[GB] Octagon 75% Kustom Keyboard

[tjweir]

What do you want to know? I will push the sources the next days after some more testing.

The source should be good enough I'd say. 

Awesome!

[zennasyndroxx]

I NEED MUH WINDOWS MEDIA KEYSSSS

oh yeah, anyone know korean here? written korean

[xauser]

If you want to try tmk firmware on your Octagon follow this link tmk firmware

Have fun!

[tjweir]

If you want to try tmk firmware on your Octagon follow this link tmk firmware

Have fun!

Awww yeah!

Thanks.

Edit: going to have to dust of my C skills and try to add support for the Viper. 

[swornxin]

Got my stabs assembled, my switches are on the way.  Have a surgery scheduled for next Friday, so I'll probably get all the modding done while I'm in bed.   )

All the photos being posted are really motivating me to get this done on my own. 

[JaccoW]

If you want to try tmk firmware on your Octagon follow this link tmk firmware

Have fun!

Awww yeah!

Thanks.

Edit: going to have to dust of my C skills and try to add support for the Viper. 

Or the Orion if you are at it 

[tjweir]

If you want to try tmk firmware on your Octagon follow this link tmk firmware

Have fun!

Awww yeah!

Thanks.

Edit: going to have to dust of my C skills and try to add support for the Viper. 

Or the Orion if you are at it 

I started the Viper already, I don't have an Orion, but how hard can it be? (tm)

[whizzard]

I just installed the rest of the LED's into this board... before I just did the Alpha keys.  The amount of customization is really crazy.  I am still trying to figure it out.  From lighting up with keypresses, breathing, and all the different rows being different if you want.... its really cool. 

One thing that I have learned for the future though, is that the color of the LED doesn't seem as important as the translucency of the key itself.  White keys shine bright in the chosen color, but painted keys barely let light through at all, and its hard to tell the color.  This is self-evident to most people, but didn't occur to me 

Seems like the light is more an ambient tone underneath darker color keys, and shines right through white ones.  Just thought I would share that, in case someone hasn't messed with LED's before.  And also keep in mind, I have only tested it on the current keyset that I have.  I have a GB set coming and I am curious to see how it looks under those lit up.

One thing that duck knows is that people like having lots of options when it comes to lighting thier kbs!

[TLSC.wipeOut]

Anyone know how to get the LEDs to work in a way where you press the button then it lights up and fades out slowly?

[Synjin]

Anyone know how to get the LEDs to work in a way where you press the button then it lights up and fades out slowly?

\
There is a tiggle for lighting mode for different sections of the KB that is accessed via programming software.

[Data]

Anyone know how to get the LEDs to work in a way where you press the button then it lights up and fades out slowly?

There's a way but I haven't figured out the correct sequence yet.

You need to set the LED controls in the 02D mapper first. Then it's a matter of pressing the right keys to get it in that mode and set the speed.

[swornxin]

Well I think I royally screwed up my first build.  Put all the switches into the plate first and now I can't get everything to line up.  Taking them out isn't working very well.

EDIT:  Okay, I've figured out how to get the switches out of the plate. 

[TLSC.wipeOut]

Anyone know how to get the LEDs to work in a way where you press the button then it lights up and fades out slowly?

There's a way but I haven't figured out the correct sequence yet.

You need to set the LED controls in the 02D mapper first. Then it's a matter of pressing the right keys to get it in that mode and set the speed.

hmmm ok ill play around with it more i guess xD

[Dreamre]

So, does the PCB come with any preinstalled firmware? Or would I have to install my own before using?

[Data]

So, does the PCB come with any preinstalled firmware? Or would I have to install my own before using?

Yes, it comes with a default layout and most keys work properly out of the box. You will need the Windows driver, boot loader, and 02D Mapper to customize it further.

[tjweir]

Built my Red Octagon - Potato Warning - http://i.imgur.com/87YfQw8.jpg?2

xauser's tmk fork is making this awesome - https://github.com/xauser/tmk_keyboard/tree/octagon

[metalliqaz]

I also added support but it is untested

[tjweir]

I also added support but it is untested

(Attachment Link)

Windows only?

[swornxin]

I also added support but it is untested

(Attachment Link)

I would definitely love to try this out.  It worked perfectly with my Phantom.  The only issue I'm having is that you can't choose different layouts (ie. 1.5u CTL & ALT).  With the Phantom layout, you can choose between ANSI 84, ANSI 87, etc.

[metalliqaz]

Yeah I still need to fiddle with it

[Dreamre]

Is there a setting to adjust debounce?

Edit-

Hours later, I figured it out!

[tjweir]

My octagon is humming along nicely thanks to xauser's TMK port.

