This is my third attempt at getting the firmware.uf2 build to work for my custom QMK macro pad. I’ve already fixed a few firmware issues along the way, including the OLED driver setting, some outdated config lines, and a README file that QMK wasn’t recognizing properly. Even after that, the build still isn’t fully cooperating, so I’m now on round four of debugging the firmware setup and QMK structure before I can finally get a working firmware.uf2 file.
Devlog: Compiling a 3x3 Layout into QMK CoreProject: Hackropad Ver. 1.0Hardware: Custom 3x3 Layout (9 keys) + SSD1306 0.91” OLEDBrain: RP2040 Controller (.uf2 binary output)Method: Manual folder override using AI pairing tools. The host repository expected 17 keys, crashing our 9-key footprint. I dropped standard layout macros and wrote raw C-brackets inside keymap.c to bypass the validation parser.
Standard qmk compile hung on a blank prompt. We switched to raw make hackpad:default to expose real-time background debugging logs.
The global repository code kept forcing a 5x4 matrix over our 3x3 array. We injected #undef overrides into config.h to wipe the system memory:
#undef MATRIX_ROWS
#undef MATRIX_COLS
#undef MATRIX_ROW_PINS
#undef MATRIX_COL_PINS
Pointer Signedness Check: The cat animation arrays threw a type-safety error. We swapped data types from unsigned char to plain const char PROGMEM to clear the validation gate.
Build State: Fixed, cleaned environment, and ready for final firmware compilation.
I was almost done shipping it but this time, I had some qmk config and file compiling issues. I am going to ask the #stardance-help channl in slack for assitance. I was using gemini to help me figuire out the issue, but it was of no help. Hopefully, I can finish by the end of the week!
I was working on fixing the screws placement, and making a github repo, harder than I thought it was. I just have to finish adding the CAD files to the github repo and then I submit! I’m really excited!
I think I finished the draft for the Hackropad CAD. I’m going to check everything one more time when I get the chance. I’m really excited to ship my project soon!
I finally almost finished the CAD for the HackroPad! I am really excited to go finish it off! I honestly think I would have finished this project faster if I used a software that wasn’t useless, AKA Fusion360. Also I just have to add the holes for the screws and I am good to go!
I tried to fix the CAD, but I am having issues with the plate. I might try an approach that doesn’t require a plate.
Tried fixing the CAD, but I might switch to a different software because this is really confusing.
I was trying to make the CAD for the hackropad, however I realized my edge.cuts on the pcb design was too complicated to CAD for. I decided to make it one big square so it would be easy. Now I am trying to extrude the base and create a cavity for the pcb to go in. I am struggling to create the cavity though.
I was trying to fix the small triangle I made at the right hand side. I am close to fixing it, but I think I need to restart. However, now that I have a bit more experience with the software I think it’s actually pretty good, so I will continue using Fusion 360.
I started the CAD after I finished the final PCB design. I’m using Fusion 360 for my CAD software, and personally I think it sucks, I had to go through a lot to just add a triangle (my project has a good amount of those). I might change my CAD Software to something else.
I completely finished the PCB layout and schematics. Once I finish the CAD, and some code, I will ship my project and submit my project to get the materials.
I was trying to do the pcb instead of the schematic because the schematic is finished. I need to fix the pcb but it should be no problem.
I am working on fixing the PCB layout. I realized I made a few wiring errors. Now I think it needs a few more fixes like SW4.
I am working the schematics for the pcb. I am a newbie so I was very confused at first but I slowly got the hang of it. Let me know how I can change this to make it better in the comments.
