For little money you can build a macro keyboard to send commands or text modules to a Mac or PC. We show you how to do it step by step.

Entry into microcontroller programming: DIY macro keyboard The ingredients The Arduino project Alternative microcontroller Blink -Sample project, solder rows of pins Simulate key, read out keypad Article in Mac & i 13/2020 read Getting started with programming microcontrollers has never been so cheap and easy as it is today – thanks to Arduino. After completing the project, tap on an external keypad on one of the 16 Keys to execute a custom keyboard macro and to send it to macOS or Windows programs as if one were normal keyboard connected, which you would have to operate by hand. In this way you can, for example, place special characters hidden in the shallows that you need frequently on a key or insert complex text modules with a tap. This is made possible by microcontrollers that connect to the computer like a USB keyboard.

Input devices such as keyboard and mouse are now connected either via USB or Bluetooth LE. The HID protocol (Human Interface Device) is used in both cases, which was originally conceived for USB. All current operating systems recognize HID devices such as keyboards and mice without the need for a special driver.

If you already have basic electronics, especially a soldering iron, you can use our instructions Build your own individual macro keyboard with USB or BLE for very little money. If you want to buy a soldering device, you shouldn’t save too much on it – even if the work with it for our project is limited to soldering rows of pins. A soldering iron is suitable for many other projects.

Access to all contents of heise + exclusive tests, advice & background: independent, critically sound c’t, iX, Technology Review, Mac & i, Make, c’t read photography directly in the browser register once – read on all devices – can be canceled monthly first month free, then monthly 9, 95 € Weekly newsletter with personal reading recommendations from the editor-in-chief Start FREE month Start your FREE month now Already subscribed to heise +?

Log in and read Register now and read the article immediately More information about heise + Entry into microcontroller programming: DIY macro keyboard The ingredients The Arduino project Alternative microcontroller Blink -Sample project, solder rows of pins Simulate key, read out keypad Article in Mac & i 13/2020 read