INTERESTING
M4CR0Pad
build guide
Introduction
M4CR0Pad is our first next-generation universal macropad with powerful hardware and flexible customization for any task.
Customize and use personal macros, make a layer specifically for a particular program, easy navigation or use it instead of a mouse, our macropad gives you complete freedom of thought, make it what you need it to be.
In this article we will tell you how to assemble it correctly.
Bill of materials:
Tools and materials:
- Raspberry Pi Pico Microcontrollers (We Act Studio) - 1 pc.
- PCB (hotswap) plates - 1 pc.
- 3D case and bottom plates - 1 pc.
- Kailh hotswap sockets - 12 pcs..
- OLED display - 1 pc.
- Rotary Encoder - 1 pc.
- Tenting feet - 2 pcs.
- Rubber feet - 6 pcs.
Tools and materials:
- Soldering iron
- Solder (flux-bearing)
- Pliers
Steps
Preparing PCB
First, you need to prepare the board. To do this, apply solder to the pads on one side to make it easier to solder the components.
- Preparing PCB
- Installing hotswap sockets
- Microcontroller installation
- Installing OLED display and encoder
- Macropad flashing
- Assembly into the case
Preparing PCB
First, you need to prepare the board. To do this, apply solder to the pads on one side to make it easier to solder the components.
Installing hotswap sockets
Next, you need to install the hotswap sockets in the hole and solder.
Microcontroller installation
First, you need to prepare the pins as in the picture below
Then install the microcontroller on the board (do not confuse the installation side), press it so that it fits tightly to the board and solder one contact on each side.
Next, solder the remaining pins from the inside, as on in pic. 1.
After soldering all the legs on one side, turn the board over, bite off the remaining legs with wire cutters and solder all the pins on the other side.
After soldering all the legs on one side, turn the board over, bite off the remaining legs with wire cutters and solder all the pins on the other side.
Installing the display and encoder
Install the display into the first four holes as on pic. 1 and solder. Then cut off the excess pins with wire cutters, as on pic. 2, ensuring unobstructed installation of the board into the case.
Next, it is necessary to install and solder the encoder evenly, with minimal deviations.
Remove the protective film from the screen after soldering all components.
Macropad flashing
Until we have installed the macropad in the case, we need to flash it and check that the keys work.
Press the Bootsel key on the microcontroller and connect the USB. After connection release the key. The microcontroller should be recognized as a USB storage device.
Drag and drop the Uf2 firmware file onto the microcontroller.
The microcontroller is being flashed.
Next, we will need to test the macropad:
1) Go to Vial
2) Click on "Matrix tester" menu, then "Unlock" and follow the instructions on the screen to unlock the macropad
3) Test each key
Until we have installed the macropad in the case, we need to flash it and check that the keys work.
Press the Bootsel key on the microcontroller and connect the USB. After connection release the key. The microcontroller should be recognized as a USB storage device.
Drag and drop the Uf2 firmware file onto the microcontroller.
The microcontroller is being flashed.
Next, we will need to test the macropad:
1) Go to Vial
2) Click on "Matrix tester" menu, then "Unlock" and follow the instructions on the screen to unlock the macropad
3) Test each key
Assembly into the case
If all keys, display and encoder are working correctly, start assembling into the case.
Place the board in the bottom plate, then install the top plate.
Next, place the silicone feet around the perimeter so that there is no play and optionally install the tenting system.
If all keys, display and encoder are working correctly, start assembling into the case.
Place the board in the bottom plate, then install the top plate.
Next, place the silicone feet around the perimeter so that there is no play and optionally install the tenting system.
Install switches and keycaps and enjoy convenience and ergonomics!
