geekhack
geekhack Community => Off Topic => Topic started by: dante on Fri, 19 April 2013, 20:51:32
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A date will be chosen IN JULY and a list of supplies/tools you will need will be posted. You show up and we spend the day with 1 maybe 2 certified bolt modders showing how to mod your board / chat / and if you run into issues figure out how to get out of them.
Because of the time it takes to perform this mod it will be less like the recent gatherings and more focused on the modding effort.
UPDATE
Assuming the location is in the Chicagoland area PM me if you are SERIOUS about showing up. I need a head count by Mon May 6th.
Headcount so far:
dante
tipo33
Dianoda
CPTBadAss
SmallFry
Trent
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I have quite a few spare barrel plates from terminal boards to offer if any mistakes are made as well as springs, cases etc... You can put me down as attending/teaching.
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I'd attend. I need to bolt mod my M even though mine isn't currently working. I keep breaking rivets on mine.
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Done, I'm there. Tipo, save an M or SSK for me? :P
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Done, I'm there. Tipo, save an M or SSK for me? :P
Got a fullsize with your name on it. ;)
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My man. :D
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What if this was expanded to more than just the buckling spring? For example, it would be cool to learn first-hand how to solder/desolder an MX keyboard.
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Works for me, I can bring my iron.
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What if this was expanded to more than just the buckling spring? For example, it would be cool to learn first-hand how to solder/desolder an MX keyboard.
I like this idea as well. I'd love to have someone help me mod switches or something.
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I am going to research locations around the Chicagoland area that will be suitable for our madness.
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I would love a soldering tutorial.
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We could always host at the Cyber Arena again if they don't mind us.
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God I wish I could go! I could give a lesson on how to disassemble a switch, lube and sticker it!
I hate living in South Dakota :'(
Gupgup
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I can do that also. :P I has the materials on hand.
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We could always host at the Cyber Arena again if they don't mind us.
I'm not sure they would be up for power tools and soldering irons. I think I will try contacting Devry as they have an electronics program and see what they think.
Also these guys: http://freegeekchicago.org/
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Good point. Party at the Great Lakes base!
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Good point. Party at the Great Lakes base!
We wouldn't get anything done.... lol
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What if this was expanded to more than just the buckling spring? For example, it would be cool to learn first-hand how to solder/desolder an MX keyboard.
The main focus will be the buckling spring keyboard and I don't want to lose sight of this. That being said, If there is time I'd love to learn how to solder/desolder Alps. If the GH60 MX/Alps version are ready when this goes down they would be perfect due to not having that many switches.
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What if this was expanded to more than just the buckling spring? For example, it would be cool to learn first-hand how to solder/desolder an MX keyboard.
The main focus will be the buckling spring keyboard and I don't want to lose sight of this. That being said, If there is time I'd love to learn how to solder/desolder Alps. If the GH60 MX/Alps version are ready when this goes down they would be perfect due to not having that many switches.
Dante, I'll have a Dell AT101W pcb with Alps switches in it. I can bring that along if you like as well.
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If you have not done much soldering, read this first:
http://mightyohm.com/blog/2011/04/soldering-is-easy-comic-book/ (http://mightyohm.com/blog/2011/04/soldering-is-easy-comic-book/)
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Ok I'm getting questions about timing on this ...
So by April 30th I want to nail down a date. Anyone who is interested in doing this please suggest days/months that best work for you. The target area will be Southern Wisconsin / Northern Illinois - but possibly also Chicago.
This will likely happen sometime between next June and the end of the year. Obviously Ski is going to get the last say in dates :D
Like I said, this will primarily be Model M focused however if someone wants to hold out for the GH60 or related custom keyboards and you can find a Jedi for that - we can postpone it accordingly.
I will be developing a list of things you will need to bring and you will have at least a month to acquire everything.
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I'd prefer it to be on a weekend and not at the end of May or August. And please don't move it too far from where the last meet was. That drive was pretty ideal for me. But I'll come out regardless.
