Author Topic: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C  (Read 45411 times)

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Offline Korseir

  • Posts: 91
Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #100 on: Sat, 14 January 2017, 07:26:42 »
Bump for any updates on this project?

Offline johnthedong

  • Posts: 267
Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #101 on: Tue, 14 February 2017, 13:20:58 »
Looking into this closely too!  :))

Offline cattlebruisr

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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #102 on: Fri, 17 February 2017, 05:22:46 »
I was wondering if anyone figured out what the empty connector on the original controller slot at CN2 was for. Sorry if this was asked before!

Offline hasu

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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #103 on: Fri, 17 February 2017, 06:17:39 »
It's serial programming interface for microcontroller.

Sent from my Nexus 5X


Offline cattlebruisr

  • Posts: 3
Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #104 on: Fri, 24 February 2017, 00:49:17 »
If I didn't want to reprogram the firmware on the fc660c but just wanted to add Bluetooth to it. Would it be possible to do by just modifying the existing controller?

Offline hasu

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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #105 on: Tue, 28 February 2017, 10:20:44 »
I got FC660C the other day and looked into this. I also didn't see any activity on I2C lines to control the digipot so far, as this post says. We don't have to configure the digipot to scan keyboard switches at least.

Not fully tested but I can scan switches now.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=54222.msg2165899#msg2165899




Some pics and memos of the board
http://imgur.com/a/4UKkZ

and more infos about Topre capsense.
http://imgur.com/a/jat2a

Offline robotmaxtron

  • Posts: 107
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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #106 on: Tue, 28 February 2017, 22:03:37 »
I got FC660C the other day and looked into this. I also didn't see any activity on I2C lines to control the digipot so far, as this post says. We don't have to configure the digipot to scan keyboard switches at least.

Not fully tested but I can scan switches now.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=54222.msg2165899#msg2165899


Show Image


Some pics and memos of the board
http://imgur.com/a/4UKkZ

and more infos about Topre capsense.
http://imgur.com/a/jat2a

This is fantastic news Hasu. Please keep us posted with your progress.

Offline IonutZ

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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #107 on: Wed, 01 March 2017, 06:58:32 »
Waaaay too exciting :D

Offline ramnes

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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #108 on: Wed, 01 March 2017, 08:13:33 »
Pleeeeeeease

23h18 - photekq: hhkb with silenced realforce sliders and lubricated well is
23h18 - photekq: the best switch i've used

Offline cattlebruisr

  • Posts: 3
Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #109 on: Sun, 05 March 2017, 22:42:20 »
Looks like hasu has merged the fc660c branch to master on tmk

:) are we close?

Offline robotmaxtron

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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #110 on: Mon, 06 March 2017, 01:19:27 »
I guess it's time for me to start shopping around for an FC660c.  :thumb:

Offline testplsignore

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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #111 on: Mon, 06 March 2017, 03:05:35 »
:D
                   
Realforce 10AE 45g Type-S & 55g    HHKB BT & Type-S    Realforce RGB Hype-S    FC980C    FC660C    Filco BT TKL

Offline hasu

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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #112 on: Mon, 06 March 2017, 18:53:23 »
I am typing on FC660C finally with my own controller :thumb:
I'll design controller PCB for this and create new thread to share info of my controller later.



To share info with community I traced its PCBs with my trusty fluke and drew nasty diagrams for many hours  but...
today found FCC marking on label of the board and Google led me to this schematic and parts list on FCC site, LOL. To be honest, I didn't know how FCC works, it is very useful, TIL.
https://apps.fcc.gov/eas/GetApplicationAttachment.html?id=1888185
https://apps.fcc.gov/eas/GetApplicationAttachment.html?id=1888184

ah, it seems like direct link to FCC site doesn't work, use this site instead.
https://fccid.io/RPKFC660C
https://fccid.io/document.php?id=1888185
https://fccid.io/document.php?id=1888184

Offline robotmaxtron

  • Posts: 107
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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #113 on: Mon, 06 March 2017, 19:37:13 »
I am typing on FC660C finally with my own controller :thumb:
I'll design controller PCB for this and create new thread to share info of my controller later.

Show Image


To share info with community I traced its PCBs with my trusty fluke and drew nasty diagrams for many hours  but...
today found FCC marking on label of the board and Google led me to this schematic and parts list on FCC site, LOL. To be honest, I didn't know how FCC works, it is very useful, TIL.
https://apps.fcc.gov/eas/GetApplicationAttachment.html?id=1888185
https://apps.fcc.gov/eas/GetApplicationAttachment.html?id=1888184

ah, it seems like direct link to FCC site doesn't work, use this site instead.
https://fccid.io/RPKFC660C
https://fccid.io/document.php?id=1888185
https://fccid.io/document.php?id=1888184

Outstanding work Hasu.  :cool: If/when it comes to a GB for the controller, consider me first in line. I can't wait to finally have a second programmable Topre board.

