geekhack

geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: infiniti on Thu, 08 May 2014, 08:06:28

Title: CMStorm Switch Tester - LED Mod
Post by: infiniti on Thu, 08 May 2014, 08:06:28
CMStorm Switch Tester - LED Mod

I discovered that my 10-month old son likes playing with and "typing" on my QFR.  This was fine until rotation day came and he kept wanting to play with it even while it was on my desk.

The solution?

Get him his own keyboard.  No.  Not the FaceW. :p

= == === == = == === == =

The Board

I started off with a CMStorm Switch Tester (http://www.cmstore-usa.com/mechanical-key-switch-demo-board/).  Many thanks to Carter for helping me get this!

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20523800/GH%20Pictures/2014-05-07a%20CMStorm%20Switch%20Tester/IMG_8534_esw.jpg)

= == === == = == === == =

Opening up the CMStorm Switch Tester

The easiest way to open the case is by prying it from the front.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20523800/GH%20Pictures/2014-05-08a%20CMStorm%20Switch%20Tester%20Mod/IMG_0600_esw.jpg)

Ta-dah!
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20523800/GH%20Pictures/2014-05-08a%20CMStorm%20Switch%20Tester%20Mod/IMG_0595_esw.jpg)

Stripped down:
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20523800/GH%20Pictures/2014-05-07a%20CMStorm%20Switch%20Tester/IMG_8549_esw.jpg)

= == === == = == === == =

Switches

I swapped out the switches with Cherry MX Blues (silver switch stickers, sprit 55g gold springs, and abostudio clear switch top covers) so that they have a nice click to it.

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20523800/GH%20Pictures/2014-05-08a%20CMStorm%20Switch%20Tester%20Mod/IMG_0583_esw.jpg)

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20523800/GH%20Pictures/2014-05-08a%20CMStorm%20Switch%20Tester%20Mod/IMG_0594_esw.jpg)

= == === == = == === == =

Keycaps

At the suggestion of blackbox (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=33130.msg1321107#msg1321107), I will glue the keycaps to the stems to avoid any accidental removal and/or swallowing of keycaps.  That would be a little embarrassing to explain at the ER.

I have some colored translucent polycarb keys from SP on the way.

'got the colored translucent polycarb keys from SP. Thanks to asdfjkl36 for the proxy! :thumb:

Setup will be red, orange, blue, green, yellow, and clear. :thumb:

P.S. This was easier than having to find different color LEDs and have to deal with resistors.

= == === == = == === == =

Wiring <-- weird kerning between the "W" and the "i" :'(

Here's the wiring diagram I used:
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20523800/GH%20Pictures/2014-05-08a%20CMStorm%20Switch%20Tester%20Mod/IMG_0603A_esw.jpg)

Here's the original one I conceptualized a few weeks back (WARNING: it's fugly):
More
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20523800/GH%20Pictures/2014-05-08a%20CMStorm%20Switch%20Tester%20Mod/0cmstorm-switch-tester-wiring-diagram.jpg)


Popped in the LEDs and got bending!
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20523800/GH%20Pictures/2014-05-08a%20CMStorm%20Switch%20Tester%20Mod/IMG_0603_esw.jpg)

I bent the LEDs against the bottom switch housing to keep the LEDs in place.

It looked better before I added the wires... :-X
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20523800/GH%20Pictures/2014-05-08a%20CMStorm%20Switch%20Tester%20Mod/IMG_0606_esw.jpg)

= == === == = == === == =

Reassembly

I had to remove one of the support pegs to make space for the battery.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20523800/GH%20Pictures/2014-05-08a%20CMStorm%20Switch%20Tester%20Mod/IMG_0609_esw.jpg)

It is that part in red that makes the case extremely difficult to open by prying from the rear of the case.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20523800/GH%20Pictures/2014-05-08a%20CMStorm%20Switch%20Tester%20Mod/IMG_0597_esw.jpg)

Snap it shut! :cool:
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20523800/GH%20Pictures/2014-05-08a%20CMStorm%20Switch%20Tester%20Mod/IMG_0599_esw.jpg)

= == === == = == === == =

Testing

All buttoned up!
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20523800/GH%20Pictures/2014-05-08a%20CMStorm%20Switch%20Tester%20Mod/IMG_0616_esw.jpg)

It works!
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20523800/GH%20Pictures/2014-05-08a%20CMStorm%20Switch%20Tester%20Mod/IMG_0617_esw.jpg)

= == === == = == === == =

Testing Video

Pardon the sausage fingers..


