xwhatsit's Grand Unified IBM Capsense USB controller Order (Batch 3)

[Touch_It]

Oh, man.  I think I might have to pull the trigger and get one for my 107 key.

[xwhatsit]

Cheers, I'll put you down for one.

[tokkystyle]

How to join this group buy?
Already closed?? I need one for my IBM F-5170

[xwhatsit]

Hi Tokkystyle,

What's a F-5170 exactly? I haven't heard of one of those. Has it got a detachable controller?

I took a quick look on Google and it seems it might be like a normal PC-AT Model F, is that right?

EDIT: Ah I see, the 5170 was the model code for the IBM PC AT. So it is just a standard PC-AT. The controller will definitely work well with that. I'll put you down for one on my spreadsheet; I'll be in contact over the next day or two with an invoice. Cheers!

[Touch_It]

If it is a PC at shouldn't a at to ps2 adapter also work?  Just in case op didn't know?

[xwhatsit]

Yes good point—also Soarer's converter would be a good (and cheaper) option. Sorry I should have mentioned that; my PC-AT has one of my controllers but that's only because all I have is a hammer and everything looks like a nail

[tokkystyle]

Oh thanks !! This is my first Group buy in geekhack.
when you ready, please tell me detail how to purchase .
See u soon

[xwhatsit]

tokkystyle: whilst I'm quite happy to sell you a controller, if your keyboard is just a PC-AT keyboard then you don't need one of my controllers. You can convert it to USB much cheaper by using Soarer's converter. It's up to you though!

[HoffmanMyster]

I'm interested in ordering 3 Model F controllers if you're still accepting orders for round 3.   

Any idea on pricing for this round?  I think I saw you say that you had tried a cheaper manufacturer, so I'm not sure if pricing has changed. 

[tokkystyle]

I thought replace original controller is only way to remapping AT keyboard.
Thank you for useful information. I will try tensy first.

[xwhatsit]

I'm interested in ordering 3 Model F controllers if you're still accepting orders for round 3.   

Any idea on pricing for this round?  I think I saw you say that you had tried a cheaper manufacturer, so I'm not sure if pricing has changed. 

Yeah I was kind of tossing up about that... I am saving a few dollars on each board now, but my wife keeps telling me I'm selling them too cheap I think you're right though, I'll reprice the controllers at $45 each. I'd better get back to 0100010 to refund some of his super-speedy payment!

3x controllers, blimey! What have you picked up?

I thought replace original controller is only way to remapping AT keyboard.
Thank you for useful information. I will try tensy first.

Good luck! In some ways it might be easier than my controller, you only have to solder a couple of wires instead of 30


Here is tonight's haul... I'm really liking the white soldermask, it goes well with the black and silver of the components (although really shows up any leftover flux and solderballs if the solder printing wasn't accurate!):

[HoffmanMyster]

I'm interested in ordering 3 Model F controllers if you're still accepting orders for round 3.   

Any idea on pricing for this round?  I think I saw you say that you had tried a cheaper manufacturer, so I'm not sure if pricing has changed. 

Yeah I was kind of tossing up about that... I am saving a few dollars on each board now, but my wife keeps telling me I'm selling them too cheap I think you're right though, I'll reprice the controllers at $45 each. I'd better get back to 0100010 to refund some of his super-speedy payment!

3x controllers, blimey! What have you picked up?

Excellent, great to hear!  Thank you for selling these at a reasonable price, despite your wife's advice.    My wallet thanks you.  )

I picked up two more 4704 boards (107-key and 50-key), and I figure I'll keep the third as a spare / backup in case I get another board.   

[0100010]

The 4704 107 board has what I assume is the 'same' 8 row by 16 column matrix as other model F's - I made a spreadsheet of what row / column hit each switch position and which columns were ground / skipped.

[xwhatsit]

2 GND + 8 rows + 2 GND + 16 cols + 2 GND is the standard pinout. Are there still skipped columns on the 107? I thought they would have needed all 16 columns!

