[IC] Lumberjack PCB Kit R2 - Ortholinear through-hole aesthetic 60% PCB

[peej]

Hello Geekhack.

Earlier this year I ran a successful group buy for the Lumberjack PCB kit, we had a huge response and shipped over 150 kits to people around the World. Thanks to everyone who took part. It's been 9 months, so it's perhaps time to start thinking about a round 2.



The plan is to pretty much do the same thing as last time but with some optimisations and tweaks here and there, but if there are any suggestions for additional features or quality of life improvements, let me know in the comments below.

I need to do one more round of prototypes, so hope to be ready for GB beginning of next year so the PCB order can be run straight after Chinese New Year.

Price will be €22 + postage (€7-11) send through the mail in a padded envelope, just like last time.

Lumberjack PCB Kit

https://github.com/peej/lumberjack-keyboard

* Ortholinear 5x12 PCB (grid or 2x2u space)
* Unsoldered with all through-hole components (like the Plaid)
* Fits into tray mount 60% cases (GH60 PCB mounting points), some light switch modification will be necessary
* Kit will contain all components, acrylic component cover and associated hardware (just add switches, caps & case)
* FR4 plate (black)
* ATMEGA328P using USBaspLoader and pre-flashed with VIA compatible QMK firmware
* Mini-USB or USB-C



Changes for R2

* All kits will come with a USB-C connector. Since the majority of people wanted USB-C last time, it is no longer optional, all kits will include a USB-C connector and resistors. You will still get a Mini-USB connector and have the choice to not use the USB-C if you do not want to.
* All kits will come with FR4 plates. Since the majority of people wanted plates last time, it makes things easier just to include them for everyone this time.
* PCB revision is increased to rev1.5 (https://github.com/peej/lumberjack-keyboard#rev-15)
* The shape of the PCB will have cutouts to make it Bakeneko 60 compatible (as shown in render image below)
* PCB colour is really important to people, so the plan is to offer all the colours: black, blue, red and white like last time and now also green, yellow, and purple.

[mmayhem17]

Hype

[stoffelduss]

22€? woah
I don't even use ortho anymore but this looks really fun to build

[Klexos]

I finally built my Lumberjack just last month and have been loving it! Count me in for another, especially with some of the included changes.

[guill3m]

I was too slow last time, won’t happen this time. Thanks for adding more colours, eyeing the yellow 

[DerBonk]

In for two more! My favorite >40% board. Thanks so much for running it again!

[Alejo1707]

You know I'll be there sir!

Sent from my GM1917 using Tapatalk

[Tinoo46]

When will the GB start? I am interessed

[robotictomato]

Very interested. Any chance of adding support for Choc switch footprints in as well?

[YoungTerror]

Yes yes yes I've been waiting for this. +1 from me.

[AlexLimPage]

Hell yes, count me in.

What other cases would this lovely fit in except Bakeneko60?

[bloodparticle]

I'm in! o(^▽^)o

[Alejo1707]

Hell yes, count me in.

What other cases would this lovely fit in except Bakeneko60?

Any tray mount sir, for those, you don't even need switch plates, given you solder the switches of course

Sent from my GM1917 using Tapatalk

[peej]

Very interested. Any chance of adding support for Choc switch footprints in as well?

I hadn't even considered Choc switches, they are not something I am familiar with. It feels like you can create a hybrid footprint without too much trouble.

Do people use the V1 switches or is it all about V2 now? Presumably for V2 the switch spacing and plate cutouts are the same as for MX?

[ILikeShorts]

I’m such a fiddler, and I’ve yet been able to commit to a build with soldered switches. Any interest in making a hotswap version? I’ve been trying to will myself to commit to soldering switches in because I love the throughhole aesthetic.

[Alejo1707]

I’m such a fiddler, and I’ve yet been able to commit to a build with soldered switches. Any interest in making a hotswap version? I’ve been trying to will myself to commit to soldering switches in because I love the throughhole aesthetic.

Why not mill-maxing the PCB? Those are already superior to Kaihl hot-swap sockets either way.

Sent from my GM1917 using Tapatalk

[ggggggg]

I’m such a fiddler, and I’ve yet been able to commit to a build with soldered switches. Any interest in making a hotswap version? I’ve been trying to will myself to commit to soldering switches in because I love the throughhole aesthetic.

Why not mill-maxing the PCB? Those are already superior to Kaihl hot-swap sockets either way.

