[GB]EXENT - 65% made by TARO (In production)

[codywanks]

Reflow LED fix tutorial was posted earlier: https://imgur.com/a/qaj50

Part of the reason I don't feel motivated to update as much is because people keep asking the same old questions that have already been addressed.

[eddible]

Reflow LED fix tutorial was posted earlier: https://imgur.com/a/qaj50

Part of the reason I don't feel motivated to update as much is because people keep asking the same old questions that have already been addressed.

May I suggest you update the first page post with FAQs? I don’t think it’s a surprise that people don’t go back through pages of discussion to try find the answers they want.

[fuzzbomb]

Reflow LED fix tutorial was posted earlier: https://imgur.com/a/qaj50

Part of the reason I don't feel motivated to update as much is because people keep asking the same old questions that have already been addressed.

This sort of comment is very helpful and appreciated by everyone, I'm sure. Thank goodness the group buy hasn't had any delays or lack of communication so far!

[Vigrith]

Reflow LED fix tutorial was posted earlier: https://imgur.com/a/qaj50

Part of the reason I don't feel motivated to update as much is because people keep asking the same old questions that have already been addressed.

I'll be honest, I don't actually know in what way you are affiliated with the buy but here's the thing. Dealing with and answering the same **** every time is part of the job, especially when things were in the gutter for as long as they were here - you've read my other posts surely, I am nothing but patient and I have been as constructive as I can but just like people making the same complaints over and over again, you saying something like this is not helping the situation either.

Once people commit to something, being deterred by insolent buyers (who DO have a reason to be upset) shows very little professionalism which is what this buy desperately needed for the longest time. Whether or not that is your job, you solved it to a satisfactory level. Don't **** it up now.

As for a new question - are premium kits inclusive of upgraded parts still on track to ship next week?

I appreciate your updates.

[Cerasis]

Weird enough we got a FAQ and updates post on the first page yet the GB runner himself doesn't update it lmao.

Why wouldn't you be surprised that people keep asking the same question, then get annoyed by said questions? Other people could easily say "read the faq" if someone actually updated it.

Last time FAQ was updated: Late January
Last time the update post was updated: August

And i quote:

Been awhile since the last update from us. This will serve as the update section, we are committed to updating everyone on a weekly basis.

[codywanks]

I don’t think it’s a surprise that people don’t go back through pages of discussion to try find the answers they want.

Why wouldn't you be surprised that people keep asking the same question

I'm not surprised that people keep asking the same question. But I'm quite amused that they're getting upset about answers not being provided when they actually have already been 

I'll be honest, I don't actually know in what way you are affiliated with the buy

To clarify, I'm a regular participant like you. I paid full price for my order. Only difference is I know the GB runners personally, I think they are cool people, I consider them friends, and I don't like seeing the toll this GB has taken on them. Which is why I gladly volunteered my free time to help with packing and assembly.

Dealing with and answering the same **** every time is part of the job...

...Whether or not that is your job, you solved it to a satisfactory level. Don't **** it up now.

I don't think it's part of my job, but thanks I guess?

As for a new question - are premium kits inclusive of upgraded parts still on track to ship next week?

No, actually we're looking to start filling some brass plate/12 deg feet basic kit orders next week. If we're lucky, some might even start shipping at the end of the week.

[foxlive]

And what about fixing the remaining pcb for those who wait for gray/alu bottom, and even are willing to wait if this take more time than waiting for alu bottom/gray to be ready! I would really appreciate that it delivere 100% functional!

Thanks for your update on this!!

[demorior]

Reflow LED fix tutorial was posted earlier: https://imgur.com/a/qaj50

Part of the reason I don't feel motivated to update as much is because people keep asking the same old questions that have already been addressed.

then don't update. let someone competent do it.

[PancakeMSTR]

Reflow LED fix tutorial was posted earlier: https://imgur.com/a/qaj50

Part of the reason I don't feel motivated to update as much is because people keep asking the same old questions that have already been addressed.

hollllly **** are you serious? You guys are worse than I thought, and I honestly can't believe that's possible. You've made this bed and now you can lie in it.

What a bunch of utter nincompoops.

[Vigrith]

I don’t think it’s a surprise that people don’t go back through pages of discussion to try find the answers they want.

Why wouldn't you be surprised that people keep asking the same question

I'm not surprised that people keep asking the same question. But I'm quite amused that they're getting upset about answers not being provided when they actually have already been 

I'll be honest, I don't actually know in what way you are affiliated with the buy

To clarify, I'm a regular participant like you. I paid full price for my order. Only difference is I know the GB runners personally, I think they are cool people, I consider them friends, and I don't like seeing the toll this GB has taken on them. Which is why I gladly volunteered my free time to help with packing and assembly.

Dealing with and answering the same **** every time is part of the job...

...Whether or not that is your job, you solved it to a satisfactory level. Don't **** it up now.

I don't think it's part of my job, but thanks I guess?

As for a new question - are premium kits inclusive of upgraded parts still on track to ship next week?

No, actually we're looking to start filling some brass plate/12 deg feet basic kit orders next week. If we're lucky, some might even start shipping at the end of the week.

