<!-- TITLE: Keyboard Project --> <!-- SUBTITLE: A quick summary of Keyboard Project --> # The idea I want a keyboard that I can jot ideas on without having to fuss with the whole laptop setup. Typing without a screen gives some added benefits, that it brings you back into your surroundings, for example allowing you to really focus on a talk. Also, you don't dwell or cycle on what you've written, giving the notes a more train-of-thought feel. **Features** + Light / portable + Durable (ideally it would be waterproof so rain wouldn't matter) + LED lights when it receives input to indicate it's actually recording, or when the battery is running low + Ridiculously long battery life (should be on the order of a week, like my headphones) + ON/OFF switch, so it doesn't record garbage in a backpack etc. + Records the exact timestamps of keypresses, allowing situation in time, but also real-time playback of sorts, and auto-cutting of files. + some rather easy method of transfering it to my more usable devices, for reading and such. (possibly just by plugging it in?) # My working prototype I do have a working prototype of sorts for this project. I just put my laptop in my backtop, making sure it doesn't turn off when I close the lid. Then, as long as the cursor is in an editor, I can use a wireless keyboard to jot down my ideas without thinking about it. In my personal experience with this prototype, the idea is **wonderful**. Unfortunately there are a few downsides to this method, or I would be satisfied and not feel compelled # Building the thing ## external resources + Found [this tutorial](https://medium.com/@monkeytypewritr/building-your-own-keyboard-from-scratch-bd0638c40850), my first window into custom keyboard creation. + Apparently there is open source [hardware](https://github.com/komar007/gh60) and [software](https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard) ([2](https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware)) for building your own (AWESOME!) + He built his own "pocket keyboard," and gives a full tutorial. ## my component choice + microprocessor + the tutorial above used the [atmega32u4](http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/devicedoc/atmel-7766-8-bit-avr-atmega16u4-32u4_datasheet.pdf) + can't find a stat on power consumption. Low end is ~ 4 $V$ and 30 $\mu A$, high end is ~15 mA + operating voltage 2.7 - 5.5V + battery power + at 15 $\m A$, 12 hours of typing would be $180 mAh$. very doable + but if I can reduce this by a factor of 10 (not even the x1000 suggested by other resources) I can get ridiculous battery life + [lithium ion batteries](https://www.digikey.com/catalog/en/partgroup/lithium-ion-battery/66191) @ digikey. here's a [relevant search](https://www.digikey.com/products/en/battery-products/battery-packs/89?k=&pkeyword=&sv=0&pv590=423329&pv2079=u3V&pv2079=u3.6V&pv2079=u4.5V&pv2079=u4.8V&sf=0&FV=-8%7C89&quantity=&ColumnSort=0&page=1&pageSize=25), showing that I can quite easily get what I need for relatively cheap! + encase the thing + buttons + USB interface?