Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[ComradeSniper]

Rescued a space invaders type keyboard from the e-recycler today. Model # RT8Z55C+

The cable was cut off right at the keyboard, so I will have to replace the cable. Does anyone know what type of connector this uses? I'm assuming ps/2.

I used to have an intact one, it had an AT connector. I still have one that I also rescued from being scrapped and so it has a cut cord, will any AT connector cord suffice for replacement?

[CPTBadAss]

Rescued a space invaders type keyboard from the e-recycler today. Model # RT8Z55C+

The cable was cut off right at the keyboard, so I will have to replace the cable. Does anyone know what type of connector this uses? I'm assuming ps/2.

Think its a DIN5/AT? Same as my Siig Minitouch I think.

[ComradeSniper]

Rescued a space invaders type keyboard from the e-recycler today. Model # RT8Z55C+

The cable was cut off right at the keyboard, so I will have to replace the cable. Does anyone know what type of connector this uses? I'm assuming ps/2.

Think its a DIN5? Same as my Siig Minitouch I think.

AT is the same as DIN5, right?

[CPTBadAss]

Rescued a space invaders type keyboard from the e-recycler today. Model # RT8Z55C+

The cable was cut off right at the keyboard, so I will have to replace the cable. Does anyone know what type of connector this uses? I'm assuming ps/2.

Think its a DIN5? Same as my Siig Minitouch I think.

AT is the same as DIN5, right?

Damn, edit wasn't fast enough. Yes, DIN5 = AT. See here for more details.

[Melvang]

Why is it that when ever I am trying to find a piece for my project I can dig around on the interwebs for 3 weeks with no luck, ask here where I can find one and within an hour find it myself?

[whiskytango]

I think I know the answer but just so we're clear:

As far as the signals go, AT=ps/2, correct? So I can take a ps/2 cable and connect the ground, +5, clock, and data wires to the respective pins of the AT connection inside the keyboard and it'll work, right?

[nubbinator]

I think I know the answer but just so we're clear:

As far as the signals go, AT=ps/2, correct? So I can take a ps/2 cable and connect the ground, +5, clock, and data wires to the respective pins of the AT connection inside the keyboard and it'll work, right?

AT to PS/2 is just a simple pass through that you don't need any kind of adaptor for.  If the board was XT though, you'll have issues if you try to convert it to PS/2.

[jonathanyu]

...just want to know that is there any step-by-step guide for the firmware of phantom?  I get stuck with it...

[CPTBadAss]

Is there any step-by-step guide for the firmware of phantom?

This might be helpful.

Edit: Also found litster's Phantom thread which, like the KMAC DIY thread, should be very helpful.

[SpAmRaY]

...just want to know that is there any step-by-step guide for the firmware of phantom?  I get stuck with it...

What llayout are you wanting etc?

I would recommend using hasu's TMK firmware. The thread on it is here

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=41989.0

There are many here much better than myself at explaining how to actually edit the keymap etc.

Here was the instructions I started out with

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=26742.msg664507#msg664507

If you going to use a standard pre-built hex its just a matter of flashing a hex file to the teensy with the teensy loader I linked above.

If you want to customize etc then you'll get into editing the keymap.
I used the teensy loader once I got my hex file done from here

http://www.pjrc.com/teensy/teensy.exe

[Melvang]

Are there any "Geek Hack" keys in circulation that would match this for an ESC key? 

Does not really need to be PBT but would like to be as close as I can get.  I am going to be getting my aunt and uncle mech keyboards for christmas.  This one is going to my aunt and my uncle is going to be getting a Unicomp.  I would really like to add some "Geekhack" to the boards for them and already have the "Geekhack.org" function keys for the unicomp.

[CPTBadAss]

Are there any "Geek Hack" keys in circulation that would match this for an ESC key? 

Does not really need to be PBT but would like to be as close as I can get.  I am going to be getting my aunt and uncle mech keyboards for christmas.  This one is going to my aunt and my uncle is going to be getting a Unicomp.  I would really like to add some "Geekhack" to the boards for them and already have the "Geekhack.org" function keys for the unicomp.

Probably the Dolch colored ones or the ones from Raindrop would be your best bet.

[Melvang]

Yet once again thank you for the info CPT.

[CPTBadAss]

Yet once again thank you for the info CPT.

No problem! Happy to help.

Also, the imsto pbt GeekHack spacebars would fit very nicely. Those are harder to find but they're around.

[jonathanyu]

Is there any step-by-step guide for the firmware of phantom?

