Post by: mrbishop on Tue, 09 August 2016, 20:35:53
- After much enthusiasm from quite afew people across several social platforms I am proud to present The Pawn, a 35% keyboard originally designed as a mobile keyboard for use with cellphones/tablets or an ultra portable travel board.
This is being presented as a KIT however assembly is offered as an additional charge. Shipping ConUS will be included with the price, outside ConUS will be addressed on a case by case basis estimates of around 20$ are presented however that could be +- afew USD$ based on my experience.
a minimum of 10 is set for this group buy but there will be no upper cap.
- 37 Gateron switches
- 1 aluminum plate (5052)
- 1 wood case (sanded unfinished Oak)
- 1 set of stabilizers (plate mount clips, wire, key side)(Costar)
- 40 Diodes (extra included)
- ribbon cable for wiring
- Teensy 2.0 controller (NOT programmed unless you select assembled)
- mounting screws
$120 - kit
+25 for caps
+40 assembly
+20 shipping outside ConUS (shipping subject to change based on location. this is a guideline)
[/list]
***Keycaps are NOT included unless you select the extra option. this layout was designed to work with standard ANSI keyboard key sets. one set of ANSI key caps (104 set) will complete one 35% Pawn keyboard. the profiles will likely not match the rows and there may be gaps in the key. this will be a hacked set made to fit this layout not a custom set designed for it. please keep this in mind when selecting add key caps option.
ok whats in store
[attach=1]
the Pawn is based on this keyboard with a few slight modifications to better fit standard key sets. this makes finding a complete key cap set much easier to buy. However, this set does not by default come with key caps. A in expensive set has been selected with several color options in the event you want a complete keyboard kit including the caps.
unless indicated you will receive only what is required to complete the kit no additional parts or caps will be included.
below is the layout for this Group buy
[attach=2]
i will use this thread for the main hub for all of this group buy. if you have any questions please PM me and include "The Pawn" in the subject so i can attempt to keep track of everything.
this will be my first group buy so be gentile. :cool:
this GB will be open untill Aug 31 2016 some time in the afternoon. i reserve the wright to close this GB early. all payments must be made by 9/10/2016 at 12 midnight.
if i have forgotten anything i apologize i'll try to keep things updated here.
CLOSED
beginning invoicing
because some have asked here is the KLE link so you can play with the layout. the layout in the picture featured on the order form is the only layout included in this kit.
http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/208538fb5830a1a4eea178d1de141d28 (http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/208538fb5830a1a4eea178d1de141d28)
Support files
[attachmini=3]
ALL INVOICES SENT
Post by: wodan on Sun, 14 August 2016, 23:52:10
Bump!
Post by: sprit on Mon, 15 August 2016, 01:35:33
Post by: mrbishop on Mon, 15 August 2016, 08:09:28
Beautiful! Amazing! :)
thanks alot. its a fun board.
Post by: tinyprawn on Tue, 16 August 2016, 18:42:04
Do you have a guess on the timeline for delivery of the kits vs. assembled keyboards?
Post by: mrbishop on Tue, 16 August 2016, 18:47:49
sent from my chess board
Post by: tinyprawn on Wed, 17 August 2016, 21:14:47
Post by: mrbishop on Wed, 17 August 2016, 22:08:27
What is the little 1x1 key in the middle of the spacebar row in the layout? Why is that different from the prototype?i added this key as i found the keyboard really could use an extra layer key after using the v1 layout for afew weeks. could be use as a super key or other mod.
Post by: jal on Thu, 18 August 2016, 08:58:26
Post by: mrbishop on Thu, 18 August 2016, 09:42:40
I like the case profile a lot - nice to see things non-rectangular. The 1u key in the middle of the space bars would make me homicidal, though.
thanks so much. and yeah i only added it because i feel like it would be useful for more people and functions. as a mobile only keyboard the split space bar does fine. for the GB i'm planning the split with 3 keys for added functionality. however. if you want to commission a one off with out the triple space. please PM me. that goes for anyone else who wants one customized. :)
Post by: yottagray on Thu, 18 August 2016, 10:33:37
Post by: Venediction on Fri, 19 August 2016, 03:11:34
I guess with layering a 1% would still (theoretically) be possible as a full functioning keyboard
Post by: sprit on Fri, 19 August 2016, 03:36:24
Post by: Unix.dmr on Sun, 21 August 2016, 06:46:03
Post by: mrbishop on Sun, 21 August 2016, 08:43:57
sent from my chess board
Post by: jdcarpe on Sun, 21 August 2016, 09:17:09
Group buy ends the end of the month I will invoice then. Must pay by 9/10
sent from my chess board
Your chess board has terrible autocorrect haha. Fixed for you.
