Author Topic: The DC Project (CAD Files nearly complete)  (Read 24919 times)

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Offline Mechboards

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The DC Project (CAD Files nearly complete)
« on: Fri, 10 March 2017, 03:18:48 »
Hello all! I had an idea a while ago (here) about creating a custom modular keyboard. You may have seen a similar design on the /r/mechanicalkeyboard subreddit a little while after. I've decided to push forward with my attempt and designed a couple of 3d printed parts using kle and swill.

TO RECEIVE UPDATES - CLICK HERE



3D printed parts that I got printed locally for £40.

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Starting to install switches and keycaps

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Next stage is to edit the original 3d files to include room for PCB+Teensy, magnets to hold the parts together, as well as bottom plate which would include rubber feet.

I'm hoping this could become a real product in the near future with an IC once I figure out all the PCB issues with connecting the parts.
« Last Edit: Thu, 11 January 2018, 09:19:49 by Mechboards »

Offline Mechboards

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Re: The DC Project
« Reply #1 on: Fri, 24 March 2017, 05:33:32 »
I've recently redesigned the 3d files to include room for PCB as well as 5mm magnets to interlink the pieces. I'm talking to someone about the PCB design and we're getting somewhere. We think we've solved how to connect the parts up so they can be interchangeable. Also trying to source magnetic couplers for the PCBs. Eventually this will have an engraved top plate, and an acrylic base I believe (cheapest option for now) until ALU is looked into as a case material. I'll update with V2 pictures when the designs turn up.

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« Last Edit: Fri, 24 March 2017, 06:07:22 by Mechboards »

Offline Mechboards

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Re: The DC Project
« Reply #2 on: Mon, 03 April 2017, 08:40:31 »
Version 2.0 came in and I was able to install the magenets so the whole system is now dockable. Time to look into the PCB and where the connections might go. It might have to have a small chin around the edges to accommodate. I'll post a video or something later.
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Offline Mechboards

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Re: The DC Project
« Reply #3 on: Tue, 04 April 2017, 02:45:43 »
Video -

TO RECEIVE UPDATES - CLICK HERE
« Last Edit: Tue, 04 April 2017, 03:03:07 by Mechboards »

Offline Mechboards

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Re: The DC Project (Progress - 3D Printed Prototype)
« Reply #4 on: Thu, 08 June 2017, 08:31:35 »
So after the above video I got to work with a PCB designer and we got PCB's through earlier last week! At the moment they're using pogo pins to connect instead of the nice magnetic connectors we will use in the final version hopefully. But the connections work great! You can hot swap and it all works.

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I also got to work designed the first proper case for this which will be 3d printed for testing purposes.



Offline Mechboards

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Re: The DC Project (Progress - 3D Printed Prototype)
« Reply #5 on: Fri, 09 June 2017, 04:16:37 »
I was able to put the first part together last night and the 3d case fit really well! On to the right hand portion!

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Offline Marcel

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Re: The DC Project (Progress - 3D Printed Prototype)
« Reply #6 on: Sun, 11 June 2017, 10:56:30 »
Hi,
Good work !

I looked into 3D printer too for the 'plate' but was wondering if it's solid enough.
According to CherryMX datasheet, it must be 1.5mm thick. Will the 3D printed plastic be strong enough to not bend or break under heavy typists ?

Offline Mechboards

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Re: The DC Project (Progress - 3D Printed Prototype)
« Reply #7 on: Mon, 12 June 2017, 04:59:28 »
Hi,
Good work !

I looked into 3D printer too for the 'plate' but was wondering if it's solid enough.
According to CherryMX datasheet, it must be 1.5mm thick. Will the 3D printed plastic be strong enough to not bend or break under heavy typists ?

1.5mm will bend but not break. My second prototype case was rock solid but that was 2mm thick with cutouts for switches, and a 10mm frame.
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Offline Mechboards

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Re: The DC Project (Progress - 3D Printed Prototype)
« Reply #8 on: Tue, 04 July 2017, 11:18:30 »
Just a view of different layouts possible with this keyboard. Bottom 5 keys is a small module for use with a 65% keyboard layout.