This might be helpful.

Edit: Also found litster's Phantom thread which, like the KMAC DIY thread, should be very helpful.

I have looked at the deskthority , but didn't say that which one should I use.
There have some that call phantom.c , phantomansi....and many other. So which one should I use for ansi150 layout?

...just want to know that is there any step-by-step guide for the firmware of phantom?  I get stuck with it...

What llayout are you wanting etc?

I would recommend using hasu's TMK firmware. The thread on it is here

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=41989.0

There are many here much better than myself at explaining how to actually edit the keymap etc.

Here was the instructions I started out with

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=26742.msg664507#msg664507

If you going to use a standard pre-built hex its just a matter of flashing a hex file to the teensy with the teensy loader I linked above.

If you want to customize etc then you'll get into editing the keymap.
I used the teensy loader once I got my hex file done from here

http://www.pjrc.com/teensy/teensy.exe

Seems that miss ton of step...

[CPTBadAss]

I have looked at the deskthority , but didn't say that which one should I use.
There have some that call phantom.c , phantomansi....and many other. So which one should I use for ansi150 layout?

I don't own one and I've never programmed one so I don't know. I was hoping you could figure that out with the 5 or so threads we gave you. Hopefully someone else can chime in.

[Melvang]

Does the Teensy 2.0 have the ability with any of the easily obtainable firmware to send a signal to a relay to turn 12vdc powered lighting on and off based on function layer?

[Photoelectric]

I'm considering investing in a TRiK V1.2 Aluminum/Acrylic keyboard from an on-going GB by Team Red Line, as it fits many of my criteria for a future keyboard (TKL, interesting case with transparent center and aluminum top/bottom, ability to add multiple colors of LEDs, etc.).  But here's a question regarding LED installation:  Resistors.  How do I go about figuring out which resistors I need for the TRiK V1.2 TKL PCB if  I'd like to add an LED to every switch?  I'm looking to use pink and orange LEDs mainly, perhaps with an odd color here and there--but mostly those two.  Is there a guide somewhere for suitable resistors for T1 LEDs and 5V voltage?  By that I mean that I don't know the proper size and resistor value range, as well as good places to buy them from.  (And finally, I can install them without specialized SMD irons, right?  Just a normal soldering iron with a fine tip would do?)

Thanks!

[MKULTRA]

Sorry I think I'm going to commit to ISO, so I'll have to pass.

I'm considering investing in a TRiK V1.2 Aluminum/Acrylic keyboard from an on-going GB by Team Red Line, as it fits many of my criteria for a future keyboard (TKL, interesting case with transparent center and aluminum top/bottom, ability to add multiple colors of LEDs, etc.).  But here's a question regarding LED installation:  Resistors.  How do I go about figuring out which resistors I need for the TRiK V1.2 TKL PCB if  I'd like to add an LED to every switch?  I'm looking to use pink and orange LEDs mainly, perhaps with an odd color here and there--but mostly those two.  Is there a guide somewhere for suitable resistors for T1 LEDs and 5V voltage?  By that I mean that I don't know the proper size and resistor value range, as well as good places to buy them from.  (And finally, I can install them without specialized SMD irons, right?  Just a normal soldering iron with a fine tip would do?)

Thanks!

Start here:

http://www.hobby-hour.com/electronics/ledcalc.php

[divito]

Straight up cheapest mechanical board?

[CPTBadAss]

Straight up cheapest mechanical board?

Cheapest MX board I've seen was a Monoprice full size for $45 shipped.

Cheapest Alps I've bought was an FK-2001 for $20. Ninjadoc has been buying them for $1 at e-waste recyclers. Dell AT101Ws can be super cheap too.

Cheapest ML board I've seen was a G84-4100 for $17, which I bought.

Cheapest Topre I've seen was a Type Heaven for $170 new and I've seen it used for as low as $120.

[jdcarpe]

Straight up cheapest mechanical board?

Cheapest MX board I've seen was a Monoprice full size for $45 shipped.

Cheapest Alps I've bought was an FK-2001 for $20. Ninjadoc has been buying them for $1 at e-waste recyclers. Dell AT101Ws can be super cheap too.

Cheapest ML board I've seen was a G84-4100 for $17, which I bought.

Cheapest Topre I've seen was a Type Heaven for $170 new and I've seen it for as low as $120.

I know you answered the question, but a few caveats.

