mac paddy

June 30, 2026 - Finally I finished everything related to mac paddy.

I started and completed the code today.

For now, as I don’t have the hardware to test the code I didn’t not make the firmware WiFi and BLE action friendly, when I am done testing this initial version on the hardware, I will rewrite the code in micropython with everything I want.

This was a roller coaster for learning. AND I loved it.

I feel good after its finally complete to be shipped.

Thank you for staying throughout the journey.

June 24, 2026 - Just completed making all the 3D print parts.

Now that I have completed all the making of my 3D print parts, my hardware part has come to an end.

I am very happy with my PCB and CAD designs.

Now, I will prepare the software part of my mac paddy. I am very excited to see my macro pad completed and in my hand IRL.

I will make the firmware ASAP.

The hardware part has officially ended. Period.

June 21, 2026 - Finally completed my designing my Enclosure in CAD.

It gave me a really hard time designing it, but at last I was able to complete it in the exact way I wanted.

I watched some tutorials and came across the Project Tool (appears when P in pressed). This made my designing process far easier. I learned a hell lot of new things and I feels very good about it.

Now, I am thinking whether I must complete my firmware now or do it afterwards. Let’s see to it.

But I am very happy to complete the total hardware part of my project.

Also, added a small HC decal to the print.

I am really loving this.

June 21, 2026 - Today was not the day.

I was not feeling the best today and adding to that CAD is not my thing. I just can’t figure out how to make my case. I am pissed right now.

The only thing I did today is making fine refinements to the PCB, like the edge cuts. I was not able to make them straight. After a lot of tries I got it right.

I made multiple attempts to make a case but I just could not. Then my health started deteriorating, so I had to stop. I will try again maybe today itself when I feel like working again.

I feel bad for today that I could not make the case.

What’s the best CAD resource, if anyone could help me?

June 20, 2026 - Completed the whole PCB with the silkscreen.

Started laying out the components and wired them, but had to start over again because of a dozen errors.

Again I laid all the components wired them, added the mounting holes and defined the edge cuts.

Added some logos and text, also a cool silkscreen at the back.

The process of learning how to add a silkscreen was a bit notorious. It was a good learning curve.

It had me banging my heads at certain moments. I Googled a lot and read summaries but at last I figured it out.

This process was crazy. Now, I will start working on the enclosure maybe today or tomorrow.

June 19, 2026 - Completed the schematics with the final components selection.

I decided all the components to complete my macro-pad and placed them in the schematics.

All components are now placed and wired up.

Now, this is getting exciting because I am thinking of adding some cool stuff as the silkscreen after I am finished with the PCB.

I could hook up only the switches and the diodes to there desired places on the PCB today.

The first thing I will do tomorrow morning is complete the whole PCB.

I decided to use a smaller form factor LED which is the WS2812B 2020 SMD mount package. I am trying to make a per key RGB macro-pad.

Let’s see how it goes.

June 19, 2026 - Started designing my PCB.

Joe Scotto’s video was truly helpful.

Designed my basic PCB idea. I will now add in more parts and update in the next devlog.

So, you might think I posted that I will be using a C5 in my last devlog but I used a S3 instead? Actually, I researched a bit about it on 18th June, forgot to record it, I came to know that C5 or even C6 has no OTG capability for a wired failback but a S3 has it. So, I pivoted on to using a S3.

I watched Joe’s video and learnt new thing about KiCad, I have used it before but didn’t know so much about it. I had to re-install it due to an OS change.

I have also decided to write a custom micro-python script because the Espressif family doesn’t support KMK or QMK first handedly.

Joe’s and HC’s KiCad package is a life saver for someone starting with KiCad as they provide almost all the required components inside it.

I am making a Matrix Design 2x3 macro-pad.

Excited to complete it and feel it in hand.

June 17, 2026 - I started making my own WiFi and BLE enabled macro-pad.

Today, I searched the web for the parts I will need to complete this project apart from the 3D prints and PCB and made a list out of the searched parts.

I am sharing a screenshot of my parts list in this devlog. I also made a time lapse of the research (if you call it a research ).

This helped learn about certain things, will be sharing those as we go ahead.

This is the rough parts list:

1. MCU - XIAO ESP32-C6
2. Switches - Akko V5 Creamy Blue Pro Switch
3. Encoder - EC11 Rotary Encoder
4. LEDs - WS2812B LEDs
5. Diodes - 1N4148 Fast Switching Diodes
6. Screen - 0.91” OLED Display
7. Screws - M3x16mm screws

Note: I took help from the hackpad.hackclub.com page for the parts.