My awesome macropad!

6.9.2026 - Hackpad CAD Design

It was my first time using Autodesk Fusion for CAD, and I immediately learned that the tools greatly differed from Tinkercad. After about 4 hours, I finally began to adapt to the new tools, and I almost completed my hackpad case! I still need to figure out how to add 16mm screws in a case only about 14mm tall… Here is the timelapse: https://lapse.hackclub.com/timelapse/mBvQilO03y46.

Until then, TheAbsoluteMin out!

6.7.2026 - Minor PCB Parts Adjustments

Hi! After referencing passive buzzer guides I realized that I needed resistors, not diodes, for it, so I updated the schematics and PCB. I figured out the errors were simply because of the LED holes, which were made by default of the LED library, so after dismissing them, I was ready to move on to designing the hackpad case! As always, you can view the timelapse here: https://lapse.hackclub.com/timelapse/TkbHmnJH4lMN.

Until then, TheAbsoluteMin out!

6.6.2026 - Hackpad PCB Design

Hello! Today, in additon to adding a passive buzzer to my hackpad, I spent a good portion of time working on the PCB design and routing. It was especially challenging and time consuming as I had to determine the routing for so many components! You can view the timelapse here: https://lapse.hackclub.com/timelapse/R-Lok60rAeRo

With that, I am pleased to share with you that I have decided on the purpose of my hackpad…
…I am hoping to turn it into a custom Pocket Operator!

Now, I just have to figure out how to solve the 32 errors and 31 warnings the KiCad DRC flagged…

Until then, TheAbsoluteMin out!

6.5.2026 - Adjusting Schematics

Hi again! After some research and reading, I decided to update my schematics for my hackpad. This included using global variables to replace the messy wiring I had previously for easy future reference.

I have always been fascinated with backlit LEDs, so I decided to implement them in my design. However, I ran into many symbol and footprint library conflicts along the way. Since I did not have the actual switches nor LEDs, I had to rely on numerous inconsistent old references. In the end, I ended up using the original switch footprint! You can view my LED and switch struggles here: https://lapse.hackclub.com/timelapse/jnHnmRvD6uzY

After some time thinking, I decided to use a different library which promised a different approach. I changed the LEDs’ footprints (again!). Unrelated but important, I decided to follow standard schematics wiring for power global variables so I could translate the increased wiring thickness for the LED powerlines to the PCB. You can see part two of the timelapse here: https://lapse.hackclub.com/timelapse/bM4HrjNb66xa

Until then, TheAbsoluteMin out!

6.4.2026 - My 1st devlog - Beginning of a Hackpad

Hello! This is the beginning of…
… my Hack Club journey
… my Stardance journey
… my Hackpad journey

As it was my first time using KiCad and I had ambitious plans, I ran into many problems including pinout conflicts and some trouble with wiring and footprints for each symbol. However, after roughly 2 hours of designing the schematics and changing my button matrix from 4x4 to 3x3 to 3x3 that included a rotary encoder switch, I updated my PCB to see my progress. I have yet to discover a purpose for my hackpad…

Here is my timelapse: https://lapse.hackclub.com/timelapse/FC_v2vy3fczr

Until then, TheAbsoluteMin out!