For a little more than the Monoprice, you can find the CM Storm Quickfire Rapid on sale at times for $49.99 after MIR. That is probably your best "bang for the buck" MX board. I picked up a Rose will a while back when they were on sale for $25, but that will never happen again.

The seller that had those G84-4100s is out of stock now. I don't think we will see those for $17 ever again, unfortunately. It's s great little board, though.

For Alps clones, you can always find the Ducky 1087XM at PChome for $34 plus shipping.

[dorkvader]

Cheapest new or used?

I got some G80-8200huaus's from ebay for under $25 each shipped, you can get TG3 BL82 (data911) keyboards for under $30 pretty easily (I got mine for $10 shipped). An ML4101 with dyesubs was about $10, the list goes on.
Cheap indian TVS gold keyboards are cheap, but awful.

For new keyboards, you might want to stay away from the cheap ones, but the used market is full of good deals.

I got my first two "vintage" honeywell hall effect keyboards for $30 or less, if I recall correctly.

The Chery MX "ricercar" spos was I think available for $24 back in the day. Two have recently appeard on ebay. I got mine (used) for about the same. There was a "new" one for a bit more that I should have got. I'm not sure if there are more

The seller that had those G84-4100s is out of stock now. I don't think we will see those for $17 ever again, unfortunately. It's s great little board, though.

I have seen ML keyboards under $20 many times on ebay.
Cheapest one I see right now is only $15 or best offer, though given the exorbitant shipping quote, you may have to negotiate a little with that "best offer"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261264448554

Nevertheless, prices are a bit higher right now. We'll see if they go back down in a few months.

[SpAmRaY]

Straight up cheapest mechanical board?

Cheapest MX board I've seen was a Monoprice full size for $45 shipped.

Cheapest Alps I've bought was an FK-2001 for $20. Ninjadoc has been buying them for $1 at e-waste recyclers. Dell AT101Ws can be super cheap too.

Cheapest ML board I've seen was a G84-4100 for $17, which I bought.

Cheapest Topre I've seen was a Type Heaven for $170 new and I've seen it used for as low as $120.

Also the Type Heaven is priced at $150 now for a new one.

[divito]

Cheapest new or used?

I was more so thinking of cheapest to harvest switches and/or boards to experiment with various things, whether switch mods, painting, etc... New board or used doesn't matter too much.

Thanks everyone for your input so far!!

[SpAmRaY]

Cheapest new or used?

I was more so thinking of cheapest to harvest switches and/or boards to experiment with various things, whether switch mods, painting, etc... New board or used doesn't matter too much.

Thanks everyone for your input so far!!

The next question will be what type of switches!!

[Melvang]

Anyone know how much voltage runs through the key matrix when a button is pushed?

[jonathanyu]

...just want to know that is there any step-by-step guide for the firmware of phantom?  I get stuck with it...

What llayout are you wanting etc?

I would recommend using hasu's TMK firmware. The thread on it is here

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=41989.0

There are many here much better than myself at explaining how to actually edit the keymap etc.

Here was the instructions I started out with

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=26742.msg664507#msg664507

If you going to use a standard pre-built hex its just a matter of flashing a hex file to the teensy with the teensy loader I linked above.

If you want to customize etc then you'll get into editing the keymap.
I used the teensy loader once I got my hex file done from here

http://www.pjrc.com/teensy/teensy.exe

still quite confusing after reading this...
which file do I need for a ansi150 layout? or I need all of the file?

[dorkvader]

Anyone know how much voltage runs through the key matrix when a button is pushed?

It's related to the amount of voltage the microcontroller wants to scan the matrix with, 5V is a common value, I think. The current is really low, milliAmps at the most. Cherry MX switches are rated for 10mA max.

@ jonathanyu,
THere are more than one firmware that can run on the phantom. I'm using the phantom firmware, and there is also hasu's tmk_firmware, which spamray recommended.

The easiest is if you don't want to change the keymap from the default. If that's the case, you can often just find a precompiled firmware to run on your keyboard. Make sure you can do that first so you can test the keyboard hardware. Then, when you know that's working, then you can play with the source and building different layouts and all.

So, if you want to go with the bpiphany phantom firmware (like what I'm using to type this post now) you can download a precompiled .dex file from his github, linked below
https://github.com/BathroomEpiphanies/AVR-Keyboard/tree/master/firmwares
phantom ansi iso or ansi iso win should work depending on what KB you made.

so just download the hex and the teensy loader from pjrc. Plug in the keyboard, run teensy loader, press the button, select your firmware, upload it, reboot it and you should be good to go. instructions for usinmg teensy loader are included on it's page, link below
http://www.pjrc.com/teensy/loader.html

I didn't see any precompiled firmware for hasu's tmk_firmware, so if you can't find any, you'll need to build it from source, which I can't help you with at this time (I haven't yet done it myself!)

