Post by: hasu on Sat, 07 March 2015, 21:43:00
(http://i.imgur.com/Ofqw6GBh.jpg)
Assembled PCB is available here: [TMK] Alps64 - 60% PCB for Alps (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=91843.0) 2022-01-09
Update
2015/03 PCB Rev.A
2015/04/05 Finished my AEK mod
2015/05 PCB Rev.B ISO Enter fix
2015/10 PCB Rev.C Silk fix: position of K70, K40 and value of resistor:10K -> 1K / Capslock for Cherry Stepped 1.25u
2016/04 PCB Rev.D Fix Xtal foot print and value of R and C
See github repository below for the latest updates.
PCB Design Files
PCB is designed by KiCad and design files are available here.
https://github.com/tmk/alps64
BOM - Components
Controller: ATmega32U2
Connector: MiniB Hirose UX60SC-MB-5S8 (http://www.digikey.jp/product-detail/ja/hirose-electric-co-ltd/UX60SC-MB-5S8/H11589CT-ND/1949225)
Diode: SOD123 or Axial lead diodes(1N4148, for example)
Switch: ALPS SKCM/SKCL
Firmware
TMK keymap editor for Alps64:
You can edit keymap and download firmware from Keymap Editor, you don't have to build from source code yourself.
http://www.tmk-kbd.com/tmk_keyboard/editor/unimap/?alps64
(http://i.imgur.com/d8weULJ.png)
Source code:
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/tree/master/keyboard/alps64
See this wiki to build.
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/wiki#build-firmware
Program Controller
To enter programming mode(start DFU bootloader) hook up to USB port and press tiny push button on bottom side of PCB.
Consult with this wiki page to flash firmware.
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/wiki#flash-firmware
Supported Layouts
AEK:(http://i.imgur.com/s9YDucJ.png) 103:(http://i.imgur.com/NXgaUvb.png)
104:(http://i.imgur.com/fvhVJQD.png) ISO:(http://i.imgur.com/mTrTmou.png)
Infinity:(http://i.imgur.com/8gxGykC.png) BigAss:(http://i.imgur.com/HIhCzNv.png)
Caveat: AEK ISO layout is not supported, it is different from standard ISO layout.
Check GB thread for the laest and detail infos.
Supported Cases
KBC Poker compatible cases
Check GB thread for the laest and detail infos.
My AEK 60% mod log
More
Problem/Motivation
When I planed on my own 60% ALPS keyboard my primary problem was source of keycaps, stablizers, mouning plate and case. I don't have access to CNC machine nor 3D printer to make case and plate and can't afford for it. My crude solutions are making good ol' AEK a victim for keycaps, stabilizers and plate, and ripping off its case from my unused Poker X. Cutting plate is no easy task in particular with hand saw, it took half a day for me to cut AEK plate down to 60%. It was ridiculously time consuming job. Now only missing peice is PCB to accomodate my favorite ALPS switches, lowpoly's hand wiring matrix is not good option to place them into the case unfortunately, I need a PCB in the end.
photos
I desoldered orange switches from AEK and cut its plate into 60% part.
(http://i.imgur.com/mB5pcJyh.jpg)
Soldered switcheds on PCB
(http://i.imgur.com/YUZN107h.jpg)
Plate cutout for screw
(http://i.imgur.com/55FyVHsh.jpg)
60% AEK with Poker X case
(http://i.imgur.com/dROBVcOh.jpg)
2015/04/05 Done!
Album: http://imgur.com/a/XKcnH#10
When I planed on my own 60% ALPS keyboard my primary problem was source of keycaps, stablizers, mouning plate and case. I don't have access to CNC machine nor 3D printer to make case and plate and can't afford for it. My crude solutions are making good ol' AEK a victim for keycaps, stabilizers and plate, and ripping off its case from my unused Poker X. Cutting plate is no easy task in particular with hand saw, it took half a day for me to cut AEK plate down to 60%. It was ridiculously time consuming job. Now only missing peice is PCB to accomodate my favorite ALPS switches, lowpoly's hand wiring matrix is not good option to place them into the case unfortunately, I need a PCB in the end.
photos
I desoldered orange switches from AEK and cut its plate into 60% part.
(http://i.imgur.com/mB5pcJyh.jpg)
Soldered switcheds on PCB
(http://i.imgur.com/YUZN107h.jpg)
Plate cutout for screw
(http://i.imgur.com/55FyVHsh.jpg)
60% AEK with Poker X case
(http://i.imgur.com/dROBVcOh.jpg)
2015/04/05 Done!
