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by johnofe
(/member/johnofe/)
Download (/id/Making-a-powerful-programmable-keypad-for-less-tha/?download=pdf)
(/id/Making-a-powerful-programmable-keypad-for-less-tha/)
8 Steps
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johnofe
(/member/johnofe/)
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macro (/tag/type-id/category-technology/keyw ordmacro/)
(http://cdn.instructables.com/F9D/FY0R/I760T915/F9DFY0RI760T915.LARGE.jpg)
(http://cdn.instructables.com/FVF/18NY/I760QM0T/FVF18NYI760QM0T.LARGE.jpg)
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 your hot 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
price and 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.
Related
Simple Shortcuts
Keyboard
(http://www.instructables.com/id/SimpleShortcuts-Keyboard/?
utm_source=pm&utm_medium=relatedCustomized computer
keyboard
(http://www.instructables.com/id/Customized-
(http://cdn.instructables.com/FN2/NMW4/I760QL4D/FN2NMW4I760QL4D.LARGE.jpg)
computer-keyboard/?
How To Make A Backlit
Keyboard
(http://www.instructables.com/id/HowTo-Make-A-BacklitKeyboard/?
Keyboard Media Controls
for Windows with
AutoHotKey
(http://www.instructables.com/id/KeyboardMedia-Controls-forKeyboard Thumbtacks
(http://www.instructables.com/id/KeyboardThumbtacks/?
utm_source=pm&utm_medium=relatedinstructables&utm_campaign=related_test)
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Untitled-1.psd
Untitled-1.zip
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editing tools.psd
(/files/orig/F45/TV54/I78VL7M6/F45TV54I78VL7M6.psd)2 MB
editing tools.zip
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(http://cdn.instructables.com/FVP/1UYP/I760QKUS/FVP1UYPI760QKUS.LARGE.jpg)
(http://cdn.instructables.com/FF7/HAEA/I760QKV8/FF7HAEAI760QKV8.LARGE.jpg)
Print 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 no
(http://cdn.instructables.com/F6X/NIPL/I760QKVW/F6XNIPLI760QKVW.LARGE.jpg)
good 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
print shop 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 laminate and one not, and experiment.
(http://cdn.instructables.com/FJP/2R7Y/I760QKWF/FJP2R7YI760QKWF.LARGE.jpg)
(http://cdn.instructables.com/FBR/V5XJ/I760QKY8/FBRV5XJI760QKY8.LARGE.jpg)
Use 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
is too 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 your
labels by brushing lightly some PVA glue around the edges of each label.
Your keyboard is now complete.
Next: software...
HidMacros.zip
(/files/orig/F1S/0QFC/I760QPZW/F1S0QFCI760QPZW.zip)1004 KB
(http://cdn.instructables.com/FN3/B2C6/I760T1HH/FN3B2C6I760T1HH.LARGE.jpg)
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.
(http://cdn.instructables.com/F7A/BI1O/I760QQT0/F7ABI1OI760QQT0.LARGE.jpg)
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
you want 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
be alarmed if it says your keyboard is a mouse, it can happen.
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 (http://www.hidmacros.eu/scripting.php)
(http://cdn.instructables.com/FJZ/11LP/I760QKXW/FJZ11LPI760QKXW.LARGE.jpg)
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 your pad.
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 Brush
tools 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 and so 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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fredfx (/member/fredfx/)
Reply
2 days ago
Oh....one more thing. There's some very inexpensive software called USB
that pretty much lets you map anything to anything else. It's for Mac OS.
(/member/fredfx/)
Overdrive
http://www.usboverdrive.com/
Build-o-Matic (/member/Build-o-Matic/)
Reply
4 hours ago
TheSheMullet (/member/TheSheMullet/)
Reply
11 hours ago
Hi
(/member/TheSheMullet/)
TheSheMullet
Reply
5 hours ago
Can use for any software that uses hotkeys or mouse movements.
(/member/johnofe/)
VladS3 (/member/VladS3/)
Reply
14 hours ago
Hi there! Nice tutorial, but... in zip file it looks like it is Windows based only. Is
Mac OS alternative?