Seeing as you are doing this entirely pro bono as a regular participant and it hadn't been made clear prior to this (to my knowledge) then it is obviously not your job - however, those whose job it is should be the ones held accountable whether or not you're taking time and effort out of your own day(s) to help them out. Your usage of "we" and other pronouns made it slightly dubious so I apologise for the assumption.

Your involvement is still appreciated regardless, I feel like I'm repeating myself but the point is that those who ARE legally responsible should understand the basics in that no matter how much **** they get thrown at them for their shortcomings it is their duty to go "sir, siiiiiiir I know times have been grim but we will get through this, the problems are being solved and things are in motion, this and this is happening right now and that and that will be happening shortly".

If they cannot do that then they should hire someone (either pro bono or otherwise) to do it for them else they inspire zero confidence and trustworthiness. Withdrawing their participation completely for whatever reason that may and not delegating that job onto someone else be is crass and entirely unacceptable; that is largely why the uproar has been as you've seen it. I'm sorry, truly, but the toll it has taken on them has also been mostly their own fault, I've seen this hundreds of times in other dealings I've had, professionally and otherwise - it's like the old Serenity Prayer, there IS a difference between the things you can and cannot change, we as buyers as well as the GB runners should (and for the better part do) accept that there are hurdles and that there have been difficulties, what CAN (and should have been) be changed is the way those are communicated and handled between us.

The burden they bear was taken by them upon themselves when they started all this. That is the job, no matter what. I hope everyone involved that could've made this better not only for us but for themselves has learned this.

Lastly, thank you for the response to my question - hopefully it goes smoothly on their end, pushing out as much as possible before Christmas/New Year's is probably a good idea.

[Dylan]

Any update on the greys?

[Puddsy]

Reflow LED fix tutorial was posted earlier: https://imgur.com/a/qaj50

Part of the reason I don't feel motivated to update as much is because people keep asking the same old questions that have already been addressed.

add a FAQ, that's what they're for

[PancakeMSTR]

So I just received my Exent and am beyond disappointed. I will be back later to discuss why that is, but at this instant my issue is that I cannot make one single LED light up. I have followed both instructions posted in this thread, e.g. that by catweewee to no avail. I've also reflowed the solder on every single LED. So either I'm doing something wrong, or my PCB is so dead not a single LED will light. For reference, I have loaded a keymap onto it and under the small amount of testing I've done the keys appear to be working.

What are my options for the LEDs? What the hell radio button are you talking about in the SMD LED repair guide? Could I get precise instructions for getting the LEDs to light up in case I'm making a mistake here?

Thanks.

[TerryMathews]

So I just received my Exent and am beyond disappointed. I will be back later to discuss why that is, but at this instant my issue is that I cannot make one single LED light up. I have followed both instructions posted in this thread, e.g. that by catweewee to no avail. I've also reflowed the solder on every single LED. So either I'm doing something wrong, or my PCB is so dead not a single LED will light. For reference, I have loaded a keymap onto it and under the small amount of testing I've done the keys appear to be working.

What are my options for the LEDs? What the hell radio button are you talking about in the SMD LED repair guide? Could I get precise instructions for getting the LEDs to light up in case I'm making a mistake here?

Thanks.

Because of the way these LEDs work, a dead one will keep the ones after it from working, even if they're good.

So potentially you could only have one dead LED in position one. You'll have to start diagnosing there.

**No affiliation with GB runners**

[demorior]

So I just received my Exent and am beyond disappointed. I will be back later to discuss why that is, but at this instant my issue is that I cannot make one single LED light up. I have followed both instructions posted in this thread, e.g. that by catweewee to no avail. I've also reflowed the solder on every single LED. So either I'm doing something wrong, or my PCB is so dead not a single LED will light. For reference, I have loaded a keymap onto it and under the small amount of testing I've done the keys appear to be working.

What are my options for the LEDs? What the hell radio button are you talking about in the SMD LED repair guide? Could I get precise instructions for getting the LEDs to light up in case I'm making a mistake here?

Thanks.

Because of the way these LEDs work, a dead one will keep the ones after it from working, even if they're good.

So potentially you could only have one dead LED in position one. You'll have to start diagnosing there.

**No affiliation with GB runners**

i believe when looking at the board bottom side up with the usb port facing away from you, LED #1 is the one on the far left

[Cerasis]

Reflow LED fix tutorial was posted earlier: https://imgur.com/a/qaj50

Part of the reason I don't feel motivated to update as much is because people keep asking the same old questions that have already been addressed.

add a FAQ, that's what they're for

Luckily there is a faq, though it'd be nice if it wasn't left to earn dust in months.

[dead_pixel_design]

I wish there was a locked thread only the creators could comment on I could follow instead of wondering if there was an update every time someone posted about there not being any updates

[PancakeMSTR]

So I received my Exent, and imagine my elation when I discover the following, progressively.

1) Dents in the switch plate, picture in album.

2) Cracks in the polycarbonate bottom, where the foot is mounted. Clearly someone drove those in with an impact driver, because that's how you're supposed to do it . Pictures in album.

