Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[Joey Quinn]

Has anyone figured out the best replacement for stock HHKB spacebar springs? I realized yesterday that my Pro 1 is missing the spring and it makes space way too light, I made my own using some wire but I'd prefer to have an actual spring in there.

I know I've seen threads about it but I'm not sure what was figured out.

[Acerk]

What kind of connector do you need inside the Leeku MX1800?

I would like something like this
https://pexonpcs.co.uk/collections/all/products/filco-keyboard-mods

[quochung1989]

What kind of connector do you need inside the Leeku MX1800?

I would like something like this
https://pexonpcs.co.uk/collections/all/products/filco-keyboard-mods

It's mini USB connector & 4 pin (2.54mm) connector. Filco cables is 5 pin connector.

[moonmaster]

Are vintage blacks better if lubed? Is there any danger in lubing them?

[alienman82]

removed.

[nickheller]

Has anyone figured out the best replacement for stock HHKB spacebar springs? I realized yesterday that my Pro 1 is missing the spring and it makes space way too light, I made my own using some wire but I'd prefer to have an actual spring in there.

I know I've seen threads about it but I'm not sure what was figured out.

This doesn't really answer your question, but before cooler master discontinued the novatouch I requested a spacebar on their parts / rma site and was sent a new spacebar and it came with one of those springs.

[zombimuncha]

Handwired Alps - possible?
What about with an acrylic plate?
And without hot glue?

[razen]

Hello there,
Keyboard Newbie here nice to meet you guys
I found laying in an old garage we had two chinese Magitronic keyboards
With blue,cherry clones?, switches.

Here are 3 photos

http://imgur.com/a/hP0fg

Tried both of them with a din5 to ps2 adapter like that one
http://bentronics.com/images/225/1128.jpg

But none of them worked none on AT or XT switch.
So i got a couple of questions regarding their future.
I like the idea of using an old mechanical keyboard, infact that was the reason i've gone to search for them
But I don't feel allright with the windows key missing(I've always have a use for it even in linux)
and definately i would like to "Pimp" it a little bit.
So since those two keyboards are not working i would like to build a new one.
Also since i have two keyboards i would like to add some more buttons on the left side
Something like 122key IBM model m.
As a newb i have read so many things on the last days so i got confused a little bit and dunno from where to start that project.
Any help would be appreciated
(Sorry for the long post, if it doesn't belong here please delete it but didn't wanted to make new thread for my first post)

[SpAmRaY]

Hello there,
Keyboard Newbie here nice to meet you guys
I found laying in an old garage we had two chinese Magitronic keyboards
With blue,cherry clones?, switches.

Here are 3 photos

http://imgur.com/a/hP0fg

Tried both of them with a din5 to ps2 adapter like that one
http://bentronics.com/images/225/1128.jpg

But none of them worked none on AT or XT switch.
So i got a couple of questions regarding their future.
I like the idea of using an old mechanical keyboard, infact that was the reason i've gone to search for them
But I don't feel allright with the windows key missing(I've always have a use for it even in linux)
and definately i would like to "Pimp" it a little bit.
So since those two keyboards are not working i would like to build a new one.
Also since i have two keyboards i would like to add some more buttons on the left side
Something like 122key IBM model m.
As a newb i have read so many things on the last days so i got confused a little bit and dunno from where to start that project.
Any help would be appreciated
(Sorry for the long post, if it doesn't belong here please delete it but didn't wanted to make new thread for my first post)

Keep an eye on this.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=88063.0

[kmba]

Are vintage blacks better if lubed? Is there any danger in lubing them?

yes, yes they are.  every linear switch is!

[xondat]

Handwired Alps - possible?
What about with an acrylic plate?
And without hot glue?

Yes, if done properly.
Yes, if done properly.
Yes, if done properly.

[Acerk]

It's mini USB connector & 4 pin (2.54mm) connector. Filco cables is 5 pin connector.

I'm a bit late because I forgot to check the thread. Thank you very much!

[razen]

Hello there,
Keyboard Newbie here nice to meet you guys
I found laying in an old garage we had two chinese Magitronic keyboards
With blue,cherry clones?, switches.