Post by: mrbishop on Sun, 21 August 2016, 09:48:58
Group buy ends the end of the month I will invoice then. Must pay by 9/10
sent from my chess board
Your chess board has terrible autocorrect haha. Fixed for you.
hahaha thanks i had just woken up when i posted that. no coffee yet. :thumb:
Post by: tinyprawn on Fri, 26 August 2016, 23:13:11
Post by: mrbishop on Fri, 26 August 2016, 23:40:05
sent from my chess board
Post by: mrbishop on Tue, 30 August 2016, 08:57:55
9/10 will be the cut off for payment unless other arrangements are made.
my intent is to place material orders by 9/12 in order to receive them in a timely manor. if there are any questions please ask them here or PM me.
thanks everyone who has already signed up! super excited about this.
here is a pre production teaser picture of a completed build (please note this is NOT the wood included in the GB)
Post by: tinyprawn on Wed, 31 August 2016, 20:51:18
Post by: mrbishop on Wed, 31 August 2016, 22:20:37
sent from my chess board
Post by: mrbishop on Thu, 01 September 2016, 09:41:48
Post by: mrbishop on Fri, 09 September 2016, 17:32:45
Starting to cut plates
Still have a few that have not paid.
sent from my chess board
Post by: mrbishop on Sun, 11 September 2016, 20:11:31
Post by: mrbishop on Mon, 26 September 2016, 18:34:26
Post by: tinyprawn on Wed, 28 September 2016, 00:16:32
Post by: mrbishop on Wed, 28 September 2016, 06:35:14
I'm getting excited again. Gonna put Godspeed keycaps on this mofo.I can't wait to see that!
sent from my chess board
Post by: tinyprawn on Thu, 29 September 2016, 13:34:58
[attachimg=1]I'm getting excited again. Gonna put Godspeed keycaps on this mofo.I can't wait to see that!
I should mention these keys I used are all from either the Cockpit or 40s kits.
Post by: mrbishop on Thu, 29 September 2016, 13:47:04
Hot(Attachment Link)I'm getting excited again. Gonna put Godspeed keycaps on this mofo.I can't wait to see that!
sent from my chess board
Post by: tinyprawn on Thu, 29 September 2016, 14:10:19
[attachimg=1]
Post by: tinyprawn on Thu, 29 September 2016, 14:11:19
Post by: tinyprawn on Thu, 29 September 2016, 14:32:26
[attachimg=1]
Post by: mrbishop on Sun, 02 October 2016, 16:22:57
And oak looks really nice lacquered
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161002/400fb7e89c2324ce03d59e20e3011926.jpg)
sent from my chess board
Post by: Vigrith on Sun, 02 October 2016, 16:38:11
Post by: mrbishop on Thu, 06 October 2016, 19:58:14
i have had several people interested in getting this board outside the GB. on that note i'm very interested in taking commissions on this. but i think i'll do them in more of a one-off sort of stance.
if you want one PM me and we will discuss. price point will likely be the same or close. :thumb:
sorry again for the delays. i'm a one man shop. but my goal is to ensure everyone's board is super awesome.
Post by: tinyprawn on Sun, 09 October 2016, 13:27:29
Post by: mrbishop on Mon, 10 October 2016, 15:50:18
All well down in SC? Up in the DC area we got a rainy day yesterday and windy day today.
we survived. power outages and a few trees down across the mid state. some flooding as well.
i planned on heading to the shop in abit and see whats what. getting back rolling with the GB stuffs and starting the hand wired fully assembled orders.
thanks for checking on me :thumb:
Post by: mrbishop on Wed, 12 October 2016, 20:27:36
assembled and tested. uploading the config files to the top of the thread in case anyone is interested to tinker with their layout prior to getting their kit. my goal is to ship this weekend Monday at the latest!
thanks for being patient guys/gals you are why i do this. i hope everyone enjoys their board.
Post by: tinyprawn on Tue, 18 October 2016, 12:05:35
one down two to go :thumb:
assembled and tested. uploading the config files to the top of the thread in case anyone is interested to tinker with their layout prior to getting their kit. my goal is to ship this weekend Monday at the latest!
thanks for being patient guys/gals you are why i do this. i hope everyone enjoys their board.
Looks great! How is the wrap-up process going?
Post by: mrbishop on Tue, 18 October 2016, 13:54:18
one down two to go :thumb:
assembled and tested. uploading the config files to the top of the thread in case anyone is interested to tinker with their layout prior to getting their kit. my goal is to ship this weekend Monday at the latest!
thanks for being patient guys/gals you are why i do this. i hope everyone enjoys their board.
Looks great! How is the wrap-up process going?
wrapping up tonight, finishing up the last keyboard and starting the packaging and shipping process. its taking me longer than i would have liked. sorry for all the delays and thanks for everyone being so patient with me. first GB. hopefully not the last. lots of stuff and changes have happened to me over the last 2 months.
