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Left hand only Ergo Dox
Melvang:
So, I want to build my son and I a pair of left hand only Ergo Dox keyboards for gaming pads. My question, which PCBs do I need to get. I know there are a few versions, but it has been a good number of years since I have followed anything keyboard related.
Findecanor:
The original PCB is symmetric, so that would be doable with custom firmware. I think a few people throughout the years have posted that they hade built them, or at least considered to.
But you'd need to build it like a right hand but mirrored, with the components on the opposite site, including the Teensy 2.0 upside-down ... That is if you can get hold of a Teensy 2.0. The original maker: PJRC, has discontinued it and are out of stock. Other stores may have stock left. There might also be a clone of the Teensy 2.0 out there.
None of the ARM-based Teensies from PJRC's current lineup will work - they have a different pin-out, among other differences.
You might want to consider looking at other ergo keyboards too. The convention among DIY ergo-mech keyboards is still symmetric PCBs but with a Pro Micro on each side.
Most keyboards have even fewer keys than the ErgoDox (76-80) though.
I'd suggest looking at the Lily58 (58 keys) or the ErgoDash (66-70 keys)
Here's a site that lists lots of keyboards that lets you compare the layouts: https://jhelvy.shinyapps.io/splitkbcompare/
Melvang:
--- Quote from: Findecanor on Sat, 19 November 2022, 16:20:21 ---The original PCB is symmetric, so that would be doable with custom firmware. I think a few people throughout the years have posted that they hade built them, or at least considered to.
But you'd need to build it like a right hand but mirrored, with the components on the opposite site, including the Teensy 2.0 upside-down ... That is if you can get hold of a Teensy 2.0. The original maker: PJRC, has discontinued it and are out of stock. Other stores may have stock left. There might also be a clone of the Teensy 2.0 out there.
None of the ARM-based Teensies from PJRC's current lineup will work - they have a different pin-out, among other differences.
You might want to consider looking at other ergo keyboards too. The convention among DIY ergo-mech keyboards is still symmetric PCBs but with a Pro Micro on each side.
Most keyboards have even fewer keys than the ErgoDox (76-80) though.
I'd suggest looking at the Lily58 (58 keys) or the ErgoDash (66-70 keys)
Here's a site that lists lots of keyboards that lets you compare the layouts: https://jhelvy.shinyapps.io/splitkbcompare/
--- End quote ---
I have Teensy controllers covered. I have one I flashed with something not keyboard related with just a couple test wires on it. And another that hasn't been opened.
I am specifically looking for something to be built single sided to use as a Nostromo replacement.
suicidal_orange:
As long as the PCB has a place to solder the Teensy you can make it work single handed (open source firmware = you can do anything)
The original is as good as any assuming you don't want RGB or hotswap, you can see the PCB has two sets of holes for each switch so you just flip it for left or right hand use and as Fin said solder the Teensy on the back.
Melvang:
--- Quote from: suicidal_orange on Sun, 20 November 2022, 03:58:34 ---As long as the PCB has a place to solder the Teensy you can make it work single handed (open source firmware = you can do anything)
The original is as good as any assuming you don't want RGB or hotswap, you can see the PCB has two sets of holes for each switch so you just flip it for left or right hand use and as Fin said solder the Teensy on the back.
--- End quote ---
Wasn't there an online utility where you could setup your layout and it would output a TMK firmware?
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