Album: http://imgur.com/a/XKcnH#10
Post by: jacobolus on Sat, 07 March 2015, 23:42:30
Post by: hasu on Sun, 08 March 2015, 06:33:18
It needs to be drilled holes and cutout to screw down, both side cutouts may break stabilizer holes a bit. Other concer is that space bar stab holes is on very edge of plate and bottom rim is only 0.7mm.
(http://i.imgur.com/cqV6ECRh.jpg)
I'm using Infinity PCB to test temporarily.
Post by: ramnes on Sun, 08 March 2015, 07:17:17
(http://i.imgur.com/blhxGUe.jpg)
Post by: hasu on Sun, 08 March 2015, 07:46:37
Unfortunately my PCB doesn't support AEK ISO, whose keys are is shifted differently from normal keyboard :(
Post by: ramnes on Sun, 08 March 2015, 09:47:59
Post by: Applet on Sun, 08 March 2015, 13:15:32
Post by: mashby on Mon, 09 March 2015, 13:09:42
Post by: nubbinator on Mon, 09 March 2015, 13:10:49
Post by: hasu on Mon, 09 March 2015, 20:59:16
EDIT: The cheapest 100mmx300mm PCB production costs $63/5pcs or $74/10pcs and around $22 for shipping.
This makes me think about drilling Infinity PCB and patch with wire, it must be cheap.
Post by: nubbinator on Mon, 09 March 2015, 21:43:11
Post by: heedpantsnow on Mon, 09 March 2015, 22:09:02
Post by: Applet on Tue, 10 March 2015, 03:15:45
Post by: vivalarevolución on Tue, 10 March 2015, 06:54:04
Post by: CPTBadAss on Tue, 10 March 2015, 07:04:35
Otherwise, This is a cool project and I'm posting here to keep up with it :D.
Post by: jacobolus on Tue, 10 March 2015, 10:10:35
Some vintage purists would not be happy with such butchering of a piece of keyboarding history.There were millions of AEK IIs made. No one should be crying about a few (or even a few dozen) getting hacked up.
Post by: hasu on Tue, 10 March 2015, 10:35:11
You can take only raw PCB, raw PCB with components, or assembled PCB(excluding diodes).
I'll post here once the GB thread is created.
Post by: vivalarevolución on Tue, 10 March 2015, 11:09:28
Some vintage purists would not be happy with such butchering of a piece of keyboarding history.There were millions of AEK IIs made. No one should be crying about a few (or even a few dozen) getting hacked up.
I cry myself to sleep every night with the thought of vintage keyboards being shredded.
Post by: jacobolus on Tue, 10 March 2015, 11:44:30
Post by: nubbinator on Tue, 10 March 2015, 12:05:39
I cry myself to sleep every night with the thought of vintage keyboards being shredded.
Dude, they're only Dells.
...and AEKs. The only really sad ones are the Omnikeys and Silicone Graphics boards.
Post by: Badwrench on Tue, 10 March 2015, 12:07:18
Post by: hasu on Tue, 10 March 2015, 12:13:57
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69740.0
Post by: vivalarevolución on Tue, 10 March 2015, 12:23:55
I cry myself to sleep every night with the thought of vintage keyboards being shredded.
Dude, they're only Dells.
...and AEKs. The only really sad ones are the Omnikeys and Silicone Graphics boards.
It�s not exactly �shredded� if they go from being unused on a shelf somewhere to being actively incorporated in a new well-loved hobbyist keyboard.
Apparently, my Internet sarcasm needs work.
Post by: jacobolus on Tue, 10 March 2015, 12:25:37
Apparently, my Internet sarcasm needs work.No, we got it. I’m just saying... :-)
Post by: vivalarevolución on Tue, 10 March 2015, 12:28:07
Apparently, my Internet sarcasm needs work.No, we got it. I’m just saying... :-)
I'll consider this project to be similar to a Phoenix rising from the ashes.
Post by: Findecanor on Tue, 10 March 2015, 12:40:57
Yeah, I wondered if you could make it work with ISO AEK... ;DHmm.. How about making ISO AEK builders users shift the PCB a bit to the right?
Trim some off the right side of the PCB, and add alternative switch positions for the keys at the bottom, left and right edges. Also, screw holes would have to be elongated.
ISO AEK builders would have to modify a Poker case somewhat to make the shifted USB socket fit but that is a small mod that would be worth it.
