Author Topic: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)  (Read 180452 times)

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Offline regack

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #100 on: Wed, 30 October 2013, 21:38:06 »
What about those cases where there is extra room so you can take off switch covers without desoldering?

Those plates have little notches where the 4 prongs that hold the switch together can slide out of the plate without de-soldering the switch-base.  The plate is still trapped between the switch-base and the PCB.


Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #101 on: Wed, 30 October 2013, 21:38:11 »
What about those cases where there is extra room so you can take off switch covers without desoldering?

You can't get around it.  You need the plate when you put it together.

Offline Pacifist

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #102 on: Wed, 30 October 2013, 21:40:45 »
Ah I see. So for those not making cases, who are you getting yours from?

Offline inteli722

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #103 on: Wed, 30 October 2013, 21:41:50 »
Ah I see. So for those not making cases, who are you getting yours from?


I'll probably be tapping MOZ or Nubbinator. I'd love to get Photekq's case, but it's going to be way too expensive.
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Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #104 on: Thu, 31 October 2013, 21:01:57 »
I've decided to try something like this.  The idea is to have it resemble a platform supported by four big posts with big old rubber feet on each corner.
Just sent it out for fabrication.

42031-0

Offline Hak Foo

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #105 on: Thu, 31 October 2013, 22:36:33 »
Interesting.  You don't see that many concave designs... it has a pleasing Space Age charm to it
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Offline regack

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #106 on: Fri, 01 November 2013, 06:16:23 »
I've decided to try something like this.  The idea is to have it resemble a platform supported by four big posts with big old rubber feet on each corner.
Just sent it out for fabrication.

(Attachment Link)

This is going to be amazing!

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #107 on: Fri, 01 November 2013, 07:51:12 »
Interesting.  You don't see that many concave designs... it has a pleasing Space Age charm to it

I wanted to go with something different.  Wasn't really going for "space age" but I can see that.
My inspiration was those glass bathroom scales
42127-0

However I couldn't really make the 4 posts nice and big without making the thing unwieldy, so I brought in the sides to thin out the look and accentuate the corners.

Offline MOZ

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #108 on: Fri, 01 November 2013, 08:03:02 »
Interesting.  You don't see that many concave designs... it has a pleasing Space Age charm to it

I wanted to go with something different.  Wasn't really going for "space age" but I can see that.
My inspiration was those glass bathroom scales
(Attachment Link)

However I couldn't really make the 4 posts nice and big without making the thing unwieldy, so I brought in the sides to thin out the look and accentuate the corners.

We can try something like this, clear acrylic with large metallic feet.

Offline inteli722

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #109 on: Fri, 01 November 2013, 15:36:42 »
Interesting.  You don't see that many concave designs... it has a pleasing Space Age charm to it

I wanted to go with something different.  Wasn't really going for "space age" but I can see that.
My inspiration was those glass bathroom scales
(Attachment Link)

However I couldn't really make the 4 posts nice and big without making the thing unwieldy, so I brought in the sides to thin out the look and accentuate the corners.

We can try something like this, clear acrylic with large metallic feet.

Keep the bezels small, and you can take my money.
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Offline Pacifist

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #110 on: Fri, 01 November 2013, 15:49:24 »
Same, looks dam nice

Offline Pacifist

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #111 on: Sun, 03 November 2013, 12:56:20 »
Interesting.  You don't see that many concave designs... it has a pleasing Space Age charm to it

I wanted to go with something different.  Wasn't really going for "space age" but I can see that.
My inspiration was those glass bathroom scales
(Attachment Link)

However I couldn't really make the 4 posts nice and big without making the thing unwieldy, so I brought in the sides to thin out the look and accentuate the corners.

I love the design. About how much will it cost?

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #112 on: Sun, 03 November 2013, 13:40:52 »
I love the design. About how much will it cost?

Hard to say.  Final designs could vary widely in materials or style.  Just making one is very expensive.  Making 5 or more would probably bring it down to under $50

Offline catnipz0098

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #113 on: Sun, 03 November 2013, 15:13:41 »
I like it. Its like the GH pad but has more keys. Where can I get one?  :thumb:

Offline inteli722

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #114 on: Sun, 03 November 2013, 15:26:38 »
I like it. Its like the GH pad but has more keys. Where can I get one?  :thumb:

It's a limited run which may already be ordered (probably), so you may have just missed out on it.
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Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #115 on: Sun, 03 November 2013, 15:35:42 »
I like it. Its like the GH pad but has more keys. Where can I get one?  :thumb:

If you are really down to buy one, keep checking back here.  I will try to get one into the hands of everyone who wants one.

Offline catnipz0098

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #116 on: Sun, 03 November 2013, 15:45:59 »
I like it. Its like the GH pad but has more keys. Where can I get one?  :thumb:

If you are really down to buy one, keep checking back here.  I will try to get one into the hands of everyone who wants one.

