Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[CPTBadAss]

As someone who has no experience soldering or building anything electronically is there a good/affordable kit out there to learn how to build boards? I wouldn't mind taking a crack at it, but I don't want to ruin an expensive board.

Thanks! <3

IIRC mkawa had learn to solder kits from a company. Forget what it is. I recommend grabbing some kind of electronic from the thrift store like a VCR, ripping out any pcb you can find, and practice soldering or desoldering on the components.

[jdcarpe]

As someone who has no experience soldering or building anything electronically is there a good/affordable kit out there to learn how to build boards? I wouldn't mind taking a crack at it, but I don't want to ruin an expensive board.

Thanks! <3

IIRC mkawa had learn to solder kits from a company. Forget what it is. I recommend grabbing some kind of electronic from the thrift store like a VCR, ripping out any pcb you can find, and practice soldering or desoldering on the components.

If I remember correctly, it was an Edsyn CL1481 iron, a DS-017 Soldapullt, some tips for the iron, and solder (maybe on a spool?).

He still has some of that stuff at geekhackers.org, but I don't know what his stock situation or shipping timelines are.

You can always call Edsyn directly and order over the phone. They are very friendly and helpful.

[CPTBadAss]

As someone who has no experience soldering or building anything electronically is there a good/affordable kit out there to learn how to build boards? I wouldn't mind taking a crack at it, but I don't want to ruin an expensive board.

Thanks! <3

IIRC mkawa had learn to solder kits from a company. Forget what it is. I recommend grabbing some kind of electronic from the thrift store like a VCR, ripping out any pcb you can find, and practice soldering or desoldering on the components.

If I remember correctly, it was an Edsyn CL1481 iron, a DS-017 Soldapullt, some tips for the iron, and solder (maybe on a spool?).

He still has some of that stuff at geekhackers.org, but I don't know what his stock situation or shipping timelines are.

You can always call Edsyn directly and order over the phone. They are very friendly and helpful.

Right that's the soldering kit he had. But I bought a kit with like a PCB and some components to make a little game and it was advertised as a learn-to-solder kit. I know they sell 'em at Microcenter but they're marketed as DIY toys.

[alienman82]

removed.

[AnTi PRO]

As someone who has no experience soldering or building anything electronically is there a good/affordable kit out there to learn how to build boards? I wouldn't mind taking a crack at it, but I don't want to ruin an expensive board.

Thanks! <3

IIRC mkawa had learn to solder kits from a company. Forget what it is. I recommend grabbing some kind of electronic from the thrift store like a VCR, ripping out any pcb you can find, and practice soldering or desoldering on the components.

That's actually not a bad idea. I know my dad has some old soldering stuff next time I see him I'll see what I can grab from him. And I know for a fact there's some old VCRs in the basement as well that I can rip apart.

As someone who has no experience soldering or building anything electronically is there a good/affordable kit out there to learn how to build boards? I wouldn't mind taking a crack at it, but I don't want to ruin an expensive board.

Thanks! <3

IIRC mkawa had learn to solder kits from a company. Forget what it is. I recommend grabbing some kind of electronic from the thrift store like a VCR, ripping out any pcb you can find, and practice soldering or desoldering on the components.

If I remember correctly, it was an Edsyn CL1481 iron, a DS-017 Soldapullt, some tips for the iron, and solder (maybe on a spool?).

He still has some of that stuff at geekhackers.org, but I don't know what his stock situation or shipping timelines are.

You can always call Edsyn directly and order over the phone. They are very friendly and helpful.

I'll have to check that out. I'm holding out to see if I can score some old tools from my dad as well.

As someone who has no experience soldering or building anything electronically is there a good/affordable kit out there to learn how to build boards? I wouldn't mind taking a crack at it, but I don't want to ruin an expensive board.

Thanks! <3

IIRC mkawa had learn to solder kits from a company. Forget what it is. I recommend grabbing some kind of electronic from the thrift store like a VCR, ripping out any pcb you can find, and practice soldering or desoldering on the components.

If I remember correctly, it was an Edsyn CL1481 iron, a DS-017 Soldapullt, some tips for the iron, and solder (maybe on a spool?).

He still has some of that stuff at geekhackers.org, but I don't know what his stock situation or shipping timelines are.

You can always call Edsyn directly and order over the phone. They are very friendly and helpful.

