|
|
@@ -3,26 +3,27 @@ Tutorial 1 - breadboard keyboard |
|
|
|
When you finish this tutorial you will have a working keyboard and understand how a key matrix works. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
## Why a breadboard keyboard is useful |
|
|
|
A breadboard is the easiest way to learn keyboard electronics. |
|
|
|
Electronics are fickle, you won't get everything right the first time, there is a learning curve. |
|
|
|
Breadboards make the learning electronics faster and fun. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All the tutorial example sketches run on breadboard keyboards that have 2 to 8 keys. |
|
|
|
Breadboard keyboards have row-column matrices and diodes just like the big keyboards. |
|
|
|
Compared to full size keyboards on PCBs, breadboard keyboards are easier to learn on because: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A breadboard is the easiest way to learn keyboard electronics. |
|
|
|
Electronics are fickle, and you won't get everything right the first time. |
|
|
|
There is a learning curve. |
|
|
|
Compared to PCBs, breadboard keyboards are easier to learn on because: |
|
|
|
* Mistakes are easily corrected because no desoldering |
|
|
|
* Parts can be reused in many different configurations |
|
|
|
* A small keyboard is easier to trouble shoot |
|
|
|
* Mistakes are easily corrected because no desoldering |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Breadboard keyboards are useful for: |
|
|
|
* learning keyboard electronics - diodes, micro controllers, I/O expanders |
|
|
|
* learning the firmware development workflow |
|
|
|
* prototyping circuits before making a PCB |
|
|
|
* testing firmware concepts before building the keyboard hardware |
|
|
|
* testing firmware concepts before committing to a keyboard-hardware design |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
## How a breadboard works |
|
|
|
To understand the breadboard keyboard you will need to know the internal parts of a breadboard: |
|
|
|
* terminal strip |
|
|
|
* power rail |
|
|
|
* terminal strip |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
These are explained in [How to Use a Breadboard](https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/how-to-use-a-breadboard) |
|
|
|
|