Author Topic: The Epsilon Keyboard  (Read 201514 times)

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Offline CPTBadAss

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #150 on: Tue, 28 May 2013, 13:24:57 »
I was under the impression that this was an "as it goes" type of deal! And I was just happy to get in on one...

This. I also thought the board came as is and we were responsible for fixing it up as we wanted.

Offline jdcarpe

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #151 on: Tue, 28 May 2013, 13:25:15 »
What's Beast cost ya for one off plates? Wanna get quotes up to 8? :P

Probably around $35 for the switch plate. Less for the one with 22 holes and a notch only. :)
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Offline SmallFry

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #152 on: Tue, 28 May 2013, 13:26:27 »
What do you mean with 22 holes and a notch only? I don't follow?

Offline jdcarpe

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #153 on: Tue, 28 May 2013, 13:27:15 »
What do you mean with 22 holes and a notch only? I don't follow?

The bottom plate. Not very many cuts means less laser time, and less cost.
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Offline esoomenona

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #154 on: Tue, 28 May 2013, 13:34:12 »
Now that I think about it, I wouldn't want a steel plate. I love the seethroughness of the acrylic to look at the PCB. It has a certain flare to it.

Offline SmallFry

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #155 on: Tue, 28 May 2013, 13:36:22 »
OH, I thought you were talking about a switch plate, not a bottom plate.

Offline esoomenona

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #156 on: Tue, 28 May 2013, 13:47:22 »
We were talking about one, then both.

Offline SmallFry

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #157 on: Tue, 28 May 2013, 13:49:59 »
The back you can't laser a design on unless it's copper or Beast does it at the factory. :P I'm fine with the acrylic also, but I was just wondering on prices.

Offline esoomenona

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #158 on: Tue, 28 May 2013, 13:54:26 »
He never said laser on the back. He said laser cutting the bottom plate.

Offline SmallFry

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #159 on: Tue, 28 May 2013, 14:02:20 »
I'm so confused. Acrylic it is. :P

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #160 on: Tue, 28 May 2013, 14:08:29 »
May as well get some quotes.  CPTbadass has the DXF files already.  I can get more quotes tonight.  Beast probably has better prices.

Offline CPTBadAss

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #161 on: Tue, 28 May 2013, 14:18:51 »
I'm busy this week and won't be able to help at all until Sunday. If you need my help at all later though, just let me know.

Offline SmallFry

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #162 on: Tue, 28 May 2013, 14:20:47 »
I'm busy this week and won't be able to help at all until Sunday. If you need my help at all later though, just let me know.
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Offline metalliqaz

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #163 on: Tue, 28 May 2013, 20:51:02 »
Packed, addressed, and sealed.  Only one problem... forgot to include the stab wire. :confused:
23613-0
ugh.

Offline SmallFry

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #164 on: Tue, 28 May 2013, 21:04:26 »
I spy an Epsilon, pureTRAK, and a digikey card. Seems legit.

Offline esoomenona

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #165 on: Tue, 28 May 2013, 21:20:53 »
Needs spacebar wire...

Offline Batmann

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #166 on: Wed, 19 June 2013, 03:03:53 »
How did I miss this?

Show Image


Incredible job metalliqaz. Your keyboard looks spectacular.

^ this!

that thing is really nice, good job

Offline Glissant

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #167 on: Sun, 07 July 2013, 11:17:43 »
Epsilon getting built FINALLY :D.
27484-0


And here I have the board mostly put together. I can't seem to find the LEDs =(.
27486-1

Everything except one key is registering, so that's great. I would recommend people find switches with diodes because installing the diodes into the switches was a long boring job xD.

My stabs feel muddy and sticky. Anybody have any tips?

Offline Sifo

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #168 on: Sun, 07 July 2013, 11:19:41 »
Epsilon getting built FINALLY :D.
(Attachment Link)


And here I have the board mostly put together. I can't seem to find the LEDs =(.
(Attachment Link)

Everything except one key is registering, so that's great. I would recommend people find switches with diodes because installing the diodes into the switches was a long boring job xD.

My stabs feel muddy and sticky. Anybody have any tips?

LUUUUUUUUUUUUBE

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Offline Glissant

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #169 on: Sun, 07 July 2013, 11:24:08 »
If lube helps with tight stabs then I should probably get some. Can I just use spit? =p

Offline CPTBadAss

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #170 on: Sun, 07 July 2013, 11:43:01 »
Qaz sent out a PM with instructions on how to put the board together. He said that if the stabilizers aren't free after you solder the switch in, they'll feel exactly how you describe them. I guess the part of the stabilizers with the MX stem are grinding against the stabilizer casing?

Offline Photekq

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #171 on: Sun, 07 July 2013, 11:55:40 »
https://kbdarchive.org/
github
discord: hi mum#5710

Offline Glissant

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #172 on: Sun, 07 July 2013, 11:56:43 »
He did? Well I guess I'll trawl my messages to see if I can find those instructions =).
Meanwhile:

Offline CPTBadAss

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #173 on: Sun, 07 July 2013, 12:03:17 »
http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/cherry-corp-stabilizers-gimme-back-my-clack-ok-whaaat-t2780.html

That might help with the stabilisers aswell.

