[GB] The Smallfry Keyboard Kit (Closed for Orders, 97% shipped. SEE LAST POSTS)

[mkawa]

cutting started yesterday. it will be done by the end of the week.

[mkawa]

there may be a few more kits available. i did some arithmetic a few weeks ago and made a couple more available. i know i got at least one order in the other day, so i must have made at least one more kit available.

that said, the cutter and i had a minor emergency where he thought he had confused some drawings. that would have put a serious kink in things. thankfully, he's running the right drawing though.

[Firebolt1914]

Thanks for the update; we're getting real close, can't wait!

[tbc]

has there been any bluetooth mods for this board?

it's pretty obviously a candidate for a tablet keyboard

[byker]

has there been any bluetooth mods for this board?

it's pretty obviously a candidate for a tablet keyboard

I haven't seen one, but I was hoping to make one work. I was looking at smasher's hhkb teensy bluetooth mod, and wondering if it would be fairly compatible because it also uses a teensy..

[Skuloth]

If anyone finds a way to blue tooth mod these guys let me know. That seems like a pretty sweet idea.

[mkawa]

the cuts are done. it looks like i have 8 kits up for grabs, all said and done. looking forward to getting these anodized. i've hit some fancy stuff at work though and will be preeminently distracted for the next couple of weeks. thank you guys SO MUCH for your patience.

also, i have an opportunity to get plates CERAMIC COATED via a new process called cerakote. it is like powdercoated, but you the substrate is basicaly impenetrable ceramic powder. this is probably the coolest thing (other than lots of titanium) that i've had access to in quite a while. for examples on what can be done, check out https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rainbow-Paint-Blasting-Inc/337716255868

[SpAmRaY]

Would the ceramic coating mess with the size of the switch holes?

[mkawa]

the cerakote layer can be as thin as 100-150 microns, which is <= 5 mils, so possibly, but unlikely. that said, i have absolutely no idea what the pricing on the cerakote process would be.

[Melvang]

I have been considering getting in touch and see what happens to getting caps ceramic coated.

[PandaSPUR]

the cerakote layer can be as thin as 100-150 microns, which is <= 5 mils, so possibly, but unlikely. that said, i have absolutely no idea what the pricing on the cerakote process would be.

Ooh... coating in white would interest me, but yea I don't know if you/we/I want to put any more money into this haha.

[Ceedog]

Cerakote looks tempting... I may have to get a matte black/metallic green board. As far as Bluetooth goes, I'm looking to integrate a Handheld Scientific module with the PCB/ports stripped off. I'll update you guys on how that turns out.

[byker]

Cool, thanks mkawa for the update. I hope we can get these as soon as possible. 

[Greeeg]

If anyone finds a way to blue tooth mod these guys let me know. That seems like a pretty sweet idea.

I'm looking at developing one for my smallfry when it come. Only a planning stage currently. If anything eventuates it'll be open source. I'll make a thread and post all the instructions.

has there been any bluetooth mods for this board?

it's pretty obviously a candidate for a tablet keyboard

I haven't seen one, but I was hoping to make one work. I was looking at smasher's hhkb teensy bluetooth mod, and wondering if it would be fairly compatible because it also uses a teensy..

[tbc]

can i please get a confirmation that order# 1028 is for gold?

i had ordered raw first, then changed my mind to gold.

[numiru]

Help tip these DCS Smallfry modifiers!
5 more hours left, 3 orders needed for these mods. You don't even need the GreenTea alphas, you can use the mods with any DCS or Cherry profile alphas.

[Skuloth]

Help tip these DCS Smallfry modifiers!
5 more hours left, 3 orders needed for these mods. You don't even need the GreenTea alphas, you can use the mods with any DCS or Cherry profile alphas.

I know for me at least, getting a set like this doesn't really work. Since the keyboard is so small I need to be pretty creative with the function and main layers which doesn't really allow me to get a standard set of mods. Also since the layout may be pretty wonky I personally think DSA works a lot better on this board just to ensure everything lines up correctly.

[tyvar1]

Help tip these DCS Smallfry modifiers!
5 more hours left, 3 orders needed for these mods. You don't even need the GreenTea alphas, you can use the mods with any DCS or Cherry profile alphas.

One more! Edit: tipped

[Firebolt1914]

Just because we're getting close, has there been an official parts needed list yet? The only info is just scattered randomly throughout this thread.

[Zeal]

Just because we're getting close, has there been an official parts needed list yet? The only info is just scattered randomly throughout this thread.

Yes, it would be nice to know what items need to be prepped. Are diodes still being sponsored by i3oiler, or will we have to prep them?

[Skuloth]

Just because we're getting close, has there been an official parts needed list yet? The only info is just scattered randomly throughout this thread.

Yes, it would be nice to know what items need to be prepped. Are diodes still being sponsored by i3oiler, or will we have to prep them?

I remember seeing something about stabilizers being supplied by someone as well? Is this accurate?

[mkawa]

i will be supplying stabilizers. i wouldn't worry too much about diodes. i think we can arrange to get them into the kits.