(/member/VladS3/)
there a
VladS3
5 hours ago
Reply
yesterday
Reply
featured comment:
(/member/johnofe/)
http://www.usboverdrive.com/
gpurdy1 (/member/gpurdy1/)
I know it's crazy overkill, but if you have a 3D printer you could make little relief
to glue onto this so you don't even have to look at it, just feel the
difference in each key.
(/member/gpurdy1/)
keytops
gpurdy1
19 hours ago
Reply
Heck, you could even make completely new key caps with the features
part of the model.
rocketman221 (/member/rocketman221/)
21 hours ago
Reply
Good idea, but it looks like the software doesn't include the source code and only
executable.
(/member/rocketman221/)
has a windows
I would probably just put a usb enabled micro in the keypad so it could send
keyboard and mouse macros without any software intsalled.
Reply
Source code:
(/member/johnofe/)
http://www.hidmacros.eu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=...
(http://www.hidmacros.eu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=221)
Doing what you say would be good, but it's above my own and many other
peoples capabilities. But I do agree that if you can do it, by all means do.
ddbbmax (/member/ddbbmax/)
yesterday
Reply
This is very interesting. I'm thinking that this trick may be extended to an external
keyboard to be used for example with autocad or even photoshop,
considering that such devices cost hundreds dollars. From what I can understand
HIDmacros is not able to save different macro configurations, or profiles
("Photoshop", "Autocad"), for the same device. This could be the killing feature.
(/member/ddbbmax/)
complete
ddbbmax
19 hours ago
Reply
(/member/johnofe/)
it's "portable"
ChristoffSnyman (/member/ChristoffSnyman/)
yesterday
Reply
ChristoffSnyman
19 hours ago
Reply
yesterday
Reply
2 days ago
Reply
Raphango (/member/Raphango/)
Nice job! =D
(/member/Raphango/)
Treknology (/member/Treknology/)
Thank you for this i'ble. As a typographer, I often need non-keyboard characters
to be hunted up in the character map using copy and paste. This
would enable the labeling and self-entry of those awkward ALT 0230 keystrokes
without having to hope that one has remembered the right number. I'll be digging
out keypads that I previously had gathered and wasn't sure how to put them to
good use.
(/member/Treknology/)
that usually have
Treknology
yesterday
Reply
Remember: If HIDmacros cannot produce the exact macro that you need,
it can be used to activate other more advanced macro software by having
(/member/johnofe/)
it mimic the keyboard shortcut that would activate it in the other software.
For AltGr characters I expect this would need to be done because I doubt
HIDmacros can do it on it's own.
Treknology (/member/Treknology/)
johnofe
yesterday
Reply
I'm just tired of having to reprogram each version of Office with Ctrl+a,e
new version is installed. If it can't do it, then I stick with my
Gateway2000 keyboard that can generate it's own macros, but I can't do
the same speed as I can on an IBM Model M.
etc. when a
(/member/Treknology/)
But I should be able to paste the character 0230 () straight into the
"macro", in which case it work in Office, emails and any other software
that copes with extended character sets, right?
Treknology
yesterday
Reply
Yes. But...
(/member/johnofe/)
nevadarocks (/member/nevadarocks/)
yesterday
Reply
yesterday
Reply
nevadarocks
Yes. HIDmacros can send almost any keys (or a script containing many
actions) with modifier combinations as well as mouse
movements. You can program label however you want. Very flexible. View
the help file in HIDmacros (it's only one page and simple) it's good info.
(/member/johnofe/)
key press
TSellers22 (/member/TSellers22/)
2 days ago
Reply
Although I suck at Photoshop, I have had one of those USB numeric keypads that
whim, and used once or twice. I also have a few extra full KB's
sitting around doing nothing. So when I saw this I realized the potential. Perhaps
first I'll try it for Adobe Premier and go from there for the key shortcuts. Another
option for key labels would be to get a weatherproof polyester laser label, do a
search for Product OL2050 - 0.5" x 0.5" Small Square Labels, and you should
find a few sources. I use a laser printer to make larger labels using that material.
Eventually the toner does scratch off, but when that happens you'll be able to stick
a replacement on quickly.
(/member/TSellers22/)
I bought on a
(http://cdn.instructables.com/F0B/5YM3/I7D5VVNC/F0B5YM3I7D5VVNC.LARGE.jpg)
TSellers22
yesterday
Reply
Sounds good. What about putting tape over the labels you described to
(/member/johnofe/)
prevent the toner being worn off? Either way I like the idea. I was playing
with the idea of using dymo labels (thermal-laimated cassette ) but that's
only good for text, but they're very tough and sticky.
