u/Background_Ad_1810

Slimmed down from the previous version, and added a hood to give the enclosure a bit more character and detail.

One of the things I've been thinking about with this project is that I don't want it to be just another functional box sitting on the desk. A numpad/macropad spends quite a lot of time doing nothing, so if it is going to permanently occupy desk space, I want it to feel more like an object that belongs there.

The previous design was intentionally quite chunky, but this version is a little slimmer and more refined. I also added the hood around the upper part of the enclosure to break up the shape and give the display area a stronger visual identity.

Functionally, it is still a numpad and programmable macropad with five configurable profiles. The display can show a clock when idle, play GIFs, and also work as a standalone calculator. The knob can be used to switch between different screens and control volume, and the whole thing connects over BLE.

I've also added build guides, wiring information, the PCB schematic, firmware, and some more details to the GitHub repository. I believe there should now be enough information there to build one yourself without having to reverse-engineer too much of my prototype.

It is still very much a personal little project, but I'm enjoying trying to find the balance between something useful and something that simply feels nice to have sitting on the desk.

Files and build information are here:

https://github.com/unkyulee/macropad

Un Kyu Lee

Finished the steampunk cyberdeck I posted a few weeks ago. Here is what I updated:

• Added keyboard labels
• Swapped out some plastic parts for metal ones, as suggested by others last time
• Added a dome over the ESP32 C3, the brain of the computer
• Wrote a CHIP-8 virtual machine for it and a little opcode editor, so it's possible to program this computer on the go while powering it off the engine
• Added some preloaded CHIP-8 ROMs
• Made a little manual for it that lists all the opcodes for programming and even includes some programs to type in

I also built a steampunk inspired work desk and ran around my hometown to try and grab some steampunk themed photos.

Hey guys, ive been lurking and learning here for a long time, finally have something to show.

When I was a kid I wanted a Guitar Hero and a Game Boy and couldn't afford either. These days it's a groovebox like an OP-1 or an Elektron is thousands of moonies. So I built all three into one ESP32-S3 handheld. currently it has four apps,

you pick one from a launcher on boot:

GROOVEBOX - FM synth, wavetable, serum patches and a sampler with a step sequencer

WC-HERO -Guitar Hero style rhythm game, plays on the buttons

RETROGO - retro game emulator

BADRUL - voice assistant, you hold a button and talk to it

Specs:

- ESP32-S3 (16MB flash, PSRAM)

- 2.8" ILI9341 SPI display

- PCM5102A DAC for line out + onboard speaker

- MCP23017 expanders for the button matrix

- WS2812B LEDs on the pads

- SD card for samples and ROMs

Each app lives in its own flash partition and the launcher jumps into

whichever one you pick, so they're all fully separate firmwares on one

device.

Took me a long time to get here and most of what I learned came from

this subreddit. Thanks for that, genuinely.

Let me know what you think. Happy to answer anything.

sorry for the strong wind sound in the video.

EDIT: a few people asked where to follow this. Putting updates here

so I don't lose anyone: https://forms.gle/BsX65nwVeFRWkw8u8

I’m away for a few days, slowly adding lines to my novel. I love this little machine, I’m writing every day. Even if it’s just a few lines.

A scientific calculator from 1970 by Wang Laboratories, one of the leading business electronics companies of its era. It has a rotating 12-digit Nixie tube display, one kilobyte of memory across 14 registers, and can be programmed with up to 120 steps using an optional punched card reader.

Really enjoying using it so far. It was easy to install the rechargeable batteries and get started with using it as a standalone writer. I have been covering the screen with a piece of card to ensure I'm not giving time to editing while I'm building up to a flow state.

Working on my most recent short story far away from the noise of traffic or permanent human habitation. Finnish summer nights are bright and quiet. Extra nice as there’s next to no mosquitos!

Semi-DYI deck based on designs by Un Kyu Lee.

I could never get used to track balls, points or pads, but also did not want to keep moving my hand between mouse and keyboard. So I got our designer to build a mouse sensor into a Ferris Sweep. Would anyone else be interested in this? Final version would almost certainly be wireless. Probably other changes we would make before we sold it to anyone. But if you think it is something you would be interested in, here is a form.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScX7C4VvCJc5jdCj_iLgBe6KE2lMk8dRIjVdcf1Xw4EMbYo8A/viewform?usp=header

The 48-key Keyboard PCB for the following Micro Journal builds is now available for purchase:

• Rev.2 Revamp
• Rev.3: Nadia
• Rev.6: Vivian in New York
• Rev.6.1: Mini

https://www.elecrow.com/micro-journal-diy-kit-48-keys-keyboard-pcb.html

The keyboard PCB has been one of the main blocking points for preparing DIY builds, so I hope this makes things much easier for those who want to build their own Micro Journal.

Un Kyu Lee

The Rev.4 is easy to set up and get started. Simple, thoughtful interface. I had reservations about the tiny screen, but it's perfect for what I use it for: creating first drafts of poems and other dribble. U.K.Lee was super patient and helpful as I tried to decide on color combos.

The uber nerd in me wants to get it to work with BYOK. Couldn't make it happen, even after trying a number of cables and combinations of USB A->C and C->C. So for now, my BYOK is getting to know a life time of keyboards, including the Keyboardio Atreus (second pic)

Built my first writerdeck following these phone enclosure instructions. Ordered the keyboard from Amazon Germany and got the enclosure 3D printed at a local shop. It’s a nice setup and a great conversation starter!

This popped up a few years ago - a concept for a mini C64 by Cem Tezcan - yes the keyboard is giving me carpal tunnel just by looking at it - but a portable with a thumb keyboard would be so much fun. With a mini FPGA capable of running as a c64 or even switch to a new more capable commodore core.. https://blog.adafruit.com/2019/12/12/a-concept-handheld-retro-commodore-hx-64-commodore-commodore64-artstationhq/