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2 layers97.6 × 81.8 mmDilpad, the printed circuit board in 3D

dilpad: Hotswap Numpad/Macropad with QMK Support

Size
97.6 × 81.8 mm
Copper layers
2
Thickness
1.6 mm
Parts
37
Nets
39
Pads
217
Tracks, vias
170, 0
Routed
Yes
KiCad
KiCad 7 (file 20221018)
Created
1 Feb 2024
Updated
14 Feb 2024

Overview

Dilpad is an open-source printed circuit board by dillhicks, from the dillhicks/dilpad repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 97.6 × 81.8 mm with 37 parts on 39 nets, routed with 170 tracks and 0 vias.

Its parts include 17 diodes, 2 switches, 1 IC and 1 connector. It belongs with the keyboards and input boards and the AVR (ATmega, ATtiny) boards of this library.

README

README.md

dilpad: Hotswap Numpad/Macropad with QMK Support

Cover text of dilpad

Summary

Dilpad is a simple, easy to build numpad that is loosely based on the Dumbpad. Initially created as a fork of the Dumbpad combo_oled, but adds hotswap switches, screw holes for mounting the PCB to the case, and moved everything to the right. It was decided at that point to simply make another board to learn how to build keyboards from scratch!

This board presents a great introduction to making keyboards, and soldering to those who are new. The dilpad also sounds surprisingly good with a plate/shroud and case that resonates well. The dilpad was also designed with a little bit more space to the edges of the PCB, which can open the doors for some interesting mounting options, such as gasket mounting if anyone wants to try that.

Features

  • QMK & VIA Support

  • Hotswap Sockets

  • Rotary Encoder

  • Through-Hole Components: Designed for straightforward soldering.

Parts List

The following components are needed to build the dilpad. Costs have been added for convenience (based off of 2024 Aliexpress prices)

Mandatory Components

ComponentQuantityApprox. Cost for 1 dilpad ($)
Dilpad PCB12.5
MX-style mechanical switches164
Kailh CPG151101S11 hotswap sockets163
MX-style keycaps162.5 (or use those leftover with your keycap set!)
1N4148 diodes (through-hole)170.5
Arduino Pro Micro or a pin-compatible ATmega32u4-based MCU13.5

Optional Components

ComponentQuantityApprox. Cost for 1 dilpad ($)
EC11 rotary encoder with pushbutton11
SSD1306 OLED12
6mm push button1.25

In total, it should cost less than 25 dollars, even cheaper if you decide to forgo the OLED and rotary encoder!

Tools Needed

  • Soldering Iron

  • Flush Wire Cutters

  • Kapton Tape (to insulate the bottom of the OLED)

PCB

Assembly Instructions

I reccomend to solder the components in the following order to the starting from the back side of the PCB:

  1. Hotswap Sockets (insert on the back, soldered from the back)
  2. Diodes (insert on the front, solder from the back, then cut off diode leads)
  3. Arduino Pro Micro (insert on the front, solder from the back, then cut off leads)
  4. Rotary Encoder (insert on the front, solder from the back)
  5. OLED (Insert on the front, elevate over the Pro Micro, then solder from the back)

Flash Your Firmware:

  1. Download the .hex file included in the firmware folder, I reccomend the dilpad_via.hex file.
  2. Install QMK Toolbox, or another .hex flashing tool such as avrdude
  3. Turn on Auto-Flash in QMK Toolbox, or find what COM Port is used when the Pro Micro is reset in the next step
  4. Reset the Pro Micro by shorting GND and RESET, or if the 6mm button is installed, press the button
  5. QMK Toolbox should the flash the firmware, or start avrdude immediately after resetting, the firmware should then flash, and should be ready to go!

Case and Plate

Printables

Cover text of dilpad

TODO

  • Add Firmware to QMK and VIA for official support

  • Make version of shroud without rotary encoder and oled

  • Add additional tools to OLED

Parts

37
QtyValueFootprintReferences
171N4148Diode_THT:D_DO-35_SOD27_P7.62mm_HorizontalD1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, D8, D10, D11, D12, D13, D14, D15, D16, D17 +1
16MX_SW_HSPCM_marbastlib-mx:SW_MX_HS_1uMX1, MX2, MX3, MX4, MX5, MX6, MX7, MX8, MX9, MX10, MX11, MX12, MX13, MX14, MX15, MX16
1Conn_01x04_SocketConnector_PinHeader_2.54mm:PinHeader_1x04_P2.54mm_VerticalJ1
1ProMicroPCM_marbastlib-xp-promicroish:ProMicro_USBupU1
1RotaryEncoder_SwitchPCM_marbastlib-various:ROT_Alps_EC11E-SwitchSW1
1SW_PushButton_Switch_THT:SW_PUSH_6mm_H8mmSW2

Questions

How big is the Dilpad PCB?

It measures 97.6 × 81.8 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.

What parts does the Dilpad use?

37 parts. The full list of its parts is on this page, with links to each part's symbol and footprint where PCBKit's library has them.

Where can I download the Dilpad KiCad files?

From the dillhicks/dilpad repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is dilpad.kicad_pcb and its schematic dilpad.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.

Can I use the Dilpad design in my own project?

Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask dillhicks before reusing the design.

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