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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: Mechboards on Fri, 10 March 2017, 03:18:48
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Hello all! I had an idea a while ago (here (https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboardsUK/comments/5ha7sj/ic_mechboards_modular_keyboard_idea_please_dont/)) 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 (http://eepurl.com/cJBGM1)
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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.
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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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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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Video -
TO RECEIVE UPDATES - CLICK HERE (http://eepurl.com/cJBGM1)
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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.
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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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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 ?
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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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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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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.
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New case being 3d printed
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Looking great!
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Very interesting project. Will it be possible to use it split?
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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.
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Very interesting project. Will it be possible to use it split?
Yes - the 60% can be used split with a TRRS cable.
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Kewl
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Case has arrived. Just waiting on updated PCB and plate.
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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.
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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
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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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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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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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Hadn't seen this project before. Looks awesome!
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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?
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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.
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Hello all! I had an idea a while ago (here (https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboardsUK/comments/5ha7sj/ic_mechboards_modular_keyboard_idea_please_dont/)) 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 (http://eepurl.com/cJBGM1)
(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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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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Any updates? Im so stocked for this.
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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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New design coming together.
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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.
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absolutely amazing...next level innovation...very nice
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Any exciting updates?
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Getting there!
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Wow this looks really cool and is a fantastic idea :thumb:
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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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Extra modules being designed as we speak
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Extra modules being designed as we speak
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(https://media.giphy.com/media/k2bbmbmvUo7gA/giphy.gif)
Beautiful! :thumb:
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Sexyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
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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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I absolutely cannot wait for this to launch. Looking good!
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Any news? :)
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Proto cases are being anodised as we speak. Here is a quick render of the main 60% by Sayu
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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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Whoa, how did I miss this thread?! Looks really clean and sleek for a modular keyboard :)
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Whoa, how did I miss this thread?! Looks really clean and sleek for a modular keyboard :)
Thanks man! It's coming along nicely
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I'm guessing there is no hope of a version with the function key row is there?
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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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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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Yes yes yes!!!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Endgame kind of stuff
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Endgame kind of stuff
Thanks man - if we get this spot on I hope it will be for some :)
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Endgame kind of stuff
Thanks man - if we get this spot on I hope it will be for some :)
This is what I had envisioned with TS65 and the Blox project, with life hitting me int he face like a wall, I've had little to no time in this hobby, so haven't been able to complete my TS65 boards, but can see myself getting one of these when completed.
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We've put together a visual timeline of the development of the DC-01 before production starts. It's visible here (https://mechboards.co.uk/development-of-the-dc-01/) but you can see a snap of it below
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Great project! Hope I can join when the time comes.
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Nice! I hope that when it's done you will make also standard keyboards (not split, and more solid).