Making a Powerful Programmable Keypad for Less Tha

http://www.instructables.com/id/Making-a-powerful-programmable-keypad-for-less-tha/

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Making a powerful programmable keypad for less than $30.by johnofe on March 13, 2015

Table of Contents

Making a powerful programmable keypad for less than $30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Intro: Making a powerful programmable keypad for less than $30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Step 1: Create your custom labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

File Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Step 2: Print and cutout your custom labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Step 3: Attach your custom labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Step 4: Getting your keypad working. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

File Downloads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Step 5: Setting up HID Macros from the beginning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Step 6: Adding and removing devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Step 7: Notes on HID Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Step 8: Notes about your number pad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

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Intro: Making a powerful programmable keypad for less than $30.Products like the X-Keys programmable keypads are a great companion for anyone who uses hot-key heavy software like PhotoShop. They allow you to lay out all yourhot keys on one small board complete with labels and with a push of a button activate any macro or keystroke programmed into the software.

But those products cost in excess of $100.00 even for the basic model. If you live overseas the cost of importing and the US Dollar exchange rate can balloon the priceand make the products far too expensive.

It's possible to create your own custom macro pad with a basic USB number pad for much less cost. You can easily pick these up on ebay for under $10.


Step 1: Create your custom labelsI am creating a pad for PhotoShop.

I created a draft layout of paper to decide what functions I needed and where they should be. You can do this easily in Excel too. Put effort into this part so that you don'thave to rip off your labels and do them again because you forgot a function.

Google image search each function you desire. I used terms like "fill bucket icon" and "brush icon", etc. In no time you will have a collection of all your buttons.

If you don't have photoshop this part will be hard for you to create, so I have attached a pre-made sheet sezed for A4 paper at 300dpi suitible for keys up to 13mm highby 12mm wide. Printing full size at native dpi will result in correctly sized labels.

File Downloads

Untitled-1.psd (6 MB)[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'Untitled-1.psd']

Untitled-1.zip (324 KB)[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'Untitled-1.zip']

editing tools.psd (2 MB)[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'editing tools.psd']

editing tools.zip (170 KB)[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'editing tools.zip']

http://www.instructables.com/files/orig/FX0/H0EN/I760QR6G/FX0H0ENI760QR6G.psd?utm_source=pdf&utm_campaign=fileshttp://www.instructables.com/files/orig/FX0/H0EN/I760QR6G/FX0H0ENI760QR6G.psd?utm_source=pdf&utm_campaign=fileshttp://www.instructables.com/files/orig/FX0/H0EN/I760QR6G/FX0H0ENI760QR6G.psd?utm_source=pdf&utm_campaign=fileshttp://www.instructables.com/files/orig/FX0/H0EN/I760QR6G/FX0H0ENI760QR6G.psd?utm_source=pdf&utm_campaign=fileshttp://www.instructables.com/files/orig/FEJ/R52Z/I760QRBY/FEJR52ZI760QRBY.zip?utm_source=pdf&utm_campaign=fileshttp://www.instructables.com/files/orig/FEJ/R52Z/I760QRBY/FEJR52ZI760QRBY.zip?utm_source=pdf&utm_campaign=fileshttp://www.instructables.com/files/orig/FEJ/R52Z/I760QRBY/FEJR52ZI760QRBY.zip?utm_source=pdf&utm_campaign=fileshttp://www.instructables.com/files/orig/FEJ/R52Z/I760QRBY/FEJR52ZI760QRBY.zip?utm_source=pdf&utm_campaign=fileshttp://www.instructables.com/files/orig/F45/TV54/I78VL7M6/F45TV54I78VL7M6.psd?utm_source=pdf&utm_campaign=fileshttp://www.instructables.com/files/orig/F45/TV54/I78VL7M6/F45TV54I78VL7M6.psd?utm_source=pdf&utm_campaign=fileshttp://www.instructables.com/files/orig/F45/TV54/I78VL7M6/F45TV54I78VL7M6.psd?utm_source=pdf&utm_campaign=fileshttp://www.instructables.com/files/orig/F45/TV54/I78VL7M6/F45TV54I78VL7M6.psd?utm_source=pdf&utm_campaign=fileshttp://www.instructables.com/files/orig/FM1/GARF/I78VL7M7/FM1GARFI78VL7M7.zip?utm_source=pdf&utm_campaign=fileshttp://www.instructables.com/files/orig/FM1/GARF/I78VL7M7/FM1GARFI78VL7M7.zip?utm_source=pdf&utm_campaign=fileshttp://www.instructables.com/files/orig/FM1/GARF/I78VL7M7/FM1GARFI78VL7M7.zip?utm_source=pdf&utm_campaign=fileshttp://www.instructables.com/files/orig/FM1/GARF/I78VL7M7/FM1GARFI78VL7M7.zip?utm_source=pdf&utm_campaign=files


