Easy Pad

Final Devlog on Designing the EasyPad ——————————————————— I have now finalized all my firmware, cad, and pcb design which you can find (along with a README) on the github at: https://github.com/A-Ritvik/easypad. I also had to spend some time debugging the qmk firmware because I didn’t know the syntax of the how you tell it which pin is connected where (you’re supposed to use GPX).

Finished Case Design with minor tweaks, Added 3d Models & Made a full Easypad CAD–––––––––––––––– —————— —————————————— The case design is now finished with a usb cutout on the side, and I added the pcb (along with all the other components) onto the cad so there is now a full cad of the easypad. I also attached the 3d models to the footprints in kicad to get a full render of the pcb with all the components. I also took a while to work on the code for the easypad, for which I used qmk firmware. I currently have it set in the code for wasd, 1, 2, 3, escape, enter, put the pc in sleep, power, and shut it down. Once I have it built I also want to try and get a button that launches straight into steam big picture mode. The encoder is set to control volume, and the OLED displays the status of cap, numlock, and the current layout. After building it, I also want to change this to do something cooler but this code was pretty hard to understand for me so I’m going to keep this code for now. As for the easypad, once I’ve setup a github I think this should be ready to ship!

Updated Case Design, Updated PCB, & A Start on the Firmware
I added some decals to the PCB (which was more annoying than I thought it would be), cleaned up some of the wiring by utilizing vias, and I shifted the microcontroller closer to the edge of the PCB so the USB port is easier to access. As for the case, I added the proper mounting holes (and have decided to go with a sandwich style case), along with some decals including a hack club flag and a coolish looking vent. I still need to add a cutout for the USB on the microcontroller, but after that I think the case will be basically done. Now, I have moved on to the firmware side and am using QMK to make it. Hopefully it goes well :)

Finished the PCB Design + Starting Case Design
Managing the PCB’s wires took a while and after doing it the first time I realized the white boxes around the key, or switches, weren’t supposed to overlap, but they were on my PCB. I ended up having to redo the wiring but it was definitely easier having done it once already. You can see my PCB design attached below.
I also started working on the case for the macropad using Onshape and making the top plate ended up being a bit harder than I thought it would because I had to measure the distances and manually position all the holes (although for the keyboard matrix I just used a linear pattern). You can see my so far very basic and incomplete case below. I plan on adding more flair, screw holes, and a cutout for the usb, but I’ve been mostly focused on finishing the top plate so far (which I did :) ).

Finished the Schematic Design!
After a bit of research on which pins connect where, I have finally finished schematic for my custom macropad featuring an OLED display, a 3*4 keyboard matrix, and one rotary encoder. I think this has no errors but if you do spot any please let me know. I am also currently working on finishing the PCB design now, given that the schematic is done.