That thread is a nice read but it's confusing. I prefer Litster's video. It's simple and to the point.

He did? Well I guess I'll trawl my messages to see if I can find those instructions =).
Meanwhile:
(Attachment Link)

Best. GIF. Ever. Let me know if you can't find the PMs, I can post them here for the other Epsilon owners. I'm bummed you got yours built before mine. I'm so slow  :-X

Offline Sifo

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #174 on: Sun, 07 July 2013, 12:07:56 »
http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/cherry-corp-stabilizers-gimme-back-my-clack-ok-whaaat-t2780.html

That might help with the stabilisers aswell.

That thread is a nice read but it's confusing. I prefer Litster's video. It's simple and to the point.

He did? Well I guess I'll trawl my messages to see if I can find those instructions =).
Meanwhile:
(Attachment Link)

Best. GIF. Ever. Let me know if you can't find the PMs, I can post them here for the other Epsilon owners. I'm bummed you got yours built before mine. I'm so slow  :-X


SHOULD HAVE STAYED UP ALL NIGHT MAN
I love Elzy

Offline CPTBadAss

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #175 on: Sun, 07 July 2013, 12:09:01 »
I don't have plate mount stabilizers yet Sifo :(

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #176 on: Sun, 07 July 2013, 12:36:07 »
They're too tight. Spread them apart with your fingers.

Offline Sifo

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #177 on: Sun, 07 July 2013, 12:38:10 »
They're too tight. Spread them apart with your fingers.

hheheheheh
I love Elzy

Offline Glissant

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #178 on: Sun, 07 July 2013, 19:11:37 »
They're too tight. Spread them apart with your fingers.

That worked a little for my right shift. I'll see if I can work it a little more =). So happy I got it put together finally =D.

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #179 on: Sun, 07 July 2013, 19:17:17 »
By the way, here is the PM Capt mentioned

Those of you who have paid already have USPS tracking numbers.  It's time for the construction HOWTO

Note: You will notice right away why the case is so inexpensive.  Individually the parts are fragile.  Once they are all fastened together everything stiffens up, but until then take care of everything.  I broke my clear plate twice trying to get the stabilizers in.  Even if you break it like I did, it's not a big deal.  The plate is really only meant to keep the keys straight and hold it up.  The PCB is the backbone.  Also the black piece isn't finished on the bottom.  They're all like that.  Also some burning is normal on the top plate.  Laser cutting... what can ya do?  Finally, the top plate was supposed to have the cutouts for the switches turned 90 degrees to fit the switches on the top-right corner.  It's the fault of the laser guy, he reused the program from the prototype plate not knowing that I had fixed the error. :rolleyes:

Note: The kits require the following items to complete the keyboard:
  G81-7000 keycaps
  85 Switches
  4 Cherry plate-mount stabilizers
  3 LEDs

Note: Bending wires is hard.  It is very difficult to be precise.  All the wires I made are hand worked.  I did test them but it's hard to tell how they will work in the final environment.  Try it out.  If it doesn't seem right, you mave have to work it a little bit, and if it just doesn't come together let me know and we'll work something out.


Steps:

1) Get your switches ready.  Lube/sticker if you want.  If you didn't buy diode-mounted switches, then you're going to have to disassemble them and mount the diodes.  Make sure to get the polarity right!
2) Screw the standoffs into the bottom plate to create a cage.
4) Install the stabilizers.  Support it while you're working with it and file the stabilizer holes if you have to.  Your 6x stab wire is included.  I used it to turn a 2x stabilizer mount into a 6x.  See above note.  Make sure they are moving freely before you solder.  If they aren't moving freely the keys will feel mushy or they won't return after being pressed.  I found that on mine I had to put my fingers in and make sure that the mounts were pushed all the way to the outside.  Go ahead and stick a keycap on there to test it.  Just be careful taking it off!  This is truly a hobiest kit...
5) Place the PCB under the top plate and start mounting your switches.  One at a time.  If you try to mount them all in the plate first and then mate the PCB to it, you'll never get it to fit.  Make sure the pins are sticking out the other side of the PCB and aren't bent over.  At this point I use a rubber band to keep it together.
6) Turn it upside-down and solder some switches.  Don't use too much solder like a n00b.  Do one in each corner to hold the assembly together and then recheck to make sure everything is in the right place.  Plug it in and make sure it's working.
7) Recheck the stabs and then solder the stabilized keys.  Turn over and recheck.
8 ) Solder more, checking every now and then.
9) Thread the LEDs through the switches and solder those.  Make sure you get the polarity right!
10) Plug in again for final check.
11) Lower top assembly into bottom cage and screw together.
12) Add the feet.  I suggest wiping with alcohol before sticking the bumpons.
13) Take potato pics.
14) Put on keycaps, plug in and start typing.
15) Start playing with layouts.



Offline CPTBadAss

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #180 on: Sun, 07 July 2013, 19:24:20 »
Qaz, how do we access your firmware to remap/reprogram the layout?

