Making a powerful programmable keypad for less than $30

8/15/2019 Making a powerful programmable keypad for less than $30

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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 padfor much less cost. You can easily pick these up on ebay for under $10.

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I 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't have 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 high by 12mm wide. Printing full size at native dpi will result in correctlysized labels.

Untitled-1.psd (/files/orig/FX0/H0EN/I760QR6G/FX0H0ENI760QR6G.psd)6 MB

Untitled-1.zip (/files/ori g/FEJ/R52Z/I760QRBY/FEJR52ZI760QRBY.zip)324 KB

editing tools.psd (/file s/orig /F45/TV54/I78VL7M6/F45TV54I78VL7M6.psd )2 MB

editing tools.zip (/files/ori g/FM1/GARF/I78VL7M7/FM1GARFI78VL7M7.zip)170 KB

Step 2: Print and cutout your custom labels

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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

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 themlaminate the page for you instead of you using sticky tape. Get 2 sheets printed;

one to laminate and one not, and experiment.

Step 3: Attach your custom labels

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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...

Step 4: Getting your keypad working.

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HID Macros is the software we will need to get everything working.

http://www.hidmacros.eu/ (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 is

C:\Program Files. Right-click the program and "send to" "desktop" to make a

shortcut.

HidMacros.zip (/files /orig/F1S/0QFC/I760QPZW/F1S0QFCI760QPZW.zip)1004 KB

Step 5: Setting up HID Macros from the beginning

Plug 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.

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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

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.

Step 7: Notes on HID Macros

If upon launching the software for the fi rst time you're faced with an error message,

try r ight clicking the program and clicking on "Troubleshoot compatibility" and follow

Windows' suggestions. I run Windows 8.1 and had issues running for the fi rst time.

After following the above instruction everything worked fine.

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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)

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 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 eachdifferently

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.

(http://cdn.instructables.com/FJZ/11LP/I760QKXW/FJZ11LPI760QKXW.LARGE.jpg)

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fredfx (/member/fredfx/)

Oh....one more thing. There's some very inexpensive software called USB

Overdrive that pretty much lets you map anything to anything else. It's for Mac OS.

http://www.usboverdrive.com/

Build-o-Matic (/member/Build-o-Matic/)

This is a great idea!

I already ordered a keypad and while waiting for it to arrive, I wrote a small batch

script that starts HID Macros and Photoshop at the same time and closes HID

Macros when you exit Photoshop.

I even took time to make a small instructable for it.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Enhancement-for-th...

(http://www.instructables.com/id/Enhancement-for-the-30-photoshop-keyboard)

I just hope it will make a great idea even better.

TheSheMullet (/member/TheSheMullet/)

Hi

Does anyone know if this can be used to work with Lightroom.

johnofe ( /membe r/joh nofe /) (author) TheSheMullet

Can use for any software that uses hotkeys or mouse movements.

Just make different labels for the keys.

VladS3 (/member/VladS3/)

Hi there! Nice tutorial, but... in zip file it looks like it is Windows based only. Is

there a Mac OS alternative?

johnofe ( /membe r/joh nofe /) (author) VladS3

featured comment:

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

keytops to glue onto this so you don't even have to look at it, just feel thedifference in each key.

johnofe ( /membe r/joh nofe /) (author) gpurdy1

Totally. If you can do i t, by all means DO :-)

Heck, you could even make completely new key caps with the featurespart of the model.

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rocketman221 (/member/rocketman221/)

Good idea, but it looks like the software doesn't include the source code and only

has a windows executable.

I would probably just put a usb enabled micro in the keypad so it could sendkeyboard and mouse macros without any software intsalled.

johnofe ( /membe r/joh nofe /) (author) rocketman221

Source code: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/)

This is very interesting. I'm thinking that this trick may be extended to an external

complete 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.

johnofe ( /membe r/joh nofe /) (author) ddbbmax

HIDmacros is not application specific, as you mention. However, because

it's "portable" software, you may have multiple installations of it; one for

each program you use and launch only the instance you need for the

software you're using at the time. Just make a copy of the program folder,

rename it, reconfigure it and create a shortcut to it labels for the software

you're config'd it for.

ChristoffSnyman (/member/ChristoffSnyman/)

Won't remapping the keys also remap the numpad on my keyboard?

johnofe ( /membe r/joh nofe /) (author) ChristoffSnyman

The heart of this instructable is the software I

mention and show you how to use. If you don't use

HIDmacros, then it will do as you say, and that's no

good. You must use HIDmacros for it to work. If you

already use other macro software that's OK,HIDmacros can work along side it and even be

used to activate other macros you already use.