3) A pcb in such bad shape literally none of the LEDs work. I have a picture of the PCB plugged in for what it's worth.

4) Parts I ordered were missing. I ordered both clip in and screw in stabilizers, none of which are anywhere to be found in the box I received. I didn't. Thought I did, but I definitely didn't get the premium kit and that's the only one stabilizers come with.

5) Screws, quite literally, missing. Two countersink screws holding the foot to the polycarbonate bottom aren't present, although this is a blessing in disguise somewhat as I'd expect if I had gotten them I would have a polycarbonate bottom with five  cracked countersinks, as opposed to only three. And, one pan-head screw for  holding the switchplate to the case is absent as well.


Speaking now to Juahenza or Yuktsi, here is what I think is reasonable:

1) Send me another PCB, as the LEDs were not fixed even after reflowing the solder on all four leads of each one of them.

2) Send me either (A) an unbroken polycarbonate bottom or (B) an aluminum bottom (siliver). Whichever you have extras for. You do not need to send a second foot, the foot I received is fine.

3) A 8.75$ reimbursement for the stabilizers I just ordered (Costar, from WASD keyboards. Update: I'm not even sure these will work, as the cherry ones I have on hand don't. They don't clip into the switchplate? I.e. are loose? Can anyone fill me in on what's going on here? ) These wouldn't work anyway, and honestly I don't know what stabilizers to buy. PCB mount stabilizers. Thank you Xondat.

4) The screw in and clip in stabilizers I ordered originally.  Recalled I didn't order the premium kit.

5) The missing screws (2xCountersink 1xpanhead)

6) A switch plate, which I will pay 50% of assuming the above are fulfilled.



Here is an album of pictures of my Exent: https://imgur.com/a/aLPlc

These photos we're taken within 10 minutes of unboxing the keyboard.

Thanks.

[dead_pixel_design]

So I received my Exent, and imagine my elation when I discover the following, progressively.

1) Dents in the switch plate, picture in album.

2) Cracks in the polycarbonate bottom, where the foot is mounted. Clearly someone drove those in with an impact driver, because that's how you're supposed to do it . Pictures in album.

3) A pcb in such bad shape literally none of the LEDs work. I have a picture of the PCB plugged in for what it's worth.

4) Parts I ordered were missing. I ordered both clip in and screw in stabilizers, none of which are anywhere to be found in the box I received.

5) Screws, quite literally, missing. Two countersink screws holding the foot to the polycarbonate bottom aren't present, although this is a blessing in disguise somewhat as I'd expect if I had gotten them I would have a polycarbonate bottom with five  cracked countersinks, as opposed to only three. And, one pan-head screw for  holding the switchplate to the case is absent as well.


Speaking now to Juahenza or Yuktsi, here is what I think is reasonable:

1) Send me another PCB, as the LEDs were not fixed even after reflowing the solder on all four leads of each one of them.

2) Send me either (A) an unbroken polycarbonate bottom or (B) an aluminum bottom (siliver). Whichever you have extras for. You do not need to send a second foot, the foot I received is fine.

3) A 8.75$ reimbursement for the stabilizers I just ordered (Costar, from WASD keyboards. )

4) The screw in and clip in stabilizers I ordered originally. 

5) The missing screws (2xCountersink 1xpanhead)

6) A switch plate, which I will pay 50% of (15$, or 6.25$ given that I need to be reimbursed for the stabilizers I just purchased).

Here is an album of pictures of my Exent: https://imgur.com/a/aLPlc

These photos we're taken within 10 minutes of unboxing the keyboard.

Thanks.

I think they should exchange your PCB, not just send you a second one. And why would you buy stabs before reaching out to get the ones you ordered and then expect them to pay you back for the stabs your ordered, again, before reaching out to get the ones you should have gotten?

I am really bummed to see so many problems with what feels like every board people are getting... I have not had any problems with the wait or the lack of communication because I believed what I was getting would make up for both. Very concerning.

[PancakeMSTR]

So I received my Exent, and imagine my elation when I discover the following, progressively.

1) Dents in the switch plate, picture in album.

2) Cracks in the polycarbonate bottom, where the foot is mounted. Clearly someone drove those in with an impact driver, because that's how you're supposed to do it . Pictures in album.

3) A pcb in such bad shape literally none of the LEDs work. I have a picture of the PCB plugged in for what it's worth.

4) Parts I ordered were missing. I ordered both clip in and screw in stabilizers, none of which are anywhere to be found in the box I received.

5) Screws, quite literally, missing. Two countersink screws holding the foot to the polycarbonate bottom aren't present, although this is a blessing in disguise somewhat as I'd expect if I had gotten them I would have a polycarbonate bottom with five  cracked countersinks, as opposed to only three. And, one pan-head screw for  holding the switchplate to the case is absent as well.


Speaking now to Juahenza or Yuktsi, here is what I think is reasonable:

1) Send me another PCB, as the LEDs were not fixed even after reflowing the solder on all four leads of each one of them.

2) Send me either (A) an unbroken polycarbonate bottom or (B) an aluminum bottom (siliver). Whichever you have extras for. You do not need to send a second foot, the foot I received is fine.

