Author Topic: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log (Complete!)  (Read 118138 times)

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Offline Wilba

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log
« Reply #50 on: Fri, 01 May 2015, 22:03:56 »
Yeah, but there are good reasons for that... easy to specify cuts and different engraving types in the one file.
But I agree, it's a bit annoying having to add another app to the tool chain.
I just import DXF into Inkscape, set the line style/color to the right one for cutting, then copy pasta into their template.... lay it out on the panel as you like.

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log
« Reply #51 on: Fri, 01 May 2015, 22:05:25 »
Yeah, but there's good reasons for that... easy to specify cuts and different engraving types in the one file.
But I agree, it's a bit annoying having to add another app to the tool chain.
I just import DXF into Inkscape, set the line style/color to the right one for cutting, then copy pasta into their template.... lay it out on the panel as you like.

At some point last year, I spent an entire day trying to find a plugin that would allow me to import DXF to inkscape.  How the heck did you manage to do that?

Offline Wilba

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log
« Reply #52 on: Fri, 01 May 2015, 22:07:15 »
File->Open...  ;D


Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log
« Reply #53 on: Fri, 01 May 2015, 22:11:20 »
File->Open...  ;D

Do you use AutoCAD?  I don't have it, I have to use LibreCAD.  I get the same result as last time.  Garbage

Offline Wilba

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log
« Reply #54 on: Fri, 01 May 2015, 22:18:31 »
I'm using SolidWorks and sometimes QCAD (freeware) when SolidWorks doesn't want to load a DWG or DXF and I need to save it as a new DXF.
Inkscape seems to load up DXF files that JD sent me as well, and he uses QCAD.
I just tried it with various random DXF files I had and they all seem to load fine.
FWIW I'm using Inkscape 0.48.4 r9939 (haven't upgraded in a long while).

Offline derezzed

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log
« Reply #55 on: Fri, 01 May 2015, 22:33:30 »
I just opened a DXF in Inkscape 0.91.  Using swill's plate builder to generate the DXF, I followed his instructions to set the main drawing unit for current preferences to millimeters.  Then I saved the file as a Drawing Exchange DXF 2007 file.  I simply launched Inkscape and followed Wilba's instructions for opening a DXF in Inkscape.

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log
« Reply #56 on: Fri, 01 May 2015, 23:01:16 »
Yeah I just can't do it, I've been using Inkscape for 10 minutes and I'm going to throw this PC out the window.  It's the slowest program I've ever used in my life, and buggy.

Offline derezzed

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log
« Reply #57 on: Fri, 01 May 2015, 23:20:28 »
Yeah I just can't do it, I've been using Inkscape for 10 minutes and I'm going to throw this PC out the window.  It's the slowest program I've ever used in my life, and buggy.

Hardware, maybe?  I've got 8GB of RAM, a Core i5, and a Radeon 6750 with 1GB of RAM.  I don't know much about Inkscape.  I spent one evening in March trying to figure out how to use it and I haven't gone back to it until today to see if I could open a DXF in it.

Offline Wilba

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log
« Reply #58 on: Fri, 01 May 2015, 23:30:35 »
Yeah I just can't do it, I've been using Inkscape for 10 minutes and I'm going to throw this PC out the window.  It's the slowest program I've ever used in my life, and buggy.

That's strange... I've used Inkscape for years, on a (now) ten year old PC and my blitzing notebooks. Never had issues with performance or bugs. That's not to say it never crashed, just not noticeably often. Maybe it's got bloated and buggy since the old version that I use. I'll try the latest version and compare.

Offline Wilba

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log
« Reply #59 on: Fri, 01 May 2015, 23:57:34 »
Inkscape 0.91 is definitely a bit slower and has some weird UI artifacts. It loads DXF files fine, though. I'd recommend using the previous stable release (0.48.5) just to see if that's related to the performance issues.

I've attached a DXF of a switch plate which I know loads fine... you can try opening that to see if the problem is the DXF you're trying to load, or Inkscape is being a buggy little *****.

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log
« Reply #60 on: Sat, 02 May 2015, 10:38:34 »
I am going to try and get Simon to re-cut the plate with less kerf-size correction.  If he won't do it, I'll try Ponoko.