[Skuloth]

i will be supplying stabilizers. i wouldn't worry too much about diodes. i think we can arrange to get them into the kits.

So that leaves USB port and cable, switches, keycaps. Anything else that I missed?

Edit: Teensy

[strict]

i will be supplying stabilizers. i wouldn't worry too much about diodes. i think we can arrange to get them into the kits.

So that leaves USB port and cable, switches, keycaps. Anything else that I missed?

Edit: Teensy

Capslock LED stuff: 3mm T1 LED, Resistor, SIP Sockets (optional)

[Skuloth]

Does anyone know what the dimensions of this guy will be? I'm primarily interested in the length and width of the bottom plate, and the distance between the bottom plate and the pcb.

[mkawa]

9.7 x 3.7". 0.5" between top and bottom plate, nominal

[mkawa]

have to apologize here. i'm currently the long pole. i'll keep everyone updated, but i just wandered into a project at work that is going to completely slam me for the next month and a half. grumble

[byker]

have to apologize here. i'm currently the long pole. i'll keep everyone updated, but i just wandered into a project at work that is going to completely slam me for the next month and a half. grumble

Do we have an ETA on these being done?

[mkawa]

i have to get requotes on the anodization and i'm waiting for a requote on the gaskets. the plates are cut, i have stabilizers, and lead time on teensies is short.

the gasket lead time will be at least 3-4 weeks from order -- probably 5. this will be the first time i've worked with the anodizer, and because i've got other poles that are longer, i'm going to have samples dipped while i'm waiting for the requote. this facility is higher volume than i'm used to dealing with, and i've had communication issues with them. sample dips will confirm that they can be worked with and that they'll produce good product. this facility is fairly unique in that they can guarantee their colors, but there are a number of other new options that i've stumbled on while waiting for the cuts to be made. if it comes to it, i will move finishing away from this facility and back to one that i trust.

once all items are manufactured, massdrop has offered to donate kitting costs, which will cut fulfillment costs and get everyone their goods sooner.

when we ended up doing the final math on clearances, i ended up with a few more units than i expected. i will be using those to experiment with a few new finishing techniques that have been made available to us recently. watch for those, and thanks for your patience!

[Skuloth]

9.7 x 3.7". 0.5" between top and bottom plate, nominal

Ah that sucks. Was hoping I would have space between the pcb and bottom plate to add in the hardware to add bluetooth functionality. Definitely doesn't seem like that will be possible.

[Yslen]

9.7 x 3.7". 0.5" between top and bottom plate, nominal

Ah that sucks. Was hoping I would have space between the pcb and bottom plate to add in the hardware to add bluetooth functionality. Definitely doesn't seem like that will be possible.

You could just get longer spacers and go without the gasket?

[Skuloth]

9.7 x 3.7". 0.5" between top and bottom plate, nominal

Ah that sucks. Was hoping I would have space between the pcb and bottom plate to add in the hardware to add bluetooth functionality. Definitely doesn't seem like that will be possible.

You could just get longer spacers and go without the gasket?

I had already been thinking that the gasket would cause issues. However, I'll have to wait until we get these in hand to see if using bigger spacers will make the keyboard uncomfortable to use or not.

[mkawa]

you don't want to put the bluetooth antenna between two titanium plates anyway. i would look for a more creative mounting solution

[PandaSPUR]

you don't want to put the bluetooth antenna between two titanium plates anyway. i would look for a more creative mounting solution

If we could fit the hardware between the plates and then just make a simple antenna to wrap around the back/outside of the gasket, that would be perfect.

But alas, I know **** all about adapting something to use bluetooth.

[mkawa]

do the adafruit bluefruit cans have antenna snaps on them? i thought they were 100% self-contained?

[PandaSPUR]

do the adafruit bluefruit cans have antenna snaps on them? i thought they were 100% self-contained?

They dont, but it doesnt look hard to extend that little strip of built in antenna:

[mkawa]

also, i've gotten a lot of questions about this that i haven't had time to answer individually:

yes, you can still join the group buy! the stock levels on the website are accurate as to how many kits i will have parts to build, and how many are unsold. if you can order a kit on the website, you can order a kit.

[tyvar1]

Booper here on GH having a IC atm for a JD40/The SmallFry keycap set: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=63768
Vote for which profile you want and also vote here http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/deals/deep-space/ so it get tipped! 

[fatchoi]

Booper here on GH having a IC atm for a JD40/The SmallFry keycap set: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=63768
Vote for which profile you want and also vote here http://www.pimpmykeyboard.com/deals/deep-space/ so it get tipped! 

Show Image

The color.... hmmmm... would prefer something more classic

[mkawa]

i have changed suppliers on coloring the plates. more details soon. the colors will not change, so no action is needed on your part.

[Firebolt1914]

Do you have any high quality pictures of mock ups? The ones on geekhackers is awful

[Skuloth]

Do you have any high quality pictures of mock ups? The ones on geekhackers is awful

We haven't really seen real shots of the gasket and titanium plates. The keyboard + plate shouldn't be overly different from the JD40s being sold by ctrlAlt and there are plenty of pictures of them in the wild if you look around.

