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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: ishtob on Fri, 21 April 2017, 19:39:21

Title: Hadron - acustom PCB for cherry ML
Post by: ishtob on Fri, 21 April 2017, 19:39:21: I think this little project of mine is mature enough now to be shown in public. I have been learning on how to make a PCB board with integrated MCU instead of having to wire in a teensy/pro micro. I know not everyone is a fan of the ortholinear setup, but let me know what you guys think!

I call it Hadron - to keep to the subatomic theme of the ortholinear boards.

(http://i.imgur.com/Lpv54Xm.jpg) (http://imgur.com/Lpv54Xm)

Features:
- cherry ML switches - so naturally a 18.05mm spacing
- all components except for the switches on 1 side - easier to bake the SMD on
- integrated MCU using the trusty atemga32u4
- USB type-C connector
- I2C pin for OLED display. link:https://www.amazon.com/Blue-0-91-Inch-Display-Module/dp/B06XRYRCZY (https://www.amazon.com/Blue-0-91-Inch-Display-Module/dp/B06XRYRCZY)

~~Currently waiting on the PCB and cherry ML switches to arrive.~~

Update 1 - version 0 has arrived, but had some issues with the placement of some of the screw holes. here is some images of the first prototype:

(http://i.imgur.com/aFbvV08.jpg) (http://imgur.com/aFbvV08)

(http://i.imgur.com/14JmYpn.jpg?1) (http://imgur.com/14JmYpn)

(http://i.imgur.com/wPfFsW1.jpg) (http://imgur.com/wPfFsW1)

(http://i.imgur.com/L4pNgWZ.jpg) (http://imgur.com/L4pNgWZ)
Title: Re: custom PCB for cherry ML
Post by: Joey Quinn on Fri, 21 April 2017, 22:16:18: Not a fan of ortholinear but I've designed a few PCBs, I'd be interested in seeing how you routed the traces instead of just seeing the component module layout.
Title: Re: custom PCB for cherry ML
Post by: ishtob on Fri, 28 April 2017, 10:21:54: first prototype arrived, check the edits on the first post
Title: Re: custom PCB for cherry ML
Post by: meepmeep on Sat, 29 April 2017, 08:23:36: Holy crap this is amazing!

I am actually planning on building an i75, so its amazing to see this board! But man your board is soooo amazing, very excellent engineering involved here. I'm glad you've taken a logical design to the location of the

- Integrated MCU! amazing! yes!

- Ortholinear

- USB C

- AND a nice oled screen! amazing.

my biggest question, I'd really really like this in an MX as I love my reds. Got any plans to have either layer available? (ive got lots in stock)

I dont see any lighting on your board, are you planning on offering that?

Also do you have a breakout for unused pins so I can RGB blast anyone who dares gaze upon its glory? I do see a VCC and GND pinouts, so yes?

ANND FINALLY, if you want to toss me your extra PCBs i would be happy to make a nice build log.
Title: Re: custom PCB for cherry ML
Post by: ishtob on Sat, 29 April 2017, 21:17:12: saw you reply over at reddit but didnt have time to reply till now (was out for a few hours at a show ...holy cow my mail box got spammed). if you want the I have extras but they are unpopulated
Title: Re: custom PCB for cherry ML
Post by: K.Mak on Sun, 30 April 2017, 17:28:12: I'm a big fan of the C-type connector, seems like everything but my keyboard uses it.
Title: Re: Hadron - acustom PCB for cherry ML
Post by: vim_commando on Wed, 03 May 2017, 23:58:06: I really dig this build. :thumb:

Ever since I saw the "low profile" Cherry switch I wondered why no one was using it, I know the keycap options are... limited.

What do they type like in comparison to the rest of the Cherry family?
Title: Re: Hadron - acustom PCB for cherry ML
Post by: ishtob on Thu, 04 May 2017, 13:44:59: feels pretty good now that it is more broken in to, it used to stick it I hit a key really off center. i think for the next build i am going to lube it.

keycap option actually isn't too bad, I got in touch with SP, a set of blanks would run between $30-60 depending on MOQ. They offer double shot and pad printing as well.
Title: Re: Hadron - acustom PCB for cherry ML
Post by: rm-rf on Thu, 04 May 2017, 14:54:30: i do like this build. i'm not a big fan of the layout.
there was a lot of hype for this switches many years ago.
it is very cool that someone is working these switches into a custom pcb.
i may have to follow this.
Title: Re: Hadron - acustom PCB for cherry ML
Post by: _haru on Fri, 05 May 2017, 19:15:36: This is actually very cool :O
Title: Re: Hadron - acustom PCB for cherry ML
Post by: mrbishop on Mon, 15 May 2017, 09:44:32: i'm happy to see an ML switch board. i like the low profile-ness of the switch and with some new manufacturers building clones a board like this could be the new thing.

interested

subbed. :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
Title: Re: Hadron - acustom PCB for cherry ML
Post by: SBJ on Tue, 16 May 2017, 03:12:23: Quote from: mrbishop on Mon, 15 May 2017, 09:44:32
i'm happy to see an ML switch board. i like the low profile-ness of the switch and with some new manufacturers building clones a board like this could be the new thing.

interested

subbed. :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
Ye same.
Very cool indeed to see a ML board.
Title: Re: Hadron - acustom PCB for cherry ML
Post by: mrbishop on Tue, 16 May 2017, 20:37:59: good news... you can buy the new ML inspired switches in brown blue and red.... band news MOQ is 5000 pieces LOL and i'm not sure they use the same footprint as the old school ML's do. need to talk to MattO
Title: Re: Hadron - acustom PCB for cherry ML
Post by: kurplop on Tue, 16 May 2017, 21:43:05: I tried to get some and never heard back from them. Do you think that Kailh only sell wholesale to importers? I tried placing an order for 8000 switches, but no response.

If they only sell to dealers, do we have any retailers willing to order a large quantity if they knew they had buyers?