[GB] TMK FC980C Alt Controller [STILL IN STOCK]

[hasu]

Please check this post if you are interested. https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=91842.0 (2021-10-04)


What is this?

This controller replaces original controller of Leopold FC980C and make it programmable with my TMK firmware. Keymap Editor is also offered for ease of use.





Note: R4 and C10 are intentionally unpopulated.




Original controller of FC980C looks like this, for reference.

More

I'll share technical infos and findings I get in this project with community, also firmware source codes also will be published as opensource/freesoftware under GPL, immedately as possible. I don't decide it yet but controller PCB design files will be shared under license like CC-BY-NC-SA after certain term. I believe this GB can contribute to keyboard community to some extent in terms of these points.

You can discuss technical topics here: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=90681.0

Post your question or suggestion here. You can email me if really needed.

Thanks


Production will be closing
Demand for this controller is very little now, next round won't happen anymore. I'll stop producing this controller when components in hand runs out. At least 24 pcs can be assembled before the shutdown, it is enough for demand for several months probably.

You can still get this controller from Letfover sale, see below.
(2018/05/24)

I changed my mind and I have plan to run small production again. See below. (2018/01/31)



Sale

24 pcs are still available and can be shipped within several working days.(2018/05/24)
13 pcs are still available and can be shipped within several working days.(2018/09/22)
4pcs are in stock.(2018/11/25)
Out of stock. I'll make small batch of controller again and they will become avilable around end of Feb.(2019/01/31)

Still available here. (2023-11-28)  It can be shipped within a week.


Email me at hasu@tmk-kbd.com with subject "FC980C" to place an order. Let me know your location(country), shipping rate may vary.  I'll send PayPal invoice to your email address. Do not PM(Private Message) me.

Price: 42USD
Payment: PayPal invoice will be sent. You can use credit card or PayPal account for payment. Please make sure you supply correct shipping address on Paypal when making payment.
Shipping: Check this thread.



Note
- This is NOT compatible to FC980M https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=90104.msg2448274#msg2448274
- This controller doesn't include USB connector. http://i.imgur.com/m41F7vL.jpg
- On controller PCB R4 and C10 are intentionally unpopulated.


How to install
You have to void warranty from manufacturer to do this mod, of course.

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Open case
Break warranty seal sticker

and unscrew three bolts on bottom.

Crack it open using tool like phone openner or plastic card with care.



Mate/unmate connector
Cable harness between boards is very short and you have to be careful when mate/unmate it.


See this instruction to handle this connector: http://i.imgur.com/lSJ5Klm.png


Use fingertip or nail for this connector and unscrew to remove controller board.



Install controller board
Fixed controller board with two screw.

TMK Keymap Editor
You can configure key mapping and download firmware with web browser. Chrome is recommended.



http://www.tmk-kbd.com/tmk_keyboard/editor/unimap/?fc980c


How to flash
The Controller has ATmega32U4 as a microcontroller. Press button on bottom to turn into programming mode.

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To flash firmware you need tool like FLIP or dfu-programmer, refer to this wiki page for detail.
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/wiki#flash-firmware


Build from source codes
Build firmwre yourself when TMK Keymap Editor is not enough for your need.

You can find source codes here:
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/tree/master/keyboard/fc980c

Check wiki for how to build firmware:
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/wiki#build-firmware


Troubleshoot


Past runs:

Second batch[Closed]

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Next batch of pcbs will be ordered and assembled in next several weeks.
You can get controller from this batch now.(2017/07/28)

First batch[Closed]

More

Update:
2017/07/28 controllers were tested and ready, they will be shipped in a week.

MOQ(Minimum Order Quantity) is 15 and closing date is 15 July. (Some extras will come you can still order.)
(We hit the MOQ!!!! 07/03)

Once orders reach the mark I will buy the keyboard and start development immediately, it will take one or two month. This GB won't happen and your money is fully refunded unless the MOQ is met til the closing date. I'm almost confident that I'm able to do this job but you are also fully refunded if I fail to deliver controller for whatever reason. I think there is virtually no risk for you to join this.

[xauser]

Thank you hasu for doing this, order just sent.

[hasu]

bump.
This GB is not going very well so far
anyone can help?

I'll share technical infos and findings I get in this project with community, also firmware source codes also will be published as opensource/freesoftware under GPL, immedately as possible. I don't decide it yet but controller PCB design files will be shared under license like CC-BY-NC-SA after certain term. I believe this GB can contribute to keyboard community to some extent in terms of these points.

EDIT:
I mean we need more participants to meet MOQ.

[Puddsy]

Personally don't need one, but I've shared this around to try and garner some orders.

[pab]

Is this compatible with the FC980M? If so, I'm in.

[SpAmRaY]

Is this compatible with the FC980M? If so, I'm in.

No the FC980C is topre, completely different electronics.

EDIT: Linked the thread in my sig maybe it'll bring in a few more people. I don't personally need the extra customization but I am typing this on a FC980C

[hasu]

Thanks guys for your bumping

FC980M has its controller on keyboard PCB, you cannot replace controller in fact unfortunately.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=87699.msg2364578#msg2364578

[pab]

Thanks guys for your bumping

FC980M has its controller on keyboard PCB, you cannot replace controller in fact unfortunately.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=87699.msg2364578#msg2364578

Bummer, but kind of what I was anticipating. Thanks anyways!

[yonghf]

I'm in! Just sent you an email.

[hasu]

I'm in! Just sent you an email.

Thank you, sent invoice.


SpAmRaY, good idea. I setup my sig too!

[kawasaki161]

Didn't even see this yet. Looks very interesting.

Just to be sure, this is compatible with both the 660c and 980c ? If yes I will probably pick one up

[hasu]

Didn't even see this yet. Looks very interesting.

