Part 2 - Preparing the PCB
The PCB comes with a basic keymap that types, but likely isn’t ideal for your use case.
To get it functioning well, it’s necessary to install a more recent copy of the firmware that’s compatible with Via Configurator.
- Unbox the PCB if not already done.
- Download the via-compatible firmware hex file ai03_polaris_via.hex from here.
- If you haven’t installed QMK Toolbox, Atmel FLIP, or a similar firmware flashing program before, do the following:
- Flash the firmware. For QMK Toolbox users, do the following:
- Launch QMK Toolbox. For the Local File field, press the Open button, and select the hex file that you downloaded at step 1.
- Plug in your PCB, and press the reset button located near the left Win/Alt key location on the bottom. If the drivers are installed, you should see an ATMega32u4 Bootloader device show up.
- Make sure that the option selected for Microcontroller is the atmega32u4, then press flash. The log should show the firmware being written successfully.
- Launch QMK Toolbox. For the Local File field, press the Open button, and select the hex file that you downloaded at step 1.
- Replug the PCB once it’s done. It should now register as a functional keyboard and show up as Polaris in device manager or similar.
Next, we will prepare the case for assembly.