[GB] Stainless steel universal TKL plates (ANSI 125)

[deSheol]

When does this end?

[Flyersfan1]

When does this end?

When the MOQ is met I'm guessing.  I think Strict mentioned he wanted to keep this a relatively low order since it's his first time working with this company.

[deSheol]

When does this end?

When the MOQ is met I'm guessing.  I think Strict mentioned he wanted to keep this a relatively low order since it's his first time working with this company.

Sounds reasonable. Any Australian wants to combine shipping? Let me know, I'm only looking to get 1 plate for my ducky.

[GeorgeK]

Depends on how many others we get involved as 3 plates (which is all we're at now) would cost too much.  I might have one other interested but he wants to know:

Will this fit a Leopold FC200R (which takes plate mount cherry stabs) ?

It is compatible with cherry plate stabs but I don't know if it will fit the FC200R. I couldn't find readily available pictures of the guts of that keyboard so your friend or someone else would have to pop open the case and compare the existing plate to the picture from the first post.

Regarding international shipping, keep in mind I can only get 2 plates per envelope so for proxy shipping to even approach being worth it I think we will need at least 4 or more plates shipped in a large flat rate box ($75). Im guessing I could get close to a dozen or so plates into one of the large flat rate boxes.

The good news though is that we're up to 32 orders now!

Thanks - I've passed that on to him and am waiting to hear back.  I have another couple of people interested on another forum so including LechnerDE's two that might be 5 or 6 which would make one flat rate box quite good value at ~$12 per plate (unless like LechnerDE you have 2 plates in which case it would still be cheaper to have it sent direct...)

[LechnerDE]

Well, if it costs 2x 12$ through you, I'd save one precious Dollar

And if it comes from the UK there is no risk for me to pay import taxes, so if you don't mind I'd be happy to get my 2 plates from you.


Edit:

I am stupid and forgot that it costs another 8$ to forward my plates. If you get more people interested we might be able to lower the shipping costs per plate to something like 8$. Then it would be worthwhile for me again

[GeorgeK]

Yeah - let's see how it goes with yours. 

Does anyone else in the UK / EU want me to proxy stuff?

[strict]

Should be getting a prototype plate early next week 

[CommonCurt]

Should be getting a prototype plate early next week 

Sweet

Excited to see how it turned out.

[phoenix1234]

Sorry for nothing related to the Topic but you guys saw this topic ID?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=55555.50

WOW 

[CommonCurt]

Sorry for nothing related to the Topic but you guys saw this topic ID?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=55555.50

WOW 

Your link is to this thread?

[phoenix1234]

Sorry for nothing related to the Topic but you guys saw this topic ID?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=55555.50

WOW 

Your link is to this thread?

Yes, I think it is quite rate to have 6 number 5 in a row like that.

[VesperSAINT]

hmmmm... I might need to order another one of these. This would be the third time lol (previously aluminum and steel).

[berserkfan]

Sorry for nothing related to the Topic but you guys saw this topic ID?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=55555.50

WOW 

Your link is to this thread?

Yes, I think it is quite rate to have 6 number 5 in a row like that.

Looks as though somebody has a spoilt switch that spams 5

[strict]

Here is an imgur album of the prototype I picked up today. This is a 063 aluminum plate that was used ONLY for the prototype, the production plates will be 304 stainless. Aluminum was used for the prototype mainly because I was just concerned with all the measurements being correct and making sure the tolerances could be met.

There are some slight surface scuffs and markings, however they are all pretty light. The production stainless plates should be a more resilient metal and hopefully have less markings. Let me know what you guys think!

http://imgur.com/a/Up10e

[jdcarpe]

Looks good to me!

[Flyersfan1]

Looks great Strict!!! Hope we get to MOQ soon!! 

[jdcarpe]

Yeah, I'm somewhat surprised this isn't sitting at about 50 orders so far. One thing to think about, if you can afford it, is that you might want to pick up an extra plate, or even two in this GB. The plates only seem to be made once a year or so, and people are ALWAYS wanting them. You could probably use one of these to trade for something that doesn't come along every day, because these plates will end up being highly sought after once they haven't been produced for a while. New people come into this hobby all the time, and want things that were made before they started.

Now, if there is a steady stream of them being produced, this doesn't really apply, but I feel it's better to have extra than not enough.

[CommonCurt]

Here is an imgur album of the prototype I picked up today. This is a 063 aluminum plate that was used ONLY for the prototype, the production plates will be 304 stainless. Aluminum was used for the prototype mainly because I was just concerned with all the measurements being correct and making sure the tolerances could be met.

There are some slight surface scuffs and markings, however they are all pretty light. The production stainless plates should be a more resilient metal and hopefully have less markings. Let me know what you guys think!

http://imgur.com/a/Up10e

Looks good

Strict do you think you will do a round2 after these are made?

