Introduction: Second Keyboard for Macros

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If you have any spare keyboard or number pad. You can use it as a macro keyboard. Such as when you press a key, a pre-programmed task happens. For example, an app is started or an autohotkey script is executed.

Supplies

You need the following things:

  1. A spare keyboard or number pad
  2. Arduino uno
  3. Arduino UNO Usb host shield

Step 1: Choose a Keyboard

You can use a full keyboard or a small number pad.

  • Number pad

A number pad is small and is easier to place on your desk. It is best if you do not need many macros.

  • Full keyboard

It takes up a lot of space on your desk but you do have a lot of keys of different shapes and sizes

(Note: You can also use a wireless keyboard)

Step 2: Multiboard

Windows cannot see the difference between 2 keyboards so we use an Arduino UNO with a usb hostshield to distinguish the second keyboard. And we need a program to let the keys of the 2nd keyboard do certain tasks. We use MultiBoard for this.

Here is a guide for installing MultiBoard.

Step 3: AutoHotkey

You can get the most out of Multiboard if you use it with AutoHotkey. AutoHotkey is a scripting program with which you can make very complex scripts. for example, you can make a key combination or move your mouse to a specific location.

AutoHotkey