3) A 8.75$ reimbursement for the stabilizers I just ordered (Costar, from WASD keyboards. )

4) The screw in and clip in stabilizers I ordered originally. 

5) The missing screws (2xCountersink 1xpanhead)

6) A switch plate, which I will pay 50% of (15$, or 6.25$ given that I need to be reimbursed for the stabilizers I just purchased).

Here is an album of pictures of my Exent: https://imgur.com/a/aLPlc

These photos we're taken within 10 minutes of unboxing the keyboard.

Thanks.

I think they should exchange your PCB, not just send you a second one. And why would you buy stabs before reaching out to get the ones you ordered and then expect them to pay you back for the stabs your ordered, again, before reaching out to get the ones you should have gotten?

I am really bummed to see so many problems with what feels like every board people are getting... I have not had any problems with the wait or the lack of communication because I believed what I was getting would make up for both. Very concerning.

Send me a second one for the trouble I've been caused. Overall I also feel we, the customers, have been treated badly.

And again, reimburse me for the stabs I purchased because of how I've been treated as an investor in this project. As for the stabs I ordered initially, I'm entitled to them, regardless, considering I paid for them. This is wrong, I actually think I didn't order stabilizers. Doesn't excuse any of my other problems, though.

[Vigrith]

Just stating up front in order to make it public knowledge but if my polycarb bottom comes cracked in the way Pancake's is someone is getting backhanded.

[PancakeMSTR]

You know, I just realized I may be mistaken about missing the stabilizers, i.e. I didn't order the premium kit, which was the one stabs came with (remember, I did order this thing a very long time ago). But I tried some stabilizers I had on hand, costar and cherry, and none of them work in the switchplate. What stabilizers does this thing take? Can someone give me a link? I'm incredibly confused.

The rest still stands. I still have a dead PCB and a broken polycarbonate bottom, missing screws, and an enormous amount of disappointment, but I strip the stabilizer parts from  my request.

[xondat]

You know, I just realized I may be mistaken about missing the stabilizers, i.e. I didn't order the premium kit, which was the one stabs came with (remember, I did order this thing a very long time ago). But I tried some stabilizers I had on hand, costar and cherry, and none of them work in the switchplate. What stabilizers does this thing take? Can someone give me a link? I'm incredibly confused.

The rest still stands. I still have a dead PCB and a broken polycarbonate bottom, missing screws, and an enormous amount of disappointment, but I strip the stabilizer parts from  my request.

You need Cherry PCB mount stabilizers; these come in clip in and screw in variations.



Not sure what region you're from for a link, but it isn't a difficult thing to find with Google.

Sorry to hear about your kit.

[PancakeMSTR]

You know, I just realized I may be mistaken about missing the stabilizers, i.e. I didn't order the premium kit, which was the one stabs came with (remember, I did order this thing a very long time ago). But I tried some stabilizers I had on hand, costar and cherry, and none of them work in the switchplate. What stabilizers does this thing take? Can someone give me a link? I'm incredibly confused.

The rest still stands. I still have a dead PCB and a broken polycarbonate bottom, missing screws, and an enormous amount of disappointment, but I strip the stabilizer parts from  my request.

You need Cherry PCB mount stabilizers; these come in clip in and screw in variations.

Show Image

Not sure what region you're from for a link, but it isn't a difficult thing to find with Google.

Sorry to hear about your kit.

Ahhhh. Okay. Thank you I really appreciate that. Driving me ****in nuts that none of my stabilizers could work.

Yeah, I'm sorry too. Incredibly, I've been dreaming about this thing for months.

[TerryMathews]

After looking at PancakeMSTR's album, how can you guys claim that there is any QC going on at all?

[Traveler]

Yikes, that cracked polycarbonate bottom is bad. I don't even know what to say.

It's times like these that I'm almost glad my stuff ships later. With the UK78 mine shipped late and I got better packaging, and maybe it will be the same with the Exent. And maybe my PCBs will be checked and fixed (if necessary) before they are shipped to me.

[Vigrith]

After looking at PancakeMSTR's album, how can you guys claim that there is any QC going on at all?

Could be shipping related to be fair, polycarb is not exactly the most durable under stress (eg. point of screw insertion and whatnot) as we well know so maybe those were not actually there prior and only happened (or got exacerbated) because of bumps and whatnot whilst on the way.

Edit: Changed my mind due to circumstance, the situation seems dodgy for other reasons.

[PancakeMSTR]

After looking at PancakeMSTR's album, how can you guys claim that there is any QC going on at all?

Could be shipping related to be fair, polycarb is not exactly the most durable under stress (eg. point of screw insertion and whatnot) as we well know so maybe those were not actually there prior and only happened (or got exacerbated) because of bumps and whatnot whilst on the way.

Hardly acceptable even in that scenario but it all depends on how they handle his replacement.

I highly doubt it. Possible, but I'd claim unlikely. That looks quintessentially like a screw driven in 10 times too hard to me. It was packed bordered by foam on all sides, seemed like okay (though not great) packing to me.

