MacroNAVI
Hardware- 3 Devlogs
- 6 Total hours
Very simple macropad themed around Serial Experiments Lain.
Waiting on a reviewer. We'll let you know as soon as there's a decision.
Allll done. I organised the CAD, PCB, and firmware files and set up the git repo. I prepared the KMK configuration for the three keys and OLED,hopefully it all works when the kit arrives.
I also exported the PCB’s Gerber and drill files, packaged them for manufacturing, and finished the BOM and README. Also added some color to the case in FreeCAD; don’t know if that’s the colour it’ll be printed with… will I have to paint it myself?? Anyways I’m submitting now.
Today I worked on the lainboard’s full 3D assembly in FreeCAD. I added the three switches and Cherry-profile keycap models, corrected the switch orientation so the pins lined up with the PCB, and positioned the OLED in its opening.
After checking the assembly, I enlarged the OLED opening slightly to give it 0.3 mm clearance on each side. I also added the XIAO’s two pin headers, four M3×16 screws, and simplified heat-set insert models. I’m still not sure about the exact dimensions of the OLED, so fingers crossed this gets approved and it all fits together.
I exported the complete assembly as a STEP file and updated the top-plate STL. I’m gonna work on organising the project files, finish the firmware setup (thinking of using KMK since I’m very familiar with python), and hopefully I should ship everything today yippeeee
I started designing lainboard (name is a work in progress dont hate man plssss :(( ), a compact 3-key macropad with an OLED display and an open section in the case to show the controller and PCB artwork. I kinda want it to have a “raw” aesthetic. There is 100% a better way to describe that which I’m sure I will find in the future.
I set up the KiCad libraries, wired the switches directly to the Seeed XIAO RP2040, and connected the OLED. I then laid out a 90 × 50 mm two-layer PCB, added four mounting holes, routed the connections, and filled the back layer with a ground plane.
For the silkscreen, I converted an image of Lain into a footprint and placed it below the controller. I also added OLED pin labels and replaced the basic header footprint with one showing the display’s dimensions. After fixing the label sizes, the enabled DRC checks passed with no errors, warnings, or unconnected items.
I’ve now started the fully 3D-printed case in FreeCAD, creating the base. Next are the walls, PCB supports, and top plate openings.