[Firebolt1914]

Oops, I meant better colors of the anodization.

[mkawa]

ah, so i'm going to have something more concrete to say about the coloring soon. the basic idea though is that my interactions post-quote from the anodizer have not been good, so i've pivoted on the coloring. this is going to be a bit experimental, but instead of anodizing, i'm going with something that i think is actually a bit cooler and may be one of the first times it's actually been tried. yes, because anodizing titanium to a fixed color scheme was not bleeding edge enough, i've opted for a process that is even more bleeding edge.

no, seriously. that's what i'm doing.

i'm going to nail this down with some experiments with the shop and then i'll be able to say more about it.

[Zeal]

ah, so i'm going to have something more concrete to say about the coloring soon. the basic idea though is that my interactions post-quote from the anodizer have not been good, so i've pivoted on the coloring. this is going to be a bit experimental, but instead of anodizing, i'm going with something that i think is actually a bit cooler and may be one of the first times it's actually been tried. yes, because anodizing titanium to a fixed color scheme was not bleeding edge enough, i've opted for a process that is even more bleeding edge.

no, seriously. that's what i'm doing.

i'm going to nail this down with some experiments with the shop and then i'll be able to say more about it.

All these teasers...)

[GSimon]

ah, so i'm going to have something more concrete to say about the coloring soon. the basic idea though is that my interactions post-quote from the anodizer have not been good, so i've pivoted on the coloring. this is going to be a bit experimental, but instead of anodizing, i'm going with something that i think is actually a bit cooler and may be one of the first times it's actually been tried. yes, because anodizing titanium to a fixed color scheme was not bleeding edge enough, i've opted for a process that is even more bleeding edge.

no, seriously. that's what i'm doing.

i'm going to nail this down with some experiments with the shop and then i'll be able to say more about it.

Cool, well I'm stoked to see how this will turn out, will be truly be a one of a kind keyboard in the end

[PandaSPUR]

ah, so i'm going to have something more concrete to say about the coloring soon. the basic idea though is that my interactions post-quote from the anodizer have not been good, so i've pivoted on the coloring. this is going to be a bit experimental, but instead of anodizing, i'm going with something that i think is actually a bit cooler and may be one of the first times it's actually been tried. yes, because anodizing titanium to a fixed color scheme was not bleeding edge enough, i've opted for a process that is even more bleeding edge.

no, seriously. that's what i'm doing.

i'm going to nail this down with some experiments with the shop and then i'll be able to say more about it.

Will we get a chance to change our color choices after you sort out the new process? :O

[Vibex]

ah, so i'm going to have something more concrete to say about the coloring soon. the basic idea though is that my interactions post-quote from the anodizer have not been good, so i've pivoted on the coloring. this is going to be a bit experimental, but instead of anodizing, i'm going with something that i think is actually a bit cooler and may be one of the first times it's actually been tried. yes, because anodizing titanium to a fixed color scheme was not bleeding edge enough, i've opted for a process that is even more bleeding edge.

no, seriously. that's what i'm doing.

i'm going to nail this down with some experiments with the shop and then i'll be able to say more about it.

Ooooooo, mysterious.
Does this secret method have anything to do with what you were telling me and dorkvader about? If it is, everyone be super excited. If not, be excited anyway.

[Zeal]

ah, so i'm going to have something more concrete to say about the coloring soon. the basic idea though is that my interactions post-quote from the anodizer have not been good, so i've pivoted on the coloring. this is going to be a bit experimental, but instead of anodizing, i'm going with something that i think is actually a bit cooler and may be one of the first times it's actually been tried. yes, because anodizing titanium to a fixed color scheme was not bleeding edge enough, i've opted for a process that is even more bleeding edge.

no, seriously. that's what i'm doing.

i'm going to nail this down with some experiments with the shop and then i'll be able to say more about it.

Ooooooo, mysterious.
Does this secret method have anything to do with what you were telling me and dorkvader about? If it is, everyone be super excited. If not, be excited anyway.

Spill the beans~!!

[Puddsy]

ah, so i'm going to have something more concrete to say about the coloring soon. the basic idea though is that my interactions post-quote from the anodizer have not been good, so i've pivoted on the coloring. this is going to be a bit experimental, but instead of anodizing, i'm going with something that i think is actually a bit cooler and may be one of the first times it's actually been tried. yes, because anodizing titanium to a fixed color scheme was not bleeding edge enough, i've opted for a process that is even more bleeding edge.

no, seriously. that's what i'm doing.

i'm going to nail this down with some experiments with the shop and then i'll be able to say more about it.

Ooooooo, mysterious.
Does this secret method have anything to do with what you were telling me and dorkvader about? If it is, everyone be super excited. If not, be excited anyway.

Spill the beans~!!

That defeats the point of being a part of the Illuminati

I'm pretty sure I know what it is, though.

:Triangle: