Paul and Ray have put together a delicious custom macro keypad build class to keep you entertained during the cold winter months. The PCB, enclosure and firmware are all custom, of our own design with an eye towards producing a great finished project that is approachable by any of our members.

You’ll leave class with a working macro keypad that can be used as is or you can continue on your own to customize further. Addressable RGB LEDs allow for custom lighting effects and the encoder (with push switch) and mechanical key switches can be integrated into your computer in countless ways.

Included in this class is an Arduino Pro Micro, around a dozen through hole components, a dozen surface mount LEDs, 6 Cherry MX style switches, an encoder and an acrylic enclosure.

We will teach basic soldering skills (both through hole and surface mount). You’ll have about 125 solder joints so if this is your first time soldering, you’ll get plenty of practice.

It also turns out that the Electronics Zone has been substantial investments in microscopes, upgraded solder irons and hand tools so that every attendee has a nice set of tools to make the most of these classes.

We planned for a 4 hour build class but the duration is difficult to predict precisely and may vary among attendees. We plan to stay until everyone is done.

All proceeds go to Knox Makers.

Directions- Knox Makers parking and entrance is located around the back of the SPARK building in the fenced in area.

Knox Makers is a place for the Knoxville area’s engineers, artists, hobbyists, innovators, educators and entrepreneurs to work and play. We are a technology and art collective dedicated to the promotion of creativity enabled and informed by science. Our lectures, workshops, and outreach programs inspire and educate both members and the general public. Our workshop provides members with both the space for large projects and the tools to complete them. We are a non-profit educational organization supported by member dues and staffed by volunteers.