And if it were the case, I'd argue leaving two screws out of the foot mount exacerbated the problem.

[Data]

So I received my Exent, and imagine my elation when I discover the following, progressively.

1) Dents in the switch plate, picture in album.

2) Cracks in the polycarbonate bottom, where the foot is mounted. Clearly someone drove those in with an impact driver, because that's how you're supposed to do it . Pictures in album.

3) A pcb in such bad shape literally none of the LEDs work. I have a picture of the PCB plugged in for what it's worth.

4) Parts I ordered were missing. I ordered both clip in and screw in stabilizers, none of which are anywhere to be found in the box I received. I didn't. Thought I did, but I definitely didn't get the premium kit and that's the only one stabilizers come with.

5) Screws, quite literally, missing. Two countersink screws holding the foot to the polycarbonate bottom aren't present, although this is a blessing in disguise somewhat as I'd expect if I had gotten them I would have a polycarbonate bottom with five  cracked countersinks, as opposed to only three. And, one pan-head screw for  holding the switchplate to the case is absent as well.


Speaking now to Juahenza or Yuktsi, here is what I think is reasonable:

1) Send me another PCB, as the LEDs were not fixed even after reflowing the solder on all four leads of each one of them.

2) Send me either (A) an unbroken polycarbonate bottom or (B) an aluminum bottom (siliver). Whichever you have extras for. You do not need to send a second foot, the foot I received is fine.

3) A 8.75$ reimbursement for the stabilizers I just ordered (Costar, from WASD keyboards. Update: I'm not even sure these will work, as the cherry ones I have on hand don't. They don't clip into the switchplate? I.e. are loose? Can anyone fill me in on what's going on here? ) These wouldn't work anyway, and honestly I don't know what stabilizers to buy. PCB mount stabilizers. Thank you Xondat.

4) The screw in and clip in stabilizers I ordered originally.  Recalled I didn't order the premium kit.

5) The missing screws (2xCountersink 1xpanhead)

6) A switch plate, which I will pay 50% of assuming the above are fulfilled.



Here is an album of pictures of my Exent: https://imgur.com/a/aLPlc

These photos we're taken within 10 minutes of unboxing the keyboard.

Thanks.

This is pretty ****ed up and I sympathize.

One thing you might want to note, however: You have to manually enable the LEDs in the configurator.  If you haven't already, you should try that before you call it dead.  It's my understanding that they aren't enabled out of the box... for some reason.

[Puddsy]

[snip]

EDIT: upon further inspection it looks like screw overtightening... the screws don't come tightened, so i've heard from a few people

looks like he just ****ed up and wants yutski to fix it

[PancakeMSTR]

So I received my Exent, and imagine my elation when I discover the following, progressively.

1) Dents in the switch plate, picture in album.

2) Cracks in the polycarbonate bottom, where the foot is mounted. Clearly someone drove those in with an impact driver, because that's how you're supposed to do it . Pictures in album.

3) A pcb in such bad shape literally none of the LEDs work. I have a picture of the PCB plugged in for what it's worth.

4) Parts I ordered were missing. I ordered both clip in and screw in stabilizers, none of which are anywhere to be found in the box I received. I didn't. Thought I did, but I definitely didn't get the premium kit and that's the only one stabilizers come with.

5) Screws, quite literally, missing. Two countersink screws holding the foot to the polycarbonate bottom aren't present, although this is a blessing in disguise somewhat as I'd expect if I had gotten them I would have a polycarbonate bottom with five  cracked countersinks, as opposed to only three. And, one pan-head screw for  holding the switchplate to the case is absent as well.


Speaking now to Juahenza or Yuktsi, here is what I think is reasonable:

1) Send me another PCB, as the LEDs were not fixed even after reflowing the solder on all four leads of each one of them.

2) Send me either (A) an unbroken polycarbonate bottom or (B) an aluminum bottom (siliver). Whichever you have extras for. You do not need to send a second foot, the foot I received is fine.

3) A 8.75$ reimbursement for the stabilizers I just ordered (Costar, from WASD keyboards. Update: I'm not even sure these will work, as the cherry ones I have on hand don't. They don't clip into the switchplate? I.e. are loose? Can anyone fill me in on what's going on here? ) These wouldn't work anyway, and honestly I don't know what stabilizers to buy. PCB mount stabilizers. Thank you Xondat.

4) The screw in and clip in stabilizers I ordered originally.  Recalled I didn't order the premium kit.

5) The missing screws (2xCountersink 1xpanhead)

6) A switch plate, which I will pay 50% of assuming the above are fulfilled.



Here is an album of pictures of my Exent: https://imgur.com/a/aLPlc

These photos we're taken within 10 minutes of unboxing the keyboard.

Thanks.

This is pretty ****ed up and I sympathize.

One thing you might want to note, however: You have to manually enable the LEDs in the configurator.  If you haven't already, you should try that before you call it dead.  It's my understanding that they aren't enabled out of the box... for some reason.

All I did was follow the instructions. I tried the guide posted by catweewee, I tried the SMD repair guide posted by I think codywanks (I think) - for that one I haven't got the ****ing slightest clue what radio button he's talking about, and I even tried looking up "winkeyless bootloader LED guide" or something and followed instructions there to no avail as well.