I am disappoint.  It looks awesome, I need to be typing on this ASAP


Offline joey

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log
« Reply #61 on: Sat, 02 May 2015, 10:49:28 »
What's wrong with it?

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log
« Reply #62 on: Sat, 02 May 2015, 10:52:46 »
It has no case.  Need plate before I can solder the switches in

Offline tjweir

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log
« Reply #63 on: Sat, 02 May 2015, 12:25:46 »

I am going to try and get Simon to re-cut the plate with less kerf-size correction.  If he won't do it, I'll try Ponoko.

I am disappoint.  It looks awesome, I need to be typing on this ASAP

Show Image


I think this layout is a winner.  Nice stuff.

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log
« Reply #64 on: Sat, 02 May 2015, 12:57:54 »
Yeah I absolutely love it.

Offline neverused

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log
« Reply #65 on: Sat, 02 May 2015, 13:22:48 »
Is there any chance you'll be making the pcb files open to anyone? Or were you going to sell these?

Awesome layout btw

Offline absyrd

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log
« Reply #66 on: Sat, 02 May 2015, 13:24:46 »
I am going to try and get Simon to re-cut the plate with less kerf-size correction.  If he won't do it, I'll try Ponoko.

I am disappoint.  It looks awesome, I need to be typing on this ASAP

Show Image


I love the layout. Get this man a plate ASAP.
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Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log
« Reply #67 on: Sat, 02 May 2015, 17:47:27 »
Is there any chance you'll be making the pcb files open to anyone? Or were you going to sell these?

Awesome layout btw

So far it works correctly, and an initial hands-on with it seems to indicate that the layout is useful and fun.  Also I really enjoy the look of the board.

Therefore, I am going to post an Interest Check for a limited run of CompactTKL keyboards.  MOQ will be small.

First, I have to get the board together so I can make a video demonstrating the look and capabilities.

Offline derezzed

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log
« Reply #68 on: Sat, 02 May 2015, 22:50:14 »
I am going to try and get Simon to re-cut the plate with less kerf-size correction.  If he won't do it, I'll try Ponoko.

I am disappoint.  It looks awesome, I need to be typing on this ASAP

Show Image


It looks great;  far superior to a standard 75% layout.  Not being able to use it must be driving you nuts.  If you're anything like me, when you find the right design, you "know" it and the need to realize your design is an itch that won't go away.  I can only imagine it's much worse when all the parts are sitting in front of you and you still can't use them.

Offline t8c

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log
« Reply #69 on: Thu, 07 May 2015, 07:59:45 »
Cool project. I am currently contemplating making a HHKB2 Lite clone with Matias switches, so it's interesting to have a look at someone with a very similar project!

Offline Dee1

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log
« Reply #70 on: Thu, 07 May 2015, 09:52:44 »
I think it looks great! Hope you get the problems sorted out soon. :)

Therefore, I am going to post an Interest Check for a limited run of CompactTKL keyboards.  MOQ will be small.
I would definitely be interested in this. :)

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log
« Reply #71 on: Fri, 08 May 2015, 13:18:25 »
99843-0

Alright, time for round 2 with this thing...

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log
« Reply #72 on: Sat, 09 May 2015, 16:21:48 »
I'm typing on it now and taking a video.  I've got to say, I really like this board.  It's going to take a bit of getting used to, but It's a looker :)


Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log
« Reply #73 on: Sat, 09 May 2015, 19:27:48 »
I just posted the final part of the build log.  Finally, I can get some sleep!

Offline tjweir

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log (Complete!)
« Reply #74 on: Sun, 10 May 2015, 17:50:10 »
I just posted the final part of the build log.  Finally, I can get some sleep!

Great stuff, it looks awesome!

Offline ramnes

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log (Complete!)
« Reply #75 on: Sun, 10 May 2015, 18:38:08 »
I didn't like it when I read this post some times ago, and then I saw your video.

Good job, looks way better than I thought it would!
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Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log (Complete!)
« Reply #76 on: Sun, 10 May 2015, 19:55:08 »
Thanks, I think. lol

Offline neverused

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log (Complete!)
« Reply #77 on: Sun, 10 May 2015, 20:05:31 »
Looks great! I didn't see the video posted though?