After seeing previous posts, I see that this will be a one time run. I will probably buy a GH pad.

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #117 on: Wed, 06 November 2013, 23:03:18 »
Man, I hate waiting.  The PCB continues to work its way through fabrication and the guy doing the plates is taking longer than usual.

Mean time I was thinking about how to outfit this thing with keycaps.  The difficulty comes from the the two extra 2x1 vertical keys on the thumb.  Realistically the only keys that will work are blanks.  If there was a way to buy blank numberpads, that would do the trick, those aren't exactly common.  You could buy two blank DSA numpad sets from keycapsdirect for under $20 that would completely cover the qazpad.  That's pretty good but I don't like DSA.

For DCS not much to do other than use + and Enter vertical keys from kits laying around.  Speak up if you have any ideas.

7bit's R5 presents an opportunity... The ergodox kit has a bunch of the vertical keys.  2x HONEY/NUMPAD (21*2=$42) and 1x HONEY/ERGOBASE ($29) would be able to completely cover two qazpads for $36 each.  Of course, all kinds of other kits would be desirable to fill out the top row with meaningful legends, and that gets expensive quick.  Could take some from a HONEY/STANDARD if you were going to get that anyway, I guess.  HONEY/MOD100, HONEY/MODEXTRA100, HONEY/CURSORBASE, and HONEY/CURSOR/R3 would be useful also.

Okay, well... good talk.  G'night

Offline Hak Foo

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #118 on: Wed, 06 November 2013, 23:53:45 »
Well, we can probably harvest some from Crap Bags too.
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Offline MOZ

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #119 on: Thu, 07 November 2013, 00:11:18 »
There is always the SP inventory.

Offline Pacifist

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #120 on: Thu, 07 November 2013, 00:47:49 »
Man, I hate waiting.  The PCB continues to work its way through fabrication and the guy doing the plates is taking longer than usual.

Mean time I was thinking about how to outfit this thing with keycaps.  The difficulty comes from the the two extra 2x1 vertical keys on the thumb.  Realistically the only keys that will work are blanks.  If there was a way to buy blank numberpads, that would do the trick, those aren't exactly common.  You could buy two blank DSA numpad sets from keycapsdirect for under $20 that would completely cover the qazpad.  That's pretty good but I don't like DSA.

For DCS not much to do other than use + and Enter vertical keys from kits laying around.  Speak up if you have any ideas.

7bit's R5 presents an opportunity... The ergodox kit has a bunch of the vertical keys.  2x HONEY/NUMPAD (21*2=$42) and 1x HONEY/ERGOBASE ($29) would be able to completely cover two qazpads for $36 each.  Of course, all kinds of other kits would be desirable to fill out the top row with meaningful legends, and that gets expensive quick.  Could take some from a HONEY/STANDARD if you were going to get that anyway, I guess.  HONEY/MOD100, HONEY/MODEXTRA100, HONEY/CURSORBASE, and HONEY/CURSOR/R3 would be useful also.

Okay, well... good talk.  G'night

Are you already making the case? What design did you pick? The bathroom scale one?

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #121 on: Thu, 07 November 2013, 06:12:32 »
I'm having one example made of the red cutouts I posted a little ways back.

Offline MOZ

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #122 on: Thu, 07 November 2013, 13:47:57 »
qaz, waiting on the cad file with correct location and size of USB along with the reset switch if it is present.

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #123 on: Thu, 07 November 2013, 19:29:27 »
qaz, waiting on the cad file with correct location and size of USB along with the reset switch if it is present.

I finally got off my lazy butt!
Fixed up some design elements and put in the phantom switch cutouts.
Posted to OP.  Should have everything you need to create new designs to your heart's content.  Just erase the outer lines and make new shapes.

Offline Pacifist

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #124 on: Thu, 07 November 2013, 21:16:09 »
Can't wait! Don't know how to do 3D modeling so I'll be buying a case.

Offline regack

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #125 on: Fri, 08 November 2013, 14:27:55 »
Can't wait! Don't know how to do 3D modeling so I'll be buying a case.


Undoubtedly MOZ will whip up something good.

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #126 on: Fri, 08 November 2013, 14:37:54 »
Can't wait! Don't know how to do 3D modeling so I'll be buying a case.


Undoubtedly MOZ will whip up something good.
The GHpad case is really sexy, so I'm sure he can

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #127 on: Sat, 09 November 2013, 09:49:52 »
I screwed up big time.  Ordered the wrong amount of ATmega controllers and now I don't have enough and they are out of stock everywhere.  Not sure if they are going to be restocked or what.

Edit: Ignore this.  They came back in stock at Mouser since I last checked.
« Last Edit: Sat, 09 November 2013, 11:04:39 by metalliqaz »

Offline nubbinator

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #128 on: Sat, 09 November 2013, 10:44:58 »
I screwed up big time.  Ordered the wrong amount of ATmega controllers and now I don't have enough and they are out of stock everywhere.  Not sure if they are going to be restocked or what.