Right that's the soldering kit he had. But I bought a kit with like a PCB and some components to make a little game and it was advertised as a learn-to-solder kit. I know they sell 'em at Microcenter but they're marketed as DIY toys.

I was just at micro center last night did see the "learn to solder kit".  I love that store... Bought a teensy hehe

Awesome! There's a Mircocenter not too far away I'll see what I can find over there this week. Do you know what section they would probably be in?

[alienman82]

removed.

[AnTi PRO]

Awesome! There's a Mircocenter not too far away I'll see what I can find over there this week. Do you know what section they would probably be in?

They were in the electronics section on the wall hanging in the baggies they come in.  They had a lot of microcontrollers, I spotted the teensy while I was leaving and picked it up for future soarer converting

Awesome looks like I will be playing adult legos this weekend.

Cheers!

[fohat.digs]

And, of course, you should read this:

http://mightyohm.com/files/soldercomic/FullSolderComic_EN.pdf

[AnTi PRO]

And, of course, you should read this:

http://mightyohm.com/files/soldercomic/FullSolderComic_EN.pdf

Haha this is awesome. The lead part cracked me up.

[ideus]

And, of course, you should read this:

http://mightyohm.com/files/soldercomic/FullSolderComic_EN.pdf

Very nice guide, the author is good at entertaining.

[Joey Quinn]

This question might not have a simple answer but still...

Today I bought a working Brother AX-400 at a thrift store for $10 and I'd love to use it but I use Dvorak. Does anyone know if they made a Dvorak print wheel for them? A quick google search didn't get me anywhere.

[CPTBadAss]

This question might not have a simple answer but still...

Today I bought a working Brother AX-400 at a thrift store for $10 and I'd love to use it but I use Dvorak. Does anyone know if they made a Dvorak print wheel for them? A quick google search didn't get me anywhere.

Dunno but I found the user manual. I glanced at the Table of Contents and it doesn't seem like it supports non-QWERTY English layouts. Just different languages.

[Joey Quinn]

This question might not have a simple answer but still...

Today I bought a working Brother AX-400 at a thrift store for $10 and I'd love to use it but I use Dvorak. Does anyone know if they made a Dvorak print wheel for them? A quick google search didn't get me anywhere.

Dunno but I found the user manual. I glanced at the Table of Contents and it doesn't seem like it supports non-QWERTY English layouts. Just different languages.

That's what it looked like to me, I think I'll have to modify the printwheel it came with.

[Bananabooty2409]

Hello. Today I got my HHBK pro 2. its is my first topre board but I have owned a few mechanical boards with cherry switches before this. Anyways, I really like it alot and its my favorite keyboard I have used so far but my "1" key for whatever reason feels way lighter and feels much different from the rest of the board which has been throwing me off while gaming. It also lacks the "thump" that the other keys have when they bottom out and is much softer. I removed the keycap to see if there was something jammed under it or something but everything looked normal. anyone know what this could be?

[tofgerl]

New or used? If new, return to manufacturer. If used, return to seller.

[jerue]

Would I have any issues trying to swap Alps SKCL Greens into a board with Matias switches...without desoldering? The parts seem swappable, just wondering about the switch leaves themselves, if they are removable or would work on a linear switch just fine.

[CPTBadAss]

Would I have any issues trying to swap Alps SKCL Greens into a board with Matias switches...without desoldering? The parts seem swappable, just wondering about the switch leaves themselves, if they are removable or would work on a linear switch just fine.

Don't think they're directly swappable. If I understand how the Matias switch construction works, it doesn't account for all the extra parts that Alps SKCL Greens will have. I've never tried it before though so it's worth experimenting with. But it's my understanding that you can only swap complicated Alps with complicated Alps parts and Matias with Matias.

[Rally Man]

Does anyone make full size Filco anodized aluminium shells?  I tend to see more TKL shells then full size.  I'd appreciate any help.

[Sifo]

Does anyone make full size Filco anodized aluminium shells?  I tend to see more TKL shells then full size.  I'd appreciate any help.

There used to be a guillotine case for Filcos but I don't know where to get them.



This is the only aftermarket full size case that existed to my knowledge for filcos.

[Rally Man]

Yeah, that's a bit bigger then what I had in mind.

[unoab]

Does anyone make full size Filco anodized aluminium shells?  I tend to see more TKL shells then full size.  I'd appreciate any help.