Post by: hasu on Tue, 10 March 2015, 22:22:36
FYI:
You may check similar samwisekoi's 60% project which supports both ALPS and Cherry switch and backlighting, and his PCB can be assembled only with through hole soldering by using Teensy as controller. (I think most of you already checked it and know more than me :D)
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=67815.0
I also checked his project when I was planing on AEK mod and I though it doesn't support AEK layout and doesn't fit to my stock plastic Poker X case without removing its ribs. Then I started designing my own PCB which goes straight to my need.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40501.msg1627582#msg1627582
Post by: hasu on Thu, 02 April 2015, 18:57:29
Let's stencil it.
(http://i.imgur.com/btBn3wnh.jpg)
A scoop of solder paste and scraper.
(http://i.imgur.com/KUM1VRkh.jpg)
herd of ATMega32u2.
(http://i.imgur.com/jsJbNuIh.jpg)
placed components.
(http://i.imgur.com/SlbEDQbh.jpg)
I bought this wide toaster for 60% PCB, it can accommodate a board yay :D
(http://i.imgur.com/JIzyu2Oh.jpg)
toast it until golden.
(http://i.imgur.com/LaB0RHkh.jpg)
smells tasty, inspect it with cheep magnifier.
(http://i.imgur.com/OH4DvDoh.jpg)
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 02 April 2015, 19:27:06
/me drools
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 02 April 2015, 19:29:49
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 02 April 2015, 20:32:17
We all want toasters now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI7tWd7B3iI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI7tWd7B3iI)
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 02 April 2015, 21:02:19
OMG at the end. I was rolling.We all want toasters now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI7tWd7B3iI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI7tWd7B3iI)
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 02 April 2015, 21:04:27
Post by: Yoe on Fri, 03 April 2015, 00:53:00
Post by: Applet on Sat, 04 April 2015, 04:54:53
Post by: hasu on Sun, 05 April 2015, 02:23:06
AEK in Poker case.
(http://i.imgur.com/dROBVcOh.jpg)
Post by: nubbinator on Sun, 05 April 2015, 02:29:59
Finished my mod!
AEK in Poker case.Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/dROBVcOh.jpg)
It's working? I am so stoked to get mine. Now to decide what switches to go with.
Post by: Yoe on Sun, 05 April 2015, 05:50:16
Finished my mod!
AEK in Poker case.Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/dROBVcOh.jpg)
I love/want this!! A bit of oxy action and uv light on that space bar, and this will be as fresh as cherry blossoms in spring! :cool:
Post by: Yoe on Sun, 05 April 2015, 08:08:31
[attach=1]
Edit: I just realized some other keys ends up in the wrong row too.. Have to see if I can do something about that.
Edit 2: This is a bit better.. but the '/* key will need an extended stem.
[attach=2]
Post by: CPTBadAss on Sun, 05 April 2015, 09:27:02
Finished my mod!Awwww yeeeeeeee. Typing test video?
AEK in Poker case.Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/dROBVcOh.jpg)
Post by: hasu on Sun, 05 April 2015, 11:10:25
CPTBadAss, I'm typing but it feel like it need to be lub'd with RO-59 before shoot, hehe.
Post by: Yoe on Mon, 06 April 2015, 03:10:17
Yoe, right. The PCB works with those layout.
Thanks! :)
Post by: hasu on Tue, 14 June 2016, 18:26:35
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69740.msg2197576#msg2197576
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/issues/361
Post by: scotprice on Mon, 25 July 2016, 08:46:30
Post by: hasu on Mon, 25 July 2016, 14:09:38
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
Post by: pr0ximity on Sun, 04 September 2016, 10:21:50
(https://deskthority.net/resources/image/6716)
Post by: hasu on Mon, 05 September 2016, 18:43:07
Random question from someone with essentially 0 circuit or keyboard design experience: how feasible would it be to move the USB port on the PCB to be centered at the top? Maybe flip the 7 numkey switch to move the pins for the switch out of the way, like this?Show Image(https://deskthority.net/resources/image/6716)
I think you are right. You need to flip 7-key switch to fit a connector there. And flipping Alps switch at 180deg is no problem like Cherry.
Post by: Username? on Fri, 30 June 2017, 00:30:11
Don't hesitate if you need something more!
/mynameis
Post by: hasu on Fri, 30 June 2017, 01:18:56
I hope the AEK ISO photos will be of some help Hasu! :)
Don't hesitate if you need something more!
/mynameis
Thank you for the photos of AEK-ISO. I just examined the photos and found fact that we cannot use upper two screw mounts with the keyboard due to its 0.25u shift. This perhaps makes negative difference in typing feel and I think many don't accept this flaw.
