Configuration without external dependencies

[tlietz]

VIA is the primary dependency for configuration. We should try to have a method of configuration that does not rely on any external dependencies for updates. This could be accomplished by using a webserver, serial terminal, telnet, or ssh running locally. If none of those are found to be reasonable, our own web-based or PC-software configurator may have to be created.

Another option would be to add wireless connectivity to the keypad and implement a webserver with that https://github.com/sysprogs/PicoHTTPServer/

[tlietz]

Pico webserver over usb works on linux machine, but times out when running on windows PC with win 11 or win 10. The webserver is also very slow.

[tlietz]

QMK has VIRTSER (virtual serial) support which looks promising

[tlietz]

For the initial configurator, VIRTSER will be used, which means it can be accessed by serial terminal emulators such as Teraterm. Or any standard online serial emulator that uses the webSerial API, like the official Google one (https://googlechromelabs.github.io/serial-terminal/)

While settings are being configured, need to consider when to write something to memory vs. EEPROM

Initial features:

• restore default settings
• actuation settings
  • Per key settings toggle
  • Rapid trigger toggle
  • Actuation distance (arrow key, selection, or text-based input?)
  • Press sensitivity
  • Release sensitivity
• Lighting settings
  • Effect selection
  • Brightness
  • Effect speed
  • Color selection from hardcoded values, or manually input them in

Future:

• see when analog keys are actuated so that testing can be done inside the configurator as settings are changed (analog keys might need to be monitored so that the keycode they're assigned to aren't registered in this screen of the terminal)
• Keycode settings
• method of saving and restoring firmware settings
  • Gives binary string that is a representation of current settings
  • Have a prompt where the binary string is pasted in to restore settings
• Undo last action
• Bongo cat
• Streaming tests
• Reaction time test
• Serial terminal-based game that relies on analog nature of keys

[tlietz]

This ascii art collection will be useful

[tlietz]

Ascii art generator from image: https://www.text-image.com/convert/ascii.html

[tlietz]

Ansi control codes for serial terminal: https://gist.github.com/fnky/458719343aabd01cfb17a3a4f7296797