Author Topic: Replacement controllers  (Read 135738 times)

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Offline bpiphany

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Replacement controllers
« on: Wed, 07 August 2013, 09:05:53 »
Replacement controller for various Costar keyboard models

As of 2020-09-01 I sold (almost) all of my remaining stock to 1upkeyboards. I have no current plans to produce any more. I have a couple of Black Petals and Tiger Lilies in my drawer, but other than those I'm all out. Check with 1up. I'm leaving the rest of the post for reference.

You may also want to pay bathroomepiphanies.com a visit!

The Frosty Flake - CM Storm Quick Fire Rapid
discontinued rev 20140521
125138-0
discontinued rev 20130602
30668-1

The Ghost Squid - CM Storm Quick Fire XT
discontinued rev 20140518
67574-2

The Tiger Lily - Filco Majestouch/Rosewill full size
discontinued rev 20161114
The Tiger Lily is little more than a Black Petal with extra headers. The firmware for the Petal is used for the Lily as well.
154699-3

The Kitten Paw - Filco Majestouch full size (*also some early Rosewill boards)
discontinued rev 20160418
142289-4
discontinued rev 20130602
30670-5

The Black Petal - Rosewill full size (*some early boards use the Filco Majestouch controller)
discontinued rev 20131001
39750-6

The Pegasus Hoof - Filco Majestouch tenkeyless
discontinued rev 20150108
131158-7
discontinued rev 20150108
94386-8
discontinued rev 20131001
39752-9

Cool Talk (Voice of Reason adaptation) - CM Storm Quick Fire Rapid
The Voice of Reason is a "superset" of the Frosty Flake. With a few pins removed it works perfectly for the CM Storm QFR. It has ISP and UART pins broken out to a separate header. Also comes equipped with a fuse and increased ESD protection. It is offered as an alternative for power users.
discontinued rev 20151102
140961-10



The controllers are assembled in my toaster and tested. The solder joints seem to come out very good (much cleaner than hand soldering), and there has been no reports on ill-effects so far. The white solder masks may show some minor yellowing from the toasting process.

If you want get a custom controller for your keyboard, send me a PM with your Paypal e-mail address and what you want. I'll send you an invoice from there. I have plenty of all controllers.

Please observe that some (early?) Rosewill boards use the same controller as the full size Filco Majestouch boards. Be sure to open your board up and have a look to know what controller your board uses. Here is a partial compatibility list.

Payment through Paypal unless you have a grudge with them.

Pricing Table
Circuit boards only
  • $5 each
Toasted and tested units
  • $30 each ($35 Cool Talk/Voice of Reason)
Shipping and handling
  • $5 flat
« Last Edit: Tue, 08 September 2020, 03:19:33 by bpiphany »

Offline do_Og@n

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #1 on: Wed, 07 August 2013, 09:27:28 »
How many do you have available? And how much work is involved in putting it together?

Offline yasuo

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #2 on: Wed, 07 August 2013, 09:28:21 »
Whether PCB Symmetric Staggering?
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Offline bueller

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #3 on: Wed, 07 August 2013, 10:04:03 »
Got excited when I saw Filco and then realised it was for a 104-key  :(
It's a good width!  If it's half-width it's too narrow, and full-width is too wide. 

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Offline Neal

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #4 on: Wed, 07 August 2013, 10:06:44 »
How many do you have available? And how much work is involved in putting it together?
Click on the links, it links you to the wiki where it tells you how to put it together. Lots of SMD soldering.

Offline alaricljs

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #5 on: Wed, 07 August 2013, 10:11:44 »
Whether PCB Symmetric Staggering?

It's a replacement controller, you open the specified KB and replace the tiny little controller daughterboard.  There is no change to the PCB the switches are attached to.
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Offline nubbinator

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #6 on: Wed, 07 August 2013, 11:43:35 »
I haven't really seen any info on these.  What do they enable you to do differently from the stock controller?

Offline SpAmRaY

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #7 on: Wed, 07 August 2013, 11:49:03 »
I haven't really seen any info on these.  What do they enable you to do differently from the stock controller?

It makes your stock keyboard programmable.

Offline CPTBadAss

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #8 on: Wed, 07 August 2013, 13:10:29 »
I haven't really seen any info on these.  What do they enable you to do differently from the stock controller?

Think the idea was from the HID Liberator and the Phantom PCB: To have a replacement daughter board controller than is programmable.

Info on the Frosty Flake and Kitten paw can be found here.