Have you tried the part number on octopart?

Offline regack

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #129 on: Sat, 09 November 2013, 10:50:49 »
I screwed up big time.  Ordered the wrong amount of ATmega controllers and now I don't have enough and they are out of stock everywhere.  Not sure if they are going to be restocked or what.

I hope I'm not too late, but I can forego the ones I wanted, so you can use those to make sure everyone ordering one of your keypads has controllers.
« Last Edit: Sat, 09 November 2013, 10:54:57 by regack »

Offline MOZ

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #130 on: Sat, 09 November 2013, 10:57:25 »
What controller are you using? I have some extras, so I could let mine go to someone else.

Offline regack

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #131 on: Sat, 09 November 2013, 11:01:53 »
What controller are you using? I have some extras, so I could let mine go to someone else.

it's the ATMEGA32U4-AU (TQFP44 package)

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #132 on: Sat, 09 November 2013, 11:03:46 »
It's okay.  False alarm.  Mouser has them in stock.

Offline MOZ

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #133 on: Sat, 09 November 2013, 11:05:41 »
Isn't that the same one we used for the GHPad?

If yes, you can give my controller to someone else.

Offline nubbinator

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #134 on: Sat, 09 November 2013, 11:08:29 »
It's okay.  False alarm.  Mouser has them in stock.

Looks like Verical does too.

Offline MOZ

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #135 on: Sat, 09 November 2013, 11:09:27 »
Oh good, you found them.

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #136 on: Sat, 09 November 2013, 11:13:07 »
It's the same as the GHpad, yes.  Also the GH60, Epsilon, and JD's 40% 'Smallfry'.
I usually only go to Digikey, Mouser, or Newark.  I prefer Digikey.  I checked a while ago and stocks were looking pretty thin.  Now Mouser has 'em but Digikey is out until Q1 2014.

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #137 on: Sat, 09 November 2013, 11:18:10 »
Odd, I always prefer Mouser.  They're usually cheaper for me and their customer service is amazing, even if you're the one who screws up.  I accidentally ordered the wrong MOLEX tool from them and they told me to keep it and sent a new one free of charge.  They're just awesome to deal with.

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #138 on: Sat, 09 November 2013, 11:54:43 »
That's cool.  I guess in my case it's just inertia.  I've been a Digikey customer for 15 years.

Offline Pacifist

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #139 on: Sat, 09 November 2013, 20:34:53 »
YAYAYAYAY

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #140 on: Sat, 09 November 2013, 20:55:48 »
The PCBs are just a few miles from my house but I have to wait until Monday. ugh I hate that.

Offline MOZ

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #141 on: Sat, 09 November 2013, 20:57:40 »
Where did you order from?

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #142 on: Sat, 09 November 2013, 21:02:02 »
China. PCBwing

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #143 on: Sat, 09 November 2013, 21:03:42 »
And the friggin laser cutter is supposed to take three business days but its been 7 and nothing.  Grumble grumble.


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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #144 on: Sun, 10 November 2013, 14:18:15 »
At least they're almost here. I won't be fully building this until I get my stickers from moz and/or figure out a way to be able to remove the switch tops with LEDs soldered in

Offline regack

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #145 on: Sun, 10 November 2013, 14:45:25 »
At least they're almost here. I won't be fully building this until I get my stickers from moz and/or figure out a way to be able to remove the switch tops with LEDs soldered in

If you modify the switch tops before putting the LEDs in, it is possible to create removable tops that can come off without having to desolder the LEDs.

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #146 on: Sun, 10 November 2013, 15:06:36 »
At least they're almost here. I won't be fully building this until I get my stickers from moz and/or figure out a way to be able to remove the switch tops with LEDs soldered in

If you modify the switch tops before putting the LEDs in, it is possible to create removable tops that can come off without having to desolder the LEDs.

I tried doing it. I don't have the correct tools so its a bit cluncky and especially on the inner side its not trimmed correctly

Offline regack

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #147 on: Sun, 10 November 2013, 15:19:21 »
The PCBs are just a few miles from my house but I have to wait until Monday. ugh I hate that.

I hope it's not USPS, or you'll be waiting until Tuesday  :'(

Offline calavera

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #148 on: Sun, 10 November 2013, 16:01:51 »
The more I look at the layout, it'd make a nice compact gaming board like the razor thingy as long as the board supports programmable keys.

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Prototyping: Custom extended numpad (31 key)
« Reply #149 on: Sun, 10 November 2013, 16:35:26 »
The more I look at the layout, it'd make a nice compact gaming board like the razor thingy as long as the board supports programmable keys.

Completely programmable, with macros and media keys.  Right now I'm thinking of mapping it like this.