Author Topic: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M (Read 17900 times)

hineybush · « **on:** Thu, 03 May 2018, 14:37:52 »

yo

I've had prototypes made for a replacement PCB for the Leopold FC980M. The goals for this were to 1. allow more layouts and 2. allow full programming (QMK). My proto only has 1.5-1.5-7-1.5-1.5 bottom row, but others can be added. I did this because this started out as a personal project so I could use my OEM Dolch PAC caps with the board.

On the electronics side, it's a direct drop-in. The OEM FC980M has three PCBs: 1. main (switches, controller, etc) 2. middleman (DIP switches, pass through from USB port to main PCB) and 3. the USB port. This PCB bypasses the middleman and plugs directly into the OEM USB port PCB, allowing super easy installation. The difficult part of this is having to modify the plate to accommodate other layouts - I had to cut some switch spots into it with my Dremel tool. It was pretty straightforward but I know some people don't like the idea of that. I'd be interested in looking into getting some replacement plates made if there's interest.

Things I could probably add for a "production version":
-More layouts
-In switch LED (nice feature since Leopold doesn't offer this on their stuff)
-SIP sockets for the indicator LEDs
-ISO Support? idk
-A cooler color than green (it's cheap so I used it for protos idc)
-A smaller JST connector on the main PCB (probably SH or something, I'll look into them some more bc I forget what the codes/sizes are)

Google Form link: https://goo.gl/forms/JAl61c6gfoX1cuO73

pics:

In the above picture my jumper cable is soldered to the USB board - I didn't feel like waiting for those JST connectors in the mail

Here's an idea of the modding I had to do the plate, I didn't feel like spraying it so don't tell me I should have, I know but idc enough (prototype). The stabs didn't need any work, except for the spacebar one (had to cut areas for them since the plate initially blocked em) so it's all just easy straight cuts to make room for the switches

I'm just trying to gauge interest, there's no concrete plans to run this as a fully-fledged GB as of yet.

merlin64 · « **Reply #1 on:** Thu, 03 May 2018, 14:46:02 »

I want!!! But I guess I need a FC980m first

random0987 · « **Reply #2 on:** Thu, 03 May 2018, 15:31:33 »

Great idea. I’ve always had trouble with the limited dip switch options for the bottom row keys and the (for me) useless insert key. Would be great to add some more functionality to this board.

wholypantalones · « **Reply #3 on:** Thu, 03 May 2018, 16:17:41 »

Yes please.

Any plans to post on /r/mk? I'm sure there would be a big response.

hineybush · « **Reply #4 on:** Thu, 03 May 2018, 17:12:05 »

Quote from: wholypantalones on Thu, 03 May 2018, 16:17:41

Any plans to post on /r/mk? I'm sure there would be a big response.

https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/8gu9ol/ic_replacement_pcb_for_leopold_fc980m/

hineybush · « **Reply #5 on:** Thu, 03 May 2018, 18:30:01 »

Updated to include a Google Form, please fill it out.

goldworms · « **Reply #6 on:** Thu, 03 May 2018, 18:53:59 »

That is really cool! Once I buy 980m and wait for your PCB

get_weird · « **Reply #7 on:** Fri, 04 May 2018, 00:54:36 »

is it compatible with the FC980C?

threedawg · « **Reply #8 on:** Fri, 04 May 2018, 01:22:02 »

+1 for this, been using FC980M for several month and while I'm absolutely love this board thanks to the layout, the lack of programmable function beside the dip switch is kinda turn me down

shower_king · « **Reply #9 on:** Fri, 04 May 2018, 02:16:34 »

interested.
BTW, any chance other size PCB?

hineybush · « **Reply #10 on:** Fri, 04 May 2018, 08:19:16 »

Quote from: get_weird on Fri, 04 May 2018, 00:54:36

is it compatible with the FC980C?

No, Topre boards are completely different.

Quote from: shower_king on Fri, 04 May 2018, 02:16:34

interested.
BTW, any chance other size PCB?

what size are you looking for? I have a few other projects in the pipeline atm.

KeyBoulE · « **Reply #11 on:** Wed, 15 April 2020, 15:13:45 »

Still have any of these PCbs?

hineybush · « **Reply #12 on:** Wed, 15 April 2020, 18:28:26 »

Quote from: KeyBoulE on Wed, 15 April 2020, 15:13:45

Still have any of these PCbs?

sadly not right now!

manaorme · « **Reply #13 on:** Wed, 15 April 2020, 20:49:15 »

Wish I can have one

gecruz · « **Reply #14 on:** Sat, 25 April 2020, 23:02:53 »

This is cool. There aren't too many CP keyboards and top row was always a deal breaker for me to get a FC980M.

ray160 · « **Reply #15 on:** Wed, 24 June 2020, 00:49:21 »

Interested in this too

neutralstate · « **Reply #16 on:** Wed, 24 June 2020, 02:32:44 »

Would u consider a pcb for FC750 too?

RedRhyno · « **Reply #17 on:** Wed, 24 June 2020, 03:22:31 »

This gets my hopes up everytime it is bumped.