Offline alaricljs

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #9 on: Wed, 07 August 2013, 13:48:41 »
For some people (like me) the biggest reason for a custom KB is being able to customize what the switches do.  No cheaper way to get a programmable KB.
Filco w/ Imsto thick PBT
Ducky 1087XM PCB+Plate, w/ Matias "Quiet Click" spring-swapped w/ XM Greens

Offline do_Og@n

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #10 on: Wed, 07 August 2013, 14:38:31 »
I haven't ever performed SMD Soldering. This might get interesting.

Offline danielucf

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #11 on: Wed, 07 August 2013, 15:05:54 »
I haven't ever performed SMD Soldering. This might get interesting.

It doesn't look too bad. SMD soldering is really easy if you use a flux pen/marker and have some fine tip soldering tweezers. You could probably acquire both for less than $15 from amazon. You could also have someone like me solder it for you  ;)
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Offline do_Og@n

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #12 on: Wed, 07 August 2013, 17:05:40 »
I haven't ever performed SMD Soldering. This might get interesting.

It doesn't look too bad. SMD soldering is really easy if you use a flux pen/marker and have some fine tip soldering tweezers. You could probably acquire both for less than $15 from amazon. You could also have someone like me solder it for you  ;)

Thanks for the help....you make a tempting offer. I will need about two of them, but I have to wait until payday or sell some goods before I can buy.

Offline bpiphany

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #13 on: Tue, 20 August 2013, 09:37:52 »
I found these on ebay. Didn't know they came this small. The listing was evidently 100% correct =D I got both 0.05" and 1 mm in single and dual rows. I don't know how useful they would be though. 2mm pitch is already smallish to route traces between the pins.. Tiny daughter boards was the only thing I could think of.

Top to bottom
  • 0.1"
  • 0.05"
  • 1 mm
  • 2 mm
32518-0

Offline do_Og@n

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #14 on: Tue, 20 August 2013, 13:01:41 »
I found these on ebay. Didn't know they came this small. The listing was evidently 100% correct =D I got both 0.05" and 1 mm in single and dual rows. I don't know how useful they would be though. 2mm pitch is already smallish to route traces between the pins.. Tiny daughter boards was the only thing I could think of.

Top to bottom
  • 0.1"
  • 0.05"
  • 1 mm
  • 2 mm
(Attachment Link)

I have to ask how long it took you to set up that photo? That ones worthy of a desktop background.

Offline bpiphany

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #15 on: Wed, 21 August 2013, 03:43:46 »
Didn't take me too long... =D Daylight from the kitchen window, a white cardboard box as a bouncer on the other side, and a printing paper as diffuser. Tripod, small aperture, and a rather long exposure time.

I have higher resolution images as well. They need some editing to them to be presentable. And they come out better in portrait than landscape orientation...

Offline Game Theory

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #16 on: Thu, 29 August 2013, 08:02:14 »
Thank you for creating the Kitten Paw and the other replacement controllers.
We'll see how good my SMD soldering is:)  I've seen video and have the right tools tweezers etc .
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Offline LechnerDE

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #17 on: Thu, 29 August 2013, 08:57:55 »
Interesting. Might order a Filco controller :)

Offline ohgodpleaseno

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #18 on: Sat, 31 August 2013, 11:52:22 »
I'm super interested in buying a Filco board for my Ninja, but I've never soldered anything in my life :( Hopefully I can organize something to work that out and get this kit :)
« Last Edit: Sat, 31 August 2013, 12:20:14 by ohgodpleaseno »

Offline Al3xG

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #19 on: Fri, 04 October 2013, 06:31:13 »
This board work in a Majes 2 Camo full? (the one with Fn keys)
If yes, I'll buy 1 complete kit.

Offline bpiphany

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #20 on: Fri, 18 October 2013, 05:02:22 »
Updated the original post with new controllers =)

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #21 on: Fri, 18 October 2013, 07:21:50 »
This stuff is awesome!
bpiphany, are they all more or less the same schematic?  My code supports kitten paw, I'm hoping the rest would be a short put.

Offline bpiphany

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #22 on: Fri, 18 October 2013, 08:00:50 »
Yes, they are almost the same. Some pin changes only. All Costar(?) keyboards are basically the same. Same matrix, different size controllers =P I'm adding the new ones and cleaning up the mess a bit before updating my github repository. I just uploaded the Schematics to the wikis.

http://deskthority.net/wiki/Black_Petal#Schematic
http://deskthority.net/wiki/Pegasus_Hoof#Schematic
« Last Edit: Fri, 18 October 2013, 08:05:00 by bpiphany »

Offline nullstring

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #23 on: Sat, 19 October 2013, 22:42:09 »
I am slightly nervous about the smd soldering. Would anyone here be willing to put together two of the black petal for me?

bpiphany, any chance I could see the underside of the finished black petal to try to make better judgement?