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #181 on: Sun, 07 July 2013, 19:26:10 »
SmallFry was supposed to port TMK firmware. :(
I will get on adding Epsilon support for you.

Offline CPTBadAss

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #182 on: Sun, 07 July 2013, 19:29:25 »
Ah  :'(

I thought you had written your own firmware for it. You posted that video in the Team Twerk giveaway so I wasn't sure what you had. Thank you for doing the support.

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #183 on: Sun, 07 July 2013, 19:30:18 »
I did write my own firmware, yes.  That's what's programmed on all the boards I sent out.  It isn't open source, though. :-[

Offline CPTBadAss

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #184 on: Sun, 07 July 2013, 19:34:20 »
Ohhh, I misunderstood what that was then. Ok, let me know if you make any progress sir ^__^

Offline Glissant

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #185 on: Wed, 10 July 2013, 16:07:49 »
Any other ideas? The stabs now reset but they still feel really muddy. Sad part is that this has been my dream board for so long, but the stabbed keys are killing the typing experience for me =(.

Offline jdcarpe

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #186 on: Wed, 10 July 2013, 16:09:15 »
Any other ideas? The stabs now reset but they still feel really muddy. Sad part is that this has been my dream board for so long, but the stabbed keys are killing the typing experience for me =(.

Steel plate to kill the flex.
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Offline CPTBadAss

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #187 on: Wed, 10 July 2013, 16:11:47 »
Try clipping the stabilizers like in this video? I always thought that Cherry stabilizers were a little muddy/mushy. I like the crispness of Costars. This apparently solves the problem.

Offline Glissant

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #188 on: Wed, 10 July 2013, 16:53:14 »
I'd love a steel plate for this beast, JD. But someone I know didn't end up doing that yet so I just forgot to get ONE made.
Well doing that means I need to desolder, I'll do something with that later if I cant find a solution; doing that mod that is, sai lo.

Offline CPTBadAss

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #189 on: Wed, 10 July 2013, 16:55:39 »
Come on JD, make some moves!! :P

Offline domoaligato

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #190 on: Wed, 10 July 2013, 19:23:21 »
SmallFry was supposed to port TMK firmware. :(
I will get on adding Epsilon support for you.

Could I help with the port of hasu's tmk firmware?

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #191 on: Wed, 10 July 2013, 20:40:15 »
Sure. I can give the layout

Offline jdcarpe

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #192 on: Wed, 10 July 2013, 20:40:19 »
Come on JD, make some moves!! :P

I have an order in with The_Beast. I told him you and Glissant would each want one set, also. :)
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Offline CPTBadAss

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #193 on: Wed, 10 July 2013, 20:43:16 »
Moves made by jdcarpe today? At least one very sexy one. Thank you! :D

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #194 on: Wed, 10 July 2013, 23:20:47 »
I'd love a steel plate for this beast, JD. But someone I know didn't end up doing that yet so I just forgot to get ONE made.
Well doing that means I need to desolder, I'll do something with that later if I cant find a solution; doing that mod that is, sai lo.

If you need extra parts let me know, I have some stuff laying around.

Offline domoaligato

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #195 on: Sun, 14 July 2013, 00:06:35 »
I have forked hasu's tmk firmware repo and I am working on a version for this board.
keep in mind the following...

I do not own one of these to test.
I am more familiar with c# then C and I am only porting the gh60 firmware to the Epsilon with a plain layout.

When I get my next round of commits posted I will post it here for input/code review.

please be gentle •_•

Offline korrelate

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #196 on: Sun, 14 July 2013, 00:33:33 »
As far as the "DIY" being the last step in KBD achievement, "Epsilon" is a very fitting name: coming from Math, when I think Epsilon I think "Limit." A kind of clustering point: all my efforts take me here.

We say that the lim(x->a) of f(x) = L if:

For every epsilon > 0 there exists a delta > 0 such that whenever 0 < | x- a | < delta then | f(x) - L | < epsilon.

Topre REALFORCE

Offline esoomenona

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #197 on: Sat, 20 July 2013, 07:41:18 »
As far as the "DIY" being the last step in KBD achievement, "Epsilon" is a very fitting name: coming from Math, when I think Epsilon I think "Limit." A kind of clustering point: all my efforts take me here.

We say that the lim(x->a) of f(x) = L if:

For every epsilon > 0 there exists a delta > 0 such that whenever 0 < | x- a | < delta then | f(x) - L | < epsilon.

I don't know what you just said, but I like what I hear. ;)

Offline CPTBadAss

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #198 on: Tue, 10 September 2013, 08:55:24 »
My Epsilon is finally going to be built after a long wait. I have metal top and bottom plates coming courtesy of The_Beast and jdcarpe. I'll be posting a build log when it's all in.

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: The Epsilon Keyboard
« Reply #199 on: Tue, 10 September 2013, 09:00:38 »
I think it's time I fixed the software problem with this project.  I need to either provide a keymapper for my proprietary software (a la KMAC) or get hasu's firmware going on it.

I needed to get back in there anyway to add Phantom support.  May add KMAC support, too. :)