[LechnerDE]

Yeah, I'm somewhat surprised this isn't sitting at about 50 orders so far. One thing to think about, if you can afford it, is that you might want to pick up an extra plate, or even two in this GB. The plates only seem to be made once a year or so, and people are ALWAYS wanting them. You could probably use one of these to trade for something that doesn't come along every day, because these plates will end up being highly sought after once they haven't been produced for a while. New people come into this hobby all the time, and want things that were made before they started.

Now, if there is a steady stream of them being produced, this doesn't really apply, but I feel it's better to have extra than not enough.

If another plate wouldn't increase the shipping costs from 25$ to 50$ I'd be up for another one

Looks good

Strict do you think you will do a round2 after these are made?

Yeah, I am also interested in a Round 2, if you offer a universal plate that allows all kinds of setups. Like 1.5 mods and short right shift keys similar to the universal layout of the GH plates 

[GeorgeK]

I should be adding an order for another 3 or 4 once I get confirmation from a few people this end

[jdcarpe]

Yeah, I am also interested in a Round 2, if you offer a universal plate that allows all kinds of setups. Like 1.5 mods and short right shift keys similar to the universal layout of the GH plates 

I could easily design the plate to have those options, but what PCB would you use it with? Almost all the keyboards this plate is designed for use plate mount stabilizers only, not PCB mount. Meaning there are no holes at all on the PCB for mounting stabilizers. And to have a plate with those different layout options, you have to use PCB mount stabilizers. Because the holes in the plate for switches and stabilizers overlap, so you just end up with a big hole where the stabilizer goes, and not the proper cutout for mounting the stabilizer to the plate. Which is fine, as long as you can use PCB mounted stabilizers.

I guess the few people who have A.87 PCBs could use a plate like that, but I don't think you would ever hit any kind of MOQ for the plate.

[strict]

Here is an imgur album of the prototype I picked up today. This is a 063 aluminum plate that was used ONLY for the prototype, the production plates will be 304 stainless. Aluminum was used for the prototype mainly because I was just concerned with all the measurements being correct and making sure the tolerances could be met.

There are some slight surface scuffs and markings, however they are all pretty light. The production stainless plates should be a more resilient metal and hopefully have less markings. Let me know what you guys think!

http://imgur.com/a/Up10e

Looks good

Strict do you think you will do a round2 after these are made?

Let me finish up R1 and I will say for sure but currently things have gone well enough its a very good possibility. We still have a ways to go though (invoicing, production, shipping, etc).

[Ishamael]

Seriously tempted. Gotta mull it over, but might order one when I get home from work.

[LechnerDE]

Yeah, I am also interested in a Round 2, if you offer a universal plate that allows all kinds of setups. Like 1.5 mods and short right shift keys similar to the universal layout of the GH plates 

I could easily design the plate to have those options, but what PCB would you use it with? Almost all the keyboards this plate is designed for use plate mount stabilizers only, not PCB mount. Meaning there are no holes at all on the PCB for mounting stabilizers. And to have a plate with those different layout options, you have to use PCB mount stabilizers. Because the holes in the plate for switches and stabilizers overlap, so you just end up with a big hole where the stabilizer goes, and not the proper cutout for mounting the stabilizer to the plate. Which is fine, as long as you can use PCB mounted stabilizers.

I guess the few people who have A.87 PCBs could use a plate like that, but I don't think you would ever hit any kind of MOQ for the plate.

Oh, I wasn't aware of these details. I am still a total noob when it comes to building a keyboard

The Phantom will be my first project. Doesn't the Phantom PCB allow 1,5 Mods or were you specifically talking about the short right shift key?

[jdcarpe]

Oh, I wasn't aware of these details. I am still a total noob when it comes to building a keyboard

The Phantom will be my first project. Doesn't the Phantom PCB allow 1,5 Mods or were you specifically talking about the short right shift key?

Yes, the Phantom PCB allows for 1.5-unit mods, but you need a separate plate design for that. You can't combine the designs for 125 and 150 into a single plate, as in the GH60 Universal plate, because GH60 allows for PCB mount stabilizers, and Phantom doesn't. In this case, the term "Universal" means that this ANSI125 plate will replace the stock plates of several different keyboards, e.g. Filco, QFR, Phantom, etc. In the case of the GH60 "Universal" plate, it means that one plate covers several layout options.

[LechnerDE]

Thanks for the clarification 

[skcheng]

Yeah, I'm somewhat surprised this isn't sitting at about 50 orders so far. One thing to think about, if you can afford it, is that you might want to pick up an extra plate, or even two in this GB. The plates only seem to be made once a year or so, and people are ALWAYS wanting them. You could probably use one of these to trade for something that doesn't come along every day, because these plates will end up being highly sought after once they haven't been produced for a while. New people come into this hobby all the time, and want things that were made before they started.

Now, if there is a steady stream of them being produced, this doesn't really apply, but I feel it's better to have extra than not enough.

You convinced me.   Just ordered another.....

