RyanBates

1,126 orders since May 11, 2018

Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America

Ships from United States of America.

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Overall Rating:

Review Breakdown

Average Ratings

Product: (4.94)

Documentation: (4.65)

Shipping: (4.84)

Communication: (4.87)

All Reviews

Chris | Sept. 14, 2023

Great Macropad

For PCB for Programmable Macro Keyboard + Encoders v2.

Works great. Can't seem to think of a good use for the analog pot but the rotary encoders are a great addition.

Dan | Feb. 11, 2023

Great Starting Point for Macro Keyboards

For PCB for Programmable Macro Keyboard + Encoders v2.

Not much more you can ask for in a DIY project. There is a video for assembly, example code, 3d printed case and plate and a very easy to put together project. The use cases developed in the example are very interesting too and gave me some ideas of things to do in the future. The board is laid out logically and everything came together easily. It's hard to beat the value in a kit like this when you compare the functionality to commercial products.

Dan | Feb. 11, 2023

Great DIY Macro Keyboard

For PCB Mini Programmable Macro Keyboard + Encoders v2

This macro keyboard was well designed and easy to setup. It doesn't have all the bell and whistles compared to it's the larger one: 3d printed case files, plate for soldering and multiple code examples. I've used it a few times now and it works great. Soldering the components was really easy and the labeling is really helpful. I would totally get this again. I do wish there was QMK firmware available but not sure if that is feasible.

Riley | Sept. 6, 2022

Excellent so far!

For PCB for Programmable Macro Keyboard + Encoders v2.

I ordered the PCB for a macropad project, and as far as I can tell, everything has gone great! Item shipped quickly and got here in good condition, the seller was communicative and responded quickly when I asked about a potential restock, the bill of materials was super helpful, and the documentation and instructions have been pretty clear and understandable, even as a beginner! The only thing I think I could deduct points for is that the instructions don't include example code or details for a macropad which doesn't include LED's (I do not want to sign myself up for that much soldering, lol) so I'm a bit worried about missing something in the code, but I'll manage, I'm sure. I don't know how likely I am to take on another project of this type again, but if I do, I would absolutely buy from this store again!

Mitchell | April 7, 2022

Excellent Board

For PCB Mini Programmable Macro Keyboard + Encoders v2

Had been looking to make a macro keyboard for work and ended up stumbling on Ryan's video. The documentation available on his website and instructions on the video are excellent. The 3d printable frame is so useful for keeping the keys square during soldering. Ordering some more for home and requests from friends.

The amount of time this saved me is well worth the cost of the pcb.

Paul | April 5, 2022

Love this Thing!

For PCB for Programmable Macro Keyboard + Encoders v2.

It was pretty easy to put together and program given the documentation and the youtube video. I originally just wanted something to tinker with, but I've found I actually use it all the time for some quick short cuts to do various things. really nice product!

Response from RyanBates | April 7, 2022

Thank you Paul.

Charles | Oct. 7, 2021

PCB is excellent quality; layout is good.

For PCB for Programmable Macro Keyboard + Encoders v2.

I have built the keyboard and tested it; everything seems to work very well with the sample sketch from Ryan. I economized a bit on the main switches and used some built by APEM, Inc. (ADTS24RV); they were $.70 each from Digi-Key. I put white caps on them (AKTSC21I); they were $.22 each from Digi-Key. I soldered pins on the bottom of the Arduino ProMicro and soldered female DuPonts on the PCB in case I need to change out the uC. I am not a gamer and plan to use the keyboard on OBS Studio, DaVinci Resolve, and with my ICOM 7300 ham radio. I have another bare PCB, and may try making a case for the keypad I build from it. Overall, I recommend the product. The documentation could be improved.

Erwin | Aug. 31, 2021

extremely fun and surprisingly useful

For PCB for Programmable Macro Keyboard + Encoders v2.

I have been planning to build a macro keyboard, and then Ryan already did the work...
Sourcing the keys and caps was a bit of a thing, but it all worked out in the end.

The source code is somewhat spaghetti, but workable. I split these into separate keyboard layout files and that helps. :) I will do a push-request on github with this code.

Highly recommended!

Response from RyanBates | Sept. 5, 2021

Thank You Erwin!

Lukasz | June 5, 2021

Impressed and happy. With small suggestion.

For PCB for Programmable Macro Keyboard + Encoders v2.

As others already pointed out, the pcb is really good and works perfectly. Just as the sample code as well.

So my only suggestion is to actually sell this as a kit. I had to chase all the components around the internet (the bill of materials helped a lot) but as stated in the video (at three times the price) it cost me additional few tens of dollars to have everything shipped. Plus the lead time for some of the components was pretty long (I am waiting for rgb leds ordered on aliexpress).