When you get the controller (I'll have to post them on Tuesday now, I had forgot Monday is a public holiday in NZ damnit!) I'd still just check the keys are corresponding to the row/columns you think they are in the status view before mapping the keys, as there have been a couple of surprises before (e.g. Displaywriter with the interleaved rows). Things can get very confusing if you've already set up all the keys

[0100010]

From the "front' side of the main keyboards PCB, they are :

G, G, R1-8, G, G, C1-15, Skip, G, G

[Vizir]

I have just bought a f 122 and was wondering which mod to go with, capsense or soarer. And if capsense, can I still get in on the GB?

[0100010]

For an F122, I would go with a Soarer.  For a beamspring, 3178, 4704 - would go with the capsense.

But - it is nice to have options. 

[Vizir]

thanks for the info.

[xwhatsit]

That's a decent length receipt from the post office



Everybody who ordered and confirmed now has parcels in the post (apart from terrpn, who is still waiting for delivery of his keyboard). I've got a handful of bits left and can build a couple more controllers of different types, but will be travelling for a week, leaving in a couple of days, so they may have to wait until after then.

Thanks everybody!

[Touch_It]

Thanks for all the hard work.  Of course you are getting paid, but probably not near enough for all the hard work you put in.  I'm sure everyone else would agree with me in saying this.

[0100010]

Stupid question - but what option is the "Windows" key in the capsense app?

[ComradeSniper]

Got my controllers today, can't wait to get my 107 up and running 

[0100010]

My 107 is what I am working on now // I think I have determined that the windows key is LeftGUI (just manually edited the hex value for that key position in the layout file).

Anyone know if the duration values matter for the 4704 buzzer?

[Touch_It]

My wife decided to tell me 5 minutes ago my controller came in.  At any rate though still going to be a while.  Don't even have a soldering iron yet

[0100010]

My 107 is what I am working on now // I think I have determined that the windows key is LeftGUI (just manually edited the hex value for that key position in the layout file).

Anyone know if the duration values matter for the 4704 buzzer?

Quoting myself, just to add that I learned from xwhatsit that you need to have different values in the expansion header tab for the 4704 buzzer to work properly.  Defaults are 255/255 - and doesn't work.  He suggested 20/40ms - and that works perfectly.

[vivalarevolución]

Hey guys.  I'm not sure if anyone has reported back yet, but xwhatsit's Model F controller works with the 50-key Model F.  I've got mine working and programmed to the layout that I desire.  So for those of you with the 50-key, this baby works.

[Vizir]

are you still open for an order? i'd like an alternative to soarers for what i'm working on. and i like the fact that this one is a replacement board to the on-board pcb (and that its open source). if you are still taking orders, i'll buy one for my f 122.

[Touch_It]

Any solenoid controllers left?  I might be interested in one.

[xwhatsit]

I think I'm out of my current stock of Model Fs (somebody ordered 5 a few days ago, I don't know if I can do all of those even). On the plus side, there's two people who are (separately) manufacturing a tonne of Model F controllers, and should have very good pricing and availability and probably cheaper/faster shipping than I can do from NZ. For both of them it's just Model F controllers at this stage.

I do still have solenoid drivers and Beamspring controllers, however.

[Vizir]

I'll keep an eye out for these controllers. Thanks.

[Touch_It]

Over on Deskthority there is a thread on these.

[geniekid]

I was able to get my F AT up and running with one of these last week but I just now got the LEDs working with the expansion header! 

[Touch_It]

Having a hell of a time soldering in my new controller.  Any suggestions for getting all 30 wires into the new controller?

[Parak]

Having a hell of a time soldering in my new controller.  Any suggestions for getting all 30 wires into the new controller?

Hm, I didn't have any particular issues especially as the holes are oversized and the cable is sufficiently stiff. When I did the xwhatsit for a friend, the original controller came off, then the new one just simply fit immediately. But basically, use some tweezers to line up the wires as horizontally as possible, with even spacing. Try your best not to stress the connection at the matrix pcb while you do this. Put the controller on the first few wires, and pinch them off using something like a binder clip perhaps. Then stuff the others in using tweezers as needed. Solder one or two pins as close as possible to the ribbon (again to reduce stress), then repeat on the other side. Solder middle pins, etc.