Thanks xauser!

[whentheclouds]

anything wrong with the Duck firmware aside from being in Korean?

[tjweir]

anything wrong with the Duck firmware aside from being in Korean?

I wanted things in tmk that Duck's does not offer, mainly media keys.
Also, the only windows machine in our house is my wife's work laptop, far easier to tweak layouts with tmk and dfu-programmer on my mac.

[whentheclouds]

thanks for the info, didn't realize duck's firmware is not cross platform. what programs do the media keys work on?

[tjweir]

thanks for the info, didn't realize duck's firmware is not cross platform. what programs do the media keys work on?

For me, I have play/pause, volume up/down, mute, next and previous track on layer 1. 

The are global, so they work all the time. 

[whentheclouds]

foobar already let you set (global) shortkeys, just curious if other programs like VLC/MPC-HC/Spotify support your approach and whether they would clash if you have, say, VLC and Spotify on at the same time

[tjweir]

foobar already let you set (global) shortkeys, just curious if other programs like VLC/MPC-HC/Spotify support your approach and whether they would clash if you have, say, VLC and Spotify on at the same time

Oh I don't use spotify, so maybe it won't work.  Sorry. N

[tjweir]

foobar already let you set (global) shortkeys, just curious if other programs like VLC/MPC-HC/Spotify support your approach and whether they would clash if you have, say, VLC and Spotify on at the same time

I just installed Spotify, and if it's running, play/pause will control Spotify, volume up and down affect the global volume, next/previous do not affect Spotify.

HTH.

Edit: Lulz at getting old, no idea who 90% of the artists are in the Top 100 on Spotify.

[swornxin]

Figured I would post this now, even though most are done their builds.  I went with Cherry tactile greys with 62g springs and clear switchtops.  My first build ever.  Waiting on the classic beige GB to happen until I get the caps on though.  Only an iPhone photo for now.  I'll try to update tomorrow when I bring it to work to use the backdrop for some photos.

[whentheclouds]

I just installed Spotify, and if it's running, play/pause will control Spotify, volume up and down affect the global volume, next/previous do not affect Spotify.

thanks. reading around a bit, it seems like media control keys only work for the last program you have active which seems like both a good and bad thing

[sethk_]

I just installed Spotify, and if it's running, play/pause will control Spotify, volume up and down affect the global volume, next/previous do not affect Spotify.

thanks. reading around a bit, it seems like media control keys only work for the last program you have active which seems like both a good and bad thing

If you want to set hotkeys in Spotify, you might want to use a program called Toastify. I use it on my HHKB, and Ctrl + Alt + X = Pause, Ctrl + Alt + Z = Previous, and Ctrl + Alt + C = Forward. It seems to be pretty lightweight, and it also shows you the current song playing when you skip it, or pause.

[whentheclouds]

good stuff, thank you  :-)

[Ouro]

Figured I would post this now, even though most are done their builds.  I went with Cherry tactile greys with 62g springs and clear switchtops.  My first build ever.  Waiting on the classic beige GB to happen until I get the caps on though.  Only an iPhone photo for now.  I'll try to update tomorrow when I bring it to work to use the backdrop for some photos.

Show Image

How do you like those compared to Clears?

[swornxin]

Figured I would post this now, even though most are done their builds.  I went with Cherry tactile greys with 62g springs and clear switchtops.  My first build ever.  Waiting on the classic beige GB to happen until I get the caps on though.  Only an iPhone photo for now.  I'll try to update tomorrow when I bring it to work to use the backdrop for some photos.

Show Image

How do you like those compared to Clears?

I don't notice too much of a difference to be honest.  I would have grabbed clears but they are sold out every where.  This was the next best option, since I planned on swapping the springs anyways.  I can't stand the tactile greys without the spring swap though.  I tried it for a bit on my Phantom and it was an awful typing experience after a week or two.

[rainb1ood]

I've been playing around with the 02 KeyMapper. I was able to change the layout but couldn't get the arrow keys to assign them, it keeps going back to "EMPTY"

So I flashed it back to the default by going to File -> New - > 02D Octagon Custom v1.x then saving it as a new hex file

After I flashed it the keyboard is now 'stuck' in DFU mode. When I unplug and plug it again without hitting the DFU key it still goes to DFU mode

When I flashed it manually in command prompt still no luck and keept getting this:

Code: [Select]

D:\Keyboard programming\DFU\dfu-prog-usb-1.2.2>dfu-programmer atmega32u4 flash main.hex
Checking memory from 0x0 to 0x6FFF...  Empty.
0%                            100%  Programming 0x7000 bytes...
[ X  ERROR
Memory write error, use debug for more info.
Am I in big trouble here?