So to conclude: This has a big potential for being good business if sold as kit.

I did it the hard way and ordered multiple pcbs, multiple types of cherry switches, multiple caps and played with them so please consider my conclusion:

For this purpose the only difference in cherry switches I see is blues (clicky) vs all other (they are more or less indistinguishable for me while using this keypad).
I like white translucent caps for mode button and the rest can be just clear (i recommend having clear or blackish-clear ones as option).
Encoders are nice option.

So the kit should come in few options:
-pcb alone - just as it is now
Option:
+full cherry mx blue
+full cherry non clicky
+cherry mx blue+encoders
+cherry non clicky+encoders
+arduino pro micro
+all diodes, resistors, reset switch, potentiometer, jack
+leds

This way every enthusiast will be able to craft the macro keypad easy and not that expensive. And Ryan can still jack up the price a bit as there will be only one shipping cost.

Anyway! Its great product and I cant wait till the leds will be added!

Response from RyanBates | June 6, 2021

Thank you Lukasz!

Carlos | June 5, 2021

Fantastic pcb

For PCB for Programmable Macro Keyboard + Encoders v2.

Video is very well documented covering parts and alerts.
May be the encoder places are very close to the rest of the Keys. I had to put a lower caps to access the rotaries.
Thank you very much.

Response from RyanBates | June 6, 2021

I appreciate the kind words Carlos!

Bruce | May 13, 2021

Great idea and excellent follow through on order

For Screw Terminal Breakout PCB for Parallel Headers

Once populated these boards will provide a way to secure connections to many different boards I might be using. They allow quickly configuration and implementation moving my prototyping to new levels with consistent connections during testing and operation. Order to delivery was quick. Thanks, great idea!

Response from RyanBates | May 13, 2021

Thank you Bruce!

James | May 4, 2021

PCB-lord

For Sega Genesis Mega Drive 4MB EPROM + SRAM Game Kit

This dude's pcbs are great. I bought 4 (x2packs) just to ticker while wait for his macro boards to be in stock. I am very happy with these and as usual the quality is tops.

Response from RyanBates | May 8, 2021

Thank you!

James | April 16, 2021

Most excellent pcb and coding

For PCB for Programmable Macro Keyboard + Encoders v2.

The quality of the PCB and the code, is high all across the board.... With great instructions and multiple code examples to use, you can't go wrong here.

Tom | March 10, 2021

Great Product good support

For PCB for Programmable Macro Keyboard + Encoders v2.

Clean and very nice pcb's. Very usefull and the developer puts great effort in it. Good support via his website with a lot of examples how to encode.
Can be used as a 12 key keyboard or with 1 or 2 encoders instead of a key. Switchable through 4 different configurations with a separate key. full custom LED Lightning even change lights wit a keypress..

Overall great product. Bought a couple because shipping to Europe is expensive. And can always use them for different projects..

Angel Lyn | Feb. 25, 2021

Love the product!

For PCB for Programmable Macro Keyboard + Encoders v2.

I love Ryan! I've been corresponding with him via twitter and on here since his PCB are often out of stock since this is a great product! So I actually bought 25 pcs for me, my friends and possibly to resell this (low chance but it depends!) I'm very satisfied with the PCB and the settings is easy too its already on his site.
I was skeptical to buy at first because the shipping to the Philippines is always a pain. but then ryan was very understanding and helpful with my inquiries.

till next transaction!!! thanks ryan!

Response from RyanBates | March 4, 2021

Thank you Pan!

Richard | Feb. 23, 2021

Excellent value for the price

For PCB for Programmable Macro Keyboard + Encoders v2.

This is a great way to get involved in keyboard building. The price is great. Documentation is excellent. Demo program actually runs perfectly. You can use Cherry MX keys or some cheaper varieties. I got my Arduino pro micros on ebay for less than $2 each. I wish that the board supported standard through hole components as well, but it does not. Even so, the smt components are not crowded and I had little difficulty (besides my old-man eyes) in soldering them to the board. Arrow electronics has everything in stock and they're great with low quantities. I also have the smaller version of this board and it is also excellent. Wouldn't hesitate to buy either again.

Response from RyanBates | Feb. 24, 2021

Thank you Richard for the kind words!

Richard | Feb. 23, 2021

Excellent value for the price

For PCB Mini Programmable Macro Keyboard + Encoders v2

This is a great way to get involved in keyboard building. The price is great. Documentation is excellent. Demo program actually runs perfectly. You can use Cherry MX keys or some cheaper varieties. I got my Arduino pro micros on ebay for less than $2 each. I wish that the board supported standard through hole components as well, but it does not. Even so, the smt components are not crowded and I had little difficulty (besides my old-man eyes) in soldering them to the board. Arrow electronics has everything in stock and they're great with low quantities. I have the larger version of this board and it is also excellent. Would buy either again. And probably will.