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A weekend would be ideal for me as well.
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Tipo, I got my hands on an SSK so you don't have to hold onto a Model M for me. Would the bolt mod be the same?
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Yeppers, just less rivets. :D
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Yeppers, just less rivets. :D
I did one SSK. I was surprised that there were actually almost as many rivets, I was expecting less.
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Depending on the actual date that was chosen, I'd be down for this.
I'd have a full-sized Model M and an SSK that I'd like to bolt mod.
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Wanna roadtrip mashby?? :D
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Wanna roadtrip mashby?? :D
Maybe. I might just fly up though if the airfare is cheap enough. :rolleyes:
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Maybe. I might just fly up though if the airfare is cheap enough. :rolleyes:
Would love to have you.
@CPT - picks or it didn't happen :p
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Don't worry, I'll have pics as soon as I get it!
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It should be noted that laptop chicklet keys are the perfect donor plastic to fix cracked/broken barrel frames. If it was closer to MN I could attend as a teacher, but I aint doing 13 hours of driving.
(http://i.imgur.com/kpzDpyb.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/JAxQxOt.jpg)
EDIT: That ground off spot is where I was testing plastic cements, just ignore it.
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In 1.5 weeks I should have an answer on location. I will do everything I can to make sure it occurs by a major highway.
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You're the man dante, thanks for doing all the leg work!
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Update:
First issue is concerns of how the power tool work may nick up / damage work tables.
Second issue is worry about injuries. Either someone who dumps hot solder on themselves/someone else or drills a hole in someones hand.
I'm now researching waivers everyone will have to sign before participating... fun!
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There is no reason for soldering to take place unless you are wiring up Teensys.
You can put down heavy mats, newspapers, or masonite to protect whatever tables you are working on.
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Wiring up Teensys, modifying Cherry switches etc. I think we kinda expanded the focus of this, but not to lose focus of bolt modding.
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There is no reason for soldering to take place unless you are wiring up Teensys.
A few people want to solder up Cherry boards.
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Beatcha. :P
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If the soldering may cause an issue in reserving and using an area, then it's best to just keep this meet for simply the bolt modding.
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If the soldering may cause an issue in reserving and using an area, then it's best to just keep this meet for simply the bolt modding.
During bolt modding you will be using a dremmel, there is still a danger of injury. That being said, I am an HM and I will provide prompt medical care to anyone at the meet,
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Update:
First issue is concerns of how the power tool work may nick up / damage work tables.
Second issue is worry about injuries. Either someone who dumps hot solder on themselves/someone else or drills a hole in someones hand.
I'm now researching waivers everyone will have to sign before participating... fun!
You really think people will injure themselves bolt-modding a Model M?... And how does one "dump hot solder"? Are you saying you solder keyboards in a lead bath?!
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See 1st post. I need a head count by Monday May 6th. If you are serious about showing up send me a PM.
I realize the date will be up in the air but I need to get an idea of how many people are seriously showing up as this will affect where we end up.
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I'd show up if I could borrow the dremel and do WFD's LED switch mod on the switches for my LZ-GH (the one where you can have LEDs installed but still remove the top switch cover). This is also assuming I'm not out of town when the meetup occurs (I have multiple travel plans this month - weddings, etc.).
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Sent you a PM Sir dante :D
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I'd show up if I could borrow the dremel and do WFD's LED switch mod on the switches for my LZ-GH (the one where you can have LEDs installed but still remove the top switch cover). This is also assuming I'm not out of town when the meetup occurs (I have multiple travel plans this month - weddings, etc.).
This will not happen until July at the earliest. If there is a month/weekend in the upcoming months that's off limits speak now or forever hold your peace.
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You really think people will injure themselves bolt-modding a Model M?... And how does one "dump hot solder"? Are you saying you solder keyboards in a lead bath?!
I think that I hurt myself shaving the rivets and posts with a chisel point X-acto one time.
Do wear eye protection when drilling the rivet stems.
