🎛️ C-Panel

A high-performance, dual-screen macro pad powered by the Raspberry Pi Pico (RP2040) and CircuitPython.

Features 8 mechanical switches and 4 rotary encoders, providing instant visual feedback on two independent OLED screens. It uses a custom highly-optimized display driver to bypass standard CircuitPython limitations.

✨ Features

• Dual OLED Feedback: Left screen shows button/switch actions; Right screen shows encoder values.
• Hot-Swappable Config: Edit keymap.json on the fly—no coding required to change shortcuts.
• Smart Idle Mode: Screens automatically dim/reset after 3 seconds of inactivity.
• Unlimited Displays: Uses a custom framebuf implementation to bypass the Pico's hardware limit for displayio.
• SH1106 Native Support: Includes a custom driver fix for the 2-pixel offset and rotation artifacts common on 1.3" OLEDs.
• Windows Ready: Supports media keys, volume, task manager, and locking.

🛠️ Hardware

• Microcontroller: Raspberry Pi Pico (RP2040)

• Displays: 2x SH1106 I2C OLEDs (128x64)

• Inputs:

• 8x Mechanical Switches (cherry mx style)

• 4x Rotary Encoders (with push buttons)

• Wiring:

• Left Screen: I2C1 (GP20/GP21)

• Right Screen: I2C0 (GP26/GP27)

• Switches & Encoders: Mapped in code.py

🪛 PCB

• Designed with Fusion
• Produced by PCBWay (https://www.pcbway.com/)

🖨️ 3D-Printing

• Designed with Fusion and Printed on a BambuLab A1 mini

• Case
• Case closure
• Keycaps

• Exception: Encoder Knob by Kea Workshop (https://makerworld.com/en/models/628840-ec11-encoder-knob#profileId-593261)

🚀 Installation

1. Install CircuitPython: Flash the latest CircuitPython .uf2 to your Pico.
2. Add Libraries: Copy the following from the Adafruit CircuitPython Bundle to the lib folder on your Pico:

• adafruit_hid (folder)
• adafruit_ssd1306.mpy
• adafruit_framebuf.mpy
• adafruit_display_text (folder) - optional but recommended

3. Required Font: Crucial! You must copy font5x8.bin to the root directory of the Pico.
4. Deploy Code: Copy code.py and keymap.json to the root directory.

⚙️ Configuration (keymap.json)

Define your shortcuts in keymap.json. No compile needed—just save and run.

{
    "switches": [
        {"cmd": "CTRL+C", "label": "Copy"},
        {"cmd": "WIN+L", "label": "Lock PC"}
    ],
    "encoders": [
        {
            "cw": "VOL_UP",
            "ccw": "VOL_DOWN", 
            "label": "Volume"
        }
    ]
}

Supported Commands:

• Standard: A, B, 1, ENTER, SPACE, TAB...
• Modifiers: CTRL, SHIFT, ALT, WIN (e.g., CTRL+ALT+DELETE)
• Media: VOL_UP, VOL_DOWN, MUTE, PLAY_PAUSE, NEXT, PREV

🔧 Technical Deep Dive

The "Dual Display" Hack

Standard CircuitPython on RP2040 limits displayio to one active display to save RAM. This project uses a raw framebuf implementation combined with direct I2C commands. This allows for:

1. Two independent displays running simultaneously.
2. Fast refresh rates via optimized partial updates.

The SH1106 Offset Fix

SH1106 displays technically have a 132x64 RAM buffer, while standard panels show 128x64. This often causes pixel garbage or shifted text when rotated.

• Solution: The code implements a TEXT_PAD offset logic and clears the frame buffer (fill(0)) before every draw call to eliminate edge artifacts without needing complex driver patches.

📂 File Structure

CIRCUITPY/
├── lib/                   # CircuitPython Libraries
├── code.py                # Main Logic
├── keymap.json            # User Configuration
├── keymap_archive.json    # Possible User Configs
└── font5x8.bin            # Binary font file (REQUIRED)

📄 License

This project is open-source. Feel free to fork, modify, and build your own!