Working with CAD programs involves focusing on the task at hand and keyboard shortcuts can be very handy. Most software packages allow the user to customize these shortcuts but eventually, certain complex key combination can become a distraction.
[awende] over at Sparkfun has created a Cherry MX Keyboard which incorporates all of the Autodesk Eagle Shortcuts to a single 4×4 matrix. The project exploits the Arduino Pro Mini’s ability to mimic an HID device over USB thereby enabling the DIY keyboard. Pushbuttons connected to the GPIOs are read by the Arduino and corresponding shortcut key presses are sent to the host machine.
Additional functionality is implemented using two rotary encoders and the Teensy encoder library. The first knob functions as a volume control with the push-button working as a mute button. The encoder is used to control the grid spacing and the embedded button is used to switch between imperial and metric units. The entire code, as well as the schematic, is available on GitHub for your hacking pleasure. It’s a polished project just ready for you to adapt.
The project can be extended to be used with other computer software such as Gimp and the keys may be replaced by capacitive touch sensors making it more sturdy. Bluetooth can be added to make things wireless and you can check out the Double Action Keyboard to extend functionality further.
Thanks for pointing out this cool project. As much as I use EAGLE, this could be really helpful. One suggestion. I think you meant “Pro Micro” not “Pro Mini”.
A volume knob on a CAD shortcut keyboard? Useful.
Also, it uses a Pro Micro, not a Mini (which has no USB).
Maybe (s)he likes to listen to music while working? Or maybe this is for the phone?
This. Most of the time I spend at the desk is with headphones on to listen to music or a podcast while I work to help me focus by blocking out the background noise.
Nice job, but those labels…
I use a generic usb numeric keypad and hidmacros to set it up if anyone wants something like this with minimal effort.
Good idea. Cherry Blue number pad for $16 on amazon. I was wanting something like this for macros for twitch streaming.
This reminds me of a commercial product called X-Keys, mostly for CAD work. No volume knob though.
I really like the idea of dials. They’re like one-dimensional mice but could be the best UI for quite a few controls.
Can this be used for team fortress 2?
Custom shortcut keyboards are avery good thing for video edition too. Probably for a full USB emulation an Arduino Beetle
http://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/zZ7IQzv
Based on Atmega32U4 with native usb more capable
Has Absolutelyspamming uh i mean automation changed his name?
Again :)
http://www.ilcicali.com/2012/12/21/teensy-post-nerd-e-scacciafiga/
The only Eagle shortcut you need to know is Alt+F4
^^ this.
What a coincidence! This shortcut works on most web browsers.
Extremely useful little trick.
That’s nothing special. On r/MechanicalKeyboard people makes custom keyboards everyday