[dead_pixel_design]

You know, I just realized I may be mistaken about missing the stabilizers, i.e. I didn't order the premium kit, which was the one stabs came with (remember, I did order this thing a very long time ago). But I tried some stabilizers I had on hand, costar and cherry, and none of them work in the switchplate. What stabilizers does this thing take? Can someone give me a link? I'm incredibly confused.

The rest still stands. I still have a dead PCB and a broken polycarbonate bottom, missing screws, and an enormous amount of disappointment, but I strip the stabilizer parts from  my request.

Yeah, the cracks in that bottom are radically unacceptable. I'm sure it's impossible to catch everything that comes through QC, and most manufacturer QC processes only check 'x' amount of pieces going out, but even the guy who packaged this should have caught this, it's not some missed chamfer or small scratch that would be easy to miss.

[TerryMathews]

So I received my Exent, and imagine my elation when I discover the following, progressively.

1) Dents in the switch plate, picture in album.

2) Cracks in the polycarbonate bottom, where the foot is mounted. Clearly someone drove those in with an impact driver, because that's how you're supposed to do it . Pictures in album.

3) A pcb in such bad shape literally none of the LEDs work. I have a picture of the PCB plugged in for what it's worth.

4) Parts I ordered were missing. I ordered both clip in and screw in stabilizers, none of which are anywhere to be found in the box I received. I didn't. Thought I did, but I definitely didn't get the premium kit and that's the only one stabilizers come with.

5) Screws, quite literally, missing. Two countersink screws holding the foot to the polycarbonate bottom aren't present, although this is a blessing in disguise somewhat as I'd expect if I had gotten them I would have a polycarbonate bottom with five  cracked countersinks, as opposed to only three. And, one pan-head screw for  holding the switchplate to the case is absent as well.


Speaking now to Juahenza or Yuktsi, here is what I think is reasonable:

1) Send me another PCB, as the LEDs were not fixed even after reflowing the solder on all four leads of each one of them.

2) Send me either (A) an unbroken polycarbonate bottom or (B) an aluminum bottom (siliver). Whichever you have extras for. You do not need to send a second foot, the foot I received is fine.

3) A 8.75$ reimbursement for the stabilizers I just ordered (Costar, from WASD keyboards. Update: I'm not even sure these will work, as the cherry ones I have on hand don't. They don't clip into the switchplate? I.e. are loose? Can anyone fill me in on what's going on here? ) These wouldn't work anyway, and honestly I don't know what stabilizers to buy. PCB mount stabilizers. Thank you Xondat.

4) The screw in and clip in stabilizers I ordered originally.  Recalled I didn't order the premium kit.

5) The missing screws (2xCountersink 1xpanhead)

6) A switch plate, which I will pay 50% of assuming the above are fulfilled.



Here is an album of pictures of my Exent: https://imgur.com/a/aLPlc

These photos we're taken within 10 minutes of unboxing the keyboard.

Thanks.

This is pretty ****ed up and I sympathize.

One thing you might want to note, however: You have to manually enable the LEDs in the configurator.  If you haven't already, you should try that before you call it dead.  It's my understanding that they aren't enabled out of the box... for some reason.

All I did was follow the instructions. I tried the guide posted by catweewee, I tried the SMD repair guide posted by I think codywanks (I think) - for that one I haven't got the ****ing slightest clue what radio button he's talking about, and I even tried looking up "winkeyless bootloader LED guide" or something and followed instructions there to no avail as well.

[PancakeMSTR]

Show Image

My bootmapper version looks slightly different from yours but yup doesn't work.

Oh my client is Version 0.10.0, if that matters.


I'm gonna keep looking at the PCB, fiddling with reflow etc to see if I get anywhere, but let me just say: after 10 or so months of waiting, this is not an experience I'm pleased with. Not by a long shot.

[Marvellion]

My bootmapper version looks slightly different from yours but yup doesn't work.

Oh my client is Version 0.10.0, if that matters.


I'm gonna keep looking at the PCB, fiddling with reflow etc to see if I get anywhere, but let me just say: after 10 or so months of waiting, this is not an experience I'm pleased with. Not by a long shot.

Have you tried other versions of the client? Even though it's a small chance maybe it's a compability thing, 0.8.3 here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/3bn9flirkb49ahz/BootMapperClient.zip?dl=0

[PancakeMSTR]

My bootmapper version looks slightly different from yours but yup doesn't work.

Oh my client is Version 0.10.0, if that matters.


I'm gonna keep looking at the PCB, fiddling with reflow etc to see if I get anywhere, but let me just say: after 10 or so months of waiting, this is not an experience I'm pleased with. Not by a long shot.

Have you tried other versions of the client? Even though it's a small chance maybe it's a compability thing, 0.8.3 here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/3bn9flirkb49ahz/BootMapperClient.zip?dl=0

I'll give it a test.