Sent from my GM1917 using Tapatalk

Except in terms of cost.

[Alejo1707]

I’m such a fiddler, and I’ve yet been able to commit to a build with soldered switches. Any interest in making a hotswap version? I’ve been trying to will myself to commit to soldering switches in because I love the throughhole aesthetic.

Why not mill-maxing the PCB? Those are already superior to Kaihl hot-swap sockets either way.

Sent from my GM1917 using Tapatalk

Except in terms of cost.

0305 sockets cost 12 cents per-socket approximately, without shipping considered. 150 for a full Lumberjack build will set you back 17.70 USD.

Kaihl hot-swap are 1.50 for 10. 9 bucks for 60 sockets. You have a difference of 8.70 dollars for less resilient and less compatible sockets. Not worth IMO, and as demonstrated, not really an issue of cost either.

Sent from my GM1917 using Tapatalk

EDIT: removed caps from "socket"

[ggggggg]

I'm not here to argue Kailh over MillMax sockets, the latter are obviously better. But they are twice as expensive, and that's for 0305 as you say, which come with their own caveats.
On a potentially cheap build like this, 25c extra per switch is kind of a lot. I think it's worth considering a north-facing Kailh hotswap socket footprint to supplement the soldered footprint.

[qeebored]

I would love to see support for Alps switches, maybe something like Kyria's MX/Choc/Alps footprint,.

[Quni]

Let's GO! Definitely in.

[zwartho]

I was also too slow last time. Is the max order quantity still going to be the same?

[lunatictaco]

Can’t wait for this one again

[Mecxs]

Definitely keen - would be great to see Rosaline kits available too if that's still a possibility!

[XCaellaX]

Super interested! Would finally be able to test ortholinear layout on a Tofu60.

Sent from my XQ-AS52 using Tapatalk

[peej]

I would love to see support for Alps switches, maybe something like Kyria's MX/Choc/Alps footprint,.

I'm looking into using a hybrid MX/Alps/Choc footprint, it makes sense to add Alps and it'd be nice to also support Choc v1 too. I don't think Choc v2's are compatible with MX footprints which seems a shame.

I was also too slow last time. Is the max order quantity still going to be the same?

I'm hoping to be able to go unlimited quantity this time having learnt from round 1. The main issue is putting the kits together, but I can package and ship orders as I complete them like I did with the extras from R1, so some people might have to wait longer than others but I won't have to turn people away.

Definitely keen - would be great to see Rosaline kits available too if that's still a possibility!

This could definitely be a thing for those who want one since it's just a different PCB and component cover. You'd probably have to build and flash the firmware yourself however. If there's only a few people interested, I have a few prototypes that people could have once I have components.

[tiramichu]

This could definitely be a thing for those who want one since it's just a different PCB and component cover. You'd probably have to build and flash the firmware yourself however. If there's only a few people interested, I have a few prototypes that people could have once I have components.

Definitely interested in Rosaline as well! And I'll be in for another Lumberjack, too 

[iwanoo]

I would be in for a purple Lumberjack and Rosaline

[AlexLimPage]

I'm in super FOMO mode!!
When would it be ready for GB? I keep checking this page almost two-three times loool please at least give us a date.

[Frayne]

Oooo lets gooooo ive been waiting for this

[peej]

I've added Alps and Choc footprints and ordered a prototype PCB from JLCPCB.

When will the GB start? I am interessed

When would it be ready for GB? I keep checking this page almost two-three times loool please at least give us a date.

GB will be in the new year, depends on how long the the prototype takes to arrive. If you are worried about not seeing the GB, I have a mailing list you can join which I'll send an e-mail to when the GB goes live: http://eepurl.com/hyPSt9

[AlexLimPage]

awesome, thanks for the mailing list.

[Alejo1707]

BTW, and to anybody that is interested. A while back I asked peej to help me with a plate that can be used on a Cannon Keys Brutal60 case. I still have the files and the boss can help you with those as well.

Unfortunately I have not been able to test them yet, but the public files for those plates were used to create them. Hopefully it will serve somebody else <3

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[Magnificent Bureaucrat]

I would be in for a purple Lumberjack and Rosaline

I'd also be interested in a lumberjack/rosaline multi-pack. Both such cool ideas

[HappyB0T]

I have 2 printed bakeneko cases on hand - this would be super fun to try out. I'll take 1 or 2

[bloodparticle]

So the leds are for: plug and caps right? Thinking to make it all white, yap will use white leds 😉

[orange.island]

Wow, THT board with case? I'm in! Just one minor question: what are the color options for PCB??

