CNC Rotary Macropad

published July 31, 2024, last edited January 22, 2025

posted in 3D Printing CircuitPython Tools/ Soldering Programming/ MicroPython / CircuitPython Internet of Things - IOT/ Bluefruit / BLE

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Intermediate

Project guide

Overview

CNC MacroPad

You can build a dedicated macropad for controlling your 3D printing slicing software with snap-part NeoKey switches, a CNC rotary encoder and the Feather RP2040 running CircuitPython.

Glowing Hotkeys

Each key is assigned to a shortcut for the popular Ultimaker CURA slicing software. The large (and heavy) rotary encoder can rotate around your model and even zoom in/out!

Dynamic Rotary Encoder

The CNC rotary encoder can switch between three different modes. The lower three key switches can toggle between each mode. This makes the rotary encoder much more versatile allowing you to quickly switch between keyboard arrow keys and the mouse scroll wheel.

Customizable Macropad

The CircuitPython code allows for easily customization. Change the keyboard shortcuts to control any number of software such as CAD, graphics and video editing applications.

Parts

Top view video of a Black woman's hands pressing the key switches on to emit rainbow colors from the NeoPixels.

NeoKey 5x6 Ortho Snap-Apart Mechanical Key Switches w/ NeoPixel

For folks who want ready-to-go keeb action, we've got the lovely Adafruit Macropad with a 3x4 grid of MX+NeoPixel key switches -...

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Angled shot of black rectangular microcontroller "Feather RP2040"

Adafruit Feather RP2040

A new chip means a new Feather, and the Raspberry Pi RP2040 is no exception. When we saw this chip we thought "this chip is going to be awesome when we give it the Feather...

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