MBUK Macro Pad Kit
Description
Learn how to solder with this super simple kit! If you mess up, we’ll send you extras to complete your macropad!
NOTE: PCB’s are now GREEN and include a switch plate!
Includes PCB, diodes, and 4 random switches. You will still need to buy a controller
Customer Reviews
I got this kit to practice soldering and try out QMK before building something a bit more interesting. I learnt many things in the process, most importantly that my soldering still needs more practice.
I used a ProMicro RP2040 MCU, and this kit requires the firmware to be compiled with the flag -e CONVERT_TO=rp2040_ce on the compile command in order to generate the required .uf2. This wasn't obvious to me at all, but the support person responded to me quickly with this info.
Even then, *spoiler alert* I couldn't get the onboard LED to light as written, and decided to modify keyboard.json to specify the RP2040 and avoid the need for conversion. With the new mappings, the matrix is "cols": ["GP23", "GP20", "GP22", "GP26"],
"rows": ["GP21"]
and the LED pin is GP17. This worked a treat :)
I still don't have a functioning 4th key, but I suspect that is entirely related to said poor soldering.
General things about assembling the kit: I didn't push my switches in far enough before soldering so I've got issues with spacing. I had to cut short the pins to get the back on (but I think I would have anyway). The connectors on the MCU I used are really tiny and don't run to the edges, unlike Arduino style boards, and they were really hard to solder. I think next time I would test the circuits with a multimeter before attaching the MCU.
fun project to do but instructions are not super clear, recommend socketing the controller and this uses the handwired/mechboards_micropad layout on the qmk configurator
Nice little kit for practicing soldering, I had some clearance issues using a Pro Micro (ATMEGA32U4) & sockets but ii used some spare 5mm standoffs to give me some more space on the bottom and all was good.
Great little kit to get started on. Taught me that the direction you place the diodes in matters. Also taught me that it's useful to useful to get those sockets so you don't have to solder your controller on to the board. I'm ready for the next challenge now.
great kit
fast postage i just wish the random switches where all different instead of all same switches
(they need to get pain 27 on here)
