GH60 Keyboard Project

[jdcarpe]

The problem with adding some things like 2 1x keys in the backspace spot, or 2.25-1.75-2.25 for spacebar, is that you then run into problems with holes for the switch mounts and stabilizers.

The layout that komar007 has done (thanks so much, by the way!) is practically complete and ready to send to the fabrication house for prototyping, and will satisfy 98% of what everyone wants, I believe. Remember, you can please all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time.

[Appeac]

The problem with adding some things like 2 1x keys in the backspace spot, or 2.25-1.75-2.25 for spacebar, is that you then run into problems with holes for the switch mounts and stabilizers.

The layout that komar007 has done (thanks so much, by the way!) is practically complete and ready to send to the fabrication house for prototyping, and will satisfy 98% of what everyone wants, I believe. Remember, you can please all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time.

Indeeeed. I'll just have to go to town with my wires and dremel and make something happen.

[jessecoleman]

That's a good point, didn't think of that. And appeac: yes, modifying the pcb will get the job done. Looking forward to seeing this project progress.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

[Robstero]

Super interested, count me in. This exactly the sort of thing (small ISO, programmable) I've been thinking about trying to cobble together with hacksaws and Araldite

Found this by chance over on DT, glad I didn't miss it. I'll maybe flag this up over there so no-one misses this? There might be a few other stragglers interested.

Excellent work - much appreciated.

[kmiller8]

Put me down as interested in one as well. I all for the idea of fully manufacturing my very own mini keyboard, I love soldering!

[Anynoupy]

In for one as well. That would be a great thing for me, in order to get a fully "handmade" board with Ergo Clears and Winkeyless

[jdcarpe]

HHKB Pro 2 • Black lab. iNcoming.

This ?? ?? ??

[Anynoupy]

Oh yeah, definitely, that's it !

I meant Black "label", but I didn't really know if it had any sense. Just to say the keys will be black and dyed.
I guess I'll just stick with "Black"

[phetto]

When is this interest check going to be reality?

[Tranquilite]

When is this interest check going to be reality?

If this ends up being anything like the original Phantom GB, then I suggest grabbing a 2013 calendar, spreading all of the pages on ground, blindfolding yourself, turning around three times, and then going and finding some other project to follow.

It'll happen when it happens.

[TheSoulhunter]

Interested!

[mkawa]

jdcarpe or komar, can someone fill me in on what needs to be done with this project? i'll see what i can do to get things moving on my end

[TheProfosist]

I can also help possibly this seems to be close the the revised dox but smd and minus the leds.

[jdcarpe]

komar is about to send the PCB files to the fab to have a prototype made for testing. I think The_Beast can help us out with a prototype plate.

[WhiteFireDragon]

Pretty much komar took care of all the really technical stuff in designing the PCB. It's not a requirement but might be a good idea to also source switches and stabilizers to include with the package. Maybe figure out case options as well. I'm trying to put in time to learn CAD software to design a metal case, but that will probably be separate because of cost and not knowing if I'm even competent enough to do it.

[Acanthophis]

I already have an imsto case coming for my Poker which I now will use for the GH60.
I don't think I can afford a second one

But would be a great oppurtunity for other folks to get an alu case. Go for it, Mr. Dragon!

[fruktstund]

Talking about cases, I'm seriously thinking of going with a cardboard case, just for the kicks.

[leesofi]

Interested

[The_Beast]

komar is about to send the PCB files to the fab to have a prototype made for testing. I think The_Beast can help us out with a prototype plate.

Once I get done with the poker GB, I'd be more than willing to run the plates or even cases if someone designs one (I'm working on one kind of)

[TheProfosist]

komar is about to send the PCB files to the fab to have a prototype made for testing. I think The_Beast can help us out with a prototype plate.

Once I get done with the poker GB, I'd be more than willing to run the plates or even cases if someone designs one (I'm working on one kind of)

If its stainless steel im in!

[IvanIvanovich]

I have everything I need but the pcb... gimme.

[komar007]

I was going to order the prototypes today, but only 2 of 3 people who wanted them have written back to me.
So I'm going to order tommorrow, I'll take 4 anyway.

If anyone else wants a no-guarantee prototype, let me know asap.
It's a bit over $30 + $5 for usb connector, diodes and crystal, because they may be hard to get. The rest of components are easily available.

[kmiller8]

I was going to order the prototypes today, but only 2 of 3 people who wanted them have written back to me.
So I'm going to order tommorrow, I'll take 4 anyway.

If anyone else wants a no-guarantee prototype, let me know asap.
It's a bit over $30 + $5 for usb connector, diodes and crystal, because they may be hard to get. The rest of components are easily available.

mememe! PM'd!

[TheProfosist]

I was going to order the prototypes today, but only 2 of 3 people who wanted them have written back to me.
So I'm going to order tommorrow, I'll take 4 anyway.