Hope this helps

[jonathanyu]

Anyone know how much voltage runs through the key matrix when a button is pushed?

It's related to the amount of voltage the microcontroller wants to scan the matrix with, 5V is a common value, I think. The current is really low, milliAmps at the most. Cherry MX switches are rated for 10mA max.

@ jonathanyu,
THere are more than one firmware that can run on the phantom. I'm using the phantom firmware, and there is also hasu's tmk_firmware, which spamray recommended.

The easiest is if you don't want to change the keymap from the default. If that's the case, you can often just find a precompiled firmware to run on your keyboard. Make sure you can do that first so you can test the keyboard hardware. Then, when you know that's working, then you can play with the source and building different layouts and all.

So, if you want to go with the bpiphany phantom firmware (like what I'm using to type this post now) you can download a precompiled .dex file from his github, linked below
https://github.com/BathroomEpiphanies/AVR-Keyboard/tree/master/firmwares
phantom ansi iso or ansi iso win should work depending on what KB you made.

so just download the hex and the teensy loader from pjrc. Plug in the keyboard, run teensy loader, press the button, select your firmware, upload it, reboot it and you should be good to go. instructions for usinmg teensy loader are included on it's page, link below
http://www.pjrc.com/teensy/loader.html

I didn't see any precompiled firmware for hasu's tmk_firmware, so if you can't find any, you'll need to build it from source, which I can't help you with at this time (I haven't yet done it myself!)

Hope this helps

There is ansi_iso_jis, ansi_iso, ansi_iso_win.  What is the different between them?

[jdcarpe]

Anyone know how much voltage runs through the key matrix when a button is pushed?

It's related to the amount of voltage the microcontroller wants to scan the matrix with, 5V is a common value, I think. The current is really low, milliAmps at the most. Cherry MX switches are rated for 10mA max.

@ jonathanyu,
THere are more than one firmware that can run on the phantom. I'm using the phantom firmware, and there is also hasu's tmk_firmware, which spamray recommended.

The easiest is if you don't want to change the keymap from the default. If that's the case, you can often just find a precompiled firmware to run on your keyboard. Make sure you can do that first so you can test the keyboard hardware. Then, when you know that's working, then you can play with the source and building different layouts and all.

So, if you want to go with the bpiphany phantom firmware (like what I'm using to type this post now) you can download a precompiled .dex file from his github, linked below
https://github.com/BathroomEpiphanies/AVR-Keyboard/tree/master/firmwares
phantom ansi iso or ansi iso win should work depending on what KB you made.

so just download the hex and the teensy loader from pjrc. Plug in the keyboard, run teensy loader, press the button, select your firmware, upload it, reboot it and you should be good to go. instructions for usinmg teensy loader are included on it's page, link below
http://www.pjrc.com/teensy/loader.html

I didn't see any precompiled firmware for hasu's tmk_firmware, so if you can't find any, you'll need to build it from source, which I can't help you with at this time (I haven't yet done it myself!)

Hope this helps

There is ansi_iso_jis, ansi_iso, ansi_iso_win.  What is the different between them?

This discussion is really beyond the scope of this thread. And I see you already opened a new thread about this. Where you really should be asking these questions is in this thread: Building Phantom Hardware and Firmware Mods.

Hope this helps!

[ComradeSniper]

Is there a list of people who offer assembly services somewhere?

[Photekq]

Is there a list of people who offer assembly services somewhere?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45886.0

[ComradeSniper]

Is there a list of people who offer assembly services somewhere?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45886.0

Whoops, totally didn't see that when I checked in the Classifieds. Thanks.

[CPTBadAss]

Is there a list of people who offer assembly services somewhere?

There's also a link to this list in the OP

[jonathanyu]

Thank you everyone that help me with the firmware, it seems working right now! 
But...another question come up, my phantom is just crazy.  It start typing random things when I plug it into my computer. 
Here is a quick video of what is happening

In the video, I didn't touch the pcb at all, but it just typing random things.  Anyone know that this is a software problem or hardware problem?
I have used MG Chemicals 413B Heavy Duty Flux Remover to remove the flux that on the pcb.  So did I kill my board accidentally?