Unfortunately I have to say that AEK ISO support won't happen after all :(
(http://i.imgur.com/MPdQoZDh.jpg)
EDIT: for reference, AEK-ISO layout is shifted 1/4 key to right, compare to ANSI layout.
(http://i.imgur.com/bEmVx92h.jpg)
Post by: merlin64 on Sat, 30 September 2017, 15:12:10
Random question from someone with essentially 0 circuit or keyboard design experience: how feasible would it be to move the USB port on the PCB to be centered at the top? Maybe flip the 7 numkey switch to move the pins for the switch out of the way, like this?Show Image(https://deskthority.net/resources/image/6716)
Looking to put this in your Duck 60% or any of the other cool 60% customs out there?
Post by: zacbir on Thu, 12 July 2018, 11:00:13
Post by: hasu on Thu, 12 July 2018, 18:43:39
I love this keyboard. I lucked out and got a GH60 case with plenty of room underneath. Anyone considered adding bluetooth support inside? I've broken down a Logitech K760 and have considered using an Adafruit Bluefruit Friend board + extras. Does the Alps64 board support any GPIO?
Current revision of the PCB supports 3 GPIO pinouts, you can find on right side of microcontroller.
(http://i.imgur.com/3tVMc1K.png)
Post by: abrahamstechnology on Mon, 31 December 2018, 17:34:13
Post by: hasu on Mon, 31 December 2018, 17:45:38
Hi, what's the full bill of materials? Thanks.
No BOM file but KiCAD files still are available on github, check first post. I think you can know them from there.
Post by: abrahamstechnology on Mon, 31 December 2018, 18:02:25
Hi, what's the full bill of materials? Thanks.
No BOM file but KiCAD files still are available on github, check first post. I think you can know them from there.
Can you tell me what components are needed per board? LCSC doesn't seem to like the BOM file that KiCad generates. Thanks.
Post by: hasu on Mon, 31 December 2018, 19:12:43
Hi, what's the full bill of materials? Thanks.
No BOM file but KiCAD files still are available on github, check first post. I think you can know them from there.
Can you tell me what components are needed per board? LCSC doesn't seem to like the BOM file that KiCad generates. Thanks.
I have no time to do that for a while. Can you collect components by hand from KiCAD and post it by text format here?
No special component there but I'll be able to correct it if it is not exact or needs to be specific.
Post by: abrahamstechnology on Mon, 31 December 2018, 20:19:07
Post by: hasu on Mon, 31 December 2018, 20:50:06
Ok, I can see the values of the resistors and caps, but don't know the size of them. Also I don't know anything about the clock crystal, the LED being used, or the surface mount button. (Sorry, I'm new to KiCAD and PCBs)
All of resistors and capacitors are 1608 metric except that big capacitor is 3216.
Led is obsolete SML012 and probably hard to obtain outside of Japan, but you will be able to find alternatives easily.
Crytal is Seiko Epson FA238 or compatible and its capacitors depends on the crystal's spec. You have to consult with datasheet to decide the value. I'm using 10pF instead of 22 for now BTW. Alps SKRP is used for the button on this project.
What is your plan on this? I guess you better change pcb design for components you can obtain cheaply and easily perhaps.
Post by: abrahamstechnology on Mon, 31 December 2018, 21:01:39
Ok, I can see the values of the resistors and caps, but don't know the size of them. Also I don't know anything about the clock crystal, the LED being used, or the surface mount button. (Sorry, I'm new to KiCAD and PCBs)
All of resistors and capacitors are 1608 metric except that big capacitor is 3216.
Led is obsolete SML012 and probably hard to obtain outside of Japan, but you will be able to find alternatives easily.
Crytal is Seiko Epson FA238 or compatible and its capacitors depends on the crystal's spec. You have to consult with datasheet to decide the value. I'm using 10pF instead of 22 for now BTW. Alps SKRP is used for the button on this project.
What is your plan on this? I guess you better change pcb design for components you can obtain cheaply and easily perhaps.
Ok, I think I'm all set, thanks!
Post by: zacbir on Thu, 17 January 2019, 11:49:11
I love this keyboard. I lucked out and got a GH60 case with plenty of room underneath. Anyone considered adding bluetooth support inside? I've broken down a Logitech K760 and have considered using an Adafruit Bluefruit Friend board + extras. Does the Alps64 board support any GPIO?