[foxlive]

This is so much unacceptable!! Your polycarb bottom is totally ****ed up.. how dare they send this!?
And the pcb led issueis not something acceptable either! As I already told, it could be an “easy “ fix, or not! And as it is now demonstrate it can not be easy at all!

For the remaining order we want:
* FULLY FUNCTIONAL QC PCB!!! Fix them yourself before shipping!
* QC the rest of the keyboard pieces! We don’t want broken/scratch/dent part!!

If clearly think this is not too much to ask!

[yuktsi]

We didn’t send any cracked polycarbonate, nor a pcb like what you mentioned. Every parts were QC and assembled before packing and shipping.


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[yuktsi]

This is so much unacceptable!! Your polycarb bottom is totally ****ed up.. how dare they send this!?
And the pcb led issueis not something acceptable either! As I already told, it could be an “easy “ fix, or not! And as it is now demonstrate it can not be easy at all!

For the remaining order we want:
* FULLY FUNCTIONAL QC PCB!!! Fix them yourself before shipping!
* QC the rest of the keyboard pieces! We don’t want broken/scratch/dent part!!

If clearly think this is not too much to ask!

We QC every parts. PCB with no leds at all was immediately put aside. Same goes to the bottom and all. Please.


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[foxlive]

This is so much unacceptable!! Your polycarb bottom is totally ****ed up.. how dare they send this!?
And the pcb led issueis not something acceptable either! As I already told, it could be an “easy “ fix, or not! And as it is now demonstrate it can not be easy at all!

For the remaining order we want:
* FULLY FUNCTIONAL QC PCB!!! Fix them yourself before shipping!
* QC the rest of the keyboard pieces! We don’t want broken/scratch/dent part!!

If clearly think this is not too much to ask!

We QC every parts. PCB with no leds at all was immediately put aside. Same goes to the bottom and all. Please.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Anyway, I don’t know wich one to trust here, but the pictures are not looking good!

Also, the most important part of my message was about getting 100% functional pcb for the remainder order that have not shipped yet!
You did not answer this part.

This would be much better that you fix this, incase the fix is not easy, we will gain time infine (if you have to replace pcb you can do it directly, not adding further wait!).

Please tell us it is possible!!

[kacase]

This is so much unacceptable!! Your polycarb bottom is totally ****ed up.. how dare they send this!?
And the pcb led issueis not something acceptable either! As I already told, it could be an “easy “ fix, or not! And as it is now demonstrate it can not be easy at all!

For the remaining order we want:
* FULLY FUNCTIONAL QC PCB!!! Fix them yourself before shipping!
* QC the rest of the keyboard pieces! We don’t want broken/scratch/dent part!!

If clearly think this is not too much to ask!

We QC every parts. PCB with no leds at all was immediately put aside. Same goes to the bottom and all. Please.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Anyway, I don’t know wich one to trust here, but the pictures are not looking good!

Also, the most important part of my message was about getting 100% functional pcb for the remainder order that have not shipped yet!
You did not answer this part.

This would be much better that you fix this, incase the fix is not easy, we will gain time infine (if you have to replace pcb you can do it directly, not adding further wait!).

Please tell us it is possible!!

The trust question is indeed an interesting one, especially as PancakeMSTR has a history of very negative opinions towards the group buy for some time and might be a bit biased.

The cracks look to me as if they are the result of applying too much torque to the screws aka. pulling them too tight during assembly of the feet.

Has anyone else received cracked screw holes like that?

Anyways you should be careful during assembly, as polycarbonate can indeed be quite brittle and prone to cracking.


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[foxlive]

This is so much unacceptable!! Your polycarb bottom is totally ****ed up.. how dare they send this!?
And the pcb led issueis not something acceptable either! As I already told, it could be an “easy “ fix, or not! And as it is now demonstrate it can not be easy at all!

For the remaining order we want:
* FULLY FUNCTIONAL QC PCB!!! Fix them yourself before shipping!
* QC the rest of the keyboard pieces! We don’t want broken/scratch/dent part!!

If clearly think this is not too much to ask!

We QC every parts. PCB with no leds at all was immediately put aside. Same goes to the bottom and all. Please.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Anyway, I don’t know wich one to trust here, but the pictures are not looking good!

Also, the most important part of my message was about getting 100% functional pcb for the remainder order that have not shipped yet!
You did not answer this part.

This would be much better that you fix this, incase the fix is not easy, we will gain time infine (if you have to replace pcb you can do it directly, not adding further wait!).

Please tell us it is possible!!

The trust question is indeed an interesting one, especially as PancakeMSTR has a history of very negative opinions towards the group buy for some time and might be a bit biased.

The cracks look to me as if they are the result of applying too much torque to the screws aka. pulling them too tight during assembly of the feet.

Has anyone else received cracked screw holes like that?

Anyways you should be careful during assembly, as polycarbonate can indeed be quite brittle and prone to cracking.


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Agreed, it definitely look like crack due to too much torque when screwing the poly bottom. I don want to tell who I do not trust here... But it just look like the LED issue that some people discover! They DID NOT tell us before people received it and post it here! Then they said "we QC the PCB and none with 0 LED working went out".. meaning what...? Two led not working was acceptable? 3? 4? The only acceptable is 0! It should work, of course **** can happen, and one PCB not functioning correctly for 1 or 2 people can be ok... But here it appears that a lot of people are affected by this!