Maniac · « **Reply #18 on:** Sat, 29 August 2020, 03:56:42 »

OP any chance we might get this GB up & running?

hineybush · « **Reply #19 on:** Thu, 10 September 2020, 20:52:28 »

Quote from: Maniac on Sat, 29 August 2020, 03:56:42

OP any chance we might get this GB up & running?

haven't been focused on this sort of project in a long while, but perhaps some day

pixelpusher · « **Reply #20 on:** Thu, 10 September 2020, 21:55:27 »

I somehow missed this thread before, but it’s an interesting project. Even more interesting with Norbauer’s Heavy-9 case confirmed to work with the FC980m

Maniac · « **Reply #21 on:** Mon, 14 September 2020, 14:27:36 »

Yeah I really hope we get a custom PCB for FC980M, it deserves it

I mean, both the G80-1800 & G80-11800 have them, and those keebs are almost 30 years old

tnk · « **Reply #22 on:** Sun, 11 October 2020, 17:07:10 »

Could I get a copy of the gerber files? My pcb has taken a turn for the worst and was hoping that I could find a project like this one.

brainbowroll · « **Reply #23 on:** Mon, 30 November 2020, 18:17:00 »

Oooh any chance you'll continue with this to make it happen? I was recently looking for 1800 layout kit with plastic case. Leopold 980M looked pretty nice but I want to put in my modded switches and desoldering Leopold board is risky as the stock pcb is not that great from my experience with FC750R.
This replacement PCB would be awesome. Hotswap would be even better.

hineybush · « **Reply #24 on:** Tue, 01 December 2020, 01:58:02 »

I've had a lot of requests for this lately! When I can I will work on a new revision with expanded layout options.

retoid · « **Reply #25 on:** Tue, 01 December 2020, 12:02:44 »

Quote from: hineybush on Tue, 01 December 2020, 01:58:02

I've had a lot of requests for this lately! When I can I will work on a new revision with expanded layout options.

Awesome! Count me in for one as well. I appreciate you willing to take this on.

Henrythewound · « **Reply #26 on:** Tue, 01 December 2020, 12:04:51 »

exciting! I would be interested in an updated PCB if you do another round. I think these are good value boards and I don't mind the plastic case.

whykayallday · « **Reply #27 on:** Tue, 01 December 2020, 20:36:57 »

yes please!

Crooks · « **Reply #28 on:** Wed, 02 December 2020, 00:44:33 »

I'd be down for one!

colonelpanic · « **Reply #29 on:** Wed, 02 December 2020, 02:48:44 »

Would definitely be interested in a few myself.

PizzaForce · « **Reply #30 on:** Wed, 02 December 2020, 08:34:06 »

This is awesome! What an excellent offering for the community. Would be cool to see the a compatible plate file created in the future to go along with this if it doesn't already exist.

Additionally, giving the same treatment to the other Leopold popular prebuilt boards would be HOT.

Hiney you rock.

Foxmonsieur · « **Reply #31 on:** Wed, 02 December 2020, 09:27:37 »

I need one, mine had a liquid accident 2 weeks after receiving it, freshly modded and lubbed by one of our gods.

Lockdown took a toll on us...

Count me in mate!

Neodeus · « **Reply #32 on:** Wed, 02 December 2020, 15:58:17 »

Would buy. Gotta get those Cherry switches OOOUUUTTAAHEERRREEEE!!

RedRhyno · « **Reply #33 on:** Sat, 05 December 2020, 16:10:16 »

Quote from: hineybush on Tue, 01 December 2020, 01:58:02

I've had a lot of requests for this lately! When I can I will work on a new revision with expanded layout options.

Oh heck yes! Will instabuy a few of these. Would love the option of keeping the standard 980m layout.

neutralstate · « **Reply #34 on:** Sun, 06 December 2020, 12:47:56 »

Quote from: PizzaForce on Wed, 02 December 2020, 08:34:06

Additionally, giving the same treatment to the other Leopold popular prebuilt boards would be HOT.

yes i second this !

AdrianMan · « **Reply #35 on:** Fri, 11 December 2020, 08:20:48 »

Also interested in one !

mustardgreens · « **Reply #36 on:** Fri, 11 December 2020, 09:15:38 »

would buy

Æther · « **Reply #37 on:** Fri, 25 December 2020, 09:02:26 »

Also interested in this!

Jhambone9160 · « **Reply #38 on:** Fri, 25 December 2020, 16:32:34 »

Also in for this.

pepo2181 · « **Reply #39 on:** Fri, 25 December 2020, 17:40:03 »

I'm down for this!!!! Minimum for 2 PCB!!!!

v683 · « **Reply #40 on:** Sat, 26 December 2020, 02:31:01 »

You have my full attention

3wisemonkeyfist · « **Reply #41 on:** Fri, 08 January 2021, 00:13:04 »

I'm in the market for a Leopold so this would be so good to have. Count me in if it goes to gb.

endless_steve · « **Reply #42 on:** Thu, 04 August 2022, 18:01:45 »

Late to the party, but I'm very interested in this for my Norbauer Heavy case

News:

Author Topic: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M (Read 17900 times)