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« Last Edit: Tue, 04 July 2017, 11:21:14 by Mechboards »

Offline Mechboards

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Re: The DC Project (Progress - 3D Printed Prototype)
« Reply #9 on: Sun, 09 July 2017, 18:48:32 »
More pictures of case version 0.3 which is NOT representative of the final design. It's more to get the stands the correct sizes and make sure the 2 parts meet correctly.

Offline Mechboards

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Re: The DC Project (Progress - 3D Printed Prototype)
« Reply #10 on: Wed, 12 July 2017, 18:43:44 »
New case being 3d printed

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Offline MOZ

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Re: The DC Project (Progress - 3D Printed Prototype)
« Reply #11 on: Thu, 13 July 2017, 09:03:21 »
Looking great!

Offline AMongoose

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Re: The DC Project (Progress - 3D Printed Prototype)
« Reply #12 on: Thu, 13 July 2017, 10:11:19 »
Very interesting project. Will it be possible to use it split?

Offline Mechboards

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Re: The DC Project (Progress - 3D Printed Prototype)
« Reply #13 on: Tue, 18 July 2017, 03:21:35 »
Looking great!

Thanks!

Very interesting project. Will it be possible to use it split?

Yes - the 60% can be used split with a TRRS cable.




Offline AMongoose

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Re: The DC Project (Progress - 3D Printed Prototype)
« Reply #14 on: Tue, 18 July 2017, 05:54:42 »
Very interesting project. Will it be possible to use it split?

Yes - the 60% can be used split with a TRRS cable.
[/quote]

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Offline Mechboards

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Re: The DC Project (Progress - 3D Printed Prototype)
« Reply #15 on: Thu, 20 July 2017, 09:12:00 »
Case has arrived. Just waiting on updated PCB and plate.
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Offline MOZ

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Re: The DC Project (Progress - 3D Printed Prototype)
« Reply #16 on: Thu, 20 July 2017, 16:49:06 »
Nice!, how are you planning on the electronics connecting to each other? This is very similar to my Blox project I had started but never completed.

Offline Mechboards

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Re: The DC Project (Progress - 3D Printed Prototype)
« Reply #17 on: Thu, 20 July 2017, 17:54:22 »
Nice!, how are you planning on the electronics connecting to each other? This is very similar to my Blox project I had started but never completed.
Thanks! I'll look this Blox project up :)
Neodymium magnets and pogo pins at the moment, but we're hoping to use a custom connector at launch.

Sent from my F5121 using Tapatalk


Offline Mechboards

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Re: The DC Project (Progress - 3D Printed Prototype)
« Reply #18 on: Tue, 25 July 2017, 05:17:23 »
Final case layout has been completed. Now to stylize and make it look pretty!

PCB's are being redone and should be with us soon. MIGHT have a prototype at the UK Meetup.

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Offline Mechboards

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Re: The DC Project (Progress - 3D Printed Prototype)
« Reply #19 on: Fri, 04 August 2017, 10:36:47 »
So I was struggling a bit with case design matching up with the PCB and making sure that it would work. Keebs/Homerowco has kindly offered to help design the case! Here are some screenshots. We'll be using pocketed magnets moving forward so there will be no magnets on the outside now - we will use small homing pins to make sure alignment is correct. The magnets will have around 1.5kg (!!!!) pull.

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Offline Mechboards

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Re: The DC Project (Progress - 3D Printed Prototype)
« Reply #20 on: Tue, 09 January 2018, 16:11:42 »
Sorry for delay - It's been a while since we last updated! Main 60% is complete - we're now looking into manufacturing.
Let me know what you think :)

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Offline ojrask

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Re: The DC Project (Progress - 3D Printed Prototype)
« Reply #21 on: Tue, 09 January 2018, 17:32:51 »
Hadn't seen this project before. Looks awesome!
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Offline TD22057

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Re: The DC Project (Progress - 3D Printed Prototype)
« Reply #22 on: Tue, 09 January 2018, 18:09:52 »
This look awesome.  Is it going to be a commercial only product?  Or will you release the case and PCB files for DIY'ers to build their own? 