Response from RyanBates | Feb. 24, 2021

Thank you (again) Richard for the kind words!

Mayank | Feb. 9, 2021

Great starting point for custom macro keypads

For PCB for Programmable Macro Keyboard + Encoders v2.

Wanted to build custom macro keypads but was quickly overwhelmed by the details and designing PCBs. I came across this PCB from a Reddit post and landed up buying the older v0.4 version. Great documentation and examples to begin with. The 3D print models for the stand and placement of the switches are super useful!.
I personally do not like programming Arduino or micro USB so jerry-rigged an Adafruit QtPy to run Circuitpython on it.

I would definitely like to try the new v2.1 or a future USB-C / Circuitpython version 😉😉.

Andrew | Nov. 19, 2020

Really great simple and flexible mini keypad.

For PCB for Programmable Macro Keyboard + Encoders v2.

I've wanted to make a macro keyboard for about a year or so...never finding the time to really dig in to it. Then I ran across this PCB and a week later, I've got three of them. Works like a champ, is super super flexible, and has some decent documentation.

Response from RyanBates | Nov. 19, 2020

Thank you Andrew for the kind words!

Raul | Nov. 18, 2020

Awesome product

For PCB for Programmable Macro Keyboard + Encoders v2.

I just soldered all the keys with the encoders and the leds but I don't know if you can control de leds for each key programatically.

As I said a great job sir!

Lawrence | Nov. 16, 2020

Doesn't Come With Headers

For Screw Terminal Breakout PCB for Parallel Headers

Wasn't immediately apparent this doesn't come with the headers. I feel like that could've been made more apparent.

Response from RyanBates | Nov. 16, 2020

Thanks Lawrence- I updated the listing to make this clear.

Dustin | Oct. 29, 2020

Perfect PCBs for learning about DIY keyboards

For PCB for Programmable Macro Keyboard + Encoders v2.

These PCBs are a great intro to DIY keyboard building. They also have diode bypasses which are great if you don't have any diodes yet.
I've built two macrokeyboards with these PCBs so far and am enjoying the ability to use a volume knob to turn up my computer's volume.
I used standoff screws and rubber feet to make the board more practical since I don't have a 3d printer to make a case.

Response from RyanBates | Oct. 29, 2020

Thank you Dustin! I appreciate it.

Richard | Oct. 10, 2020

Perfect For So Many Projects

For PCB for Programmable Macro Keyboard + Encoders v2.

Was looking for inspiration to create some new control input options for Kerbal Space Program. This seemed like a good option and did not disappoint! Soldering was relatively straight forward, I am no expert and even the surface mount was doable. Flexibility of hardware options is well thought out and should adjust to anyone's macro key input needs. For KSP I ended up only using 2 of the 4 available macro stores, so plenty more options ahead. One observation about the 32u4 USB HID capabilities, it seems that there is no straight forward way to simulate holding a key down. It could be I have not yet found the right way to do it but this should be of note to those looking for a WASD breakout. However, for KSP staging and thrust this board was phenomenal especially using the rotary encoder for thrust!

Pros:
- Low cost
- Ease of construction
- Flexibility (Multiple hardware options with 4 switchable macro settings)
- Designer support, every question answered with enthusiasm (Thank you)
- Rotary encoders add a neat slew of options
- Sample code is easy to follow and adapt

Cons:
- Surface mount can be fiddly for inexperienced solderers (Low cost way to test your skill perhaps)
- Arduino limitations around holding down buttons (can limit some keyboard input simulation)
- No others really

Response from RyanBates | Oct. 10, 2020

Thanks Richard! This code should help with press+hold keys. Make sure you change the ROWS and COLS constants and the "char keys[ROWS][COLS]" array to match this macro Keyboard PCB layout... (I've been testing some macros for a slightly different PCB)

//---begin code----------------
#include <Keypad.h>
#include <Keyboard.h>

char previousPressedKey;
boolean hasReleasedKey = false;

const byte ROWS = 2; // rows
const byte COLS = 4; // columns

//define the buttons of the keypad
char keys[ROWS][COLS] = {
{'1', '2', '3', '4'}, // the keyboard hardware is a 2x4 grid...
{'5', '6', '7', '8'},
};

byte rowPins[ROWS] = {4, 5}; //connect to the row pinouts of the keypad
byte colPins[COLS] = {6, 7, 8, 9 }; //connect to the column pinouts of the keypad