[bloodparticle]

The FR4 plates will be in the color of the pcb or only black?

[bigoldbox]

Will there be a NA vendor or is it retailed from you directly?

[peej]

So the leds are for: plug and caps right? Thinking to make it all white, yap will use white leds 😉

The default firmware has one LED activate for any keypress and the other for layer change, but you can of course change them to whatever you want in QMK.

Wow, THT board with case? I'm in! Just one minor question: what are the color options for PCB??

Black, white, blue, red, yellow, purple, or green. Although if only a few people want a certain colour, I might drop it.

I had some issues with the white soldermask in the last round, lots of PCBs where the soldermask had filled the switch holes or had marks in it, but people seem to love white so I'll just have to ensure I order plenty of spares.

The FR4 plates will be in the color of the pcb or only black?

All the plates will be black.

Will there be a NA vendor or is it retailed from you directly?

Not sure yet, could be possible if there is demand and it makes financial sense. Since the majority of the GB time is me putting kits together and packaging them up, I'm planning on shipping kits as they are complete rather than waiting for them all to be done like last time. Orders via a proxy would have to all be done at once and thus would be quite a bit slower into people's hands, but if it saves on postage it might be preferable for some people.

[skurvi]

I am so in. Have been waiting for this since the day I realized I missed r1 😄

[ravenousrhino]

Can you add an option to order extra plates. I was able to get 2 lumberjacks last time due to extras but they didn't come with plates. I'm planning on getting a new color this time but I also hope I could get extra plates for the ones I already have.

[panka]

i want it i want it i want it i want it i want it i want it i want it

[nahccire]

I'm in, also what do you think about adding different plate materials (brass, pom, etc)

[peej]

Received the prototypes from JLCPCB but haven't had time to put one together yet. The bottom side silkscreen looks nice without being annoying or over the top. Not sure that I'm a fan of the yellow soldermask

Of the 5 proto boards, 3 had issues with the drilling of the USB-C pin holes, I'm in communication with JLCPCB about this cos that's a pretty big failure rate that'd be a real bummer on a production run.



Testing the fitting of Choc switches. I had an extra support pin drill hole in my footprint which I think is for v2 Choc switches which are not compatible anyway, so I will be removing that extra hole unless I'm missing why it's there.

The addition of Choc switch footprints mean that both MX and Choc switches don't grip into the PCB as well as previously, but the plate helps keep them aligned.

Can you add an option to order extra plates. I was able to get 2 lumberjacks last time due to extras but they didn't come with plates. I'm planning on getting a new color this time but I also hope I could get extra plates for the ones I already have.

There'll be a free text box in the order form where you can ask for extra things (as long as you know the secret handshake).

I'm in, also what do you think about adding different plate materials (brass, pom, etc)

Not gonna happen I'm afraid, just trying to keep things simple for myself.

[jonathanraime67]

I was going to purchase the keebd.com lumberjack kit so this is exciting news!!

[qeebored]

I'm happy you added Alps footprint to the PCB, but remember to also make Alps plates. The holes need to be a bit different for Alps switches than for MX.

[SyzygyXVII]

Count me in.  Missed R1 so looking forward to supporting R2.

[peej]

I'm happy you added Alps footprint to the PCB, but remember to also make Alps plates. The holes need to be a bit different for Alps switches than for MX.

That's a good point. I don't have any Alps switches to test with, can I get away with just making the switch holes wider or do I need to have the corners shaped like SwillKB plate builder shows? I'd rather avoid having to have a different Alps plate, but I want to ensure that it will actually hold Alps switches securely.

[TheWonderBubble]

Already holding 2 of the V1's waiting on cases to come in to build them out, but you have me for at least a 3rd with the Bakeneko 60 compatibility, possibly even a 4th to send a build or two out to some friends!

[panka]

I'm happy you added Alps footprint to the PCB, but remember to also make Alps plates. The holes need to be a bit different for Alps switches than for MX.

That's a good point. I don't have any Alps switches to test with, can I get away with just making the switch holes wider or do I need to have the corners shaped like SwillKB plate builder shows? I'd rather avoid having to have a different Alps plate, but I want to ensure that it will actually hold Alps switches securely.

making the cutouts wider will make both mx and alps switches fit poorly.
alps cutouts are 15.50mm x 12.80mm iirc, there is also an alps+mx cutout but i'm not sure how well that works.

