Transparent Macropad

Devlog 14:
-The Hackpad kit is here!
-Did some improvements on the case.
Extra:
The parts (only the hackpad kit ) are finally here after 1 month of waiting. And I can (not) finally start making the hackpad!
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Anyway. I totally forgot (didn’t bother doing it) to order the case and PCB until now. But that was actually a good thing, since there where some things I had to change on the case so that everything would fit without any problems.
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I’m also considering using KMK instead of QMK since I now know how to code in Python. I’m switching because I don’t know if my code for QMK will work. And because I probably got help from AI more than I was allowed too.
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I’ll have to wait until I get either the “Printing Legion” grant or get a reimbursement that I can use JLC3DP to get my case.
Edit:
I got the grant and was about to order the parts. But apparently, JLCPCB adds the Tax and Customs Duties directly in the same order. Which makes the order a whole $37.62! Which is obviously to much to be able to use the 2 grants. Guess I’ll have to wait for reply on Slack before ordering.
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Another thing. I’m not sure what the “special something” that was supposed to come in the Hackpad kit was/is. (2nd Image. And there are just parts under the paper).
Here is the link: https://hackclub.enterprise.slack.com/archives/C07S1RDHN14/p1788190369398089

Update:
I have now printed a test case and pcb to check measurements etc. It looks good and is the perfect size, so I’m happy with it. One thing I need to fix is the screen placement since it doesn’t fully line up with the cutout. (3rd Image)
See ya in the next one

Devlog 13.2:
-Made some changes in the GitHub repository.
-Remade the README.md file because it got deleted by accident.
Extra:
I also made a quick assembly instruction just because. I’ll add more later maybe.

Devlog 13.1:
-Added some things to the README.md file on GitHub.
-Fixed some things with the GitHub repository.

Devlog 13:
-Finally got the code working (hopefully).
-Made a repository for all of the files.
Extra:
I’m finally done with making my first project (not including assembling). It was a bit hard at times (only coding), but still very fun overall. This project also got tagged as a “Super Star Project” which I didn’t even know what it was until I searched it up. It’s kinda un-imaginable for me that I managed to make something that got tagged with a “Super star”. Maybe I’m glorifying it a bit too much, but I’m still happy.
I’ll try submitting the files soon and maybe give one last update when the parts arrives.

Devlog 12.1:
Still learning how to code. And now that school has started I now have a lot more to do. I’ll try getting this project finished soon since there is something else I also want to do.

Devlog 12:
-Fixed some problems in KiCad
-Started organizing some of the files.
Extra:
I haven’t been felling well these past two days so haven’t really done much. But now I’m feeling better and I’ll try making the finishing touches.
Now I know the basics for GitHub (I’m new to this) and I am currently learning how to code and how QMK works.

Devlog 11.2:
-No “real” progress once again.
Trying to learn how to code and how to use GitHub since I’m new to both.

Devlog 11.1:
-No “real” progress today :(
Extra:
Im just trying to figure out what to do now that Im done with the PCB and case. If anyone else is done with their Hackpad and are willing to help id really appreciate it

Devlog 11:
-Added some space for the head of the screw to sit in (so it doesn’t stick out).
-Drew some doodles on the PCB.
Extra:
The filament I have is apparently not “see-through” enough, so I have to purchase a new roll. If you have any recommendations on good transparent filament id appreciate it. I didn’t notice until now that Transparent and Translucent are not the same.
Oh btw, what should I draw in the red circle on the 2nd image. Preferably something that has to do something with electricity since it’s right in front of the type-C port. Maybe a pokemon or smt.

Devlog 10:
-Added ridges on the knob for better grip.
-Made the walls on the case thinner (from 1.2mm to 1.0mm)
-Added screws in the model (not visible in the image). What an achievement I know.
Extra:
I have now printed 2 test pieces (at this point in time) for the case to be able to improve the overall “see-through-ness” (is that even a real word) of the finished case. They are not sanded or anything so I believe that I can improve the “see-through-ness” (said it again) alot.
Image:

1. As you can see it’s not really “see-through” enough.
2. I added a tiny support for the PCB mount (where the PCB sits).
   Edit:
   The case and knob will be printed with resin instead for a much clearer look.

Edit:
The case and knob will be made with resin.

Devlog 9:
-Finished up the case.
-Made a knob.
-Changed material on the LEDs so they would light up in the render.
Extra:
I got the color off the case as close as possible (not including layer lines) to the real filament that Im using (Unfortunately it won’t be this clear since it’s 3d printed). I also tested a few different colors on the PCB to see what looked the best with my current color scheme.
Question:

1. Should I remove the LED under the knob or leave it be?
2. Blue PCB or Green PCB?
   Share your opinion in the comments if you’d like ^_^

Devlog 8:
-Continued with the case.
Extra:
I did a quick render of how it will look when it’s finished. Since I couldn’t get the color or texture right (comparing to a failed 3d-printed piece I have), it will be a slightly different color and have layer lines where I can not sand them down.

Devlog 7:
-Did some changes on the PCB so that the screw mount would fit without problem.
-Remade the case again (not done yet).
Extra:
The new case looks almost identical to the last one. And they are. Except for a few measurements.

Devlog 6:
-Started with the case design.
-Added screw/mounting holes on the PCB.
Extra:
I just wanted to add that I haven’t been able to log my hours these past 2 days because of an issue with hackatime. So I decided to start over with the case (had to remake it no matter what so there is no real problem)

Devlog 5:
-Moved some components
-Rerouted the traces
-Tested and played around a bit with adding images to the pcb

Devlog 4:
-Started organizing the components
-Added the components 3d models
-Started routing the Traces

Ill change the clearence between components and re-route the traces next time

Devlog 3:
Started over because i wanted to add LEDs and had to change to matrix wiring for all the switches to work.

Devlog 2:
Checking measurements and changing a few things

Devlog 1:
Started on my macropad for the “Hackpad misson”