P12v2 Assembly Guide
P12v2 Assembly Guide
Embedded Files
This 12-key macro pad is a 4x3 grid productivity tool best paired with a 40% keyboard. The PCB is built for: up to 12 MX hot swap sockets; up to 3 EC11 encoders; and, at least 17 possible layout options.
P12v2 PCB features a diode-less build, hot swap switch sockets for MX, per key RGB backlight, and an RP2040 Pico as its microcontroller. Optional add-ons are: up to three (3) rotary encoders and a 2U keycap with PCB mount stabilizer.
This document is a writeup on how to assemble a P12v2 DIY Kit. It is recommended to read the whole page prior to soldering and assembly.
Checklist
Checklist
P12v2 DIY Kit
P12v2 DIY Kit
P12v2 PCB
P12v2 top plate
12pcs Kailh sockets
12pcs SK6812-mini-e LED
RP2040 Pico with pin headers
acrylic bottom plate
3pcs M2x6mm bolt
3pcs M2x4mm bolt
3pcs M2x8mm stand-offs (aka pillar, spacer)
set of bump-ons
(optional) EC11 rotary encoder
(optional) PCB Mount 2u stabilizer
Tools
Tools
The following tools are required:
Soldering iron
Solder wire/lead (we use .6mm thick at most)
Wire (flush) cutters or snips
Cross-head (precision) screw driver
Cleaning brush
Tweezers
Common Sense
Other useful items
Other useful items
Rag or piece of cloth - we use this to cover the pins while it is being snipped. The snipped piece is prevented to fly away while being cut.
Clamp - we use a small clamp to hold the controller in place while it is being soldered.
Solder wick - needed to remove component if misplaced.
To complete a macro pad
To complete a macro pad
Up to 12pcs 1u MX keycaps
Up to 1pc 2u PCB mount stabilzer
Up to 1pc 2u MX keycap
Up to 12pcs MX switches
Up to 3pcs compatible knobs
USB data cable
Preparations
Preparations
Aside from making sure that the materials from the checklist and tools are complete and can be easily reached, below are additional points to consider before you start to solder.
Familiarize with the PCB. This is the top view of the P12v2 PCB.
Bottom view of the PCB. Soldering are typically done at the bottom part of the PCB. See photo on the left.
Take note of the orientation of the components especially for the LEDs. These are soldered facing bottom of the PCB thru the allocated holes.
These LEDs also have markings for GND and should be soldered correctly. Orientation of the LEDs differs per row. As shown in the image on the left, top most row have GND located at bottom left while the next row will have GND facing top right. This is rotated once again on the next row and so on.
The top most row can accommodate up to 3 EC11 rotary encoders. Encoders are inserted from the top of the PCB.
It is important to decide if rotary encoder is needed before soldering. Allocated holes may be blocked once components are soldered. Desoldering may cause damage to the PCB.
When using 2u key, place MX socket on the allocated space shown in the image on the left.
It is important to decide if 2u key is needed before soldering. Allocated holes will be blocked once components are soldered. Desoldering may cause damage to the PCB.
Prepare the micro-controller's pin headers. There should be: 1x20 pins; 1x2 pins; 1x6 pins; 1x5 pins
Test your micro controller.
If micro controller was acquired with the PCB it is already flashed with P12v2 firmware. Else, flash firmware with this.
Open Vial then plug the controller to PC. Vial should detect a P12v2 macro pad, else see FAQ. In Vial, go to matrix tab. Short GND and any of the following pins: GP27, GP22, GP4, GP20, GP21, GP10, GP19, GP18, GP12, GP16, GP17, GP13. If a key lit, all is good.
Soldering
Soldering
Solder RGB LEDs
Solder switch sockets
(Optional) Solder rotary encoders
Solder pin headers on to the PCB - short side through the PCB. You may use the micro controller and a small clamp to hold the pieces together.
Solder micro controller through the pin headers
Trim excess pin headers. Be careful not to damage other components on the micro controller.
Test with Vial configurator
Macropad Assembly
Macropad Assembly
Now that the PCB have its other components installed (we will now call this PCB assembly), it is now time to put the other components to make a fully functional macro pad.
Seat switches to the top plate. (We will now call this top plate assembly.)
Seat the top plate assembly to the PCB assembly. Check if the switch pins are straight and aligns with the sockets.
Gently but firmly press on the switches against the PCB (this is now our PCB assembly)
Take the acrylic bottom plate and install the stand offs using M2x6mm bolts
Screw the PCB assembly to the bottom plate with M2x4mm bolts
Gently but firmly seat keycaps. Seat knobs on to the rotary encoders if installed.
Test and configure the units.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Some keys do not work - possible cause is bent pins. To fix, remove and check for bent pins. Other cause is poorly soldered or unsoldered switch socket
PC can't detect macro pad - possible cause is that the cable used is not a data cable. Replace cable with a data cable.
Others - see FAQ
Google Sites
Report abuse