EDIT: Fixed it, I did an erase --force

Code: [Select]

D:\Keyboard programming\DFU\dfu-prog-usb-1.2.2>dfu-programmer atmega32u4 erase --force
Erasing flash...  Success
Checking memory from 0x0 to 0x6FFF...  Empty.
Does anyone know how to get arrows keys to work? It only works when I use the default layout that 02D Keymapper has. When I use my own layout the "?" on the arrow keys keeps going back to "EMPTY" after flashing.

[tjweir]

Does anyone know how to get arrows keys to work? It only works when I use the default layout that 02D Keymapper has. When I use my own layout the "?" on the arrow keys keeps going back to "EMPTY" after flashing.

I think you need the Korean Language pack or support for the arrows to look correct.

[rainb1ood]

Yeah I just noticed the simplified guide (docx file) mentioning it as a bug. The solution I found was starting from scratch and not touching the arrow keys that are already assigned.

However, there is one bug that I have for arrow keys setting but some people are not having this bug. As you can see the picture below, the arrow keys are shown as “?”. After u set on the “?” arrow keys on some of your layers, the data entry wont be recorded even u have saved the .hex file

[SuperSumo]

I just found this thread and signed up on the board. Will this group buy happen again? The Octagon seems like the perfect keyboard and I would love to get one.

[whentheclouds]

someone on the classifieds is selling their unassembled silver kit: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=67302.0. a 2nd GB, if it occurs at all, will not happen in the foreseeable future. if you simply want a 75% layout, there are also a number of alternatives but not so many, as 75% is quite unpopular compared to 60% and TKL

[rainb1ood]

Can you add or change the color that the RGB LED in the PCB cycles through? So far it only cycles green, red, purple and blue. No yellow

[Data]

Can you add or change the color that the RGB LED in the PCB cycles through? So far it only cycles green, red, purple and blue. No yellow

It cycles through most of the RGB spectrum depending on what setting you have it on.  If you just want it to show yellow then you can dig into the RGB settings and mix your own from red & green.

[rainb1ood]

Is there a guide for the RGB settings in the 02D keymapper?

[radio_killah]

If you want to try tmk firmware on your Octagon follow this link tmk firmware

Have fun!

Is there a guide on how to use this?

[radio_killah]

Having issues connecting to the dfu... 

[SuperSumo]

someone on the classifieds is selling their unassembled silver kit: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=67302.0. a 2nd GB, if it occurs at all, will not happen in the foreseeable future. if you simply want a 75% layout, there are also a number of alternatives but not so many, as 75% is quite unpopular compared to 60% and TKL

The only 75% boards I've seen with semi-standard key sizes are the Noppoo Choc Mini 84 and the Keycool 84.
I've also seen the Deck 82, but it has an odd layout (tilde down near space bar and off sized 1 key) and the the KBT Race 2, but it has odd key sizes for the keys on the right.

I can't find any Keycool 84s for sale and the only Choc Mini for sale has red switches. I was hoping for MX clears or browns.

Do you know any other alternatives that I don't know about? $400 is pretty steep for a keyboard, especially when it was originally on sale for $295+shipping+fees (were the shipping+fees really $100?).

Thanks for any input.

[tjweir]

I have an MX-MINI PCB doing nothing right now. And once sprit starts shipping his 75% pcbs and cases, there should be some on the market.

I'll be selling a few for sure.

[snipars]

Since i missed the groupbuy, would people who have the keyboard agree that $400 is a reasonable amount to pay for one? 
this keyboard really looks perfect for me, i think the layout looks absolutely fantastic as well as the case & the fact that everything but the switches are pre-soldered 
i plan on combining this with gateron blacks and GMK caps, it would be very costly but i'd be able to sell other keyboards to pay for it. 
to people who have built your octagons - is this keyboard worth the money?

[tjweir]

Since i missed the groupbuy, would people who have the keyboard agree that $400 is a reasonable amount to pay for one? 
this keyboard really looks perfect for me, i think the layout looks absolutely fantastic as well as the case & the fact that everything but the switches are pre-soldered 
i plan on combining this with gateron blacks and GMK caps, it would be very costly but i'd be able to sell other keyboards to pay for it. 
to people who have built your octagons - is this keyboard worth the money?

I bought two octagons, one for work and one for home. I am selling every other board I have due to the awesomeness of the octagon. 

So yes (for me) worth it.

(Keeping one modded Apple M0110 because nostalgia and the TX1800 is coming still)

[radio_killah]

Can anyone tell me what DFU programmer build and octagon software version they used? I can update the firmware to the ATmega32U but then every time i go to upload a hex it says no DFU connected...