How to make a spacebar counter

Every day, we use our keyboards to type away at work or school, and just as often, we're frustrated when our spacebar key is worn out or broken. But what if you could monitor how much use your spacebar key has seen so you know when to invest in a new one? A spacebar counter lets you do just that. Here's how to get started.

First, you will need a programmable microcontroller such as an Arduino or Raspberry Pi 3. A basic one should be enough for this project and can be picked up cheaply from most electronics stores. You'll also need an ATmega328 microcontroller which will be used for the actual counting of the spacebars on your keyboard. Additionally, you'll want a case to house the controller, as well as some electrical components such as jumper wires and break away headers for connecting all the parts together.

Once everything is collected and connected, your next step is to write code that will allow the ATmega328 microcontroller to count each time you press the spacebar on your keyboard. This can be done in any language of your choice (C++ is recommended). Your code should take into account the amount of time it takes between each keystroke, so that repeatedly pressing and releasing the same key won't cause it to accumulate thousands of "counts" in a short amount of time. You may also want to add features such as keeping track of stats like total number of presses over a specified period of time or setting an alert for when a predetermined number of presses has been exceeded.

After writing your code it's finally ready to compile! Make sure all external components are properly installed before doing so and keep an eye out for errors while running through the compilation process. Once this is done, you should have a working circuit board containing your programmed ATmega328 with capabilities to count multiple keyboards, just by making some changes within the code itself! And voilà - now your circuit board with its microcontroller are set up and ready to count spacebar presses!