Current revision of the PCB supports 3 GPIO pinouts, you can find on right side of microcontroller.Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/3tVMc1K.png)
Anyone have any sample code making use of the GPIO pins? I admit I'm at a bit of a loss on how or where I'd start with modifying this keyboard to use bluetooth. I settled on the Adafruit Feather M0 Bluefruit board (https://www.adafruit.com/product/2995).
Post by: hasu on Thu, 17 January 2019, 20:11:33
As for Alps64 firmware side, how to use/configure the GPIO depends on those things. You can used 'hook.h' api to make your codes run, in general you will be able to use `hook_late_init` for initialization and `hook_keyboard_loop` for code running repeatedly. You can place your codes either in matrix.c or your keymap.c, btw.
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/blob/master/tmk_core/common/hook.h
Post by: zacbir on Thu, 24 January 2019, 09:34:17
what's your plan on connection and communication protocol between the Adafruit Feather M0 Bluefruit LE and Alps64? I think you need to program controller on the board(ATSAMD21G18) to let them communicate, do you already have existent firmware for that?
I don't. At this point, I'm accumulating components and trying to learn as much as I can to formulate a plan. I have a wishlist, and that's about it:
- Alps64-based (both in terms of switches and programmability)
- Bluetooth to support at least two, preferably three, devices
So far, the closest inspiration I've found is something like the Anne Pro 2 (programmable, multi-host) or the Royal Kludge RK61 (non-programmable, multi-host). I picked up the latter pretty inexpensively, but ultimately, I'd like to build one based around the Alps64 and the spare parts I have on hand (several AEKIIs left).
As for Alps64 firmware side, how to use/configure the GPIO depends on those things. You can used 'hook.h' api to make your codes run, in general you will be able to use `hook_late_init` for initialization and `hook_keyboard_loop` for code running repeatedly. You can place your codes either in matrix.c or your keymap.c, btw.
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/blob/master/tmk_core/common/hook.h
Excellent. Adding it to my ever-expanding pile of things to digest.
Post by: abrahamstechnology on Sat, 26 January 2019, 17:22:10
Post by: hasu on Sat, 26 January 2019, 21:31:12
First, flash default firmware downloaded from keymap editor if you flashed your own firmware.
If not I think there is short circuit somewere in pcb.
Next install tool like elitekeyboards.com switchhitter and check if there are other keys that trriger multiple or weird keypress. Backspace is located on K27 and = on K17, so you will have to check keys on K1*, K2* and K*7 closely in particular.
Post by: swedishpiehole on Tue, 26 March 2019, 09:45:38
Post by: abrahamstechnology on Sun, 31 March 2019, 14:18:21
I would love to make a 60% AEK but would rather not have to desolder all those switches. Is there anywhere to source Alps switches besides old keyboards?
https://matias.store/collections/keycaps-and-switches-1
https://shop.tai-hao.com/categories/apc-switch
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/VK-Mechanical-key-mechanical-keyboard-special-2-foot-button-switch-unlock-no-lock-switch/32872345233.html
NOS old Alps:
https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.112.451247d5Iaiucu&id=564060070279&ns=1&abbucket=2#detail
https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.22.451247d5Iaiucu&id=564219093923&ns=1&abbucket=2#detail
https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.29.451247d5Iaiucu&id=581526536741&ns=1&abbucket=2#detail
https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.79.451247d5Iaiucu&id=567366922689&ns=1&abbucket=2#detail
https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.92.451247d5Iaiucu&id=573267313624&ns=1&abbucket=2#detail
Post by: swedishpiehole on Tue, 09 April 2019, 16:21:53
I must admit I'm confused by all of the different types. I was planning on looking for orange or salmon ones, as those seem to get the best reviews. I'm seeing all sorts of different colors in the links to taobao, and everything is in Chinese to boot...
Can you recommend which option would be closest to orange or salmon? Thanks!
Post by: abrahamstechnology on Wed, 10 April 2019, 09:42:35
Oh my gosh, thanks for all of these links!
I must admit I'm confused by all of the different types. I was planning on looking for orange or salmon ones, as those seem to get the best reviews. I'm seeing all sorts of different colors in the links to taobao, and everything is in Chinese to boot...
Can you recommend which option would be closest to orange or salmon? Thanks!
The black Alps are tactile and should be the closest feeling that you can get NOS. There is a lot of elitism against black Alps but IMO I think they are OK.
Post by: swedishpiehole on Wed, 10 April 2019, 12:06:21
Post by: swedishpiehole on Sat, 29 June 2019, 12:23:45