I'll post another video when I get the colored polycarb keycaps.  In the meantime, I leave you with The Gang:

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20523800/GH%20Pictures/2014-05-08a%20CMStorm%20Switch%20Tester%20Mod/IMG_0624_esw.jpg)

= == === == = == === == =

Updated Video with Polycarb Keycaps


Playtime:
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20523800/GH%20Pictures/2014-05-18b%20CMStorm%20Switch%20Tester%20Mod/IMG_0839_esw.jpg)

I think it looks better with the GH keycap on it. ;)
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20523800/GH%20Pictures/2014-05-18b%20CMStorm%20Switch%20Tester%20Mod/IMG_0841_esw.jpg)
Title: Re: CMStorm Switch Tester - LED Mod
Post by: riotonthebay on Thu, 08 May 2014, 08:10:04
Awesome write-up, sir! I absolutely love your build logs.
Title: Re: CMStorm Switch Tester - LED Mod
Post by: SpAmRaY on Thu, 08 May 2014, 08:10:30
Very awesome write up, thank you for sharing!!
Title: Re: CMStorm Switch Tester - LED Mod
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 08 May 2014, 08:12:13
Ha that's awesome. I bet you could sneak a Teensy inside and get it actually typing. But I like that LED mod regardless. Plus your pictures are great :D.
Title: Re: CMStorm Switch Tester - LED Mod
Post by: SpAmRaY on Thu, 08 May 2014, 08:14:51
Quote from: CPTBadAss on Thu, 08 May 2014, 08:12:13
Ha that's awesome. I bet you could sneak a Teensy inside and get it actually typing. But I like that LED mod regardless. Plus your pictures are great :D .

Grendel did that http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50594.msg1154494#msg1154494

and there is this

http://www.pcwaishe.cn/thread-543318-1-1.html (http://www.pcwaishe.cn/thread-543318-1-1.html)
Title: Re: CMStorm Switch Tester - LED Mod
Post by: pichu23 on Thu, 08 May 2014, 08:24:48
Whatt. That looks so cool. I wonder if this is possible with the qwer switch tester. I might give it a shot. :0
Title: Re: CMStorm Switch Tester - LED Mod
Post by: infiniti on Thu, 08 May 2014, 08:34:12
Thanks guys! ;D

Ooh a Teensy mod!  Bookmarking that idea for future mods. :thumb:
Title: Re: CMStorm Switch Tester - LED Mod
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 08 May 2014, 08:35:43
Or or or? Make it complicated and have it driven off the TechKeys business card. One button for on, one for off, and one for an LED toggle :P
Title: Re: CMStorm Switch Tester - LED Mod
Post by: osi on Thu, 08 May 2014, 08:46:59
Very cool sir!
Title: Re: CMStorm Switch Tester - LED Mod
Post by: asdfjkl36 on Thu, 08 May 2014, 08:54:39
Turned out pretty nice
 :thumb:
Title: Re: CMStorm Switch Tester - LED Mod
Post by: infiniti on Thu, 08 May 2014, 09:53:00
Quote from: CPTBadAss on Thu, 08 May 2014, 08:35:43
Or or or? Make it complicated and have it driven off the TechKeys business card. One button for on, one for off, and one for an LED toggle :P

I like your ideas!  But something like that would be deserving of its own project.  I'll PM you after my FaceW build and run some ideas by you if that's cool.

=== == = == ===

Quote from: osi on Thu, 08 May 2014, 08:46:59
Very cool sir!

Quote from: asdfjkl36 on Thu, 08 May 2014, 08:54:39
Turned out pretty nice
 :thumb:

Wait 'til you see it with the polycarb caps! ;)
Title: Re: CMStorm Switch Tester - LED Mod
Post by: MythicalWagyu on Thu, 08 May 2014, 10:43:57
Such a cool dad! Great build log too, thanks for sharing  :thumb:
Title: Re: CMStorm Switch Tester - LED Mod
Post by: Grendel on Thu, 08 May 2014, 13:52:44
Very nice !  :D

Quote from: infiniti on Thu, 08 May 2014, 08:34:12
Ooh a Teensy mod!  Bookmarking that idea for future mods. :thumb:

Here (http://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/build-a-6-key-keyboard-from-scratch-t7717.html#p155316)'s a better writeup of what I did.
Title: Re: CMStorm Switch Tester - LED Mod
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 08 May 2014, 19:17:00
Nicely done - both of you! :)
Title: Re: CMStorm Switch Tester - LED Mod
Post by: infiniti on Fri, 09 May 2014, 01:59:15
Quote from: Grendel on Thu, 08 May 2014, 13:52:44
Very nice !  :D

Quote from: infiniti on Thu, 08 May 2014, 08:34:12
Ooh a Teensy mod!  Bookmarking that idea for future mods. :thumb:

Here (http://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/build-a-6-key-keyboard-from-scratch-t7717.html#p155316)'s a better writeup of what I did.
Quote from: Grendel on Thu, 08 May 2014, 13:52:44
Very nice !  :D

Quote from: infiniti on Thu, 08 May 2014, 08:34:12
Ooh a Teensy mod!  Bookmarking that idea for future mods. :thumb:

Here (http://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/build-a-6-key-keyboard-from-scratch-t7717.html#p155316)'s a better writeup of what I did.

