Transparent Macropad
Hardware- 19 Devlogs
- 26 Total hours
A macropad with a transparent case
A macropad with a transparent case
Update:
I have now printed a test case and pcb to check measurements etc. It looks good and is the perfect size, so I’m happy with it. One thing I need to fix is the screen placement since it doesn’t fully line up with the cutout. (3rd Image)
See ya in the next one
Devlog 13.2:
-Made some changes in the GitHub repository.
-Remade the README.md file because it got deleted by accident. 
Extra:
I also made a quick assembly instruction just because. I’ll add more later maybe. 
Devlog 13.1:
-Added some things to the README.md file on GitHub.
-Fixed some things with the GitHub repository.
Devlog 13:
-Finally got the code working (hopefully).
-Made a repository for all of the files.
Extra:
I’m finally done with making my first project (not including assembling). It was a bit hard at times (only coding), but still very fun overall. This project also got tagged as a “Super Star Project” which I didn’t even know what it was until I searched it up. It’s kinda un-imaginable for me that I managed to make something that got tagged with a “Super star”. Maybe I’m glorifying it a bit too much, but I’m still happy.
I’ll try submitting the files soon and maybe give one last update when the parts arrives.
Devlog 12.1:
Still learning how to code. And now that school has started I now have a lot more to do. I’ll try getting this project finished soon since there is something else I also want to do.
Devlog 12:
-Fixed some problems in KiCad
-Started organizing some of the files.
Extra:
I haven’t been felling well these past two days so haven’t really done much. But now I’m feeling better and I’ll try making the finishing touches.
Now I know the basics for GitHub (I’m new to this) and I am currently learning how to code and how QMK works.
As a prize for your great work, look out for a bonus prize in the mail :)
Devlog 11.2:
-No “real” progress once again.
Trying to learn how to code and how to use GitHub since I’m new to both.
Devlog 11.1:
-No “real” progress today :(
Extra:
Im just trying to figure out what to do now that Im done with the PCB and case. If anyone else is done with their Hackpad and are willing to help id really appreciate it
Devlog 11:
-Added some space for the head of the screw to sit in (so it doesn’t stick out).
-Drew some doodles on the PCB. 
Extra:
The filament I have is apparently not “see-through” enough, so I have to purchase a new roll. If you have any recommendations on good transparent filament id appreciate it. I didn’t notice until now that Transparent and Translucent are not the same.
Oh btw, what should I draw in the red circle on the 2nd image. Preferably something that has to do something with electricity since it’s right in front of the type-C port. Maybe a pokemon or smt.
Devlog 10:
-Added ridges on the knob for better grip.
-Made the walls on the case thinner (from 1.2mm to 1.0mm)
-Added screws in the model (not visible in the image). What an achievement I know.
Extra:
I have now printed 2 test pieces (at this point in time) for the case to be able to improve the overall “see-through-ness” (is that even a real word) of the finished case. They are not sanded or anything so I believe that I can improve the “see-through-ness” (said it again) alot.
Image:
Edit:
The case and knob will be made with resin.
Devlog 9:
-Finished up the case.
-Made a knob.
-Changed material on the LEDs so they would light up in the render.
Extra:
I got the color off the case as close as possible (not including layer lines) to the real filament that Im using (Unfortunately it won’t be this clear since it’s 3d printed). I also tested a few different colors on the PCB to see what looked the best with my current color scheme.
Question:
Devlog 8:
-Continued with the case.
Extra:
I did a quick render of how it will look when it’s finished. Since I couldn’t get the color or texture right (comparing to a failed 3d-printed piece I have), it will be a slightly different color and have layer lines where I can not sand them down.
Devlog 7:
-Did some changes on the PCB so that the screw mount would fit without problem.
-Remade the case again (not done yet).
Extra:
The new case looks almost identical to the last one. And they are. Except for a few measurements.
Devlog 6:
-Started with the case design.
-Added screw/mounting holes on the PCB.
Extra:
I just wanted to add that I haven’t been able to log my hours these past 2 days because of an issue with hackatime. So I decided to start over with the case (had to remake it no matter what so there is no real problem)
Devlog 5:
-Moved some components
-Rerouted the traces
-Tested and played around a bit with adding images to the pcb
Devlog 4:
-Started organizing the components
-Added the components 3d models
-Started routing the Traces
Ill change the clearence between components and re-route the traces next time
Devlog 3:
Started over because i wanted to add LEDs and had to change to matrix wiring for all the switches to work.
Devlog 2:
Checking measurements and changing a few things
Devlog 1:
Started on my macropad for the “Hackpad misson”