Tools and metal plates can certainly scratch up a nice table top, that is a real concern.
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I'd show up if I could borrow the dremel and do WFD's LED switch mod on the switches for my LZ-GH (the one where you can have LEDs installed but still remove the top switch cover). This is also assuming I'm not out of town when the meetup occurs (I have multiple travel plans this month - weddings, etc.).
This will not happen until July at the earliest. If there is a month/weekend in the upcoming months that's off limits speak now or forever hold your peace.
August will likely be bad for me; depending on how work goes. July and September would be preferable.
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Always cut away from yourself.
My glasses are my eye protection. (There's a scratch on the right lens...)
I use cardboard on cardtables.
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I'd show up if I could borrow the dremel and do WFD's LED switch mod on the switches for my LZ-GH (the one where you can have LEDs installed but still remove the top switch cover). This is also assuming I'm not out of town when the meetup occurs (I have multiple travel plans this month - weddings, etc.).
This will not happen until July at the earliest. If there is a month/weekend in the upcoming months that's off limits speak now or forever hold your peace.
Ah, well, if it's in July, I'll need to have my switches ready before then anyways (I will probably need to send them out for soldering before the end of the month). And I don't own a Model M to mod (I like my switches light...), either, so maybe I'll stop by to check things out if I'm free, but don't let me complicate scheduling for the rest.
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I'd show up if I could borrow the dremel and do WFD's LED switch mod on the switches for my LZ-GH (the one where you can have LEDs installed but still remove the top switch cover). This is also assuming I'm not out of town when the meetup occurs (I have multiple travel plans this month - weddings, etc.).
This will not happen until July at the earliest. If there is a month/weekend in the upcoming months that's off limits speak now or forever hold your peace.
Ah, well, if it's in July, I'll need to have my switches ready before then anyways (I will probably need to send them out for soldering before the end of the month). And I don't own a Model M to mod (I like my switches light...), either, so maybe I'll stop by to check things out if I'm free, but don't let me complicate scheduling for the rest.
If you don't feel like buying a dremel just for the LED mod, you can rent a dremel from Home Depot for a day for cheap. I had needed a power drill for a day and it was about $10 to rent for a day.
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With a Dremel, it almost makes more sense to just buy a cheap one from Harbor Freight.
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I can borrow a dremel from my dad for free (I bet he's probably got at least 2 of 'em), the only reason I asked about dremelling at the meetup is because it would give me something to do while the rest are busy modding their model M's...
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So far it's me, CptBadAss, and Ski.
I'm voting for July. If anyone would benefit to having this pushed to September let me know.
Anyone else?
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I'm in too!
And July works better for me.
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op updated w/ current interested folk
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Put me down as a maybe. Life's been **** and I can't put a guarantee on any weekend right now. I can help with soldering and model M bolt modding. I've been meaning to work with tipo to get one of my 122 keys bolt modded.
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Come on guys, we had a huge turn out in April! You know you wanna chill with us again ^__^
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Come on guys, we had a huge turn out in April! You know you wanna chill with us again ^__^
(http://stickerish.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/OkayGuyBlackTextSS.png)
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I'm doing my SSK by myself this time. (All the way in CA)
But you guys should pick up a drill press if someone doesn't already have one. Waaay easier than hand drilling.
(http://i.imgur.com/bbfUNDP.jpg)
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After the last bolt mod I did, I considered getting my hands on a drill press. It would really simplify and streamline the process.
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I wish for one every time I do it, but I am about done with Model Ms. I think that I may have one or 2 more in the garage.
What should one charge for a barrel plate already drilled and bolts inserted (nuts and washers shipped loose)? I might be able to sell one.
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My glasses are my eye protection. (There's a scratch on the right lens...)
Future shop teacher here, glasses are not enough without the side shields that wrap around your eyes.
Justsayin'
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My dad had a piece of coiled wire swing around through the side of his glasses and hit him in the tear duct. I took him to the ER with blood streaming down his face, but and everything was ok. It was millimeters away from puncturing him right in the cornea.