Bookmarked for possible future use. :thumb:
Title: Re: CMStorm Switch Tester - LED Mod
Post by: Razor Lotus on Fri, 09 May 2014, 07:03:32
Is the case easy to open up after you've modded it to fit the batteries?

I suppose if it's for your kids you wouldn't want it to be easily opened up but as a novelty item, would it be difficult to change the battery? If it's difficult to do so, any way of making it easier to open but still allowing it to snap shut nicely?
Title: Re: CMStorm Switch Tester - LED Mod
Post by: infiniti on Fri, 09 May 2014, 08:55:01
Quote from: Razor Lotus on Fri, 09 May 2014, 07:03:32
Is the case easy to open up after you've modded it to fit the batteries?

I suppose if it's for your kids you wouldn't want it to be easily opened up but as a novelty item, would it be difficult to change the battery? If it's difficult to do so, any way of making it easier to open but still allowing it to snap shut nicely?

Nope, there's no way a kid could open it with his bare hands.  It's rather difficult to open the case even for an adult.  I had to use a plastic pry tool...I tired one of those credit card type membership cards and messed it up.

Umm...changing batteries...umm...I hadn't really considered that. :( I'll probably find a way to pop in a rechargeable battery that can be recharged over USB or something.

It would be nice if it had a screwed on door underneath for AAA batteries likes children's toys.  Hmm...time to do some more thinking.
Title: Re: CMStorm Switch Tester - LED Mod
Post by: infiniti on Tue, 20 May 2014, 05:11:01
Updated the OP with pics and video with the colored polycarbonate keycaps from SP. :cool:
Title: Re: CMStorm Switch Tester - LED Mod
Post by: pichu23 on Tue, 20 May 2014, 09:07:11
Really really nice Indeed. I'm gonna try to do something similar with the qwer keys tester when I have the time !
Title: Re: CMStorm Switch Tester - LED Mod
Post by: SpAmRaY on Tue, 20 May 2014, 09:10:50
Now make it make noise!! ;)
Title: Re: CMStorm Switch Tester - LED Mod
Post by: blackbox on Wed, 21 May 2014, 04:04:23
Very nice writeup! thanks for refering to me, it would have indeed been difficult to explain the situation.
Title: Re: CMStorm Switch Tester - LED Mod
Post by: James35 on Wed, 21 May 2014, 04:52:48
Outstanding. I'm really thinking of doing this for my son if I get the time.
Title: Re: CMStorm Switch Tester - LED Mod
Post by: rosslerosa on Thu, 22 May 2014, 00:50:26
Amazing!
Title: Re: CMStorm Switch Tester - LED Mod
Post by: KTKM on Thu, 23 July 2015, 17:05:13
Where did you get that plastic wedge to pry it open?
Title: Re: CMStorm Switch Tester - LED Mod
Post by: infiniti on Thu, 23 July 2015, 19:48:01
Quote from: KTKM on Thu, 23 July 2015, 17:05:13
Where did you get that plastic wedge to pry it open?

Hmm...I'm not too sure.  It was just in a box of random things I've accumulated over the years.  I have a feeling it came with a screen protector as a squeegee type tool.
Title: Re: CMStorm Switch Tester - LED Mod
Post by: KTKM on Fri, 24 July 2015, 00:27:07
Quote from: infiniti on Thu, 23 July 2015, 19:48:01
Quote from: KTKM on Thu, 23 July 2015, 17:05:13
Where did you get that plastic wedge to pry it open?

Hmm...I'm not too sure.  It was just in a box of random things I've accumulated over the years.  I have a feeling it came with a screen protector as a squeegee type tool.


It's such a pain in the ass to open... did you pry only in the front in the middle?
Title: Re: CMStorm Switch Tester - LED Mod
Post by: infiniti on Mon, 27 July 2015, 10:18:06
Quote from: KTKM on Fri, 24 July 2015, 00:27:07
Quote from: infiniti on Thu, 23 July 2015, 19:48:01
Quote from: KTKM on Thu, 23 July 2015, 17:05:13
Where did you get that plastic wedge to pry it open?

Hmm...I'm not too sure.  It was just in a box of random things I've accumulated over the years.  I have a feeling it came with a screen protector as a squeegee type tool.


It's such a pain in the ass to open... did you pry only in the front in the middle?

Yeah it is even with the tool. :'(

Basically prying like this while pushing on the keycaps until it pops out.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/20523800/GH%20Pictures/2014-05-08a%20CMStorm%20Switch%20Tester%20Mod/IMG_0600_esw.jpg)