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

[abjr]

I might be in the minority, but I'm in no rush. I still need to learn to solder first! 

[worldspawn]

I really just want one of the PCB's for this, is there any way to get just that?

[absyrd]

I really just want one of the PCB's for this, is there any way to get just that?

It seems extra PCBs are only available with the purchase of a whole kit.
Read here:
http://www.geekhackers.org/collections/keyboard-accessories/products/smallfry-kit-extra-pcb-upgrade

[worldspawn]

I really just want one of the PCB's for this, is there any way to get just that?

It seems extra PCBs are only available with the purchase of a whole kit.
Read here:
http://www.geekhackers.org/collections/keyboard-accessories/products/smallfry-kit-extra-pcb-upgrade

Sooo, does somebody ordering one want to get an extra PCB and sell it to me?

[Yslen]

I'm trying to pass on my whole order, but it does include an extra pcb if you just want to buy that part.

Edit: assuming this is deemed okay by mkawa of course

[jdcarpe]

I really just want one of the PCB's for this, is there any way to get just that?

PCB won't be useful without a plate. There are no holes in the PCB for mounting PCB-mount switches, nor for a PCB-mount stabilizer. Switches and stabilizer must be plate mounted.

[worldspawn]

I have a laser cutter, I can make my own plates.

[mkawa]

I'm trying to pass on my whole order, but it does include an extra pcb if you just want to buy that part.

Edit: assuming this is deemed okay by mkawa of course

i'm going to send the second pcb to the person who buys your kit. of course, what happens to the pcb after that is up to the buyer.

[Yslen]

I'm trying to pass on my whole order, but it does include an extra pcb if you just want to buy that part.

Edit: assuming this is deemed okay by mkawa of course

i'm going to send the second pcb to the person who buys your kit. of course, what happens to the pcb after that is up to the buyer.

Okay, no problem.

[Firebolt1914]

Can I change my color choice or is it too late?

[mkawa]

not even close to too late. just fill the form out again

[tyvar1]

Is there anyone who know if there is any special caps sizes on this board?

[Ceedog]

On the order page, there is an image detailing keycap sizes for the board. I'd advise getting a flexible keycap set like blank or Granite DSAs if you want a full matching set.

[r3nfr0]

On the order page, there is an image detailing keycap sizes for the board. I'd advise getting a flexible keycap set like blank or Granite DSAs if you want a full matching set.

Cool. I have some blanks and a set of DOLCH double shots.

[samwisekoi]

I apologize if this question has been asked and answered on one of the 40 pages of the three or four JD40/SmallFry keyboard threads, but...

What is the specific deal with soldering the CAPSLOCK LED jumper?

I know the answer is posted somewhere, but now that I have the kit, I cannot find that post anywhere.  I think I just need to jump from one of the outside pads to the positive LED pad, but from which one (and why)?

I apologize if this should have been posted in an ALT40 or a JD40 thread, but this thread seems to be the most active and they are all the same PCB.

Thanks to whomever can answer the question.  This is my next soldering task before I seal the plate over the board with 80 switch connections.  And almost every other kit buyer will have this question.

 - Ron | samwisekoi

[strict]

I apologize if this question has been asked and answered on one of the 40 pages of the three or four JD40/SmallFry keyboard threads, but...

What is the specific deal with soldering the CAPSLOCK LED jumper?

I know the answer is posted somewhere, but now that I have the kit, I cannot find that post anywhere.  I think I just need to jump from one of the outside pads to the positive LED pad, but from which one (and why)?

I apologize if this should have been posted in an ALT40 or a JD40 thread, but this thread seems to be the most active and they are all the same PCB.

Thanks to whomever can answer the question.  This is my next soldering task before I seal the plate over the board with 80 switch connections.  And almost every other kit buyer will have this question.

 - Ron | samwisekoi

You're correct, you just need to bridge the two adjacent through-holes with traces leading to them to the LED holes. Here's a picture of how mine looks. I would also recommend using SIP sockets so you can still remove the LED to take apart the switch if needed.

[tyvar1]

On the order page, there is an image detailing keycap sizes for the board. I'd advise getting a flexible keycap set like blank or Granite DSAs if you want a full matching set.

Awesome! I will get Granite!

[mkawa]

grumble grumble cutter grumble grumble.

the massdrop guys (baudlydamaged, lenkashman) have samples of both a populated titanium plate and an unpopulated notched plate. bug them for pictures! (while i'm in the middle of packing my life up and moving across the country XD)

[mkawa]

QUESTION!

JD is feeling a bit unsure about the durability of the teflon sorbothane coating (for those who missed it, our initial samples were super sticky and hard to handle). the teflon layer on the sorbothane is somewhat delicate and can be scraped off. the other option is a urethane coating that is thick and tough, but not slippery like teflon and has a rough feel and appearance.

here is what that looks like: http://www.amazon.com/Sorbothane-Hemisphere-Non-Skid-Adhesive-Durometer/dp/B0042UA5WC/ref=sr_1_27?ie=UTF8&qid=1409613163&sr=8-27&keywords=isolate+it

can people weigh in on which kind of coating they'd prefer? i'd go with the more durable coating, but i'm not crazy about the aesthetics. teflon is obviously going to look much smoother than the bumpy urethane bidness

[r3nfr0]

Durability beats looks every day for me.

[mkawa]

i can't read that without having an image of my mind of a guy named durability pounding on a guy named looks

[Vibex]

QUESTION!