On less gruesome note... has anyone ever put back together a model M but left out the rubber sheet? I'm wondering if leaving it out would make the landing feel crisper.
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After the last bolt mod I did, I considered getting my hands on a drill press. It would really simplify and streamline the process.
How much faster would a drill press be? I could try to arrange it so we have one on hand but not unless it would give us a significant speed bump.
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I think that the rubber mat is necessary to provide consistent pressure, as well as the fact that it might be insulating.
It would be very easy to test with a substitute - try good quality paper, fabric, or mylar - but you probably need "something" in there.
After doing the bolt mod, you realize that you can make significant adjustments by tightening the nuts. I recommend that you start with them just barely finger-tight.
* * * * *
I'm not sure that a drill press would be faster - lining up the bit "perfectly" would be tedious - but it would allow for better accuracy since the hole would always be vertical and consistent.
Use a fresh sharp bit and the slowest speed available.
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I think the drill press would be slightly faster, simply because of the accuracy. I spent quite a bit of time on my last bolt mod getting everything "perfect"
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It would only be slightly faster than if you were already pretty skilled with a hand drill. But it's a lot easier and nicer to use. You can get straight holes every time without even trying.
Lining things up is pretty easy. You can just hold it in place by hand, no need for clamps. Just line up, punch hole, move to the next.
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So how would timing work out? Say for instance 8 hours is budgeted to do a bolt mod without a drill press per person, could you still somehow get 2 people sharing one drill press to accomplish the same amount of work in 8 hours?
In an ideal situation we would only need one drill press and everyone could use it to get their board done. And while someone is working on the drill the rest could be doing other things.
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Even with a handheld Dremel you can do it in an hour or 2 the first time, and half that for the second, then less. There are only 50 holes and you can't spend more than a minute or 2 on each one, no matter what. Problem is, you either screw up, or you don't, and then you can't go back anyway.
Bring several chisel-point X-acto blades and learn to cut clean flat lines with them. That makes everything a lot easier.
Get a few pieces of scrap lumber and knock this together. It will make everything a lot more stable.
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It took me about 10 minutes to drill 30 holes on my SSK using my drill press. (There are 50 rivets but I only decided to replace 30.) And it took me about 4 hours to put everything back together after that...haha. Only because I had to take it apart again cause one key wasn't working. But the amount of time spent drilling was a lot less than other the stuff. I'm sure you could share one drill press without a bunch of people waiting in line for it.
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hmm ! I'm having fantasies of a raspberry pi or beaglebone hooked up to a drill press for some automated production work.
Since not too many people are raising their hand I'm going to use the number ten when locating the perfect location. Maybe we'll have some space for stragglers maybe we won't.
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Tapping the 59 rivet holes takes a long time, but then you don't risk cracking the barrel frame when screwing the bolts in.
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So is this happening? I might be interested in some soldering and desoldering. Although it won't be cherry switches.
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Not happening. My primary interest was in buckling springs and the two local bolt modders are not available for this. If someone wants to hold one for Cherry switches this thread is all yours.
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The sadness, I has it. I wanted to learn to bolt mod my SSK :(
Prdlm, you should turn that Indy meet of yours into a mod meet as well as another GH meetup :D
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If there's anyone in MN that wants a bolt-mod meetup I could be one of the gurus. But you can't use my tools or stainless bolts/nuts.
Maybe the third annual MN GH meetup could host bolt-modding? But that would be a year from now...
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I'm sorry, I was one of the modders slated to go, but life got in the way. :(
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I'm sorry, I was one of the modders slated to go, but life got in the way. :(
Screw jobs. Time to start freelance keyboarding!
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The sadness, I has it. I wanted to learn to bolt mod my SSK :(
Prdlm, you should turn that Indy meet of yours into a mod meet as well as another GH meetup :D
That's a possibility. However the suitable workspace is the basement and that place still scares me.