Yesterday, I shared how a rainy day compelled me to create a custom macro keyboard using an ESP32-C3 microcontroller and a handful of buttons. Yes, compelled! It had to be done. What started as the opium of boredom has evolved into a full-blown quest to create the ultimate tool for quick access to common keyboard shortcuts and, of course, prompt potatoes—because let’s be real, that’s the perfect name for this thing!
Since it's raining again today, let’s dive into how it all works, how I designed the circuit and PCB, and what this means for the future of desktop manufacturing in the age of generative AI.
The Prompt Potato Gun Project: A Bluetooth Macro Keyboard
At the heart of this project is the Xiao ESP32-C3 microcontroller, which manages eight buttons wired to specific pins. If you haven’t encountered it yet, the Xiao ESP32-C3 is a gem—cheap, powerful, and probably the smallest ESP32 package I’ve ever seen. It’s perfect for this kind of project.
Here’s how it works: Buttons 1-4 are mapped to standard keyboard shortcuts—Copy, Paste, Cut, and Enter. But the real fun begins with buttons 5-8, where the "potatoes" come in. Each of these buttons is programmed to paste blocks of preset text (or prompts, if you’re being literal). The keyboard connects via Bluetooth just like any other Bluetooth keyboard, but it also has a "config mode" accessible through Wi-Fi, where you can customize or change those prompts. Or, you know, swap out your potatoes. 😂
Circuit and PCB Design: Easier Than You Think
One of my favorite parts of this project was designing the circuit and PCB. Thanks to modern tools like EasyEDA, the process was surprisingly intuitive. I designed the entire circuit, including the buttons and three RGB LEDs that will serve as both status indicators and cool workspace lighting, a greater indication of status lol. I laid out the PCB within the same platform and then uploaded the design to JLCPCB.com. The only hard choice was picking the board color—I went with white to maximize the light from the LEDs.
Desktop Manufacturing in the Age of Generative AI
This project is a prime example of how desktop manufacturing has evolved, especially when paired with generative AI. Tools like EasyEDA and platforms like JLCPCB have made it possible for anyone with a bit of curiosity and creativity to design and manufacture custom electronics right from home. The barriers to entry are practically non-existent, allowing hobbyists and small businesses alike to produce professional-grade products without needing massive resources.
Generative AI is pushing this trend even further by automating complex tasks, optimizing designs, and even generating code. Imagine pairing AI-driven design tools with platforms like EasyEDA—soon, designing and building custom electronics could be as simple as typing, or launching 😂 a prompt into an AI and letting it work its magic. We’re not just approaching a new era of desktop manufacturing; we’re already living in it.
What’s Next?
The next step is adding a battery—because what good is a wireless device if it’s not truly wireless? I’m aiming for at least 10 hours of battery life on a single charge. I’ll also be designing and 3D printing an enclosure because nothing screams desktop manufacturing more than that.
I’m thinking of taking it a step further by adding a rotary encoder, an OLED display, and maybe even an SD card slot for prompt storage and profiles. Who knows? World domination by button might just be in the cards for version 2.
Stay tuned for more updates! If you’re thinking about starting your own DIY electronics project, there’s never been a better time. With the tools and technology available today, your next great invention could be just a few clicks away.
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