AutoKey

Automatic Keystrokes (AutoKey) is a project with the aim of automating text copying in closed systems

Requirements

• Arduino Leonardo
• USB UART
• USBasp Programmer

Install USB UART driver

This device allows connection to the COM/Serial port between the Arduino and the machine that will send the commands for automatic text copying

1. Connect USB UART to PC

2. Check if the driver is installed in Device Manager

3. If not, install driver

https://www.silabs.com/developers/usb-to-uart-bridge-vcp-drivers?tab=downloads

Install USBasp driver

This device will allow you to upload the Autokey program to the Arduino, configure the core files and eliminate the bootloader

1. Connect USBasp to PC

2. Check if the driver is installed in Device Manager

3. If not, install Zadig

https://zadig.akeo.ie

4. Select USBasp device, select WinUSB driver and Install Driver

Set up Arduino

1. Connect USB UART to Arduino

2. Connect USBasp to Arduino

3. Remove CDC Class in Arduino Core

Remove CDC Class disables the Arduino Serial Port, the Arduino will only be detected as a HID device (keyboard or mouse)

3.1. Open USBDesc.h

On Windows the file is commonly located in:

C:\Users\{USER}\AppData\Local\Arduino15\packages\arduino\hardware\avr\1.8.6\cores\arduino\USBDesc.h

3.2. Uncomment line 35

//#define CDC_DISABLED

4. Upload program via ICSP

4.1. Connect Arduino Leonardo in PC using USBasp

4.2. Open main.ino in Arduino IDE

https://github.com/smenaaliaga/autokey/main/main.ino

4.3. Select board: Arduino Leonardo

-> Tools -> Board -> Arduino AVR Boards -> Arduino Leonardo

4.4. Select Programmer: USBasp

-> Tools -> Programmer -> USBasp

4.5. Upload code using programmer

-> Sketch -> Upload Using Programmer

4.6. Done!

How to use

1. Connect USB UART to controller PC

2. Connect USB Arduino to target PC

3. Install and use AutoKey WebUI

https://github.com/smenaaliaga/autokey_webui

Upload Leonardo's bootloader and CDC Class

1. Open USBDesc.h and comment line

#define CDC_DISABLED

2. Connect USBasp to Arduino

3. Connect USBasp to PC

4. Open Arduino IDE and select board: Arduino Leonardo

5. Select Programmer: USBasp

6. Start burning the bootloader

-> Tools -> Burn Bootloader

7. Done!

References:

• https://www.instructables.com/Fixing-Bootloader-on-Arduino-Leonardo-ProMicro-Wit/
• https://www.fischl.de/usbasp/
• https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/416714/avrdude-does-not-recognize-usbasp-device/417509#417509
• https://forum.arduino.cc/t/removing-the-bootloader/534266
• arduino/ArduinoCore-avr#383