These ones were posted in another thread where some people were arguing, but do fit what you are looking for as they are for filcos:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/High-Quality-Anodized-Aluminum-Case-Shell-For-Filco-104-Mechanical-Keyboard/32692295491.html
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/High-Quality-Anodized-Aluminum-Case-Shell-For-Filco-104-Mechanical-Keyboard/32648390668.html

[brighenne]

Dang I didn't know there was a guillotine for filcos. I want that.

[Rally Man]

Does anyone make full size Filco anodized aluminium shells?  I tend to see more TKL shells then full size.  I'd appreciate any help.

These ones were posted in another thread where some people were arguing, but do fit what you are looking for as they are for filcos:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/High-Quality-Anodized-Aluminum-Case-Shell-For-Filco-104-Mechanical-Keyboard/32692295491.html
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/High-Quality-Anodized-Aluminum-Case-Shell-For-Filco-104-Mechanical-Keyboard/32648390668.html

Thanks.  I can't see if they offer different color options instead of just red.  Also not sure about the payment options it listed on those links.

Edit: Nevermind, It seems like all the payment options weren't listed when viewing on a smartphone.  Also I'm contacting them directly to see if they offer different color options.

[brighenne]

Does anyone make full size Filco anodized aluminium shells?  I tend to see more TKL shells then full size.  I'd appreciate any help.

These ones were posted in another thread where some people were arguing, but do fit what you are looking for as they are for filcos:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/High-Quality-Anodized-Aluminum-Case-Shell-For-Filco-104-Mechanical-Keyboard/32692295491.html
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/High-Quality-Anodized-Aluminum-Case-Shell-For-Filco-104-Mechanical-Keyboard/32648390668.html

Thanks.  I can't see if they offer different color options instead of just red.  Also not sure about the payment options it listed on those links.

Edit: Nevermind, It seems like all the payment options weren't listed when viewing on a smartphone.  Also I'm contacting them directly to see if they offer different color options.

There are other color options in the listings for that case in taobao. They also are supposed to come with a case mount mini b adapter and aluminum feet.

[BurnMyDread]

So I assembled my b.mini x2 recently. It's my first board with a 7u spacebar and my first board with cherry stabs. I've noticed that when pressing down on the very ends of the spacebar that the switch doesn't activate due to only one side or the other being pressed down, which sometimes leads to missed spaces while typing. Is this normal for longer spacebars with cherry stabilizers and just something I'll have to adjust for?

[xondat]

So I assembled my b.mini x2 recently. It's my first board with a 7u spacebar and my first board with cherry stabs. I've noticed that when pressing down on the very ends of the spacebar that the switch doesn't activate due to only one side or the other being pressed down, which sometimes leads to missed spaces while typing. Is this normal for longer spacebars with cherry stabilizers and just something I'll have to adjust for?

This definitely doesn't sound normal. Could you make a video showing this?

Sounds like the stabilizer isn't working

[BurnMyDread]

This definitely doesn't sound normal. Could you make a video showing this?

Sounds like the stabilizer isn't working

https://vid.me/S1o5

I made a quick video. You can tell when the switch gets activated by the browser scrolling in the background.

Edit: I'm using cherry mx clears with clipped stabs FYI.

[Dreamre]

Anyone have and tips for PCB mount stabs that come loose when pulling off tight keycaps? Anyone stick anything inside the mounting part to prevent it from detaching from the PCB?

[E3E]

Anyone have and tips for PCB mount stabs that come loose when pulling off tight keycaps? Anyone stick anything inside the mounting part to prevent it from detaching from the PCB?

Toothpicks are one way to do it, to spread the tab wide so it can't pop back out. This won't stop the wire from popping out of place though. I haven't thought of anything for that issue, myself, which is the most frustrating one for me.

[ntw]

guys, are the black ones 55g domes?

harvested it from Sony News Topre NWP-411A

[tofgerl]

Are the Novatouch stems compatible with hypersphere rings?
Also, have anyone ordered the ANSI set in Europe before? I can only find the ISO set on the european CM store.

[ntw]

Show Image

guys, are the black ones 55g domes?

harvested it from Sony News Topre NWP-411A

answering my own question with answer from Zeal, yes the black ones are 55g domes and the grey ones are the 45g domes

Are the Novatouch stems compatible with hypersphere rings?
Also, have anyone ordered the ANSI set in Europe before? I can only find the ISO set on the european CM store.