Keypad keypad = Keypad( makeKeymap(keys), rowPins, colPins, ROWS, COLS );

void setup(){
Serial.begin(9600);
delay(1000);
}

void loop(){
//delay(50);
keyHoldLoop();
}

void keyHoldLoop() {
char key = keypad.getKey();
KeyState state = keypad.getState();

if (state == PRESSED && key != NO_KEY) {
previousPressedKey = key;
hasReleasedKey = false;
Keyboard.press(key);
}

else if (state == RELEASED && !hasReleasedKey) {
// Multiple RELEASED events occur when there had not been HOLD
//Keyboard.release(key);
Keyboard.releaseAll();
hasReleasedKey = true;

}
else if (state == HOLD) {
Keyboard.press(key);
Keyboard.press(previousPressedKey);
}

}

Thomas | Oct. 9, 2020

These are great PCBs

For Repro PCB for Sega Genesis [Mega Drive] EPROMs

Great price and well designed. I'd recommend these to anyone who likes to make their own games. Shipped fast too. Thanks again.

Response from RyanBates | Oct. 9, 2020

Thank you Thomas!

Samuel | Sept. 23, 2020

needed a good macro pad, found one.

For PCB for Programmable Macro Keyboard + Encoders v2.

Is it possible you could email me a picture of the backside of the board please? I have leds installed, I cannot get them to light up. sam @ noconstruct.com . Thanks

Aaron | Sept. 3, 2020

These are great!

For Screw Terminal Breakout PCB for Parallel Headers

These little boards work really well with STM32 blue pills. Not sure I can write a whole lot about a blank PCB... but regardless they are pretty great.

Response from RyanBates | Sept. 3, 2020

Thank you Aaron!

Thanh | Sept. 2, 2020

Great products

For PCB for Programmable Macro Keyboard + Encoders v2.

The products were shipped in a timely manner. I purchased 3 pcb for my wife and friend hoping I'm able to make one for each of us.
I'm currently not be able to make it to work after soldering all the components. I'm pretty new to build a Macopad and trying to figure out the cause of the failures.

Do I need to flash the pcb before use or is it just plug and play after soldering ?
Would love to listen to any guidance from you guys.

Thank you

Response from RyanBates | Sept. 2, 2020

Thanks Thanh! I saw your email: I'll give more details there. Some basic trouble shooting for everyone:
1) This PCB is not plug-and-play. You have to write at least the example code linked from this product description. Check my youtube video for details.
2a) Use the Arduino IDE to program. (see arduino.cc for help with adding libraries and getting the software to program the Arduino).
2b) Make sure you have these libraries added:
#include <Keyboard.h>
#include <Encoder.h>
#include <Keypad.h>
3) Make sure the Arduino Micro 32u4 is selected when programming this board. Tools> Board> Arduino Micro.
4) Make sure all the solder jumpers are soldered! You'll get really weird results (phantom keys) if you miss a jumper.
5) You may have to hold down the reset button, hit upload sketch, wait for the IDE to try to 'upload' to the Arduino, then release the reset button.
The boot-loader for uploading is a short window in the Arduino Pro Micro. The Pro Micro wants to default to the USB HID mode. Catching the short window for uploading a program might take a few tries; i.e to get a feel for the timing (my experience).

Best,
Ryan

Shreyas | Aug. 28, 2020

All good!

For PCB for Programmable Macro Keyboard + Encoders v2.

After watching one of Ryan's videos on YouTube, I bought two boards which arrived within a reasonable time frame.
As I don't have the greatest of soldering skills, it took about 2 hours to get all the parts soldered on one of the boards.
Along the way, I had a couple of dry solder joints that took a while to diagnose but it all worked well in the end.
While I wouldn't classify this as a beginner build, I would wholeheartedly recommend it to any enthusiasts.

Response from RyanBates | Aug. 28, 2020

Thanks Shreyas! Glad to hear about your experience.

David | Aug. 13, 2020

This is awesome!

For PCB for Programmable Macro Keyboard + Encoders v2.

Just what I was looking for!! Great product and the documentation / YouTube video were extremely helpful

Response from RyanBates | Aug. 14, 2020

Thank you for the kind words David!

Andrew | Aug. 10, 2020

Exactly what I needed!

For Ground Loop Isolator PCB (x2)

I wish I could give this ten stars, I've had this annoying ground loop coming from my eurorack synth to the mixer hooked up to my computer, and this totally cleared it up. It took all of about three minutes to put together, too. Awesome, thank you!

Response from RyanBates | Aug. 10, 2020

Thank you Andrew! :)

Scott | June 28, 2020

Just WOW

For PCB for Programmable Macro Keyboard + Encoders v2.

Works and described. Easy to make changes to fit your needs. For me, I chanced one of the keys to toggle between HID and com. I use the analog pot as the mode selector.

Response from RyanBates | June 29, 2020

Thank you Scott.