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #24 on: Sun, 20 October 2013, 08:48:49 »
I am slightly nervous about the smd soldering. Would anyone here be willing to put together two of the black petal for me?

bpiphany, any chance I could see the underside of the finished black petal to try to make better judgement?

If you are in USA I think we could work something out.  I've got the proper  tools for SMD.  That would give me a chance to try it with my code, too.

Offline bpiphany

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #25 on: Mon, 09 December 2013, 05:10:50 »
Updated the first post with new options. Now that I have my toaster I will be able to assemble controllers at an acceptable rate again.

Offline joneslee85

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #26 on: Mon, 09 December 2013, 07:40:01 »
@bpiphany respect your work effort, it is quite tedious to get all the parts together. Would you be able to ship it to Australia? If so, let me know so I could place order.

Besides, the components makes the board quite thick, it might pose problem for custom cases. I am thinking why don't you place a Interest Collection thread of making a mass produced version which you could re-design to make it more cost effective and slimmer too. Just my 5cent
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Offline SpAmRaY

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #27 on: Mon, 09 December 2013, 07:44:22 »
@bpiphany respect your work effort, it is quite tedious to get all the parts together. Would you be able to ship it to Australia? If so, let me know so I could place order.

Besides, the components makes the board quite thick, it might pose problem for custom cases. I am thinking why don't you place a Interest Collection thread of making a mass produced version which you could re-design to make it more cost effective and slimmer too. Just my 5cent

You mean like the one he made here?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=39146.msg1121721#msg1121721

Also the controllers in this thread are direct drop in replacements for stock controllers...they should be the same size etc....

Offline joneslee85

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #28 on: Mon, 09 December 2013, 07:55:02 »
@bpiphany respect your work effort, it is quite tedious to get all the parts together. Would you be able to ship it to Australia? If so, let me know so I could place order.

Besides, the components makes the board quite thick, it might pose problem for custom cases. I am thinking why don't you place a Interest Collection thread of making a mass produced version which you could re-design to make it more cost effective and slimmer too. Just my 5cent

You mean like the one he made here?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=39146.msg1121721#msg1121721

Also the controllers in this thread are direct drop in replacements for stock controllers...they should be the same size etc....

Oh, sure, thanks for pointing that out
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Offline joneslee85

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #29 on: Mon, 09 December 2013, 07:55:31 »
@bpiphany in the spirit of open source, I submit to you a first GitHub pull request

https://github.com/BathroomEpiphanies/costar_keyboard/pull/1
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Offline jdcarpe

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #30 on: Mon, 09 December 2013, 08:26:53 »
Last night I opened the Mini Microcontroller replacement board to see about attempting to hand solder it. I just laughed and laughed. There is no way I have even close to the skill required to solder that tiny thing using an iron. So, it really is good news to hear that you have your toaster up and running!

:thumb:
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Offline bpiphany

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #31 on: Mon, 09 December 2013, 14:45:59 »
@bpiphany in the spirit of open source, I submit to you a first GitHub pull request

https://github.com/BathroomEpiphanies/costar_keyboard/pull/1

I messed it up royally, but finally I think everything came out good...

Last night I opened the Mini Microcontroller replacement board to see about attempting to hand solder it. I just laughed and laughed. There is no way I have even close to the skill required to solder that tiny thing using an iron. So, it really is good news to hear that you have your toaster up and running!

:thumb:

You're my only companion on this journey this far. You can't give up!! (Besides I asked if you really didn't want me to build it for you ;))

Do this
  • Scratch some solder mask off from the the  back side where the chips sit.
  • Add flux (the sticky stuff is good) to the center pad and place the chip.
  • Add solder to the iron and heat the pad on the back.
  • Solder will flow through the vias and pull the chip into place.
  • Check that the chip is aligned, all the pads on the chip are lined up with those on the PCB. Otherwise, heat, flux and luck is your friend.
  • Add flux all around.
  • Drag solder the remaining pads.
  • Add flux, use braid, more flux, more solder more braid, and so on until it looks good.
  • Solder all the 0402s like 0603s, only a lot more finicky...
  • Mount the headers.
  • Don't have an application to test the little bug in
  • Profit?...

