Devlog #1
Macropad Schematic Finally Coming Together!Alright, so here’s the update on my 3x3 macropad project for the upcoming hardware event. This is literally my first electronics project, so I honestly expected the KiCad schematic to be a complete mess with wires going everywhere. Surprisingly, I managed to keep it clean and organized, and it actually looks pretty professional.What I’ve finished so far:3x3 Switch Matrix:Instead of using nine separate GPIO pins for all the switches, I made a proper switch matrix. I connected the MX-style switches using 1N4148 diodes to prevent ghosting. I also used Global Labels for the rows and columns, so the schematic stays clean without random wires crossing everywhere.The Brain (Seeed XIAO RP2040):I added the Seeed XIAO RP2040 and mapped the switch matrix to it. The columns are connected to D0, D1, and D2, while the rows are connected to D3, D6, and D7.OLED Display:I finished wiring the 0.91-inch OLED display. I made sure the pin order matches the actual module (GND - VCC - SCL - SDA) so I don’t accidentally mess it up while designing the PCB. It’s powered using 3.3V, and the I2C lines (SCL and SDA) are connected to D4 and D5.What’s left to do:2 EC11 Rotary Encoders:I still need to add both rotary encoders to the schematic. I’ll map their A/B channels for things like volume and brightness control, along with the push-button pins.20 SK6812 MINI-E RGB LEDs:Next is the RGB lighting. I need to daisy-chain all the LEDs properly and connect the data line to D8.So yeah, the main functionality is pretty much done. The switch matrix, RP2040, and OLED are all sorted. Once I finish adding the rotary encoders and the RGB LEDs, the schematic will be complete and I can finally start routing the PCB.