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log (Complete!)
« Reply #78 on: Sun, 10 May 2015, 20:15:38 »
Geekhack's stupid YouTube embedding is broken, I didn't end up posting it here.  It was on Reddit.

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log (Complete!)
« Reply #79 on: Sun, 10 May 2015, 20:28:17 »

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log (Complete!)
« Reply #80 on: Sun, 10 May 2015, 20:52:50 »
What a beautiful board. I'm really a fan of the layout. Those caps look great with it too!
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Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log (Complete!)
« Reply #81 on: Sun, 10 May 2015, 20:54:30 »
Yeah they look great, although I think DSA is inferior to DCS

Offline derezzed

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log (Complete!)
« Reply #82 on: Mon, 11 May 2015, 21:17:49 »
It looks fantastic but I cringe when I think about any piece of grit getting on that case.  How much more would polycarbonate have cost?

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log (Complete!)
« Reply #83 on: Tue, 12 May 2015, 06:33:02 »
A lot more.  The top is actually going to get a felt covering for comfort, it shouldn't be an issue

Offline CPTBadAss

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log (Complete!)
« Reply #84 on: Tue, 12 May 2015, 10:55:14 »
Damn that's a good looking board. Looks like you're typing on glass :D

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log (Complete!)
« Reply #85 on: Tue, 12 May 2015, 11:18:42 »
I am...  Plexiglass ;)  next version won't have the wrist support, though.  The corner can be uncomfortable

Offline Zukoi

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log (Complete!)
« Reply #86 on: Tue, 12 May 2015, 17:40:32 »
Wonderful project. But I can't help wonder of you wanted a small profile keyboard than why did you added a build in wrist rest as apposed to a sperate one?

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log (Complete!)
« Reply #87 on: Tue, 12 May 2015, 17:42:27 »
Because I care about compacting the horizontal space, not so much the vertical space.

Offline VinnyCordeiro

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log (Complete!)
« Reply #88 on: Fri, 15 May 2015, 07:40:56 »
I really liked how you used 74HC154 to demultiplex the columns. Is the source code for this available? I'd like to adapt it on the keyboards I'm designing. (That can prove difficult for me, but I'd like to try.)

Offline tjweir

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log (Complete!)
« Reply #89 on: Fri, 15 May 2015, 07:52:29 »
I am...  Plexiglass ;)  next version won't have the wrist support, though.  The corner can be uncomfortable


Can you bevel the edge, or is that not the issue?

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log (Complete!)
« Reply #90 on: Fri, 15 May 2015, 08:12:39 »
I really liked how you used 74HC154 to demultiplex the columns. Is the source code for this available? I'd like to adapt it on the keyboards I'm designing. (That can prove difficult for me, but I'd like to try.)

Sorry, the source code is not available.

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log (Complete!)
« Reply #91 on: Fri, 15 May 2015, 08:13:46 »
I am...  Plexiglass ;)  next version won't have the wrist support, though.  The corner can be uncomfortable


Can you bevel the edge, or is that not the issue?

The guy who did the fab said he wouldn't bevel plastic parts.  It's not that bad, but less than perfect.  I think I'm going to add some felt to the wrist support for comfort.

Offline taylordcraig

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log (Complete!)
« Reply #92 on: Mon, 01 June 2015, 12:20:25 »
Some insane **** here. Great layout and I love the way your case came out with the magenta LED.
a+++

Offline metalliqaz

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log (Complete!)
« Reply #93 on: Mon, 01 June 2015, 12:58:55 »
Some insane **** here. Great layout and I love the way your case came out with the magenta LED.
a+++
Thanks dude.   The other day I walked into my office in the dark and it made me think of Mace Windu and I got a kick out of that.

Offline cmadrid

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log (Complete!)
« Reply #94 on: Mon, 01 June 2015, 13:54:30 »
It is pretty damn awesome.  Very jelly

Offline diqkiq

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log (Complete!)
« Reply #95 on: Wed, 10 June 2015, 16:07:42 »
This is my ideal layout. Will you be selling these or starting a group buy?
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Offline katushkin

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Re: Project Zeta: CompactTKL -- Design And Build Log (Complete!)
« Reply #96 on: Thu, 11 June 2015, 08:59:46 »
So cool man. I love the fact that the LEDs dim when not in use.

Also congratulations on winning KOTM :D
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