Offline jdcarpe

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #32 on: Mon, 09 December 2013, 15:02:47 »
Okay that makes sense. I won't give up! I was wondering why there were those holes beneath the chip pad. :)

Should be interesting regardless of the outcome! :thumb:
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Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #33 on: Mon, 09 December 2013, 15:25:07 »
Looking forward to giving one of those a shot.  I'm sure I'll go crazy and rage, but it will be fun :P

Offline Thechemist

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #34 on: Mon, 09 December 2013, 21:57:38 »
Can I still purchase one or two?

Offline bpiphany

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #35 on: Tue, 10 December 2013, 01:25:21 »
Can I still purchase one or two?

Yes You Can!

Okay that makes sense. I won't give up! I was wondering why there were those holes beneath the chip pad. :)

Should be interesting regardless of the outcome! :thumb:

They are actually supposed to be there by design guide lines. They are meant to transfer heat away into the ground plane on the back. I made them a bit larger than the recommendation (which I found afterwards) I think . Many guide lines are aimed towards making re-flowing smooth and consistent. Too large holes could probably suck more solder than what is desired or something. Soldering from the back of course doesn't suffer from that, just add more (=
« Last Edit: Tue, 10 December 2013, 01:29:21 by bpiphany »

Offline AKmalamute

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #36 on: Tue, 10 December 2013, 01:58:15 »
I don't suppose anyone has seen the inside of the monoprice 'gaming keyboard' ... ? Would be neat to make it fully programmable but I haven't opened mine up to see which direction their industrial espionage ran for this model.
*cough* assuming they didn't create a new design, I mean. Sometimes they do that. probably
« Last Edit: Tue, 10 December 2013, 02:47:19 by AKmalamute »

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Offline mooswa

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #37 on: Wed, 11 December 2013, 01:09:36 »
First off all, a delayed thank you and hats off to bpiphany! I've got my 2 frosty flakes in no time and must say they are gorgeous!

I have finally got my fork of the firmware to the state where it can be shared.  I have added support for multiple layers and dual-role keys and managed to implement a SpaceFN layout on top that.  http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=51069.0;topicseen

My fork is here https://github.com/pa3zo6/costar_keyboard
I'd be happy to do a pull request if needed.

I am going to go cold turkey on my own 60% SpaceFN-inspired layout from tomorrow to make sure it all really works.



Offline Jmneuv

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #38 on: Wed, 11 December 2013, 01:51:27 »
thanks for that mooswa

Offline bpiphany

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #39 on: Wed, 11 December 2013, 09:27:46 »
First off all, a delayed thank you and hats off to bpiphany! I've got my 2 frosty flakes in no time and must say they are gorgeous!

I have finally got my fork of the firmware to the state where it can be shared.  I have added support for multiple layers and dual-role keys and managed to implement a SpaceFN layout on top that.  http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=51069.0;topicseen

My fork is here https://github.com/pa3zo6/costar_keyboard
I'd be happy to do a pull request if needed.

I am going to go cold turkey on my own 60% SpaceFN-inspired layout from tomorrow to make sure it all really works.

I appreciate it, but I would decline a pull request. I've just declared my intentions for my firmware in the README. I am happy it has been of help to you, but our roads have parted. We will continue our separate adventures =)

Offline mooswa

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #40 on: Wed, 11 December 2013, 12:52:27 »
I appreciate it, but I would decline a pull request. I've just declared my intentions for my firmware in the README. I am happy it has been of help to you, but our roads have parted. We will continue our separate adventures =)

I totally understand and was pretty much expecting this.  I am indeed grateful that your firmware is simple, straightforward and is a great start for anyone's adventure. Let's keep it this way!

Offline Alumina

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #41 on: Tue, 31 December 2013, 16:46:39 »
I have a question about these replacement controllers.

I spent some time today poking around my keyboard with a multimeter in an attempt to see what is going on with my recently defunct keyboard. I checked the suspect switches, the usb cable, and I poked around a few different pins checking voltage levels using the controller matrix wiki entry at desk authority for the FKB 104568 DB V 4.0

I don't really NEED a programmable keyboard, I just want to get my Filco Ninja Majestouch 2 back up and running. Would the kitten paw be a good solution for this? I do think my switches are fine and I'm thinking something has gone wrong with the controller itself. The keys that are not working seem to be on the 1 row (n, b alt, etc) that is shown in the aforementioned wiki stub.

Would it  be  possible able to order one WITH software on it that'll work with my keyboard or when it arrives do you need to program it yourself?

