FrogPad

FrogPad Devlog 07: we’re so back. (Please ignore any formatting issues, I am currently typing on my mobile device) MY KIT SHOWED UP! The past hour has been putting together parts, test fits, and overall design checks. I also had to sand some things because I accidentally made the port hole too small - hopefully that wound be an issue in the future… Next steps are to learn to sauder and then put stuff together for the case-off test, then install the case! (Image: my case, printed by the nice people over at #printing_legion)

FrogPad Devlog 005:

• Began work on firmware for keyboard; established key layout.
  – Swapped from numpad to sort of a themed quick commands pad (music control, delete key, etc)
• Discovered that OLEDs are probably the hardest part I could have chosen to include (what do you mean my two options are “probably doesn’t work with your OS” or “learn an entirely new coding language”)
• Began work on baby’s first GitHub Repo! Link should be accessible now, if not as soon as I ship.

Next Steps:

• Setup QMK-Now Playing (https://github.com/dob9601/qmk-nowplaying) on board for OLED? Hopefully? I am not sure if it’ll work since I’m on Windows but worth a shot.

(no I don’t know what this code stuff means, this is from my first test compiling)

FrogPad Devlog 004: FINALLY, MODELING

• Redid the PCB. Again. I got it down to 99.925 mm on the larger side, so now I’m in compliance! Still waiting on a sanity check but hopefully I am finally done with this after (checks notes) THREE HOURS???

• Began modeling my case for this on OnShape. It’s frog shaped. I am nothing if not on brand. I only have the bottom case so far, and I’m aiming to finish the whole thing by the end of the week.

Next steps:

• Finish case
• Code/modify code for firmware
• Write README

Frog Pad Devlog 003: AHHHHHHH

So I had to redo the PCB. Three Times. It was easier than rearranging all the parts to reorder them, but it sure did take a lot of trial and error. I had multiple YouTube Tutorials open; I am sorry to whoever watches my Lapse clips because I made a lot of cuts trying to not count research time.

Most of today was reorganizing my parts for wiring/copper-ing and trying to align all my parts. I was going to do edge cuts today but it’s 10 PM right now and I have to be up in 8 hours. But everything’s connected!

Tomorrow is hopefully edge cuts and updating the silkscreen, then running a sanity check before I do this all over again with OnShape.

🐸🗒️!

FrogPad Devlog 002: PCB? what’s a PCB?

• assigned footprints to the components and added to the PCB builder in KiCad. Twice. I accidentally made my switches LEDs, got very confused by the three tutorials I was referencing, and then asked the nice people in #hackpad for help.

Next Steps (this weekend hopefully):

• Copper wire (?) PCB
• Edge cuts
• Screen Details (lilypads, frogs, cleanup text)
• Make the case!!!

🐸🗒️

FrogPad Devlog 001: what have I gotten myself into

• Tried to make a matrix while keeping pins clear for my OLED plans. I am not sure if I succeeded, will continue with tutorials and stuff tomorrow.