Delete Button XL

Greetings everyone and welcome back, and here's something fun and useful.

In essence, the Delete Button XL is a macropad with a single button that is configured to execute the delete command.

The objective was to design a unique or unconventional macropad with a single button that would be used to execute the delete command. This button would allow you to erase anything by simply hitting it.

Using the delete option, we attempt to remove a few unwanted images.

This body is designed to function and seem as a single mechanical key on a mechanical keyboard. We put four springs to the interior of the macropad, which, like the mechanical key, provides a little resistance when pressed.

The model was created in Fusion360. The Switch PCB and the XIAO microcontroller breakout board were reused from a previous project, and we integrated them both into the 3D model and built the model around them.

This article is about the full construction of this project, so let's get started with the build.

Materials Required

These were the materials used in this build.

• Custom PCBs (provided by PCBWAY)
• XIAO M0
• Push Switch
• 3D printed Parts
• Female header pins
• M3 Nut and Bolts
• M2 Screws
• M2.5 Screws
• Spring

Design

Making the 3D model for this project was relatively straightforward. First, we imported the step files of the XIAO breakout board and button PCB that were previously created for the Super NES project.

The Switch PCB was positioned in the center, and we modeled a box-like body around it that would serve as the macropad's main lower body. In order to attach the keycap to the bottom body, we utilized four M3 bolts and four springs. We also created an additional body onto which we installed the switch PCB. This section will also have four holes.

The design's operation was straightforward: when the keycap is pressed, the spring that is attached to each M3 bolt is compressed, pressing the entire assembly downward to produce a noticeable resistance.

The spring mechanism is made up of a separate part that fits into the keycap and serves as a link between the two.

The actuator knob on the keycap hits the push button and records a keypress when the keycap moves just 3 mm downward.

On top of the keycap, we have also modeled a Delete Logo that will be printed in two colors—black and translucent.

After the model was finished, we exported the mesh files and used Orange PLA and Black PLA to 3D print the files. This gave the finished prototype a nice dual-color appearance.

PCB Schematic and Design

We used our previously made Switch PCB and XIAO Breakout board PCB for this project; both were utilized in the Super NES project, but let me briefly review the way they were made.

The Switch PCB is made up of a single switch with four CON1 ports, two of which are linked to one switch terminal and two to another. Furthermore, we have included two mounting holes that are positioned in accordance with the Cad file. The board's outline and the location of the switches were both taken from the CAD files.

A XIAO Board and two CON7 ports, each of which is coupled to an XIAO GPIO, make up the XAIO PCB. Similar to the switch PCB, we added the mounting holes and followed the Cad files for the board shape and XIAO placement.

PCBWAY SERVICE

Following the completion of the board designs, we ordered both PCBs in white solder masks with black silkscreen and submitted the PCB's Gerber data on the PCBWAY quote page.

PCBs were received within a week, and the PCB quality was outstanding. Here, we added a few design elements on the board's silkscreen layer to increase the aesthetic appeal of the project. PCBWAY made the custom layer properly, which shows their great PCB manufacturing capabilities.

Also, PCBWay is hosting its 7th Project Design Contest, a global competition that invites electronics enthusiasts, engineers, and makers to showcase their innovative projects. The contest provides a platform for participants to share their creativity and technical expertise with the broader community.

This year’s competition includes three major categories: electronic project, mechanical project and SMT 32 project

With prizes awarded for the most exceptional designs, the contest aims to inspire and support innovation, making it an exciting opportunity for both professionals and hobbyists to gain recognition and connect with like-minded creators.

You guys can check out PCBWAY if you want great PCB service at an affordable rate.

PCB Assembly process

• The PCB assembly process was basic. We began by assembling the switch PCB, which simply required a push button, which we positioned and soldered from the board's bottom side.
• After that, we begin the XIAO Breakout board construction procedure by positioning both CON7 female header pins in their proper locations and soldering their pads from the PCB's bottom side.
• At last, we added the XIAO M0 in its place using the header pins.

Frame Assembly process

• In order to begin the body construction, we place the Switch Circuit holder part on top of the lower frame using M2 screws.

Button Actuator Assembly

• The button actuator assembly, which is made up of the keycap and spring mechanism, is then prepared.
• This procedure begins with the installation of four M3 bolts in the spring mechanism part's mounting holes. Next, the spring mechanism part is inserted into the keycap, and the two are joined using M2 screws.
• Next, we insert a spring into each M3 bolt. The spring is taken from an old Anet A8 3D printer's bed assembly, and the keycap assembly is essentially made using the same mechanism as the 3D printer bed.

Frame and Button Actuator Assembly

• By positioning the Frame Assembly above the keycap and allowing the bolt to pass through its four mounting holes, we are now able to connect the Frame Assembly with the button actuator.
• Then, in order to connect the button assembly and frame assembly, we attached four M3 nuts to each M3 bolt.
• We added four more M3 nuts to ensure that everything was stationary and tight, and they tightened against one another to prevent them from coming free.

XIAO Breakout Board and Button PCB Assembly

• Now, the XIAO breakout board is positioned and fastened within the frame assembly with two M2.5 screws.
• The Switch PCB is then positioned in the center of the Frame assembly, and it is secured in place with two M2.5 screws.
• Now, both circuits are in their proper positions.

Wiring

• In order to complete this project, we used a soldering iron to connect a wire between the D0 Pin of the XIAO and one of the switch's terminals.
• We then connected a wire between the switch's other terminal and the XIAO's GND.
• In essence, this configuration is a switch connected to D0 of XIAO and GND; a keypress causes D0 to be pulled down, which is recorded as a keypress.

Final Assembly

• We next installed the lid on the frame assembly's bottom side and fastened it there with four m2 screws.
• Finally, we take the dual-colored Delete Logo section and position it on top of the keycap.
• The delete logo is placed on the keycap after superglue has been applied on the top of it to secure it in place.

CODE

Here's the main code used in this build.

#include "Keyboard.h"
const int buttonPin = 0; // GPIO pin where the button is connected
int buttonState = 0; // Current state of the button
void setup() {
pinMode(buttonPin, INPUT_PULLUP); // Initialize button pin as input with internal pull-up resistor
Keyboard.begin();
}
void loop() {
buttonState = digitalRead(buttonPin);
if (buttonState == LOW) { // If the button is pressed
Keyboard.press(KEY_DELETE); // Send Delete key press
delay(100); // Short delay to debounce the button
Keyboard.release(KEY_DELETE); // Release Delete key
delay(200); // Additional delay to prevent multiple triggers
}
}

This code sets up a button on GPIO 0 to send a Delete key press when the button is pressed. The delays help debounce the button to avoid multiple signals being sent for a single press.

RESULT

We try to delete some undesired images from our computer by plugging in the Delete Button. Because of the spring, the configuration is perfect, and there is a tiny resistance to the keypress when using this device.

It can delete anything, including the files, images, and any selected text. It can be used as a delete macropad in CAD applications or other editing programs.

Overall, this project was finished and required no further revision.

In addition, we appreciate PCBWAY's support of this project. Visit them for a variety of PCB-related services, such as stencil and PCB assembly services, as well as 3D printing services.

Thanks for reaching this far, and I will be back with a new project pretty soon.

Peace.