Rollout Update!Hey guys, PCBs are in and keys have been tested. One thing we've discovered with the ARM processor is that simple LED functionality isn't implemented yet on QMK but Gondo is currently working on a workaround. If we can't figure it out before the GB starts, we have a few options, 1) lights will either be always on or always off, 2) we adjust the case so that there won't be any indicators and it's just a design in that spot, 3) PCB needs to be redesigned to accommodate addressable LEDs or switched to a different processor (probably least ideal because it might cause delays during fulfillment). Besides that, PCB fits well, all keys are recognized and we're good to start sending the prototype off to streamers!
First streamer will be to MechsOnDeck host Chewwy. He'll be streaming a build at ~8pm CT on Tuesday (9/10). Be sure to check out his stream for a first look!
https://www.twitch.tv/mechsondeckAfter Chewwy's build, I'll be bringing the case over to 001anthony. Currently we're planning to do an unboxing on his Monday stream (9/16) and a build stream on Saturday (9/21). I believe both streams normally start ~9:30pm CT.
https://www.twitch.tv/001anthonyI will try to be available for all of these streams but I can't promise I'll be around the entire stream. Be sure to ask any questions you have in the beginning or come drop by the discord.
https://discord.gg/fmetSXHAfter the build streams, I'll be shipping that prototype to PheonixStarr to double check everything and make any small adjustments if needed to the case. I will be bringing a few other prototypes to the Austin meetup on the 28th so if you're able to attend that, make sure to come say hi!
GB will start on the 29th at 9AM CT. More details will be posted here before the GB thread opens. Thanks for being patient!
Hi everyone! I've teamed up with two great partners,
PheonixStarr from Nightingale Studios (designer for the Ti-65) and
Gondolindrim (known for the SharkPCB and Acheron), to bring you "Austin".
Please fill out the IC Form!IC FormDiscord ServerThe purpose of the board is to create a full size replacement while reducing the width. The board features a full size numpad, separated arrow keys, and easy keycap compatibility for most custom keysets (no uncommon key sizes). It's great for those who need the functionality of a full size but don't want to give up the quality that a custom keyboard provides.
Specifications:- Aluminum top and bottom - 6063
- Brass weight - Sandblasted
- Top mounted
- 5.5 degree slope
- Fixed plates for ANSI and ISO (ISO plates will be MOQ 10)
- Plate material - Brass (standard), CF, PC
- QMK PCB with USB C
- USB ESD protection on the data lines
- ESD inrush current from case protection on par with IEC EMC standards
- Overvoltage and overcurrent protection
- ARM processor
Pricing: 40 Units FCFSStandard Kit (Aluminum case with weight, PCB, and brass plate) - $475
Extra Brass Plate - TBD
Extra CF Plate - TBD
Extra PC Plate - TBD
Extra PCB - TBD
Colors offerred:
Onyx Black
Titanium Gray
Cobalt Blue
Sterling Silver
New Renders as of 6/16:Austin ft. GMK Rudy* Renders with keycaps are for demonstration only for those who might be confused Starston3 & Pluto. The GB will not include keycaps.
Expanded views
by PheonixStarr. Hit him up for some crispy renders
Layout:
The layout has been decided based on the feedback on the DB01 IC thread. It looks like most people preferred a fixed layout, and the two bottom rows shown were the most popular. This cuts down on having too much Swiss cheese and keeps the plate simpler so it's easier to keep switches straight. I've also cut down on the usual 1u compatibility of the numpad for "Enter" since this board already provides all keys found on a full size. In order to accomplish the dual bottom layout of 1.5/1.5/7/1.5/1.5 and 1.25/1.25/1.25/6.25/1.5/1.5, we are going to change the switches to be North facing for the tsangan layout 1.25/1.25/1.25/6.25/1.5/1.5. This allows people to use either layout without needing to pick a particular file to flash.
Update, we've decided to remove the 1u compatibility for the numpad + in order to keep the PCB simple. Adding that compatibility would reduce the sizes of the pads or we would have made the switch rotated 90 degrees. In order to keep all switches and pads uniform, we decided to remove it.
Notes:- The design is still subject to change. However, don't expect large design changes. The idea behind the design is to keep a simple and elegant design for a functional keyboard that can be used at home or in the workplace.
- I understand this looks similar to a Duck Jetfire. However, this keyboard provides a 2u '0' for the numpad and does not use a Duck PCB. Two big advantages in my book.
- If there are any technical questions about the PCB, feel free to post on this IC and Gondo will provide you a magnificent answer.
- Indicator LEDs will need to be soldered into the PCB
FAQ:- Will the PCB have Hotswap? No, hotswap will not be available. This would require a redesign of the PCB and based on the predicted price range of this keyboard, our target audience should be comfortable with soldering.
