AFK Virtual Keyboard Dongle

User initiated right to disconnect in the post covid era. AKA a vkeyboard which keeps you online when working from home
In the contest Quick and Useful Prints
37
104
3
1704
updated November 28, 2021

Description

PDF

AFK Gadget

 

When configured this device makes certain you are showing as always online. 

This little USB device will connect to your computer work an emulate a physical keyboard 

It will press the tab button every N number of seconds to set your computer status as online. The choice of TAB key is because it will not trigger any actions, not close any windows, and can only interfere with open text editors. 

Hardware Required

This design needs the following ultra cheap easily available board.

Digispark attiny85 USB.

lmgtfy App link: https://lmgtfy.app/?q=digispark+attiny85+buy

Print Features

The core challenge is that this PCB is not designed to be encased. The USB -+ data lines are shorter and even the slightest shell will make it not work. Also there is heavy variance in the quality of the PCB you source from various providers as such various tolerances are required.

  • Prints in 30 minutes in quality mode
  • No supports required
  • No screws required
  • Clip on method to assemble it
  • Various clearance models included, to serve different fillament types. Recommended is 008 clearance for prusament PLA(Please try higher clearance for more funky filament types such as mystique )
  • Thick enough to be firm, but thin enough allow the LED to show.

Programming the digispark usb key

Set up arduino build enviroment for your system here

https://www.arduino.cc/en/software

Follow the instructions to install the board & drivers for adudino here

https://digistump.com/wiki/digispark/tutorials/connecting

After this is done you just need to slightly modify the provided example by the manufacturers. Should you wish to just click and program, the program is attached in .ino format.

The arduino needs to be configured to program this board, so make certain it is selected as displayed

 

Then the programmer has to be configured to micronucleus ( It may be done automatically but please check )

Then the example can be located at the following path

The modifications required in the code are to change the keypress and optionally adjust the period of the keypress to your desired time frame in milliseconds.

 

Finally after pressing the upload button, the user will be asked to inserT the board into the USB port. If the drivers have been installed correctly, micronucleus will program it and display this message

 

 

Celebrate

After the device has been programmed, open a black text editor or word, insert it into the usb slot and verify that the cursor is moving every N seconds

Model origin

The author hasn't provided the model origin yet.

License