[Touch_It]

Having a hell of a time soldering in my new controller.  Any suggestions for getting all 30 wires into the new controller?

Hm, I didn't have any particular issues especially as the holes are oversized and the cable is sufficiently stiff. When I did the xwhatsit for a friend, the original controller came off, then the new one just simply fit immediately. But basically, use some tweezers to line up the wires as horizontally as possible, with even spacing. Try your best not to stress the connection at the matrix pcb while you do this. Put the controller on the first few wires, and pinch them off using something like a binder clip perhaps. Then stuff the others in using tweezers as needed. Solder one or two pins as close as possible to the ribbon (again to reduce stress), then repeat on the other side. Solder middle pins, etc.

If I would (could) have done a good desoldering job I'm sure it would have been easy.  However I realize I really suck at this and did a very poor job of de-soldering so the wires were all mangled.  However with some persistence I prevailed.  I would line up 4-5 wires in the holes at a time (using tweezers when needed) and solder.  Rinse and repeat.  Its not pretty but I think I got it properly soldered in.  Your advice definitely Helped Parak.  I just wish I had more experience soldering.  Also wish my hands didn't get shaky whenever I start soldering lol.

[echo0]

Is batch 3 still open for an order?  Any Beamspring-Displaywriter controller left?  I am interested in one.

Thanks...

[blueSmoke]

With the current batch of Beamspring Displaywriters being sold in EBay, there will be a few that need one including me.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/bitsasd/m.html?rmvSB=true&item=221676634827&afsrc=1&_from=R40|R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=displaywriter+keyboard&LH_Complete=1&rt=nc

There is also a chance that the other sellers who are hoarding displaywriters are going to sell looking at the hefty prices these are going in EBay.

xwhatsit: Is the batch3 still open or are you planning to make another batch?

I can make my own from the PCB, but would rather get it made by the creator.

[pr0ximity]

Interested in a Round 3 Model F controller if they're still open for orders or if anyone reading is looking to hand one off 

[xwhatsit]

Looks like I will need to order a few Displaywriter PCBs then. Quite a stash turning up!

I'm personally out of Model F PCBs and don't really intend to order any more; between this guy and another guy who will have plenty more ready there's no need for me to build those. In fact for that price, if I need any more myself I'll just get one of those

[blueSmoke]

[xwhatsit]: If you are planning for another batch, then please consider making some solenoid/buzzer/speaker boards as well.

[xwhatsit]

I ordered 10 Displaywriter PCBs just in case.

I've got a reasonable amount of solenoid drivers left. You only need them for the solenoids or the Displaywriter's speaker (not that the speaker will be that exciting, it'll be like the original IBM unit in that it'll just click).

[Melvang]

Will the xwhatsit controller for the AT screw down to the existing mounts?

[xwhatsit]

Yep, I use a Model-F-USB prototype in my PC-AT. That said, it would probably be cheaper and easier to use Soarer's converter, especially with those nifty inline converters I see popping up. I only use one in my PC-AT because it's handy for debugging (LEDs!) and "when all you have is a hammer..."

[Melvang]

Yep, I use a Model-F-USB prototype in my PC-AT. That said, it would probably be cheaper and easier to use Soarer's converter, especially with those nifty inline converters I see popping up. I only use one in my PC-AT because it's handy for debugging (LEDs!) and "when all you have is a hammer..."

Thanks xwhatsit.  I actually already have my xwhatsit controller installed and am testing/setting up right now.  I did the ANSI mod but kept the long space bar and I converted the numpad area into a 4x5 matrix so for me with my very limited knowledge on coding, using stuff between CMD and windows stuffs, the GUI tool seemed well worth the extra cost. 

This is my layout.  The legends in red indicate function layer of the top legend.

[blueSmoke]

I ordered 10 Displaywriter PCBs just in case.

I've got a reasonable amount of solenoid drivers left. You only need them for the solenoids or the Displaywriter's speaker (not that the speaker will be that exciting, it'll be like the original IBM unit in that it'll just click).

Thanks xwhatsit. Keeping fingers crossed and my displaywriter is waiting for the transplant. Scared to even open it to clean, and will do so after I get the controller.