If anyone else wants a no-guarantee prototype, let me know asap.
It's a bit over $30 + $5 for usb connector, diodes and crystal, because they may be hard to get. The rest of components are easily available.

PM sent!

[komar007]

Wow, things are changing fast.
Here's the list:
komar007
jdcarpe
kmiller8
TheProfosist
WhiteFireDragon
lysol

To all of you reading this thread from time to time: this is just a prototype PCB, which comes with no guarantee that it will even work or fit the case. You have been warned.
The actual group buy will take place no sooner than in a month.

[TheProfosist]

sounds good im hoping it works properly.

[The_Beast]

I'll pass on the prototype so I can buy more of the final boards ^___^

[IvanIvanovich]

We need a good testing pool to make sure any issues are spotted with different layouts and configuration. Looks like we hopefully have that. I plan to do my proposed layout. Can't wait.

[WhiteFireDragon]

Won't hurt my feelings if it doesn't work. I love being a beta-tester.

Since you mentioned that all the SMD stuff will be soldered on at the factory, does this also apply for these prototypes? I'm assuming by "including usb connector, diodes and crystal", we don't need to source the ATmega32u4 controller chip?

[komar007]

We need a good testing pool to make sure any issues are spotted with different layouts and configuration. Looks like we hopefully have that. I plan to do my proposed layout. Can't wait.

Great. That was the point of this prototype.
One more person would make my declared $30 tag plausible. I was a bit too optimistic at first, didn't take shipping into account;)

Won't hurt my feelings if it doesn't work. I love being a beta-tester.

Since you mentioned that all the SMD stuff will be soldered on at the factory, does this also apply for these prototypes? I'm assuming by "including usb connector, diodes and crystal", we don't need to source the ATmega32u4 controller chip?

No, there's no way anyone will run a production of 7 devices;)
But I can send you all the parts instead of some if you want to.

[IvanIvanovich]

Hmn... sh!t. No way I can solder smd myself. I am not that good at the tiny stuff, will surely ruin it.

[damorgue]

Is there an ISO user among the beta testers?

[komar007]

Hmn... sh!t. No way I can solder smd myself. I am not that good at the tiny stuff, will surely ruin it.

We'll see what can be done;)

[kmiller8]

I certainly don't want to source the ATmega and other SMD parts, and I'll gladly pay extra to have those included with the PCB.

As for SMD soldering, bring it on!

[IvanIvanovich]

Thanks komar. Let me know extra cost if you will be doing parts and partial assembly.

[TheProfosist]

We need a good testing pool to make sure any issues are spotted with different layouts and configuration. Looks like we hopefully have that. I plan to do my proposed layout. Can't wait.

I have a proposed layout as well anyone willing to code it up for me? or do you think the firmware for my phantom could just be edited?

[komar007]

Thanks komar. Let me know extra cost if you will be doing parts and partial assembly.

I can source atmegas for $5, the remaining parts should be negligible.
Let's settle for now that I'll send you the PCB and parts.
As for soldering, I'll see how much time it'll take when I get the boards. I can do it, if it's a matter of a few boards. Not all of them:)

We need a good testing pool to make sure any issues are spotted with different layouts and configuration. Looks like we hopefully have that. I plan to do my proposed layout. Can't wait.

I have a proposed layout as well anyone willing to code it up for me? or do you think the firmware for my phantom could just be edited?

I'll make sure the beta testers will have firmware to test their layouts.

[TheProfosist]

Any one have a image with all proposed locations for keys then so that I can get cracking and coe up with template for my layout?

[komar007]

All project files are on github: https://github.com/komar007/ghkb

[The_Beast]

Are the PCBs going to be screen printed. I was looking at the phantom boards and they have key locations and all the people who helped on the project. I think that would be an awesome idea for this PCB too if it doesn't cost too much. (komar gets lead spot for being boss)

[WhiteFireDragon]

Won't hurt my feelings if it doesn't work. I love being a beta-tester.

Since you mentioned that all the SMD stuff will be soldered on at the factory, does this also apply for these prototypes? I'm assuming by "including usb connector, diodes and crystal", we don't need to source the ATmega32u4 controller chip?

No, there's no way anyone will run a production of 7 devices;)
But I can send you all the parts instead of some if you want to.

Yeah no problem, I was just wondering if they were going to do it at factory. I don't have a problem with doing SMD soldering though. I have a hot air rework station and solder paste for that  . It'll be more convenient to include all the SMD stuff though since you'll have to build your own anways, might as well order extra for all the prototypes too.

I think you should ship all the prototypes to one person since it looks like we're all from the US. Less hassle and cheaper for you. Then it can be distributed. If no one volunteers, then I'm willing to do US distributing, and maybe solder some of them too while I'm at it.