Offline Mechboards

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Re: The DC Project (Progress - 3D Printed Prototype)
« Reply #23 on: Wed, 10 January 2018, 08:35:31 »
Hadn't seen this project before. Looks awesome!

Thanks man!

This look awesome.  Is it going to be a commercial only product?  Or will you release the case and PCB files for DIY'ers to build their own? 

Cheers! V1 will be commercial only. V2 will hopefully be open.


Offline vincent88928

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Re: The DC Project (CAD Files nearly complete)
« Reply #24 on: Mon, 15 January 2018, 06:33:10 »
Hello all! I had an idea a while ago (here) about creating a custom modular keyboard. You may have seen a similar design on the /r/mechanicalkeyboard subreddit a little while after. I've decided to push forward with my attempt and designed a couple of 3d printed parts using kle and swill.

TO RECEIVE UPDATES - CLICK HERE

(Attachment Link)

3D printed parts that I got printed locally for £40.

(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)

Starting to install switches and keycaps

(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)

Next stage is to edit the original 3d files to include room for PCB+Teensy, magnets to hold the parts together, as well as bottom plate which would include rubber feet.

I'm hoping this could become a real product in the near future with an IC once I figure out all the PCB issues with connecting the parts.
Cool
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Offline Mechboards

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Re: The DC Project (CAD Files nearly complete)
« Reply #25 on: Wed, 17 January 2018, 09:07:34 »
Recent render release.

The previous designer has gone AWOL. We're looking at getting someone in to finish off the design as well as add some pieces.

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Offline TheDankMatter

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Re: The DC Project (CAD Files nearly complete)
« Reply #26 on: Wed, 14 March 2018, 07:52:00 »
Any updates?  Im so stocked for this.

Offline hanya

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Re: The DC Project (CAD Files nearly complete)
« Reply #27 on: Wed, 14 March 2018, 09:11:26 »
Hmm, it seems you have some pins through the PCB. They make the PCB would no slide to insert pogo pins and contacts
to put side hole of the case.
How to assemble the side which has both pogo pins and contacts in the different sides?
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Offline Mechboards

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Re: The DC Project (CAD Files nearly complete)
« Reply #28 on: Wed, 14 March 2018, 09:26:18 »
New design coming together.
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Offline Mechboards

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Re: The DC Project (CAD Files nearly complete)
« Reply #29 on: Wed, 14 March 2018, 09:27:23 »
Any updates?  Im so stocked for this.

Thanks! We're working with a new designer so see above :)

Hmm, it seems you have some pins through the PCB. They make the PCB would no slide to insert pogo pins and contacts
to put side hole of the case.
How to assemble the side which has both pogo pins and contacts in the different sides?

We've solved this issue with inserting parts for the connections.
« Last Edit: Wed, 14 March 2018, 09:29:48 by Mechboards »

Offline jimirolln

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Re: The DC Project (CAD Files nearly complete)
« Reply #30 on: Wed, 14 March 2018, 14:47:20 »
absolutely amazing...next level innovation...very nice

Offline Poesjuh

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Re: The DC Project (CAD Files nearly complete)
« Reply #31 on: Fri, 30 March 2018, 17:14:08 »
Any exciting updates?

Offline Mechboards

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Re: The DC Project (CAD Files nearly complete)
« Reply #32 on: Tue, 03 April 2018, 03:18:40 »
Getting there!


Offline MC Qwerty

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Re: The DC Project (CAD Files nearly complete)
« Reply #33 on: Tue, 03 April 2018, 09:44:44 »
Wow this looks really cool and is a fantastic idea  :thumb:
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Re: The DC Project (Progress - 3D Printed Prototype)
« Reply #34 on: Fri, 13 April 2018, 15:20:51 »
Hadn't seen this project before. Looks awesome!