TSellers22 (/member/TSellers22/)
johnofe
yesterday
Reply
I did some follow up today. I'd forgotten you can get those same labels in
that means you have the alternative of using Inkjet stock
as well as weatherproof stock to print on, and then you can 'seal' it. For
example, you can print on regular matte or gloss with Laser or Inkjet, and
then place the same .5"x.5" clear label over top to 'seal' it. So even if you
do use the weatherproof your can stick the clear over the top to protect it.
So you are using two sheets of labels that are identical in size but
different material. You print on the first, then place the clear label over the
top when it has been put on the key. This does open up the option of
using non-weatherproof label material such as paper matte or gloss, and
also would allow for the use of an Inkjet printer as well.
clear as well. So
(/member/TSellers22/)
WORMSS (/member/WORMSS/)
2 days ago
Reply
Thank you for showing me this HID Macros software.. I have been looking for
like this. I may not do the number pad idea, but it has given me some
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.
(/member/WORMSS/)
something
victoman1234 (/member/victoman1234/)
WORMSS
2 days ago
Reply
Just hack the numpad's controller board! There are multiple instructables
subject!
projects on the
(/member/victoman1234/)
WORMSS (/member/WORMSS/)
victoman1234
yesterday
Reply
I wanted to try and write it from scratch, that way I will know exactly what I
I make it on a PCB
need once
(/member/WORMSS/)
victoman1234
yesterday
Reply
I'm sure you agree that while a software solution isn't as interesting as
the firmware, it's a lot quicker and simpler for those of us who
lack the hardware and confidence to commit to such a project. I am
interested in what you mention however and will look into it. But keep in
mind the intended audience probably wouldn't commit to that level of
modification. It's out or reach of even myself I recon.
(/member/johnofe/)
hacking
tovey (/member/tovey/)
2 days ago
Reply
Sweet.
(/member/tovey/)
Now if you can make several icon sets so that they are replaceable, and you can
create several profile settings, you could program the device for any purpose.
Changing the profile setting then changing your icon buttons and the device then
works for a totally different program.
:)
tovey
yesterday
Reply
Since the number keyboards only cost like $5 each (ebay) you might as
with replaceable label sets, just have a whole
different keypad for each use. They're so cheap its not even worth
bothering with removal labels. But a bunch of them and customise each.
You can even have them all plugged in at the same time because
HIDmacros can tell the difference and let you program them all
independently at the same time. I've got two going at the same time
myself. One for editing and one for drawing tools.
(/member/johnofe/)
well not even bother
goldlego (/member/goldlego/)
5 days ago
Reply
Incredible! This is SO cool! Any chance this can be made for a Mac user?
(/member/goldlego/)
goldlego
yesterday
Reply
macdeaf (/member/macdeaf/)
goldlego
2 days ago
Reply
(/member/macdeaf/)
(http://www.bettertouchtool.net)
mgeorge (/member/mgeorge/)
goldlego
2 days ago
Reply
(/member/mgeorge/)
ControllerMate
goldlego
5 days ago
Reply
Thanks.
(/member/johnofe/)
User1 (/member/User1/)
yesterday
Reply
Wow your keys look really nice. I could see alot of people doing this that is in your
(/member/User1/)
situation.
Nice work!
stephenmack (/member/stephenmack/)
yesterday
Reply
2 days ago
Reply
yesterday
Reply
Love it!
(/member/stephenmack/)
renanviegas (/member/renanviegas/)
hpebley3 (/member/hpebley3/)
renanviegas
I think you can do this with built-in Linux utilities, although I've never done
a couple places you might try starting with and then hack until
you get what you need: http://superuser.com/questions/75817/twokeyboards-on-one-computer-when-i-write-with-a-i-want-a-us-keyboardlayout http://superuser.com/questions/2194/remap-keys-in-linux
(/member/hpebley3/)
it. Here's
renanviegas
2 days ago
Reply
Sorry, I know nothing about linux. I know however that HIDmacros will not
emulation as it relies on windows core services (or something
work under
(/member/johnofe/)
like that).
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