[osxoep]

I am getting excited for the final release

Is there a minimum amount of people required before a certain plate will be made?

[komar007]

Are the PCBs going to be screen printed. I was looking at the phantom boards and they have key locations and all the people who helped on the project. I think that would be an awesome idea for this PCB too if it doesn't cost too much. (komar gets lead spot for being boss)

I want to leave the top side completely empty, so that it looks nice.
On the bottom side, we can have whatever we want.

Yeah no problem, I was just wondering if they were going to do it at factory. I don't have a problem with doing SMD soldering though. I have a hot air rework station and solder paste for that  . It'll be more convenient to include all the SMD stuff though since you'll have to build your own anways, might as well order extra for all the prototypes too.

Good, that's less soldering for me;)

I think you should ship all the prototypes to one person since it looks like we're all from the US. Less hassle and cheaper for you. Then it can be distributed. If no one volunteers, then I'm willing to do US distributing, and maybe solder some of them too while I'm at it.

We can do it. Though it depends on shipping rates within US. I can send them for $6 each.

[TheProfosist]

All project files are on github: https://github.com/komar007/ghkb

I think I was looking for something closer to this that I found in the main post



would you happen to be able to make one with a short right shift and short enter and  a bottom row that allows for both a win and a menu key (i think thats the blue lines). Also does theis keyboard only support a 7x spacebar?

[TheProfosist]

Having not done SMD before really (besides big SMD diodes) I dont know if im up for soldering this prototype my self as I dont have a hot air station only a Hakko 888.

[TheProfosist]

I am getting excited for the final release

Is there a minimum amount of people required before a certain plate will be made?

I am actually wondering if there will be a plate fore the prototype, I am guessing not so far. If the prototype works correctly though I would like to get one cut either where I got my custom Phantom plates or through The_Beast would you be up for designing one Komar?

[komar007]

I think I was looking for something closer to this that I found in the main post

Show Image

would you happen to be able to make one with a short right shift and short enter and  a bottom row that allows for both a win and a menu key (i think thats the blue lines). Also does theis keyboard only support a 7x spacebar?

What's a short enter? vertical iso?
There's 6.25 spacebar support for standard 3x1.25, space, 4x1.25 mod and 7 for model m and lysol layout.

Having not done SMD before really (besides big SMD diodes) I dont know if im up for soldering this prototype my self as I dont have a hot air station only a Hakko 888.

If WhiteFireDragon agrees, maybe I'll solder lysol's board, and he can do yours.

I am actually wondering if there will be a plate fore the prototype, I am guessing not so far. If the prototype works correctly though I would like to get one cut either where I got my custom Phantom plates or through The_Beast would you be up for designing one Komar?

Please contact The_Beast then. He does custom plates, as far as I remember.
If there are no errors, the production plates should also fit the prototype.
I'll help whoever gets to design the plates after I have the prototypes and confirm that they're ok.

[IvanIvanovich]

TheProfosist, no your 1.25 enter scheme is not support on this pcb.

[TheProfosist]

I think I was looking for something closer to this that I found in the main post

Show Image

would you happen to be able to make one with a short right shift and short enter and  a bottom row that allows for both a win and a menu key (i think thats the blue lines). Also does theis keyboard only support a 7x spacebar?

What's a short enter? vertical iso?
There's 6.25 spacebar support for standard 3x1.25, space, 4x1.25 mod and 7 for model m and lysol layout.

Having not done SMD before really (besides big SMD diodes) I dont know if im up for soldering this prototype my self as I dont have a hot air station only a Hakko 888.

If WhiteFireDragon agrees, maybe I'll solder lysol's board, and he can do yours.

I am actually wondering if there will be a plate fore the prototype, I am guessing not so far. If the prototype works correctly though I would like to get one cut either where I got my custom Phantom plates or through The_Beast would you be up for designing one Komar?

Please contact The_Beast then. He does custom plates, as far as I remember.
If there are no errors, the production plates should also fit the prototype.
I'll help whoever gets to design the plates after I have the prototypes and confirm that they're ok.

O my bad i though you made an option to have somrthing like this enter on my phantom



since I can get a 6.25 spacebar i would like that bottom row instead as keycaps will be more compatible.


sounds good ill send him a pm about soldering up my prototype board


sure thing is he the one that makes the DXF files as well?

[komar007]

Okay,
unfortunately some people jumped off, so we have six now:
komar007
jdcarpe
kmiller8
TheProfosist
WhiteFireDragon
lysol
This means the price will go up a bit.
I will wait a bit more, though, and we'll see what happens.
I wasn't going to have that many prototypes made anyway, but because the number of interested increased so much today I decided to go for better quality.
In the worst case we'll come back to a local company. Not that they do a bad job of course, but in turn they're too expensive for final production, so then I'll have to change the company.
Anyway, 2 more prototypes and we're back;)