Makropad

DIY 3x3 Custom Stream Deck with Rotary Encoder

A compact, high-performance, and fully customizable macro pad (Stream Deck) built around the Seeed Studio XIAO RP2040 microcontroller. This repository contains the complete KiCad hardware design files, including the schematic and the routed PCB layout.

🚀 Features

• 9 Mechanical Switches: Arranged in a space-saving 3x3 diode-isolated matrix (supports standard Cherry MX style switches).
• Rotary Encoder: Dedicated EC11 vertical encoder for precise volume control, including an integrated push-button functionality (e.g., for instant muting).
• Fully THT-Based Design: Engineered using Through-Hole Technology (THT) for the switches, diodes, and encoder, making it incredibly beginner-friendly and easy to hand-solder.
• Native USB-C: Driven directly by the on-board USB-C port of the XIAO RP2040, eliminating the need for extra charging or interface circuits.

🛠️ Hardware Overview & Pin Mapping

The project utilizes every single data pin on the Seeed Studio XIAO RP2040 to maximize performance without wasting space.

1. The 3x3 Keyboard Matrix

To save GPIO pins, the 9 Cherry MX switches are wired into a multiplexed grid using 1N4148 THT diodes to prevent ghosting.

• Rows: Connected to Pins D0, D1, and D2.
• Columns: Connected to Pins D3, D4, and D5.

2. Rotary Encoder (Alps EC11 Standard)

• Rotary Signals (A & B): Connected to Pins D7 and D8 for directional rotation tracking.
• Common Pin (C): Connected directly to Ground (GND).
• Switch Pins (S1 & S2): Pin S1 is wired to Pin D9 for click-detection, while S2 is tied to GND.

📐 PCB Design Details

The hardware was designed and verified entirely within KiCad 8.0.

• Form Factor: Extremely compact, optimized grid layout.
• Layers: 2-Layer board utilizes both Top Copper (F.Cu in red) and Bottom Copper (B.Cu in green) layers to achieve seamless, intersection-free routing without crossing signals.
• DRC Clean: Passed the final Design Rules Check (DRC) with 0 unconnected pads and 0 footprint errors, ensuring a mathematically perfect circuit ready for manufacturing.
• Edge Definition: Defined custom Edge.Cuts contour surrounding the mechanical elements with standard clearance.

📂 Repository Structure

├── Hardware/
│   ├── stream_deck.kicad_sch  # KiCad Schematic file
│   ├── stream_deck.kicad_pcb  # KiCad Routed PCB Layout file
│   └── stream_deck.kicad_pro  # KiCad Project configuration file
└── README.md                  # Project documentation (this file)