Step 2: Print and cutout your custom labelsPrint a test label sheet and cut out one label to make sure that it fits your keys perfectly.

When you're satisfied that the labels have printed correctly, print a new sheet and cover each row of labels with tape.

The tape will provide a durable surface to press and protect the label.

The best tape for this is the invisible kind which is often marketed as being able to be written on, non reflective and invisible. Normal tape (the cheap shiny stuff) is nogood because over time it will yellow and peel. Invisible tape doesn't suffer from this problem.

Using your fingernail, rub firmly over the tape to make it stick properly. You'll see the blacks get darker as you do this.

Use a ruler and blade to carefully cut out the labels. Scissors can be used but it's harder to do.

Note:

I used a laser printer for my labels; I'm not sure how ink will react to glue. I'm sure it will be fine but if the results are unsatisfactory, take your image file to your local printshop and get them to print it for you. You may also choose to have them laminate the page for you instead of you using sticky tape. Get 2 sheets printed; one to laminateand one not, and experiment.


Step 3: Attach your custom labelsUse a paintbrush to apply an even layer of PVA glue to one key and carefully place one label that you've cut out on the glue lightly. Position, then press.

Do this one key at a time.

PVA glue sticks to paper very well and will set almost instantly to try to position it perfectly before pressing. Once pressed you may not be able to reposition the label.

The layer of PVA that you apply shouldn't be too thin because the paper will soak it up. The layer should be thin but opaque. If it just makes the key look wet, the layer istoo thin.

Your labels should not overlap the keys or they will peel off with use. See images.

PVA glue shrinks and sets clear so it's OK to leave any excess that oozes out. It will disappear when it's dry leaving a shiny film. You may like to seal the edges of yourlabels by brushing lightly some PVA glue around the edges of each label.

Your keyboard is now complete.

Next: software...

Step 4: Getting your keypad working.HID Macros is the software we will need to get everything working.

http://www.hidmacros.eu/

This is the only macro software that comes ready to use with the ability to take commands from ONE specified keyboard while ignoring another.

This means you can command macros with the numbers on your USB number pad without having them activate when you press numbers on your main keyboard.

Other software may be able to accomplish this, but not without much tinkering and reading of forums.

HID Macros was designed especially for this purpose and performs the task perfectly.

Attached to this page is a ready to use installation of it complete with macros for photoshop mapped to the labels shown in these photos. You can use it as a guide.

This software runs without installation. Simply download the ZIP file, unpack it and move the folder to a location of your choosing. Recommended folder to put it in isC:\Program Files. Right-click the program and "send to" "desktop" to make a shortcut.

File Downloads

HidMacros.zip (1004 KB)[NOTE: When saving, if you see .tmp as the file ext, rename it to 'HidMacros.zip']

Step 5: Setting up HID Macros from the beginningPlug in your keypad first, then start HIDmacros.

(Note: If you get an error upon launching the software, please follow the guide later in this instructional.)

For this example, I will program the number 7 key on my pad to send the letter b when it is pressed, which is the keyboard shortcut for Brush in Photoshop.

Refer to the screenshot above for details on the following instruction.

Click New and then type a name for your new command. I type the word Brush.

Now click the Scan button in HIDmacros then press the button you want to program on your keypad. The number 7 key.

