ESP32 Handheld

ESP32 powered Handheld with QWERTY keyboard and an LCD display

brokenpotato

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Description

ESP32 powered Handheld with QWERTY keyboard and an LCD display

Details

The aim of the project is to create an ESP32 handheld. I want it to have a QWERTY Blackberry-style keyboard, a big LCD display and at least 72hrs of battery life. In the future, I want to add an RGB keyboard backlight, audio support and SX1280 for long-range connectivity. I haven't published any design files as the project is in the very early stages of development. If you're interested in them please message me.

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Keyboard Design
brokenpotato • 07/29/2023 at 19:33 • 0 comments

I decided to start with the keyboard. To avoid designing a new layout from scratch, I decided to clone the BlackBerry keyboard as closely as possible. A standard Blackberry keyboard contains 35 keys. I decided to include a DPAD with 5 keys. To save GPIO, I decided to place the 40 resulting buttons in an 8x5 matrix. Because special keys will be accessed via shortcuts, the keyboard must have N key rollover. This is accomplished by incorporating diodes alongside the buttons. Next, I chose the cheapest components from Mouser and got to designing the PCB in Altium. I have ordered the PCB from JLCPCB in order to test the design. I think that I will use a raspberry pico as a keyboard controller. I am currently waiting for my parts to arrive. I will make an update once i get the keyboard assembled