- N E ISO avail? Sorry, I'm looking to keep this smaller. Unless we're unable to reach MOQ without ISO, it will be ANSI only.
Special Thanks:
- PheonixStarr and Gondo for teaming up with me
- UndercoverBrother, ManofInterest, Capsy, Seoulcialite, and others who I've asked for feedback
- Hiney, Upas, Okonomiyaki, PyroPyroPryo, and others who I've asked for help
UPDATE AS OF 7/4/19Prototypes have been received and they look good. We're currently waiting on testing the firmware for the prototype PCBs and will order a new round of PCBs once that is successful. There was a KiCad bug that did not test all the diode and resistor locations which might affect the switch placements. Once the new round of PCBs have been tested and assembled, we will start sending the prototype boards to a few streamers to build and review.
ColorsWe will be offering the case in black, gray, and blue. For the prototype run, we tested the factories gray and blue. The gray turned out great but the blue is too intense of a blue. We will choose a darker navy blue for production.
PricingPricing for a standard kit will
start at $475 before fees and shipping. The standard kit will include anodized aluminum top/bottom pieces, anodized aluminum plate, and sandblasted brass weight. Optional sandblasted brass plate will be available and other plate materials are still in consideration. We will only be offering sandblasted brass for this round in order to keep things simple and costs lower. We will request a quote for a possible fourth color (silver).
The GB will be limited to 40 spots. FCFSTLDR: Waiting to test firmware on the prototype PCBs. Once those are done, we will order a new round of PCBs to send to reviewers. Price starts at $475 for a standard kit (black/gray/blue case w/ aluminum plate and brass weight). 40 units FCFS
Prototypes
Current Status:Please come here to check on where we're at!(As of 5/24/19) We're getting quotes for prototypes and are planning to run a 20-30 unit run once we're happy with a manufacturer.
This is only the first revision, and there are a few fixes that need to be made to the files. I will update the renders once new revisions are available. Pricing is still TBD, but given the size of the board, don't expect Polaris pricing.
(As of 5/25/19) Added IC form, please fill out!
(As of 5/28/19) Current waiting for a few more quotes to compare. PCB design should be finished by this week and any small changes to the case due to the PCB should be done this week as well. Planning to order prototypes next week.
(As of 5/31/19) Small update to design, the brass weight will be more rectangular rather than the duck shape from the renders. We will get updated renders so that it'll be easier to see but our current priority is to finish the design files to get to our manufacturer.
(As of 6/1/19) Added discord channel
(As of 6/8/19) In order to accomplish the dual bottom layout of 1.5/1.5/7/1.5/1.5 and 1.25/1.25/1.25/6.25/1.5/1.5, we are going to change the switches to be North facing for the tsangan layout 1.25/1.25/1.25/6.25/1.5/1.5. This allows people to use either layout without needing to pick a particular file to flash. If there is any objection, please let us know here or in the discord.
(As of 6/9/19) Gondo was able to solve the issue of overlapping pins so we won't have any north facing switches for the bottom row.
(As of 6/10/19) Payment for our first protos have gone out!
(As of 6/15/19) Production for prototypes should be finished by June 24th. I expect them to be in my hands sometime in July. We're currently ironing out issues with the PCB fab but hopefully production of the prototype should start next week.
(As of 6/16/19) Added new renders with GMK Rudy and expanded views with the new brass weight.
(As of 6/25/19) Prototype cases are getting close to being finished and should be shipped out by the end of this week. The prototype PCBs are currently being assembled by PheonixStarr and Gondolindrim is finishing up the firmware.
(As of 6/30/19) Prototype 1 should be here on Monday. Prototype 2 will be shipped by Tuesday. We've had to make some changes to the PCB due to a bug in KiCad so new prototypes will need to be ordered. This will add an extra week or two before the GB can start. Also, we decided to remove the 1u compatibility from the numpad + key in order to keep the PCB simple. See layout comment for more details.
(As of 7/22/19) Major delays on the PCB but now our PCB designer is finally getting better after a couple weeks of being in the hospital. Hopefully we will be able to order another batch of Prototype PCBs this week and we should be underway. Hopefully we will be able to get some boards to some streamers by the end of August.
(As of 8/1/19) Second round of proto PCBs have been ordered. Expecting to receive them in 2-3 weeks and will test the final firmware with the new PCB. We're also ordered a new top piece for an adjustment to the LED area. We will try another dark blue with that piece so we should have a better idea what the blue will look like for production.
(As of 8/21/19) Second batch of proto PCBs will be shipping soon. I expect to receive them and test them sometime next week. If everything checks out, I will be sending them to streamers and updating this thread for all the GB details.
(As of 8/27/19) Batch of proto PCBs have been received but we still don't have a working firmware. Unfortunately there is no ETA on this but we will move forward as soon as we can. Apologies for the delays.
(As of 9/9/19) Rollout update posted to top of the post.