[jotchua]

Your through-hole kits look amazing! Unfortunate that not that many people are interested in your Rosaline design. I personally really love the Rosaline 40%, it looks so compact and portable! Looking forward to any future groupbuys

[splodeybaloney]

I feel like I'm with a lot of others, was interested in R1 but dragged my feet on picking one up. I've been looking for an interesting new board to build lately and would be thrilled to pick one of these up

Edit: after doing some research for a couple hours, I have a build in mind and will be looking to get a purple PCB

[peej]

Quick update.

I finally got around to building up the prototype PCB last weekend, everything works as expected so I'm happy with that.

I heard back very promptly from JLCPCB about the manu issues with the USB-C drill holes. They have assured me that there's nothing wrong with my gerbers and that they will instruct the fabs to be more careful. They also offered to re-fab them for me, but they are just prototypes and I only need one that works, not 5.

Let's talk MCUs. The Lumberjack uses the Atmega328p DIP package MCU, a not very common chip these days, mostly used in Arduino kits. As you are probably aware, there is a global chip shortage at the moment due to all the crap going on in the world. This has led initially to the price of MCUs going up x3 and to them being out of stock and not to be restocked until 2023. To counter this, I have preemptively grabbed 50 chips before the prices started to rise and have now found a local supplier (Germany) who while being more expensive I should be able to get chips from unless they sell out. Chips will be ordered before invoicing so as to ensure I have supply before promising kits.

Group buy will run for two weeks. I will ping the mailing list when it goes live, but if you are here reading this then you will see it on GH anyway.

[jonathanraime67]

EXCITING!!

[ravenousrhino]

Quick update.

I finally got around to building up the prototype PCB last weekend, everything works as expected so I'm happy with that.

I heard back very promptly from JLCPCB about the manu issues with the USB-C drill holes. They have assured me that there's nothing wrong with my gerbers and that they will instruct the fabs to be more careful. They also offered to re-fab them for me, but they are just prototypes and I only need one that works, not 5.

Let's talk MCUs. The Lumberjack uses the Atmega328p DIP package MCU, a not very common chip these days, mostly used in Arduino kits. As you are probably aware, there is a global chip shortage at the moment due to all the crap going on in the world. This has led initially to the price of MCUs going up x3 and to them being out of stock and not to be restocked until 2023. To counter this, I have preemptively grabbed 50 chips before the prices started to rise and have now found a local supplier (Germany) who while being more expensive I should be able to get chips from unless they sell out. Chips will be ordered before invoicing so as to ensure I have supply before promising kits.

Group buy will run for two weeks. I will ping the mailing list when it goes live, but if you are here reading this then you will see it on GH anyway.

Is this the same supplier you got for PCB's last time? I couldn't millmax one of the boards for split space because one hole couldn't fit a socket so I had to go for two 2u's.

[peej]

Yes this is the same manufacturer, JLCPCB is quite a bit cheaper than anyone else.

Is this the same supplier you got for PCB's last time? I couldn't millmax one of the boards for split space because one hole couldn't fit a socket so I had to go for two 2u's.

That sucks, sorry about that. We had an issue with some of the white soldermask PCBs, I tried to QC the PCBs but it is easy to miss these things. I will definitely pay more attention to the drill holes this time around and raise any issues with JLCPCB. I will of course also make sure that I order plenty of spare PCBs.

[menuhin]

In rev 1.5 with added holes for choc switches, are we still able to apply MillMax sockets to the pcb?

More

[peej]

In rev 1.5 with added holes for choc switches, are we still able to apply MillMax sockets to the pcb?

More

Show Image

I would imagine so. The Choc pads are "upsidedown" so they do not interfere with the MX pads at all. The Alps pads do overlay somewhat, so depending how you like to do adding sockets it might make your life harder.

[DeMechanica]

Already holding 2 of the V1's waiting on cases to come in to build them out, but you have me for at least a 3rd with the Bakeneko 60 compatibility, possibly even a 4th to send a build or two out to some friends!

Basically what this guy said 😅 Let me sign up for email updates somewhere please!

[peej]

Basically what this guy said 😅 Let me sign up for email updates somewhere please!

Oh yeh sorry, should have linked this earlier: http://eepurl.com/hyPSt9

[peej]

The group buy thread is now live: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=116179.0