Post by: tinyprawn on Fri, 21 October 2016, 20:34:38
one down two to go :thumb:
assembled and tested. uploading the config files to the top of the thread in case anyone is interested to tinker with their layout prior to getting their kit. my goal is to ship this weekend Monday at the latest!
thanks for being patient guys/gals you are why i do this. i hope everyone enjoys their board.
Looks great! How is the wrap-up process going?
wrapping up tonight, finishing up the last keyboard and starting the packaging and shipping process. its taking me longer than i would have liked. sorry for all the delays and thanks for everyone being so patient with me. first GB. hopefully not the last. lots of stuff and changes have happened to me over the last 2 months.
I saw the jazz about the new job and all went down during this effort. Happy for positive changes and custom keyboards!
Post by: mrbishop on Fri, 21 October 2016, 21:11:23
sent from my chess board
Post by: mrbishop on Sat, 22 October 2016, 15:18:46
Everyone should have tracking in their email they used to join the GB. Thanks for all your patience. I hope everyone enjoys their boards.
sent from my chess board
Post by: tinyprawn on Sat, 22 October 2016, 15:35:36
Everyone should have tracking in their email they used to join the GB. Thanks for all your patience. I hope everyone enjoys their boards.
sent from my chess board
Got my tracking info! Thanks tons for designing and optionally building these!
Post by: mrbishop on Tue, 25 October 2016, 12:17:35
Post by: tinyprawn on Wed, 26 October 2016, 00:18:20
(http://i.imgur.com/SM9d1xV.jpg)
Which of those do you think will work the best?
Post by: tinyprawn on Wed, 26 October 2016, 00:23:07
I'm gonna have to put garbage caps on it until the Godspeed caps show up...
Which of those do you think will work the best?
By the way, the sculpted profile one is row 1, row 2, row 4, then upside down row 4... I could make it 2, 3, 4 since I can borrow from the other keys that I won't be using.
The fact that I only have 1, 1.75u SA key also makes me sad. It has a bit of curvature to the bottom too. May order a set of blanks to fix that left-most key.
Post by: mrbishop on Wed, 26 October 2016, 06:30:20
sent from my chess board
Post by: tinyprawn on Wed, 26 October 2016, 21:35:15
Firstly, I need to pick up some lube for the stabilizers. If I mount them right now, l the keys click down and stay down. That's easy enough.
Secondly, I was going to try out some different caps combinations and when I go to pull the caps off, the switches are popping up out of the plate. For the edge keys I can get my fingers in and hold it down when popping. The middle keys are kinda impossible.
I'm wondering if there's a tool or method for popping the caps without the switches coming off the plate. [attachimg=1]
Post by: mrbishop on Thu, 27 October 2016, 10:54:59
Post by: tinyprawn on Thu, 27 October 2016, 19:34:33
i have expierenced that once or twice before with the stabs. to fix it i usually give them alittle bend outwards. as for the switches popping out, the friction of the hole usually keeps them in place altho ive had that happen before and used a pair of tweezers or thin metal blade or similar to hold them down when pulling out the caps. i'm really sorry your having issues. let me know if there is anything i can do.
I'll ty bending the stabilizers a bit.
This is nothing serious. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't ignoring some specific method or missing a tool.
I'm going to plug it in and mess with the programming this weekend.
Post by: mrbishop on Thu, 27 October 2016, 19:44:35
i have expierenced that once or twice before with the stabs. to fix it i usually give them alittle bend outwards. as for the switches popping out, the friction of the hole usually keeps them in place altho ive had that happen before and used a pair of tweezers or thin metal blade or similar to hold them down when pulling out the caps. i'm really sorry your having issues. let me know if there is anything i can do.
I'll ty bending the stabilizers a bit.
This is nothing serious. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't ignoring some specific method or missing a tool.
I'm going to plug it in and mess with the programming this weekend.
cool. you did get your programming file didnt you? hopefully that will make the programming alot easier.
other than the 2 issues how is the keyboard so far?
Post by: tinyprawn on Thu, 27 October 2016, 22:33:38
[...] how is the keyboard so far?
It's very light and far more portable than my JD45 which only has a few more keys. I'm excited to try it as a document composing input device on my iPad using the "camera adapter". Once I get the layers worked out, I'll be unstoppable.
Also, in OS X and iOS, "space space" = ". " so I can move the period key to the second layer without slowing down my composition.
Post by: tinyprawn on Fri, 28 October 2016, 21:25:07
It seems like the TMK Firmware Builder website (http://kb.sized.io) has some limits in what it can do with the keycaps and things. I would like some more advanced things like tapping fn1 = '.' and tapping fn2 = '/' but I can mess with that later. For now, does TMK allow this function key arrangement without accidentally losing the ability to get back to the default layer?
[attachimg=1]
Post by: tinyprawn on Sun, 30 October 2016, 22:29:54
Played typing of the dead with my custom layout for a few hours tonight and it was awesome. I need to unlock the hardcore mode before I can switch to a numbers and symbols dictionary.