HIDmacros now knows what button to program and from which particular keyboard.

http://www.hidmacros.eu/http://www.instructables.com/files/orig/F1S/0QFC/I760QPZW/F1S0QFCI760QPZW.zip?utm_source=pdf&utm_campaign=fileshttp://www.instructables.com/files/orig/F1S/0QFC/I760QPZW/F1S0QFCI760QPZW.zip?utm_source=pdf&utm_campaign=fileshttp://www.instructables.com/files/orig/F1S/0QFC/I760QPZW/F1S0QFCI760QPZW.zip?utm_source=pdf&utm_campaign=fileshttp://www.instructables.com/files/orig/F1S/0QFC/I760QPZW/F1S0QFCI760QPZW.zip?utm_source=pdf&utm_campaign=files


Now you can specify the action by choosing "Send keyboard sequence" and typing the letter b in the text box.

Click Save Configuration and you can now test the macro.

Any time you press 7 on your number pad, the letter b should be typed by the computer in any application.

Note: HIDmacros is not application specific. An easy workaround is required to make this happen. More on this later in the instructional.

Step 6: Adding and removing devices.HIDmacros can tell which keyboard you want to you and store different macros for each device.

If you add or remove a keyboard device your macros may end up being moved to another device against your wishes. This is unlikely but it can happen.

No need to worry though, you can easily transfer your macros from one device to another.

See the screenshot above.

The device list tells you how many macros are associated with each device. Click on the device which has the macros then click Move macros and select the device youwant to move the macros to.

If you're not sure which device your number pad is, click on the Macros tab and push any key on your pad and the Test Area will tell you which device it is. Don't bealarmed if it says your keyboard is a mouse, it can happen.


Step 7: Notes on HID MacrosIf upon launching the software for the first time you're faced with an error message, try right clicking the program and clicking on "Troubleshoot compatibility" and followWindows' suggestions. I run Windows 8.1 and had issues running for the first time. After following the above instruction everything worked fine.

Modifier keys can be added to your macros to simulate Ctrl+S for example. Please refer to the help file in HID Macros, it features a complete list of commands such as...

+ = Shift

^ = Control

% = Alt

& = Tab

You can even program mouse movements. More info on this page http://www.hidmacros.eu/scripting.php

Step 8: Notes about your number pad.Your number pad (like any) features a number Lock which allows you to change the function of 10 keys. You can take advantage of this to add another 10 macros to yourpad.

I use this feature so that I can use the same button functions under another program.

You must strategically place your labels to take advantage of this by putting labels such as Brush on one of these 10 keys. PhotoShop and ArtRage both have Brushtools but use different hot-keys to activate.

So I placed common tools for both programs on the 10 keys so that in Photoshop I have number lock on and Artrage number lock off.

Alternatively, you can keep multiple installations of HIDmacros and program each differently

Make a copy of the HIDmacros program folder and label each for each program and program your macros independently.

Also:

Your number pad may feature a "000" key. This key will mimic any macro you have assigned to the 0 key and press it 3 times quickly. I have assigned Undo to key 0 andso pressing the 000 key activates undo 3 times, which can be useful. This si why there is another Undo label with a 3x written on it.

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Comments

25 comments Add Comment

WORMSS says: Mar 17, 2015. 5:41 AM REPLYThank you for showing me this HID Macros software.. I have been looking for something like this. I may not do the number pad idea, but it has given mesome ideas for adding physical controls to my PC via an Arduino and some buttons. :D Just need to see how easy it is to turn a Arduino into a HID now.

goldlego says: Mar 14, 2015. 1:06 PM REPLYIncredible! This is SO cool! Any chance this can be made for a Mac user?

mgeorge says: Mar 17, 2015. 5:33 AM REPLYYou could use Karabiner or ControllerMate to remap the keys on OSX.

johnofe says: Mar 14, 2015. 2:33 PM REPLYThanks.

Sorry I know nothing about Macs. HIDmacros is purely windows based due to the HID driver implementation, as in it relies on the windows OS tofunction.