Offline hanya

  • Posts: 132
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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #114 on: Mon, 06 March 2017, 22:04:21 »
Manufacturer of TP1684 is NEC!
PFU HHKB JP, Sanwa MA-TB38 trackball

Offline sony

  • Formerly ultraidiot
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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #115 on: Mon, 06 March 2017, 22:43:30 »
Hasu is a legend. A living god.

Offline hasu

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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #116 on: Tue, 07 March 2017, 07:43:08 »
Manufacturer of TP1684 is NEC!
Yeah, this is new finding afaik and pin names are kind of helpful to know how the chip works.



Sent from my Nexus 5X


Offline hking0036

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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #117 on: Tue, 07 March 2017, 08:31:28 »
This is probably a dumb question, but when you get TMK running is it able to change the LEDs on the 660c? Specifically, I like to swap caps and ctrl with DIP 1 but after you do that if you hit where caps is moved to it doesn't light up the led on the control key despite the fact that the long control already has a led window anyways for some reason.
« Last Edit: Tue, 07 March 2017, 08:34:43 by hking0036 »
Realforce RF87UB 45g Uniform | Leopold FC660C w/ TMK | IBM Model M - 3/24/1997 | IBM Model F 122 - 11/25/1985 ANSI'd w/ TMK | IBM Model F XT in a box

Offline hasu

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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #118 on: Tue, 07 March 2017, 16:38:19 »
This is probably a dumb question, but when you get TMK running is it able to change the LEDs on the 660c? Specifically, I like to swap caps and ctrl with DIP 1 but after you do that if you hit where caps is moved to it doesn't light up the led on the control key despite the fact that the long control already has a led window anyways for some reason.

With my current firmware the LED always indicates Capslock state wherever you remap Capslock to any position. If you write small code in C lang you can control the LED fully to do what you want.


Offline kmba

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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #119 on: Tue, 07 March 2017, 23:04:00 »
 :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
keyboards.

Offline johnthedong

  • Posts: 267
Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #120 on: Tue, 07 March 2017, 23:18:06 »
OMG, if you manage to pop in bluetooth support for the FC660C (alike the HHKB controller), sign me up for one!!!

Offline hking0036

  • Posts: 343
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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #121 on: Wed, 08 March 2017, 06:57:19 »
This is probably a dumb question, but when you get TMK running is it able to change the LEDs on the 660c? Specifically, I like to swap caps and ctrl with DIP 1 but after you do that if you hit where caps is moved to it doesn't light up the led on the control key despite the fact that the long control already has a led window anyways for some reason.

With my current firmware the LED always indicates Capslock state wherever you remap Capslock to any position. If you write small code in C lang you can control the LED fully to do what you want.
Cool, thanks. The default LEDs on the 660c have got to be my biggest bug-bear with the board, I love it but despite all the things they did right they really made those make almost no sense. Looking forward to the news.
Realforce RF87UB 45g Uniform | Leopold FC660C w/ TMK | IBM Model M - 3/24/1997 | IBM Model F 122 - 11/25/1985 ANSI'd w/ TMK | IBM Model F XT in a box

Offline testplsignore

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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #122 on: Thu, 09 March 2017, 03:23:37 »
Bluetooth FC660C?

Pls stop, this hype train is getting out of control :p
                   
Realforce 10AE 45g Type-S & 55g    HHKB BT & Type-S    Realforce RGB Hype-S    FC980C    FC660C    Filco BT TKL

Offline Krelbit

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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #123 on: Thu, 09 March 2017, 18:23:30 »
oh baby

Offline Korseir

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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #124 on: Thu, 09 March 2017, 22:15:59 »
Yup I am definitely fully erect right now

Offline ramnes

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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #125 on: Fri, 10 March 2017, 04:44:12 »
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

23h18 - photekq: hhkb with silenced realforce sliders and lubricated well is
23h18 - photekq: the best switch i've used

Offline heyitsqi

  • Posts: 69
Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #126 on: Fri, 10 March 2017, 10:50:40 »
My only regret getting a 660C before was not having a Hasu controller like the HHKB. Take my money good sir.

Offline rsadek

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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #127 on: Fri, 10 March 2017, 13:37:09 »
My only regret getting a 660C before was not having a Hasu controller like the HHKB. Take my money good sir.


Agreed. The only reason I haven't bought one is that there's no Hasu controller  :)
❤️Keeboardz
---------------

Offline Kibort

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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #128 on: Mon, 13 March 2017, 18:02:18 »
Is there a chance this controller will be bluetooth? I told myself not to spend a penny more on keyboards but for a bluetooth fc660c I would not hesitate to sin one last time, that **** is endgame. 

