Layer Indicators for P20v8

It may be evident that the P20 have the most revisions amongst my keypads. Currently we are on P20v8iii. This should be the same as the P20v8 but I messed up on things, thus making its configurations differ from v8. Someone said this should be v9. True, but since P20v8iii is already imprinted on the PCB, sticking with P20v8iii. 

Anyways, those are not the reason I am writing this post. I would like to focus on layer indicators. I had a lot of requests to incorporate layer indicators on our pads. One that does not involve tinkering on the QMK hardcoding level. One P20 user shared a bright idea of using hue/saturation and macros to indicate layer change! Genius! This is brilliant and even works with older version of our pads with pro micro controllers. 

Though above is one solution, it is a bit limited to some. Thanks to RP2040 Pico on the P20v8, we no longer have space problems and can now use RGB MATRIX - pro micro powered keypads we released can only use RGB ANIMATIONS. RGB Matrix is more powerful since it allows us, but not limited to, target specific LED on the matrix and use it as a layer indicator. One thing I like on this approach is that you can set your RGB effects, brightness, and speed and wont affect the indicator. One thing to note though is that the lit indicator is on max brightness, depending on the RGB effect that is set, seeing the indicator may be a bit hard.

To further explain what we wanted, LED under each buttons corresponds to their respective layers. For example, LED under 1 will be white while on layer 1, that under 2 will be lit while on layer 2, and so on. (Nits bits and configuration files will be shared here for those who wish to dive on to hardcoding level.)

The layer indicator color can be changed but I decided to stick with white to be on the neutral side. 

Here's a video of our P20v8 with the indicators enabled:

How to enable layer indicator in P20v8?

Short answer is flash the firmware compatible to your P20v8:

• pabile_p20v8_indicators.uf2
• pabile_p20v8iii_indicators.uf2

To know what file to use with your p20, check the name of your keypad in Vial

How to flash firmware to P20v8?

1. Download firmware linked above.
2. Put macropad to bootloader state by: while unplugged, press and hold the top left most button on the keypad. Then plug to USB port then release the button. New drive named RPI-RP2 will appear. 
    
3. Drop the firmware on the RPI-RP2 drive. The device will restart.
4. Open Vial and test the macropad.

Questions, Suggestions and Comments

Please drop your questions on the comments section or reach us through any of the following platforms:

https://pabilekeyboards.etsy.com http://shopee.ph/pabilekeyboards https://lazada.com.ph/pabile

http://fb.com/pabilekeyboards