DIY Input Device For Drawing Tablet

[NaSft]

Hello everyone.
I have recently finished this project that I want to share with you.

You can see here a video with an example of use: Input device for drawing tablet. Usable with Krita or other drawing software. - YouTube

This is a DIY device recognized by any computer and operating system as an USB keyboard. Nor specific driver, neither other software is needed. Inside, there is only an Arduino Pro Micro, a 4x4 keyboard matrix and 3 rotary encoders.

I use it with Krita but can be programmed to produce any key code combination, so it can work with any other drawing software.

The 16 keys and the 3 knobs/push buttons can send any combination of key codes. The preprogrammed key codes can be modified easily, depending on your preferences, changing the corresponding program lines.

I have programmed the first rotary button for “rotate canvas” (and reset the rotation if you press the button).

The second rotary button is assigned for zooming (and reset the zoom to “fit page” by pressing the button).

The third rotary button is for resizing the brush. In this case, pushing the button will toggle the ‘erase mode’ of the brush.

The 4x4 keyboard has been programmed as shown in the video. In some cases, the shortcuts in my Krita setup are not the standard ones.

That way, I have the functions that I use more frequently under the fingertips of my left hand.

For more information, schematic, etc. visit the github page of the projec and download the firmware (arduino sketch): GitHub - Alonsog2/InputDeviceForDrawingTablet: Input device for drawing tablets based on Arduino Pro Mircro

[raghukamath]

This is awesome. Thanks for sharing it

[sooz]

That’s amazing! Congrats.

[Lynx3d]

Nice, especially the 3 knobs.
There’s more polished kits like Adafruit MacroPad and DuckyPad with RGB backlight and OLED display, but they have one/no knobs respectively, otherwise I might have bought one already…

See also: The best art accessory. Adafruit Macropad

[raghukamath]

There is proprietary tourbox which has knobs - TourBox - An Innovative Controller for Digital Creators

[Deevad]

I love the 3 knobs with a push feature on them.

Thanks also for sharing the connectivity scheme on Esquema.pptx file. That must have been very precise soldering to do.

[NaSft]

oh yes, I know TourBox, but its price is… a bit expensive. My device is approximately 10 euros!

[kaichi1342]

Thats pretty nice. Great work. The knobs are quite handy

The number and knobs remind me of my micropad. its Pabile P40 from a local keyboard maker in my country. 12 keys but 4 knobs.

This one;

Though I did told them that I wish the knobs has something like those in guitar knobs underneath since the board can be seen from the holes.

[krueger.freddy]

And I thought you wanted to make a digital edge-e-scratch…

[Xinen1]

It looks really nice. Is it available for purchase from out side of your region?
Adafruit Macropad looks awesome, too. And it’s available.

[kaichi1342]

I think they do, I saw them in reddit keyboard subs and someone inquired from a different country.
But I’m not really sure. It’s a business by 1 person AFAIK. (goes by pabile on socmed)

They have twitter / FB. I bought this on lazada, but they also is on shopee / fb marketplace.

That LCD screen on adafruit is pretty handy.

[Xinen1]

Thanks. I’ll check it later. I need more search for these devices.