The HackroPod
- 1 Devlogs
- 3 Total hours
A small 3-key macropad called a hackropad that will help me code faster by typing common Java snippets like if-else statements, for loops, and debug prints with a single key press.
Ship #1
Pending review
I wanted to make a macropod and thought that it might be a rlly cool idea if i can use it to speed up coding by adding pre build code that is frequently used by hack clubbers.
I started with the KMK firmware and wrote the keymap for the Seeeduino XIAO. I set up three inputs on D10, D9, and D8, then assigned macros to each key: an if/else block, a for loop, and a debug print statement. The macros are designed to insert the full snippet and move the cursor into the correct position inside the code.
After firmware, I moved to the PCB design in KiCad. I created a simple schematic (following the tutorial) using the XIAO and three push buttons, then routed the connections directly to the GPIO pins used in the firmware.
Finally, I designed a basic 3D case with a top and bottom shell. The case was modeled around the PCB footprint, with cutouts for the switches and USB port, and basic tolerances for fit. It was annoying that the plate generator wouldn’t generate the correct size that would fit with the rest of my build, so I resized it and broke it into and extra piece for simplicity.
At the end, I organized everything into the required repository structure, including firmware, PCB files, and CAD exports.
I’m rlly proud of this project, and hope that I can use it to create other projects too! :)
