Media Macropad
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A programmable three button macropad with a volume knob for media control.
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Updated at source:
Model information
- Source
- Printables
- Category
- Computers
- License
- Creative Commons — Attribution — Noncommercial — Share Alike
This is a macropad I designed to use for media control on my PC. It has three keys for play, next track, and previous track. It also has a rotary encoder for volume control and muting. The macropad centers around a Seeed Studio XIAO SAMD21, which is a micro mcu which can run CircuitPython. The XIAO only cost around $10, and it has plenty of power for this application.
Print Settings
Layer Height: 0.2mm
Infill: 15%
Additional Materials
In addition the printed enclosure, you will need the following components to complete the project. I've include some affiliate links below to what I used, but feel free to source them from wherever works best for you.
- 1 Seeed Studio XIAO SAMD21 (https://amzn.to/3jg1rgg)
- They sell these in 3 packs with a price cut, so if you want to make one for a friend this could be a good option.
- 3 MX Cherry Style Key Switches (https://amzn.to/3FAj4Pa)
- 1 Rotary Encoder Module (https://amzn.to/3HHXHy4)
- 3 DSA Keycaps ( https://amzn.to/3G0PLXB)
- You could print your own from @farfalleflickan https://www.printables.com/model/113604-flat-dsa-keycaps (note I have to tried these, but they look like they'd be perfect)
- Silicone Hookup Wire (https://amzn.to/3FF3x0u)
- I used solid, but you could use whatever you have available
- 14 or 16 gauge Copper Wire
- This adds stability to the keys and acts as the ground rail
- I just used the ground wire out of some Romex I had laying around. You only need a few inches.
- 5 M3 x 5mm Hex Socket Head Cap Screws (https://amzn.to/3WmVtbw)
- 3 M3 x 3 x 5mm Heat Set Inserts (https://amzn.to/3Ytg4wG)
- Heat Shrink Tubing
Firmware
The XIAO will need to be flashed with CircuitPython. There is a special version of the firmware that is designed for use with keyboards. It's a stripped down version that helps with the memory management on the XIAO's limited resources. You can find it at https://circuitpython.org/board/seeeduino_xiao_kb/. Instructions for flashing can be found at https://wiki.seeedstudio.com/Seeeduino-XIAO-CircuitPython/.
Software
The software for the macropad can be found on GitHub. Once you have flashed the XIAO with CircuitPython, open the new drive that appears labeled CIRCUITPYTHON. Open the code.py file and add the code found on the GitHub link above and save. Then create a new file named boot.py. Add the code from the GitHub.