If I have to program it myself, I was googling up a storm trying to understand this controller and how it works and I had one question about programming it. The magnetic reed switch on there, is it the latching kind or do you have to constantly apply a magnetic force for it to be programmable? I wasn't sure where to put the magnet since the reed switch is face down when it's in the socket. Sorry in advance for my ignorance, I've been trying to learn throughout the day.  At any rate, this is a pretty awesome project and although my keyboard broke I was glad to have learned a bit more about this world.
« Last Edit: Tue, 31 December 2013, 21:51:57 by Alumina »

Offline bpiphany

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #42 on: Thu, 02 January 2014, 09:55:13 »
Are you sure your keyboard isn't covered by any warranty? If not or if you think it would be a hassle to take that path a replacement controller could possibly solve your problem.

The reset switch (reed) only needs a short pulse for the controller to restart in the bootloader mode. No need to keep it closed (actually that wouldn't even work).

Offline Alumina

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #43 on: Thu, 02 January 2014, 10:45:35 »
I already took the keyboard apart so I think warranty choices are shot. It's ok I wanted to learn a bit more about keyboard modding anyways.

It appears the problem exists with any key related to Pin 1 based on the matrix wiki entry you did so it's keys f12, ralt, app, n, b, down, right, left, pmns, and slsh that are not responding at all.

It's possible that the trace along Pin 1 got jacked up somehow maybe? I think you're right in that the controller may or may not be a fix, but I'd like to give it a shot. PM sent.



Offline bpiphany

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #44 on: Thu, 02 January 2014, 11:38:07 »
Have you tested the connectivity all the way up to the controller? Perhaps it's just a bad solder joint on the controller pin or the controller socket. It looks like there is nothing much going on between the pin and the controller, so you may just be able to check if there is connectivity to the chip as well http://deskthority.net/w/images/5/51/Filco_Majestouch_Controller_bottom_view.jpg

Not trying to discourage you from giving me your money of course...

Offline joneslee85

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #45 on: Thu, 02 January 2014, 15:10:15 »
@bpiphany: is the Pegasus  as same as the HID liberation device?
TOO MANY KEYBOARDS THAT I COULD NOT COUNT! BUT I AM STILL USING MY MODEL F77

Offline bpiphany

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #46 on: Thu, 02 January 2014, 15:34:03 »
@bpiphany: is the Pegasus  as same as the HID liberation device?

It's for the same keyboard, but completely different =) Different micro controller and different design idea.

Offline Alumina

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #47 on: Thu, 02 January 2014, 16:49:06 »
Have you tested the connectivity all the way up to the controller? Perhaps it's just a bad solder joint on the controller pin or the controller socket. It looks like there is nothing much going on between the pin and the controller, so you may just be able to check if there is connectivity to the chip as well http://deskthority.net/w/images/5/51/Filco_Majestouch_Controller_bottom_view.jpg

Not trying to discourage you from giving me your money of course...

I'm gonna get one regardless, but I'll further this inquiry because I am curious. If I'm derailing your thread too much and you wouldn't mind a PM let me know...

So if I check connectivity between Pin 4 of the controller (RALT) and the corresponding point NEAR RALT I do get connectivity. When I hit the RALT key I then can clearly see (well, hear =p) the connectivity between Pin 1 NEAR RALT and Pin 4 of the controller. Hopefully that makes sense

That being said, I never see connectivity from Pin 1 of the controller to Pin 1 NEAR RALT. Does this sound right to you?

Sidenote: If I look at pin 1 of the controller and see where the trace goes..I can follow it all around the keyboard until it finally disappears to the other side of the board.

I can also post a labelled picture to describe what I'm talking about if that helps.

Offline bpiphany

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #48 on: Fri, 03 January 2014, 05:57:01 »
Have you taken the diodes into account? I'm not actually sure which side of the switch they are located at, or if I checked when I did this schematic for the HID Liberation Device http://deskthority.net/wiki/File:HID_Liberation_Device_--_Schematic.png

On the side of the switch that connects directly to the controller it doesn't matter which way you put the probes. On the side where the diode is there is one correct and one wrong way around. Always try both if you aren't sure which is correct. If my schematic is correct, pin4 should have connection to one side of the RALT switch, and the other should connect as well if you press the key. That other side of the switch should have connection to pin1 through a diode. So it matters which way you measure. pin1 and pin4 should of course connect when you press the RALT key, again the direction matters.

Since it is the column on pin1 RALT, N, B so on that is faulty the problem has to be somewhere on that side of those switches. The connection is wither cut at some point or the chip IO is broken at that pin.

Offline nullstring

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Re: Replacement controllers
« Reply #49 on: Sat, 11 January 2014, 17:30:48 »
Hi bpiphany,
Is there a reason you're not offering "toasted and tested" service with the blackpetal?