[CPTBadAss]

Had this happen on my pure once. Something was shorting out on the PCB and caused my computer to go crazy. I put a bit of drawer liner between the PCB and case and it stopped. Maybe you bridged something. But again, this isnt a troubleshooting thread and isnt a simple question/answer. Go port this to another thread please.

[phx]

I'm trying to lube/sticker my switches, I cannot for the life of me to put on the sticker right... I got a set of originative.
the middle square of the sticker comes off I assume? but where do you stick the sticker on? what orientation?

also, you are not suppose to lube the metal contact point? just the sides and 2 ends of the spring?

[metalliqaz]

I'm trying to lube/sticker my switches, I cannot for the life of me to put on the sticker right... I got a set of originative.
the middle square of the sticker comes off I assume? but where do you stick the sticker on? what orientation?

also, you are not suppose to lube the metal contact point? just the sides and 2 ends of the spring?

1) See the sticker GB thread
2) See the switch lube HOWTO thread

seriously

[phx]

I'm trying to lube/sticker my switches, I cannot for the life of me to put on the sticker right... I got a set of originative.
the middle square of the sticker comes off I assume? but where do you stick the sticker on? what orientation?

also, you are not suppose to lube the metal contact point? just the sides and 2 ends of the spring?

1) See the sticker GB thread
2) See the switch lube HOWTO thread

seriously

the lube howto thread doesnt say why he doesnt lube the metal bit.

and yes I found guide on stickers, THANK YOU VERY MUCH, YOU WERE VERY HELPFUL
...

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=46665.msg992036#msg992036

[Melvang]

Do I need to obtain permission to have imsto make a certain color combo for "Geek Hack" keys?  If so, who would I contact about that?

[CPTBadAss]

Do I need to obtain permission to have imsto make a certain color combo for "Geek Hack" keys?  If so, who would I contact about that?

You don't *need* permission to do things with the GeekHack logo but mkawa, hashbaz, and the admins/mods appreciate it if you give them a heads up. PM mkawa.

[Melvang]

sounds good CPT will do.

[phx]

anyone happen to know the size/specs of the diode/led the QFR uses (i think all boards use the same size?)? Looking to purchase some different colors.

thanks!

[CPTBadAss]

anyone happen to know the size/specs of the diode/led the QFR uses (i think all boards use the same size?)? Looking to purchase some different colors.

I'm not sure exactly what the QFR uses but I think if you just grab 2x3x4mm Square LEDs as shown in the link in the OP, you should be fine. Can anyone else verify this? I've never had an issue with LEDs. I've tossed those 2x3x4mm into the TechKeys business card and the Razer Orbweaver, as well as my KMAC, with no issues.

[phx]

anyone happen to know the size/specs of the diode/led the QFR uses (i think all boards use the same size?)? Looking to purchase some different colors.

I'm not sure exactly what the QFR uses but I think if you just grab 2x3x4mm Square LEDs as shown in the link in the OP, you should be fine. Can anyone else verify this? I've never had an issue with LEDs. I've tossed those 2x3x4mm into the TechKeys business card and the Razer Orbweaver, as well as my KMAC, with no issues.

i want to flip the switch upside down, but of course I can't change the PCB so I was thinking maybe I can get a LED with uber long legs(?) and bend it around underneath the switch. has anyone tried this before?

and thx for the links!

[Melvang]

If you want to put an LED on a board that doesn't have traces for it, it can be done but would be a huge pain for an entire board.  See the bottom link in my signature for how i did it to my costar Das.

[phx]

If you want to put an LED on a board that doesn't have traces for it, it can be done but would be a huge pain for an entire board.  See the bottom link in my signature for how i did it to my costar Das.

wow the harddrive led is friken AWESOME!

the modification I had in mind is a lot simpler

[CPTBadAss]

i want to flip the switch upside down, but of course I can't change the PCB so I was thinking maybe I can get a LED with uber long legs(?) and bend it around underneath the switch. has anyone tried this before?

and thx for the links!

You can always use jumper wire or use old clipped LED legs and just solder them on to make your own legs. Sifo has done it on his GON board and the Duck Mini2 will need you to bend the LED around so that you can light up the Matias Alps switches.

[Melvang]

If you want to put an LED on a board that doesn't have traces for it, it can be done but would be a huge pain for an entire board.  See the bottom link in my signature for how i did it to my costar Das.

wow the harddrive led is friken AWESOME!

the modification I had in mind is a lot simpler

Thanks, I still haven't seen anyone else do that mod yet.