[n7]

I broke the stem of one of the switches on my FC200R. Since this kind of damage isn't covered by my warranty anyway, I was thinking about doing some other mods. What would be the best way to determine if the plate would fit this keyboard? I saw a couple of other people ask about it in this thread, but it doesn't look like there was a definitive answer

[jdcarpe]

I broke the stem of one of the switches on my FC200R. Since this kind of damage isn't covered by my warranty anyway, I was thinking about doing some other mods. What would be the best way to determine if the plate would fit this keyboard? I saw a couple of other people ask about it in this thread, but it doesn't look like there was a definitive answer

I can't be sure, since I haven't tried this plate on a Leopold, but there is a high probability that it will fit. If it does, you also gain the ability to mount stabilizers to the plate which will accept normal spacebars.

[CommonCurt]

I broke the stem of one of the switches on my FC200R. Since this kind of damage isn't covered by my warranty anyway, I was thinking about doing some other mods. What would be the best way to determine if the plate would fit this keyboard? I saw a couple of other people ask about it in this thread, but it doesn't look like there was a definitive answer

I can't be sure, since I haven't tried this plate on a Leopold, but there is a high probability that it will fit. If it does, you also gain the ability to mount stabilizers to the plate which will accept normal spacebars.

Jalaj was selling a Leopold TKL here on GH that had one of WFD's plates in it with Costar stabilizers.

[strict]

Were now at 34 orders so if you're holding off for some reason now is the time to get in. Even if we don't get all 36 orders I don't plan on keeping this open much longer. If I have to, I will buy the remaining plates myself and figure out something to do with them.

[n7]

Went ahead and ordered! These look too nice to pass up 

[strict]

Went ahead and ordered! These look too nice to pass up 

That makes number 36. I plan on closing this up by end-of-day on Friday and starting the process of sending out PayPal invoices either Saturday or Sunday. If all that goes well hopefully I can give the go ahead to start production of the plates by the middle of next week.

[Flyersfan1]

Went ahead and ordered! These look too nice to pass up 

That makes number 36. I plan on closing this up by end-of-day on Friday and starting the process of sending out PayPal invoices either Saturday or Sunday. If all that goes well hopefully I can give the go ahead to start production on the plates by the middle of next week.

Thanks again for making this happen Strict! 

[GeorgeK]

Best get chasing up this end then - can you wait to hear from me?  I won't hold things up - I promise!

[strict]

Best get chasing up this end then - can you wait to hear from me?  I won't hold things up - I promise!

I plan on closing the order form on Friday night so as long as you can get those orders sorted out by then thats no problem. If not, you/they will have to hold out for round 2.

[CommonCurt]

Best get chasing up this end then - can you wait to hear from me?  I won't hold things up - I promise!

I plan on closing the order form on Friday night so as long as you can get those orders sorted out by then thats no problem. If not, you/they will have to hold out for round 2.

Glad to hear you are going to do a round2.  I will definitely order another one/two for my other Filcos.

[GeorgeK]

Best get chasing up this end then - can you wait to hear from me?  I won't hold things up - I promise!

I plan on closing the order form on Friday night so as long as you can get those orders sorted out by then thats no problem. If not, you/they will have to hold out for round 2.

I'll definitely get an order in by then

[geniekid]

If I have a QFR, is the benefit of this plate that I can do switch top removal without desoldering (well, once I've desoldered and resoldered to install the plate)?  I'm kind of looking for an excuse to buy this, but I'm already pretty happy with the default QFR plate (I THINK it's powder coated stainless steel).

[Flyersfan1]

If I have a QFR, is the benefit of this plate that I can do switch top removal without desoldering (well, once I've desoldered and resoldered to install the plate)?  I'm kind of looking for an excuse to buy this, but I'm already pretty happy with the default QFR plate (I THINK it's powder coated stainless steel).

Yes, once the plate is installed, it will allow for the removal of the top of the switch which will allow for installation of new springs and stems.  In addition, you'd also be able to install switch stickers or apply lube as well.  It's a really nice way to try different switches/springs to potentially find new combinations you might like.

[GeorgeK]

Placed an order for 3 plates although that may change to 4 but maybe not

[strict]

Final count for round 1 was 41 plates from 26 users. I'm going to try to get all invoices sent out before the end of the weekend. As soon as all the invoices are paid I will give the green light for production to start. Thanks everyone for making this a success thus far!

[CommonCurt]

Final count for round 1 was 41 plates from 26 users. I'm going to try to get all invoices sent out before the end of the weekend. As soon as all the invoices are paid I will give the green light for production to start. Thanks everyone for making this a success thus far!

Thank you strict for doing this

[strict]

Invoices have been sent. I double checked everything but if there are any problems with them please let me know.

[n7]

Paid!! Thanks for organizing this buy

[Flyersfan1]

Paid! Thanks again Strict!

[CommonCurt]

Paid.  Thanks again strict, and I look forward to round2.

[whiskytango]

Paid. Thanks strict

[do_Og@n]

Paid up....excited to finally get my hands on a custom TKL plate.

Thanks a TON strict!!!

[HendyZone]

Check PM strict

Thanks