Novatouch stem has the same diameter as the Topre stem so it fits the hypersphere rings

[Dwarlorf]

More

I know my GH60 doesn't have full LED support but I read I can put a few in. Is this correct? If so, is there a maximum number?

You'll see where they can go by the spots for the resistors on the PCB. You'll need to install those for any LEDs to work.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

I take it where it says + and - on the PCB is where the LEDs can go. And the spots where there's two vertical lines and key description is where the transistors go.

How do I know what transistors to get? Does it depend on the  LEDs I choose or is there anything else I have to look out for?

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50865.10

I got it all working! Thank you for your help.

[bcredbottle]

I've been out of the loop for a few months. Have we got thick Alps caps yet?

[CPTBadAss]

I've been out of the loop for a few months. Have we got thick Alps caps yet?

New stuff? No. Vintage stuff? Yes.

[tofgerl]

Is Jukebox still the last SA-set Massdrop had? Been a while, hasn't it? Are they falling out of love with us...?

[xondat]

Is Jukebox still the last SA-set Massdrop had? Been a while, hasn't it? Are they falling out of love with us...?

Chocolatier ended recently.

[tofgerl]

Completely overlooked that. Not my thing

[heedpantsnow]

What approximate temp range do I use on my FX888D for SMD soldering?  I'm trying to add the bluetooth kit to my GON NerD60.

[Moistgun]

What approximate temp range do I use on my FX888D for SMD soldering?  I'm trying to add the bluetooth kit to my GON NerD60.

I have been told 300cel.

I have also seen people suggest going as high as 700.
they might have been lost and talking Fahrenheit.

all with leaded

Id prob go 300-350C

[heedpantsnow]

What approximate temp range do I use on my FX888D for SMD soldering?  I'm trying to add the bluetooth kit to my GON NerD60.

I have been told 300cel.

I have also seen people suggest going as high as 700.
they might have been lost and talking Fahrenheit.

all with leaded

Id prob go 300-350C

Perfect, thank you.

[tofgerl]

I've always used 300C, but I'm told with smaller soldering points higher temperatures can be better, IF you're sure your hands don't shake...

How much lube should I get for 183 keys? (3x60%)
And is there an easier way to open switches than with the opening tools from mechanicalkeyboards.com? I always end up almost bending them when trying to open a switch from both sides at the same time, and if I open them one side at the time I end up closing the first side when opening the second - again and again...

[Moistgun]

I've always used 300C, but I'm told with smaller soldering points higher temperatures can be better, IF you're sure your hands don't shake...

How much lube should I get for 183 keys? (3x60%)
And is there an easier way to open switches than with the opening tools from mechanicalkeyboards.com? I always end up almost bending them when trying to open a switch from both sides at the same time, and if I open them one side at the time I end up closing the first side when opening the second - again and again...

Good point on the soldering, shakey hands mean a big mess.

For the lubing, what kind of switch? linear, tactile, clicky, or topre?

[tofgerl]

Zealios. I'm gonna get some in the next buy if the tube I have isn't enough.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[Moistgun]

Zealios. I'm gonna get some in the next buy if the tube I have isn't enough.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

The thicker stuff in my experience goes alot faster, so I would just get 3 vials at least to be safe.

[tofgerl]

Zealios. I'm gonna get some in the next buy if the tube I have isn't enough.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

The thicker stuff in my experience goes alot faster, so I would just get 3 vials at least to be safe.

Better safe than sorry

[tofgerl]

Never thought of this before, but a Q in the pricing thread put it into my mind: After GMK bought the machining for cherry profile keycaps, do Cherry keyboards still use the same caps? Do they buy them from GMK, or did they buy new machines with a different profile?

[tofgerl]

Speaking of Cherry keycaps, this is supposedly one, and it certainly has the right profile, but why does it have legs?

[CPTBadAss]

Can you try and use a multi-quote next time instead of triple posting?

Speaking of Cherry keycaps, this is supposedly one, and it certainly has the right profile, but why does it have legs?

Show Image

I believe it's for the old style stabilizers.

Never thought of this before, but a Q in the pricing thread put it into my mind: After GMK bought the machining for cherry profile keycaps, do Cherry keyboards still use the same caps? Do they buy them from GMK, or did they buy new machines with a different profile?

They buy their caps from somewhere else. Not from GMK. The last two boards they came out with, the Cherry 3.0 and 6.0, had Devlin caps.

[tofgerl]

Can I get some of those old style stabilizers anywhere? I assume I can't use them with a plate?