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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: sdiearly on Wed, 22 November 2017, 03:22:55

Title: TEX YODA II - DIY kit (Special Edition)
Post by: sdiearly on Wed, 22 November 2017, 03:22:55
Hi guys,

I had received and assembled my YODA II last week.
Here are some pictures to show my kit and how to assemble TEX YODA II.

https://imgur.com/gallery/OK9fy (https://imgur.com/gallery/OK9fy)

The package of DIY kits from TEX design. Icons list what is contained in this box.
(https://i.imgur.com/VXlaSv3.jpg?1)

TEX logo is printed in the corner.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZzPLMYo.jpg)

After opening the box, the top layer shows we have the keycaps that TEX provided for possible layout on YODAII
(Actually there is a lack of Cherry's stepped Capslock key )
(https://i.imgur.com/ZmjRaPl.jpg)

These keycaps are made in Taiwan.
(https://i.imgur.com/kdYkDrk.jpg)

Below the keycaps, we can see there are pictures show procedure of DIY, and slogan "Think different, Make different"
(https://i.imgur.com/N4rKrd7.jpg)

What's inside? these parts also are with pictures for cross check.
(https://i.imgur.com/xZ171HU.jpg?1)

Yoda II PCB / 3 mouse key PCB / CNC case / Plate
This color is designed by Justin@TEX.design, he provides four pieces for friends.
(https://i.imgur.com/zbyCCaz.jpg?1)

The inner side of CNC case.
(https://i.imgur.com/ym9czbY.jpg?1)

Back side of CNC case, Five screw holes for KB PCB/ two holes for 3 mouse key PCB.
(https://i.imgur.com/sJZSuB9.jpg?1)

What's a joke!!! extra two feet Justin sent to me.
(https://i.imgur.com/7m1ymKP.jpg?1)

USB cable / LEDs / Stabilizer(GMK)
(https://i.imgur.com/aNGr2cv.jpg?1)

Trackpoint module and three different type of hats.
(https://i.imgur.com/ZnO7gvc.jpg?2)

Follow the DIY procedure. step1 : Install Cherry switches on the plate
(https://i.imgur.com/Kd8dJ0V.jpg)

Step2 : Install GMK stabilizers on PCB and combine with plate together.
(https://i.imgur.com/Z1ueZhR.jpg?1)

Step3 : Soldering
(https://i.imgur.com/XXKDnz1.jpg?1)

Bypass step4 and go to step5: LED and switches function test
(https://i.imgur.com/dPy3zhx.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/5f8iUUB.jpg?1)

Step4 : Install Trackpoint module
(https://i.imgur.com/KEg31xs.jpg?1)

Step6-1 : Connect three mouse PCB then go to assembly. TEX's procedure missed this item.
(https://i.imgur.com/A8aUILd.jpg?1)

Step6 : Assembly
(https://i.imgur.com/gSV1Sqm.jpg)

Waiting for keycaps now , I have sent four sets of GHB keys to Justin and ask him for hole drill processing.
The left one is YODA I, which is also friend edition
(https://i.imgur.com/bM1Mhff.jpg?1)
(https://i.imgur.com/4Areo2G.jpg)

Five TEX products are lay on my wall.
(https://i.imgur.com/rcE5PQz.jpg)

If I install keycaps with TEX's default ones. I have to replace another one for capslock.
(https://i.imgur.com/5MV6Srs.jpg)

Title: Re: TEX YODA II - DIY kit (Special Edition)
Post by: MNZT on Wed, 22 November 2017, 05:02:47
Nice post, and collection!

How does the pointer 'nipple' feel? I rarely use the one on my Lenovo laptops, interesting to see how the trackpoint compares when on a mech board.
Title: Re: TEX YODA II - DIY kit (Special Edition)
Post by: MajorKoos on Wed, 22 November 2017, 07:16:37
Hmm.
One needs to drill holes in the G, H and B keys to fit the trackpoint module?
How well would this work as a travel keyboard with the ALU case?
Title: Re: TEX YODA II - DIY kit (Special Edition)
Post by: hanya on Wed, 22 November 2017, 07:59:39
Thanks for sharing these images.
So, the trackpoint module is the same one which has been choosen by UHK. Arrangement of the component on the module are the same with the datasheet which can be seen in:
https://github.com/UltimateHackingKeyboard/datasheets/blob/master/trackpoint/trackpoint_module.pdf
Title: Re: TEX YODA II - DIY kit (Special Edition)
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 22 November 2017, 08:25:16
why didn't they just move the keys over one slot so people won't have to drill their precious keycaps.
Title: Re: TEX YODA II - DIY kit (Special Edition)
Post by: Hyde on Wed, 22 November 2017, 21:15:43
I always wonder if you can just ignore the trackpoint module (it's a bit of a waste I know).

BUT then you map the mouse buttons to FN button so that way you have easy access FN key without changing your typing posture also without needing custom sized spacebar (i.e. Filco Minila).

I'd test this myself but too bad I can't use 60% keyboards (need arrow key + number pad, a lot).
Title: Re: TEX YODA II - DIY kit (Special Edition)
Post by: Gajible on Wed, 22 November 2017, 21:31:00
Hot damn, how'd you get that colour?
Title: Re: TEX YODA II - DIY kit (Special Edition)
Post by: jakllsch on Tue, 20 February 2018, 08:17:47
How is the height of the trackpoint cap with Cherry-profile keycaps?  It seems the OEM-profile keycaps give a realatively flush trackpoint, similar to ThinkPads; I'm worried that it'd protrude a bit too much on lower-profile keycaps.
Title: Re: TEX YODA II - DIY kit (Special Edition)
Post by: jakllsch on Thu, 22 February 2018, 05:59:19
Quote from: jakllsch on Tue, 20 February 2018, 08:17:47
How is the height of the trackpoint cap with Cherry-profile keycaps?  It seems the OEM-profile keycaps give a realatively flush trackpoint, similar to ThinkPads; I'm worried that it'd protrude a bit too much on lower-profile keycaps.

To answer my own question: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jewu8210/sets/72157661967953577 has photos of a Yoda II w/ GMK keycaps.
Title: Re: TEX YODA II - DIY kit (Special Edition)
Post by: TheInverseKey on Thu, 22 February 2018, 09:50:48
How does the trackpoint compare to lenovo laptops in the rate of speed and precision?

Also is there any cursor drag: when the cursor starts dragging by itself across the screen to a certain location.

Thanks