JD is feeling a bit unsure about the durability of the teflon sorbothane coating (for those who missed it, our initial samples were super sticky and hard to handle). the teflon layer on the sorbothane is somewhat delicate and can be scraped off. the other option is a urethane coating that is thick and tough, but not slippery like teflon and has a rough feel and appearance.

here is what that looks like: http://www.amazon.com/Sorbothane-Hemisphere-Non-Skid-Adhesive-Durometer/dp/B0042UA5WC/ref=sr_1_27?ie=UTF8&qid=1409613163&sr=8-27&keywords=isolate+it

can people weigh in on which kind of coating they'd prefer? i'd go with the more durable coating, but i'm not crazy about the aesthetics. teflon is obviously going to look much smoother than the bumpy urethane bidness

Durability, not even a question.

[Ceedog]

Durability. It's a shame that we can't get both, but from Vibex's input on stickyness, I'm happy without any chance of that happening.

[Vibex]

Durability. It's a shame that we can't get both, but from Vibex's input on stickyness, I'm happy without any chance of that happening.

Yeah, I had to completely remove the sticky sorbothane from my JD40. It just became to much of a dust magnet. It also kept getting stuck to my wrist wrest, and caused a bit of the coluor to get pealed away.

[jacobolus]

I'm not getting one of these, so my opinion probably shouldn’t matter, but I think the durable option looks pretty good.

[byker]

Durability for me

[Zeal]

Durability for sure.

[Greeeg]

I'd prefer durability.

[Firebolt1914]

Same, I'd prefer durability

[Grendel]

Another vote for durability.

[Vibex]

I think this is pretty unanimous at this point. Durability is more important then the aesthetic.

[PandaSPUR]

I think this is pretty unanimous at this point. Durability is more important then the aesthetic.

Especially the aesthetic wont even last once the teflon starts peeling.

Durability!

[mkawa]

well that was easy

[zflamewing]

While you kind of want to root for that poor underdog looks I'm squarely in durability's camp! 

[fatchoi]

Durability!

[Lurch]

+1 for durability

[mashby]

Durability.

[Firebolt1914]

Might be a stupid question, but what is the layout with the function layers going to be? Or is it something that I am able to program myself. If that is the case, what would you guys do?

EDIT: Found it in another thread: http://i.imgur.com/FHn851M.png

[PandaSPUR]

Might be a stupid question, but what is the layout with the function layers going to be? Or is it something that I am able to program myself. If that is the case, what would you guys do?

EDIT: Found it in another thread: http://i.imgur.com/FHn851M.png

Search for the original JD40 thread on here somewhere, quite a few people posted their setups. And yea, you can program it however you want.

[mkawa]

waterjet cutting should be in progress now. i've cut off orders where we are, as i slightly overestimated yield per sheet. the numbers look good though for everyone except for the upgrade kits. for those, i need to run more sheets through the laser. now would be a good time to order 60 and 80% notched plates (HINT HINT)

[byker]

waterjet cutting should be in progress now. i've cut off orders where we are, as i slightly overestimated yield per sheet. the numbers look good though for everyone except for the upgrade kits. for those, i need to run more sheets through the laser. now would be a good time to order 60 and 80% notched plates (HINT HINT)

Great news mkawa! Do you have a rough estimate on when the entire package will be hopefully finished? Just wondering if i can expect this in october or earlier/later?

[cherpalla]

NOT TO BE ANNOYING, but if anyone here hasn't seen the SmallFry artisan cap, check my sig. It's a great addition to the kit and profits go to support GH, Nate's scholarship fund and Share our Strength.

 

Also, you get some extra goodies with them, too.

[Ceedog]

Very cool. I'll have to get one.

[r3nfr0]

NOT TO BE ANNOYING, but if anyone here hasn't seen the SmallFry artisan cap, check my sig. It's a great addition to the kit and profits go to support GH, Nate's scholarship fund and Share our Strength.

 

Also, you get some extra goodies with them, too.

Link?

[SpAmRaY]

NOT TO BE ANNOYING, but if anyone here hasn't seen the SmallFry artisan cap, check my sig. It's a great addition to the kit and profits go to support GH, Nate's scholarship fund and Share our Strength.

 

Also, you get some extra goodies with them, too.

Link?

In her sig.

[r3nfr0]

Ahh... Tapatalk got me!

[Melvang]

Friends and Family key was done as a tribute shortly after his death.  I have a couple that was given to me and the wife fro attending KeyCon 2013 in Chicago.  One for me and one for the wife.  I thought I remember there being a good number of extras.  The one problem was they were 1.5u bottom row DCS profile.  So not really compatible with the majority of boards.  Please tell me this cap will have a place on the SmallFry board.

[jdcarpe]

Friends and Family key was done as a tribute shortly after his death.  I have a couple that was given to me and the wife fro attending KeyCon 2013 in Chicago.  One for me and one for the wife.  I thought I remember there being a good number of extras.  The one problem was they were 1.5u bottom row DCS profile.  So not really compatible with the majority of boards.  Please tell me this cap will have a place on the SmallFry board.

JD40/SmallFry doesn't use any 1.5u keys at all. You could always use it as left shift, if you don't mind a 0.125u gap.

[cherpalla]

NOT TO BE ANNOYING, but if anyone here hasn't seen the SmallFry artisan cap, check my sig. It's a great addition to the kit and profits go to support GH, Nate's scholarship fund and Share our Strength.

 

Also, you get some extra goodies with them, too.

Link?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=57263.msg1455582#msg1455582

[Hpm]

Could You give mehr a hand? What is the difference between 60 and 80% notched plates?