Treknology says: Mar 17, 2015. 5:07 AM REPLYThank you for this i'ble. As a typographer, I often need non-keyboard characters that usually have to be hunted up in the character map using copy andpaste. This would enable the labeling and self-entry of those awkward ALT 0230 keystrokes without having to hope that one has remembered the rightnumber. I'll be digging out keypads that I previously had gathered and wasn't sure how to put them to good use.

dcramirez says: Mar 17, 2015. 5:06 AM REPLYuse ControllerMate if on OSX. It's visual and node based. Very powerful software.

renanviegas says: Mar 17, 2015. 5:03 AM REPLYIs there any program for Linux?

maniacse says: Mar 17, 2015. 4:31 AM REPLYSuper nice idea! Thanks for sharing and inspiration!

tmv22 says: Mar 16, 2015. 5:37 AM REPLYthank you!

andraste says: Mar 14, 2015. 6:14 PM REPLYCan't wait to try this out. I do a lot of Cisco programming and have macros set up on my gaming keyboard I use for work, but having more than 5 will begreat.

Liquid Snakes says: Mar 14, 2015. 4:50 PM REPLYSweet! It looks like this should work on Paint.net because it uses keyboard shortcuts, that I didn't know existed until five minutes ago.

vinz3nt says: Mar 14, 2015. 3:52 PM REPLYOrdered this one http://www.ebay.nl/itm/New-Numeric-Number-USB-Pad-... for 5,28, looks very similar.Can't wait to make it since I use Photoshop a lot on my laptop which is a pain sometimes.

Thanks for the instructable!

newtonn2 says: Mar 14, 2015. 2:01 PM REPLYCool! Thank you very much for sharing!

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mkarimi2 says: Mar 14, 2015. 1:00 PM REPLYow man , this project is sick ! these equipments will really help those who like the shortcuts a lot !

woodworker10101 says: Mar 14, 2015. 12:49 PM REPLYAbsolutely amazing! Well done sir

KEUrban says: Mar 14, 2015. 5:26 AM REPLYBrilliant idea, very nice execution, and something I've been wondering how to tackle. Thanks for the tip on the software.

seamster says: Mar 13, 2015. 5:07 PM REPLYGreat idea! Have you used your keypad for a substantial amount of time? I'm wondering how well the new labels have held up over time.

johnofe says: Mar 13, 2015. 5:31 PM REPLYSorry, I only just completed the project a day ago and am using it now. The PVA is doing a good job so far. I originally tried glue-stick. It worked but I waseasily able to peel the labels off later on purpose. Good if you're creating a temp layout, it leaves no residue behind and is rather strong during use.

MikB says: Mar 14, 2015. 3:03 AM REPLYI would expect them to last longer than some of the cheap USB keyboards' original legending, which is printed on and barely covered over. A layer of3M scotch magic tape (I think that's the stuff you're using) is much thicker. Anyway, if it doesn't last, you can easily scrub and redo them -- not soeasy to scrub and redo the original lettering on a fading keyboard :(

WYN soldier says: Mar 14, 2015. 2:05 AM REPLYI love it!

corybschneider says: Mar 13, 2015. 4:31 PM REPLYI saw another ible that laid out the process for transferring printed materials (printed in reverse) onto metals. I'm sure you can use a similar technique. Sorry,I can remember which type of printing/paper you need to use. You'll have to use your googfu

johnofe says: Mar 13, 2015. 5:33 PM REPLYI had thought about doing this, but I found it too hard to remove the existing writing on the keys without damaging them. Too much work. Perhapspainting the keys black first would do it. You can get laser etching done on the cheap too, usually about $3 per word, not sure how it'd look though. Goodfor white keys, not so much black.

Wired_Mist says: Mar 13, 2015. 7:33 PM REPLYYou mean this one?

http://www.instructables.com/id/Professional-Looki...

And Really nice job on the Icons. Almost looks OEM :P

One question.. Will this affect my normal Numpad too? or does it only set macro's for the Ext Numpad?

johnofe says: Mar 13, 2015. 8:17 PM REPLYUsing HIDmacros, you can set macros for your USB number keyboard and will be able to use the numbers on your other keyboard withoutactivating the macros.

HIDmacros is the heart of this project and the reason one is able to use a simple number pad for it. Other macro software would make thenumbers on your main keyboard inoperable.

Wired_Mist says: Mar 13, 2015. 9:21 PM REPLYNow Thats Cool !

Thanks for the share; Grats on your First I'ble !

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Making a Powerful Programmable Keypad for Less Tha