Raphango (/member/Raphango/)

Nice job! =D

Treknology (/member/Treknology/)

Thank 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 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 diggingout keypads that I previously had gathered and wasn't sure how to put them to

good use.

johnofe (/membe r/johnofe /) (author) Treknology

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Remember: If HIDmacros cannot produce the exact macro that you need,

it can be used to activate other more advanced macro software by havingit 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

I'm just tired of having to reprogram each version of Office with Ctrl+a,e

etc. when a 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.

But I should be able to paste the character 0230 (æ) straight into the

"macro", in which case it work in Office, emails and any other software

that copes with extended character sets, right?

johnofe ( /membe r/joh nofe /) (author) Treknology

Yes. But...

I attempted to get HIDmacros to dish out Alt0230 but as expected it

couldn't, no matter what I tried. However, I also run Phrase Express on mycomputer for complex tasks and loaded that special character to be

activated by Ctrl+Shift+A (for example. You can use anything) and

programmed HIDmacros to send that key combo when I press a button of

my choosing on the number pad. It works. I press 7 on my pad,

HIDmacros sends Ctrl+Shift+A to the computer and Phrase Express sees

that and inputs ę.

So for complex key presses, you need another macro program for HIDmacros to activate using simpler key combos.

It's certainly possible to do what you need, but you must use a second

program on top of HIDmacros. I love Phrase Express.

nevadarocks (/member/nevadarocks/)

Great project! Could the keypad be used as a gaming keypad?

johnofe ( /membe r/joh nofe /) (author) nevadarocks

Yes. HIDmacros can send almost any keys (or a script containing many

key press actions) with modifier combinations as well as mousemovements. 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.

TSellers22 (/member/TSellers22/)

Although I suck at Photoshop, I have had one of those USB numeric keypads that

I bought on a whim, and used once or twice. I also have a few extra full KB'ssitting 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.

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johnofe ( /membe r/joh nofe /) (author) TSellers22

Sounds good. What about putting tape over the labels you described to

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

I did some follow up today. I'd forgotten you can get those same labels in

clear as well. So 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 butdifferent 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.

WORMSS (/member/WORMSS/)

Thank 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 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.

victoman1234 (/member/victoman1234/) WORMSS

Just hack the numpad's controller board! There are multiple instructables

projects on the subject!

WORMSS (/member/WORMSS/) victoman1234

I wanted to try and write i t from scratch, that way I will know exactly what I

need once I make it on a PCB

johnofe ( /membe r/joh nofe /) (author) victoman1234

I'm sure you agree that while a software solution isn't as interesting ashacking 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.

tovey (/member/tovey/)

Sweet.

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.

:)

johnofe ( /membe r/joh nofe /) (author) tovey

Since the number keyboards only cost like $5 each (ebay) you might as

well not even bother with replaceable label sets, just have a wholedifferent 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.

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goldlego (/member/goldlego/)

Incredible! This is SO cool! Any chance this can be made for a Mac user?

johnofe ( /membe r/joh nofe /) (author) goldlego

A later comment suggested http://www.usboverdrive.com/ for mac

macdeaf (/member/macdeaf/) goldlego

I would use this app --> http://www.bettertouchtool.net

(http://www.bettertouchtool.net) or if you have iPad, then go for

http://getactionsapp.com (http://getactionsapp.com) which has a bigger

button.

For PC, I always use AutoHotKey.com for years however required a

learning curve.

Enjoy!

Scott

mgeorge (/member/mgeorge/) goldlego

You could use Karabiner (https://pqrs.org/osx/karabiner/) or ControllerMate (http://www.orderedbytes.com/controllermate/) to remap

the keys on OSX.

johnofe ( /membe r/joh nofe /) (author) goldlego

Thanks.

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 to

function.

User1 (/member/User1/)

Wow your keys look really nice. I could see alot of people doing this that is in your

situation.

Nice work!

stephenmack (/member/stephenmack/)

Love it!

renanviegas (/member/renanviegas/)

Is there any program for Linux?

hpebley3 (/member/hpebley3/) renanviegas

I think you can do this with built-in Linux utilities, although I've never doneit. Here's a couple places you might try starting with and then hack until

you get what you need: http://superuser.com/questions/75817/two-

keyboards-on-one-computer-when-i-write-with-a-i-want-a-us-keyboard-

layout http://superuser.com/questions/2194/remap-keys-in-linux

johnofe ( /membe r/joh nofe /) (author) renanviegas

Sorry, I know nothing about linux. I know however that HIDmacros will not

work under emulation as it relies on windows core services (or something

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Making a powerful programmable keypad for less than $30