oneoftheinfinitemonkeys/mtmp

Adafruit MagTag Macro Pad (MTMP) is a CircuitPython macro pad implementation. Based on Adafruit example code with the addition of a graphic for the e-ink display of the Adafruit Magtag device. The MagTag's inbuilt buttons are used rather than additional key switches.

MTMP (MagTag MacroPad)

MagTag MacroPad (MTMP) is a CircuitPython macro pad implementation. Based on Adafruit example code with the addition of a graphic for the e-ink display of the Adafruit Magtag device. The MagTag's inbuilt LED's are sparingly used to indicate MacroPad modes.

Introduction

The CircuitPython implementation on the MagTag is intended to allow Zoom™ and Teams™ user Audio & Video mode toggling in conference usage scenarios. Additionally, via a "Shift" mode the "Consumer Control" function is intended to permit adjustment of the system volume. The "Shift" mode employs a time delay feature which automatically returns functionality to the normal mode following a short period of no button press activity.

Whilst the MagTag inbuilt buttons lack the feel of dedicated key switches, such as the Cherry MX™ for example. There are no additional modules or wiring etc. required. Functional clarity benefits from the Magtag's clear e-ink graphic display and LED's which give improved indication of intended button function and macro pad mode(s), whilst being easy on the eye. Functions are kept to a minimum where simplicity is dovetailed with functionality to maintain clarity and ease of operation.

The Magtag is small and light enough to be held comfortably in the hand during use throughout meetings if desired. Whilst the buttons can be operated readily by the hand holding the unit. Alternatively the unit can be left on the desk as the MagTag's small space claim accommodates the busiest of desks and is readily "parked" for instant access when needed during a meeting for that necessary interjection.

Installation

Requirements

• Adafruit Magtag
• USB cable connection to host computer
• CicruitPython 7.3.0

Copy the files located in the dist folder to the CIRCUITPY folder of the Adafruit MagTag.

Note

• The implementation does not use WiFi and thus a secrets.py file should not typically have any entries, though it must be in the CIRCUITPY drive .
• Following release of CircuitPython 7 to stable, the code implements switch off of HID disk and serial ports via boot.py.
• If electing to use alternate CircuitPython releases e.g. CircuitPython 6.3.x, 8.x.x etc. you need to replace the lib .mpy files with the release counterparts in the lib folder.
• The 'Magtag PowerPoint Layout 03.pptx' file is a Microsoft™ PowerPoint™ pack with slidemaster backgrounds consisting of a Magtag graphic to enable graphic design prior to coding. The image scale approximates to 2:1 The file should load into Google™ Docs, though this has not be tested.

Features

Essential features are shown below:

Hardware

Whilst not required for single computer operation. Use of a small LiPo battery, supported by the MagTag, permits clean switchover when using the MagTag MacroPad through a KVM. When using a KVM, any device without a battery will typically have to reboot following a KVM selection event. As power is often momentarily interrupted during the KVM switch over process. However, a MagTag using the support for a LiPo battery assists preventing such power interruptions and subsequent reboots. Supporting clean and faster switch over than might otherwise occur. The software includes internal battery monitoring and notification, to address the eventuality a KVM channel without power is selected or the KVM channel device is unpowered.

Notes

The system was implemented for use under with Microsoft Windows™ and may function with other operating environments, though this has not been evaluated.

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