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1Materials
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All the STL, Gerber, and BOM files can be downloaded from my Github.
For the keys, use any Cherry-style mechanical key switch.
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2Placing the Main Components
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Place the Encoder onto the PCB
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Place the mechanical key switch through the 3D Printed case into the PCB below
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3Soldering
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Use the schematic on my Github as a reference when soldering.
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I chose to hand solder the PCB since I don't have the equipment for hot air soldering. If you also choose to solder the PCB by hand, be sure to use plenty of flux, a good pair of tweezers, and Kapton tape to hold down large SMD components.
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- Pencil tip for THT parts
- Conical tip for SMD parts
- Hoof tip for drag soldering the Atmega32u4 (follow the video above if you've never drag soldered before)
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4Burning the Arduino Bootloader
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In order to program Knobo via the USB port, the Arduino bootloader must first be burned onto the Atmega32u4. I used an Arduino Uno as the ISP programmer. If you wish to do the same, you need to first upload the ArduinoISP Example onto your Uno. Unconnect your Uno afterward.
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Place the Arduino and the Knobo side by side as shown in the picture. Simply connect the ICSP male header of the Arduino to the ISP port of Knobo. I used male to female headers and held it down tight when burning the bootloader, but pogo pins will be a lot more reliable.
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Connect your Uno back to the computer, set up your menu as shown above, and click burn bootloader.
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5Final Assembly and Programming
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Attach the backplate to the case, the hole is for the reset button.
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Attach the keycaps and connect Knobo to your computer using the built-in USB cord. You Knobo can now be programmed like a regular Arduino. Download and upload the code from my Github. Congratulations! You have now finished the build.
Gary Peng











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Hello, I am a university student who likes electronic design, I am very interested in your project, can I communicate with you through email?
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