Spark RP9 (xiao-keypad)

If you took a class using the RP9 Macropad Soldering Kit (fka 9key) PCB, find the Hardware Github Repository here and the Software Github Repository here. The RP9 was developed by some of the nerds at Spark Makerpace for use in the Electronics & Technology Lab’s soldering certification. Sign up for a class at Spark Makerspace!

##Note: This repository contains the hardware design files for the PCB designed in KiCAD. Pull requests are welcome and will be happily reviewed by our team.

##Software

Example firmware for this project is housed in the spark_rp9_sw repository.

Reach out to electronics@sparkmakerspace.org.

Design Goals

The problem: most entry-level soldering kits are not useful following The solution: make it a keyboard (macropad). the kids tell us it’s what they’re into these days.

Requirements:

  • Average new student can assemble in 3 hours of class time.

Assumptions:

  • Decent temperature-adjustable soldering irons.
  • Flux and solder-wick on-hand for cleanup.
  • An instructor skilled in through-hole and surface-mount soldering.
  • students with little-to-no prior soldering experience.

Requirements:

  • Seeedstudio Xiao RP2040 as MCU
    • Mounted on top of board so RGB LED is visible
    • Instructions printed on board.
    • Leave serial pin unused. Break to testpoint?
    • Pinout for Xiao fully labeled on board.
    • SMT 3.5mm jack for I2C SDA/SCL/GND (no power!!)
    • Diodes and MCU not stacked.
    • COL2ROW diode alignment.

v2 goals:

  • wider Xiao pads for mounting castellations.
  • change resistory footprint (wider)
  • hotswap sockets (probably Kailh, but need to be optional)
  • rgb (reverse-mount SK6812Reverse Mount Mini-E)
  • support non-mx switches
  • SAO connector
  • cat pics.

References: The following documents are included in this repository for student reference but are property of their respective authors:

Firmware Notes

  • Spark’s custom firmware for this project can be found at sparkmakerspace/spark_rp9_sw, but is fairly limited in functionality.
  • Those looking for more advanced firmware features may consider KMKfw or QMK, but that is left as an exercise for the reader.

Deployment Notes

This repository automatically deploys to 9key.sparkmakerspace.org, which is hosted on Cloudflare Pages.