Offline testplsignore

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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #129 on: Sat, 18 March 2017, 00:03:34 »
Hey Hasu,

Look what I found inside when silencing my FC980C!

http://imgur.com/a/UGK68

How similar does this look to you compared to the controller in the FC660C? Maybe an idea for a future project?  :p

Could it even be as simple as creating a controller that goes in-between the USB connection?


I'll be opening up the 980C a little later to convert it to MX, I can take a better look at the other side of the board if you'd like. Looks like there's plenty of space in the case for batteries and things though...
                   
Realforce 10AE 45g Type-S & 55g    HHKB BT & Type-S    Realforce RGB Hype-S    FC980C    FC660C    Filco BT TKL

Offline hasu

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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #130 on: Sun, 19 March 2017, 06:39:10 »
Looks very similar and I guess no big difference from 660C. No plan for this board unless someone is willing to donate me ;-)

Sent from my Nexus 5X


Offline hasu

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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #131 on: Sun, 19 March 2017, 06:51:20 »
Is there a chance this controller will be bluetooth? I told myself not to spend a penny more on keyboards but for a bluetooth fc660c I would not hesitate to sin one last time, that **** is endgame.
It will have same short battery life woe as HHKB does. But it is still possible.

Sent from my Nexus 5X


Offline Latin00032

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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #132 on: Sun, 19 March 2017, 06:54:26 »
Is there a chance this controller will be bluetooth? I told myself not to spend a penny more on keyboards but for a bluetooth fc660c I would not hesitate to sin one last time, that **** is endgame.
It will have same short battery life woe as HHKB does. But it is still possible.

Sent from my Nexus 5X
Still want BT.

Offline testplsignore

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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #133 on: Sun, 19 March 2017, 09:55:03 »
Is there a chance this controller will be bluetooth? I told myself not to spend a penny more on keyboards but for a bluetooth fc660c I would not hesitate to sin one last time, that **** is endgame.
It will have same short battery life woe as HHKB does. But it is still possible.

Sent from my Nexus 5X

+1 for BT, I don't have a battery in my HHKB; I still find it extremely useful to quickly type out texts on my phone while it's powered by my PC.


As for the FC980C, someone in Tokyo pls help out. I'd gladly lend mine for a few weeks but the shipping from AU to Japan and back might get a little bit pricey...
                   
Realforce 10AE 45g Type-S & 55g    HHKB BT & Type-S    Realforce RGB Hype-S    FC980C    FC660C    Filco BT TKL

Offline johnthedong

  • Posts: 267
Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #134 on: Sun, 19 March 2017, 22:15:52 »
Is there a chance this controller will be bluetooth? I told myself not to spend a penny more on keyboards but for a bluetooth fc660c I would not hesitate to sin one last time, that **** is endgame.
It will have same short battery life woe as HHKB does. But it is still possible.

Sent from my Nexus 5X

+1 for BT, I don't have a battery in my HHKB; I still find it extremely useful to quickly type out texts on my phone while it's powered by my PC.


As for the FC980C, someone in Tokyo pls help out. I'd gladly lend mine for a few weeks but the shipping from AU to Japan and back might get a little bit pricey...

Bluetooth would be a charm - I usually type with the charger cable in on my HHKB (with 2000mAh) when I'm home/office, and use it on bluetooth when I'm outside. Have got past some days of not charging it, and it still works. As long as the battery life is > 1 day I'm happy with it.

Offline Kibort

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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #135 on: Mon, 20 March 2017, 16:57:34 »
a day of battery is more than enough to power my dreams

Offline BAS1C

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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #136 on: Fri, 24 March 2017, 16:14:34 »
I guess it's time for me to start shopping around for an FC660c.  :thumb:

I may have BNIB FS for you roboman ;) its coming from korea rn.

This is V. Exciting!!

Offline hasu

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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #137 on: Sat, 25 March 2017, 19:52:56 »
Created a thread for making controller and arranged existent and new infos about FC660C.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=88439.0

Let me know if I'm missing something there.

Offline Gondolindrim

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Re: Help me reverse-eng a capacitive FC660C
« Reply #138 on: Mon, 31 August 2020, 04:49:40 »
This is probably necrobump, but this thread has been a very rich and elightening resource that I feel I need to contribute.

Mid-way through the development of my Faraday60 I removed the TP1684 from an old HHKB and started reverse-engineering it. I opened it up and using a litography-specific microscope I could take a look at the internals; I suspect it is a ultra-low-capacitance precision peak detector -- it detects a voltage peak and returns its amplitude, using JFET inputs it can achieve very high response times with a very low input current. I also believe that some of its functioning depend on a bias adjustment of its pins.

As far as I know there are no integrated circuits that have the same functionality, which only tells us that perfectly replicating the original Topre circuitry is impossible unless we get our hans on some of these sensors, which I highly doubt we are able to do unless by taking it from sacrifice boards.
A pessimist will tell you the cup is half empty. An optimist will tell you the cup is half full. An engineer will tell you it's exactly twice the size it needs to be.