Thanks man!

This look awesome.  Is it going to be a commercial only product?  Or will you release the case and PCB files for DIY'ers to build their own? 

Cheers! V1 will be commercial only. V2 will hopefully be open.

Looks like I'll be waiting for the V2. I love this keyboard, but an open design version would be even better.
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Offline Mechboards

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Re: The DC Project (CAD Files nearly complete)
« Reply #35 on: Fri, 13 April 2018, 19:15:59 »
Extra modules being designed as we speak

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Offline funderburker

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Re: The DC Project (CAD Files nearly complete)
« Reply #36 on: Sat, 14 April 2018, 02:00:14 »
Extra modules being designed as we speak

(Attachment Link)



Beautiful!  :thumb:
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Offline Poesjuh

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Re: The DC Project (CAD Files nearly complete)
« Reply #37 on: Sat, 14 April 2018, 16:26:44 »
Sexyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

Offline Mechboards

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Re: The DC Project (CAD Files nearly complete)
« Reply #38 on: Thu, 19 April 2018, 05:31:30 »
Modules nearly complete! Sayu is doing a fantastic job.

Sidenote - We will need a chamfered plate, what's the best way to get these cut/made?
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Offline Athlio

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Re: The DC Project (CAD Files nearly complete)
« Reply #39 on: Sun, 13 May 2018, 10:04:17 »
I absolutely cannot wait for this to launch. Looking good!

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Re: The DC Project (CAD Files nearly complete)
« Reply #40 on: Sun, 20 May 2018, 17:03:30 »
Any news? :)

Offline Mechboards

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Re: The DC Project (CAD Files nearly complete)
« Reply #41 on: Sat, 02 June 2018, 08:33:52 »
Proto cases are being anodised as we speak. Here is a quick render of the main 60% by Sayu

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Offline Mechboards

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Re: The DC Project (CAD Files nearly complete)
« Reply #42 on: Fri, 06 July 2018, 11:03:09 »
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Offline Mechboards

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Re: The DC Project (CAD Files nearly complete)
« Reply #43 on: Thu, 12 July 2018, 09:44:32 »
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Offline Mechboards

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Re: The DC Project (CAD Files nearly complete)
« Reply #44 on: Thu, 12 July 2018, 09:50:23 »
Proto Case arrived! A couple changes but other than that, it's ready to go! Magnets arrived yesterday, screws arrive today, PCB's arrive Monday hopefully. Once final prototype is complete, I can ask suppliers for MOQ and price up this beauty.

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Offline xtrafrood

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Re: The DC Project (CAD Files nearly complete)
« Reply #45 on: Thu, 12 July 2018, 19:49:36 »
Whoa, how did I miss this thread?! Looks really clean and sleek for a modular keyboard :)

Offline Mechboards

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Re: The DC Project (CAD Files nearly complete)
« Reply #46 on: Fri, 13 July 2018, 06:29:46 »
Whoa, how did I miss this thread?! Looks really clean and sleek for a modular keyboard :)

Thanks man! It's coming along nicely

Offline TD22057

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Re: The DC Project (CAD Files nearly complete)
« Reply #47 on: Thu, 19 July 2018, 17:31:53 »
I'm guessing there is no hope of a version with the function key row is there? 

Offline Mechboards

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Re: The DC Project (CAD Files nearly complete)
« Reply #48 on: Wed, 08 August 2018, 06:52:12 »
The DC-01 will be making its way to the Mechanical Keyboard UK Meetup this Saturday! We WON'T be attending, but Jae has kindly stepped up to showcase the keyboard.
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Offline Mechboards

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Re: The DC Project (CAD Files nearly complete)
« Reply #49 on: Fri, 24 August 2018, 08:26:17 »
I'm guessing there is no hope of a version with the function key row is there? 

It's not planned, but something might happen with this in the future

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