This is compatible with both the 660c and 980c ? If yes I will probably pick one up

This works only with FC980C.
Contoller of the two keyboards are not identical physically at least.

[stoic-lemon]

Only just seen this in the other thread. You have my support Hasu! Now you are making me buy another keyboard

[Latin00032]

Omg! I thought hasu said this wasent going to happen

[stoic-lemon]

Hasu always delivers what the people want.

[IneffableTao]

So glad to see this moving forward!  In for one, emailed

[testplsignore]

Wew!

I'm in for one!

[ceflame]

In for two. Thanks!

[stoic-lemon]

How are the keycaps on the two colours of the keyboard different? Are they the same material?

[heyitsqi]

Love my 660C controller immensely. GL!

[meiosis]

How close is this? Tempted since there is like no way to use print screen effectively

[moh18one]

How are the keycaps on the two colours of the keyboard different? Are they the same material?

Nearly the same. The colours are the only difference between the two models.

[yokken]

In for one! Thanks Hasu!

[hasu]

Hit 15 of the MOQ now!! Thank you for your support.
I ordered and have FC980C in the mail I'll start design controller immediately and keep you updated here.

[stoic-lemon]

Good luck! Did you find anywhere that had one for less than ¥29,000?

[hasu]

no, it keeps still high price level

I got a second hand at a bit lower rate.

[hasu]

GB Update:
Hi folks,
Thanks for your help.

I examined FC980C and found it is almost equivalent electrically, next wrote initial firmware and verified it with FC660C Alt controller.




I designed pcb for the controller these days and am about to order pcbs now.



Everythig goes well so far.

[hasu]

GB Update:

Setup a thread in "Making Stuff Together!" subforum for technical discussion.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=90681.0

[drevyek]

Just got my hands on a 980C, are there extras coming that can be ordered?

[Puddsy]

Just got my hands on a 980C, are there extras coming that can be ordered?

Did you try emailing?

[hasu]

Just got my hands on a 980C, are there extras coming that can be ordered?

yes. you can still email me to place order.
check first post.

[hasu]

GB Update:

The controllers from first batch are ready now, and will be shipped next week. Your controller comes from first batch if you already paid invoice until now.


No leftover from first batch. Second batch will occur in next several weeks.

[m1kehonch0]

Count me in!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ceflame]

Received mine today and installed it. Works perfectly, thanks Hasu!

[ceflame]

Actually I'm having an issue with programming the board. It seems as though the LCtrl key is outputting whatever I program the RCtrl key to.




For example, if I program the original RCtrl to "A", my LCtrl key will output "A", no matter what I map LCtrl to. It's happening with both of my controllers, so I'm not sure what the problem is.

[hasu]

ceflame,
Thanks for reporting, I found a bug in firmware and just updated source code and keymap editor now.

Try keymap editor again please. You may need reload page(F5 or Ctrl+F5) in browser to use new editor.

[ceflame]

ceflame,
Thanks for reporting, I found a bug in firmware and just updated source code and keymap editor now.

Try keymap editor again please. You may need reload page(F5 or Ctrl+F5) in browser to use new editor.

Works fine now, thanks for the quick fix.

[stoic-lemon]

I got my controller last week, now I need to stump up the cash for an actual keyboard Thanks Hasu!

[hasu]

I think FC980C controllers from first batch are starting getting to you and some of you installed it now. I like to hear feedback from you and improve this project. Post your suggestion, question and problem here.

Thanks

[drevyek]

Got mine, installed and flashed it. About as smooth a swap as you can hope for.

[dosaku]

Got mine too, first time using TMK but everything works just fine. Very happy customer.

[xauser]

I just want to report that I'm currently writing with my fc980c using tmk controller. I had to patch hasu's sources to enable legacy actionmap feature. I haven't updated to unimap yet and since all my other keyboards run with legacy actionmap I'll keep it this way for now. With actionmap in place I can finally use my keymap and switch fn/ctrl on fc980c. Thanks hasu!

[hasu]

Thank you for your feedback, folks!
Glad to hear that.

xauser, checked the fix at your repo, nice!
I'll add actionmap and legacy keymap support to my fc980c repo later.

[omgar]

Received my controller today. Thanks for all the work you do, Hasu!

[hasu]

This is still available if anyone is interested.
Thanks

[tuxkey]

Really like this controller.. i mention it at least once a week hahaha talking to other people about keyboards..haha
Great job Hasu thank you mate..

i would buy it for my other Leopold FC660M but alas that doesn't exist..
If you ever plan on making one for a 66% board let me know ..i'm in..

[hasu]

Demand for this controller is very little now but still available so far.

I'll stop producing this controller when components in hand runs out. 30 pcs can be produced from the compoenents.

[hasu]

Updated firmware.  This change increase scan rate and disables debug print to accept fast key input .
Never got report from users but If you experience drop or transpose keys in fast typing try new firmware.

You can download from keymap editor or build from the latest source code.
http://www.tmk-kbd.com/tmk_keyboard/editor/unimap/?fc980c

[bizzy11]

Is there a way to reduce the delay for activating a modifier key when using dual-role (ACTION_MODS_TAP_KEY)? I currently have my left shift key activate caps lock on tap, and my caps lock key acting as Layer 1 key when pressed, backspace on tap.

I noticed there is a considerable delay when I try to activate shift or Layer 1. I type fairly quickly, so the delay is really messing up my speed.

I attached my hex file in case I might have done something wrong. I've only been using the keymap editor, still very new to TMK.

[hasu]

you can change the delay(200ms) with defining TAPPING_TERM in config.h. you have to build firmware form souurce codes.

When this doens't work you have to change codes under tmk_core/.