 = ON
    LED2 = ON

Example:

When having just the LED2 on and clicking the second button of the first row the MacroPad will send to the computer Ctrl + F14.

Setup

Hardware Side

For the hardware side you will need the macropad assembled:

• MacroPad - Mini version (Can be found here)
• Arduino Pro-Micro
• Cherry MX Switch + Keycap (x6)
• Rotary Encoder w/ Switch + knob [987-1398-ND] (x2)
• Switch Tactile 6x6mm [679-2443-ND] (x2)
• 1x12 Header 0.1" pitch [S6100-ND] (x2)
• Diode [N4148W-13FDICT-ND] (x10)
• Resistor 1206, 1k ohm [RMCF1206JT1K00CT-ND] (x2)
• LED 1206 [732-4990-1-ND or 732-4989-1-ND] (x2)

For more information about the hardware side please check Retrobuild's Blog or Youtube video

Software Side

This project requires git to be downloaded and uses PlatformIO framework, please make sure you have both installed (For PlatformIO I recommend using the VSCode Extension, VSCode is a great lightweight editor and the plug-in works very well).

In this guide the actions will be described using PlatformIO's CLI (because it's easier to describe the steps), but can be performed in other ways (VSCode Extension has a very intuitive GUI).

Clone This Project

Clone the latest master version of this code:

• Option 1: HTTPS

$ git clone https://github.com/hbontempo-br/macro-pad.git

• Option 2: SSH

$ git clone [email protected]:hbontempo-br/macro-pad.git

Install Dependencies

$ pio lib install

Build Firmware

$ pio run --environment sparkfun_promicro16

Upload Firmware

Make sure you have the Arduino Pro-Micro installed

$ pio run --target upload --environment sparkfun_promicro16

PS: The Pro-Micro boot-loader can be a little tricky. Please check Sparkfun's guide if you are having trouble.

Testing and Code Static Analysis

PlatformIO provides a testing and code analysis tools but they are not used here, it would be a great addition and if you want to tackle this please open an issue and do it. This is a fast and small side project and I realistic won't put the required effort on implementing myself.

Contributing

No fancy rules here. Saw an error, want a feature, have an improvement? Just open an issue and we will discuss.