OrbitPad is a self-built macro pad with 12 mechanical keys, an OLED display, two rotary encoders, and RGB lighting. Everything is controlled by a Raspberry Pi Pico (RP2040) and a custom PC configuration app.
Devlog #5
Did a big cleanup on the Configurator codebase this session, refactoring everything into proper classes (Sidebar, TopBar, DeviceCard, EditCard, IconCard) with constants pulled out to the top for easier editing. Added real functionality for adding new profiles and layers via input dialogs, with sensible limits (up to 12 profiles, 4 layers). As a nice little bonus, you can now also right-click a layer or profile to delete it.
Next up: key shortcut editing and encoder functionality.
Devlog #4
Started building the OrbitPad Configurator app using Python and CustomTkinter. It’s got a sidebar for switching between app profiles, a live preview of the 12 key grid and both encoders, and a panel to edit each key’s icon, title, and shortcut, plus an icon picker and layer switcher. There’s also a connection status indicator showing whether the pad is linked up.
Still just UI for now, no functionality wired up yet, but it’s already giving a solid feel for how configuring the pad will work.
Devlog #3
Another big step forward this session on the mechanical side of things. I designed the whole case in Fusion, working out the internal structure to fit the PCB, standoffs, and all the components properly. Along the way I went back and changed some mechanical details on the PCB itself to make future cable management easier, since the first layout would’ve been a pain to wire up cleanly inside the case. I also pulled in 3D models of the actual parts (switches, encoders, connectors) to test-fit everything and make sure there’s enough clearance inside the enclosure. On top of that, I put together a rough first version of the button mechanism using a TPU part.
Lots of small back-and-forth between the case and PCB models to make sure everything lines up, but it’s coming together nicely.
Devlog #2
Big update this session. I finished routing all the parts, connecting the schematic and PCB fully. The first routing pass ended up pretty messy though, so I went back and rerouted everything properly, this time adding a proper GND pour and a small VCC pad for cleaner power distribution. While I was at it I also added a logo to the board for a nicer finishing touch, and did a final routing pass along with resizing the edge cuts to get the board outline dialed in. Ran a DRC in between too, which caught a few unconnected nets and duplicate via warnings that I cleaned up. To wrap things up, I 3D-printed a test plate to check that all the switches, encoders, and connectors actually fit before committing to the real PCB.
The board is looking a lot more solid now, both electrically and visually. Next step is finalizing everything and getting ready to order the PCB.
Devlog #1:
Made good progress on OrbitPad this session, focusing on the electrical design.
Improved the overall schematic and added the full key matrix for the 12 mechanical switches, each with a diode for proper matrix scanning. I know the routing looks a bit messy right now, but functionally everything is connected. The Raspberry Pi Pico handles the row/column scanning, drives the two rotary encoders (with push buttons), and reads two extra push buttons (one for layer switching, one additional utility button). It also controls the WS2812B addressable RGB LED and drives the OLED display via SPI.
Started the PCB layout and already placed all major components. Also wired up the key matrix traces already.
Next steps:
-Clean up the matrix routing on the PCB so it’s less chaotic
-Adjust the column wiring in the schematic so the cleaner routing actually works electrically
-Continue routing the remaining connections
