Hub20 - Programmable Macro Numberpad

Due to a worldwide shortage of the STM32F072 microcontroller used in Hub20 I am unable to manufacture more boards. Once available I'll assemble a batch of boards and update the stock, so jump on the waitlist if you would like to be notified when they are available. Thanks

What is it?

Hub20 is a numpad with a bunch of features you never knew you needed. They include:

• Left and Right handed numpad layouts supported, along with a 4x5 1U grid enabling it to be used as a macropad.
• Two rotary encoders, enabling intuitive controls for a wide range of tools including CAD and photo / video editing.
• Inbuilt USB 2.0 Hub with Type-C connectors, allowing connection to other keyboards, memory sticks, wireless receivers and more!
• VIA and QMK compatibility*, including a "macro" mode enabling the keys to be dynamically remapped on a host computer. *(Not yet merged upstream, will require manually adding VIA config/copying firmware to edit).
• 27 addressable RGB leds, including one under each key.

If this project looks familiar, it's because it contains all the best parts of Hub16 (available on Tindie) with a few added extras.

Why did you make it?

Following the success of Hub16, there was a lot of interest for a numpad shaped board with the same feature set, as this would allow you to use the board as both an external numpad for laptops or compact keyboards, or to be configured as a left hand numpad for those who spend their days entering numbers.

Whilst out of the box Hub20 is a fancy numpad, is also enables an intuitive interface to software such as CAD and photo/video editing tools where you rely on complex keyboard shortcuts to get your work done. Hub20 achieves this by not only allowing you to graphically program your favourite (or complex) shortcuts to it's keys, but can interface with software on your computer to enable even more powerful, context aware macros and scrips to be run.

It also adds two rotary encoders which are great for continuous controls such as track and grid size in your PCB design tool, or brush size and opacity settings in your photo editing software.

For more info on Hub20's features including assembly and programming guide, please read the getting started guide.

Product Options

Please note this listing is a kit. It requires some assembly including soldering of the rotary encoders. Please read the assembly guide before purchasing to ensure you are aware of what is involved. If the default configuration is not to your liking you may also need to customise the firmware. Please reach out before ordering if you have any questions.

Hub20 PCBA: Included by default / required. PCB only, no encoders or case. Perfect if you intend to manufacture your own case and have all the required parts at home. Last photo shows the PCB, however there may be small differences as we improve the product.

Acrylic Case: Included by default. Three colour options: Clear, Black, and White. All come with a frosted bottom plate to ensure the LEDs can light up your desk. See the 5th photo for a side by side comparison, and second last image for what is included. You will need to provide 17-20 Cherry MX compatible switches and keycaps, along with 3 screw in stabilisers if using as a numpad.

Bare-bones Case: Can be selected instead of the acrylic case. Swaps the acrylic for a single piece of FR4 used as the bottom plate, perfect for those who want a lower cost option. See the 7th photo for a side by side comparison.

Add Stabilisers: Included by default. This option adds 3 * 2U black screw in stabilisers to the order, as they are required to stop the 2U keys from wobbling.

Add Key Switches: Need some keys for your new Hub20? If so select the preferred colour of switch and 20 will be added to your order.

Add Key Caps: Need key caps to sit atop your switches? Both a numpad set and blank keycaps are available. See third last photo for available options. If selecting the blank keycaps, leave a comment during checkout with what quantity and colour of each you desire. Available colours will be listed below, but are manually updated so may not be up to date. Includes 17-20 key caps per your request.

Colours:

Please note: the only colour option for the 2U keys (enter, plus, zero) is solid black. I'd love to offer more options but they are not made in many colours.

• Orange (1U) - 40
• Purple (1U) - 40
• Blue (1U) - 40
• Grey (1U) - 70
• Transparent Black (1U) - 15
• Clear (1U) - 10
• Black (2U) - 0 (More have been ordered, ETA early 2021).

Notes on the USB Hub

The hub is a three port USB 2.0 Hub with Type-C connectors, aimed at allowing connection of keyboards, mice, memory sticks, wireless receivers, and other small devices (including a second macro pad!) to your computer.

Due to cost and space constraints, the hub has some limitations. The hub is not:

• USB 3.x, Power Delivery, Thunderbolt, DisplayPort, etc compatible.
• Designed to charge your phone quickly. Only 100mA is guaranteed per port.
• Designed to work with power hungry devices such as spinning hard drives.
• Guaranteed to provide full USB 2.0 speeds and performance on all ports.

Might you be able to charge your phone whilst copying files at full speed off a spinning hard drive over a long cable? Maybe. However Hub20 is a numpad first, USB hub second, so if you are looking for a high performance device I'd suggest picking up a dedicated USB hub and just using Hub20 as a numpad.

Freight

Australia Post is currently experiencing significant delays with freight, please see their current status for estimated freight times to your country. It is not uncommon for standard mail to sit at the airport for 3 weeks before departing. Express post has been added as an option if you would like for it to arrive quicker, as it jumps to the front of parcels escaping the country.