So yes, with all the good will in the world, I have now some doubt with all the 'QC' process.. I would hope PancakeMSTR as cracked himself the poly bottom due to bad handling and now try to blame it on the GB (no offense), but there is still some strong doubt! We will see if there is other people affected by this. If he is the only one, maybe it is his fault, or bad luck with one not well QC unit.

In the meantime, I really want an answer regarding the fix of the remaining PCB before sending them!

[PancakeMSTR]

We didn’t send any cracked polycarbonate, nor a pcb like what you mentioned. Every parts were QC and assembled before packing and shipping.


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I'm not convinced, but regardless I received a damaged polycarbonate bottom and need a replacement. If you did send it unbroken, then you failed to pack it well enough to prevent it from becoming damaged in shipment. The damage to the base is your responsibility. And, out of the box, I cannot get a single LED to light up on the PCB.


kacase: I don't like you, and I've made that extremely clear I think. But nonetheless, you're absolutely right. I am at times aggressive, unreasonable, impolite, and insulting. However, I do not lie. I received a damaged polycarbonate bottom, plain and simple.  There is also no way that I handled it in a way that could have produced that cracking. I am extremely careful around this stuff. My PCB is also experiencing every issue I've said it is.

The most motivating reason I have of convincing you that I'm telling the truth is that there is no reason to go through all this trouble for a duplicate polycarbonate bottom. Why would I put myself through this trouble?  Trust me all I wanted was to build my keyboard and, honestly, stop coming to this thread entirely.

Also I admitted that the absent stabilizers were my fault, I simply hadn't ordered them, and rescinded my requests for them.

To be honest if I were to speculate about something, it would be that I was deliberately sent a damaged product, the reason for this being that in the relatively recent past I haven't been friendly to the behavior of the group buy leadership.

Time to get in the habit of recording opening packages from group buys....

[Traveler]

What kind of insurance is there on the shipping of these? I know it's not ideal, but if the shipping company is to blame for both the PCB and polycarbonate bottom maybe we need to contact them about PancakeMSTR's package and have them reimburse the damages. If they reimburse in full then you could use that money to get PancakeMSTR replacement parts.

[PancakeMSTR]

What kind of insurance is there on the shipping of these? I know it's not ideal, but if the shipping company is to blame for both the PCB and polycarbonate bottom maybe we need to contact them about PancakeMSTR's package and have them reimburse the damages. If they reimburse in full then you could use that money to get PancakeMSTR replacement parts.

Considering the PCB was rattling around loose in the keyboard body it's conceivable it was damaged in shipping, but I maintain that it's virtually impossible for the base damage to have occurred during shipping. I'll talk to some folks about it though. Maybe do some testing of my own.

[krispy]

Time to get in the habit of recording opening packages from group buys....

Oh my god.. If mine ever gets shipped out I am seriously considering asking someone to record the package opening process.

[PancakeMSTR]

Just for reference, I've linked in this comment to some pictures of the box (I didn't take the time to timestamp them, but I will if that's a serious point of contention). Looks in pretty decent shape to me, and the foam the keyboard was packed in is perfect (again, if this is a serious point of contention I'll photograph that as well). I can't even imagine the kind of trauma the box would have had to have gone through to produce those cracks in the polycarbonate, it just doesn't make sense to me. My keyboard was shipped broken.

Pictures of box: https://imgur.com/a/Y4kt8

I'm going to see if I have some suitable polycarbonate scrap lying around to do some testing with.

[Gajible]

Just for reference, I've linked in this comment to some pictures of the box (I didn't take the time to timestamp them, but I will if that's a serious point of contention). Looks in pretty decent shape to me, and the foam the keyboard was packed in is perfect (again, if this is a serious point of contention I'll photograph that as well). I can't even imagine the kind of trauma the box would have had to have gone through to produce those cracks in the polycarbonate, it just doesn't make sense to me. My keyboard was shipped broken.

Pictures of box: https://imgur.com/a/Y4kt8

I'm going to see if I have some suitable polycarbonate scrap lying around to do some testing with.

It's almost like the post office overtightened the screws!

[kacase]

Just for reference, I've linked in this comment to some pictures of the box (I didn't take the time to timestamp them, but I will if that's a serious point of contention). Looks in pretty decent shape to me, and the foam the keyboard was packed in is perfect (again, if this is a serious point of contention I'll photograph that as well). I can't even imagine the kind of trauma the box would have had to have gone through to produce those cracks in the polycarbonate, it just doesn't make sense to me. My keyboard was shipped broken.

Pictures of box: https://imgur.com/a/Y4kt8

I'm going to see if I have some suitable polycarbonate scrap lying around to do some testing with.

It's almost like the post office overtightened the screws!

Haha!

At least some people don’t lose their sense of humour


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[oatmicro]

That Polycarb bottom looks overtightened to me, no way that can be a transit damaged.

Take this as a lesson and be more careful next time when you build a keyboard my friend.