Here are 3 photos

http://imgur.com/a/hP0fg

Tried both of them with a din5 to ps2 adapter like that one
http://bentronics.com/images/225/1128.jpg

But none of them worked none on AT or XT switch.
So i got a couple of questions regarding their future.
I like the idea of using an old mechanical keyboard, infact that was the reason i've gone to search for them
But I don't feel allright with the windows key missing(I've always have a use for it even in linux)
and definately i would like to "Pimp" it a little bit.
So since those two keyboards are not working i would like to build a new one.
Also since i have two keyboards i would like to add some more buttons on the left side
Something like 122key IBM model m.
As a newb i have read so many things on the last days so i got confused a little bit and dunno from where to start that project.
Any help would be appreciated
(Sorry for the long post, if it doesn't belong here please delete it but didn't wanted to make new thread for my first post)

Keep an eye on this.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=88063.0

Thanks for that link, i checked further to newer editions and its very interesting!
But i guess the production will be not soon as op said its gonna be afk for a while and also will make a new orded of 10pcbs
to check the functionality and then decide if he will distribute them with or withouts cases

So i'm currently thinking of handwire the switches to a Teensy or even an arduino mega(which i already got in my possesion,and i gotta wait minimum 20 days for a teensy.
How does that sound?
I'm no experienced with keyboards as i said but i'm kinda experienced with arduinos and with the soldering tool also i'm good at using guides too so i guess that i wouldn't have any practical dangers.
Also i've read on someplaces that cherry mx aren't handwired possible i read on other places that are.
What stands for them?

[reconsiderit]

Wondering if you can map media keys (play, pause, volume up and down) with the TMK keymap program. I'm pretty familliar with tmk, but haven't tried media keys before.

[SpAmRaY]

Wondering if you can map media keys (play, pause, volume up and down) with the TMK keymap program. I'm pretty familliar with tmk, but haven't tried media keys before.

Does this help?

https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/issues/332

Also you could check the TMK thread https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=41989.0

[reconsiderit]

Wondering if you can map media keys (play, pause, volume up and down) with the TMK keymap program. I'm pretty familliar with tmk, but haven't tried media keys before.

Does this help?

https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/issues/332

Also you could check the TMK thread https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=41989.0

Thanks for that link. Super straightforward and helpful 

[Acerk]

I'm struggling a bit to the Leeku MX1800 and plate into a Cherry G80-1800 case. The plate collides with the case outline of the arrows.




Do I have to make any modifications, or is there something that's evaded me?

[iamtootallforthis]

I'm struggling a bit to the Leeku MX1800 and plate into a Cherry G80-1800 case. The plate collides with the case outline of the arrows.

Show Image

Show Image

Do I have to make any modifications, or is there something that's evaded me?

Yes the case needs to be modded to fit the PCB and plate assembly.

[Acerk]

Yes the case needs to be modded to fit the PCB and plate assembly.

After looking closely at it, I figured I could make a few cutouts in the plasic casing for the connections points on the plate. I was planning on using a tiny saw for that, but if you know of a better way, I would love to hear of it. Thanks for the help! 

[iamtootallforthis]

Yes the case needs to be modded to fit the PCB and plate assembly.

After looking closely at it, I figured I could make a few cutouts in the plasic casing for the connections points on the plate. I was planning on using a tiny saw for that, but if you know of a better way, I would love to hear of it. Thanks for the help! 

Exacto knife or razor blade would probably work well too.

[ideus]

Yes the case needs to be modded to fit the PCB and plate assembly.

After looking closely at it, I figured I could make a few cutouts in the plasic casing for the connections points on the plate. I was planning on using a tiny saw for that, but if you know of a better way, I would love to hear of it. Thanks for the help! 

A small dremel or moto-tool would be better.

[alienman82]

removed.

[Acerk]

Thanks so much, guys!  Those are all good ideas. I'll see what I can get my hands on.

[OnTheBrink]

I was going to send out a DIY kit to be assembled but I think I am going to try and do it myself.

How difficult would it be for a first time builder to build a Sentaq with LEDs and Zelious switches?

[ideus]

I was going to send out a DIY kit to be assembled but I think I am going to try and do it myself.

How difficult would it be for a first time builder to build a Sentaq with LEDs and Zelious switches?

Soldering pass trough components is very easy, like switches and in-switch LEDs. Surface mount ones are a bit more difficult, but nothing undoable. There are video tutorials for both, see some and go for it.

[alienman82]

removed.

[elcubismo]

My Novatouch spacebar sticks - it doesn't stay stuck in the down position, but it has like almost no key travel and if I push down a tad bit harder, it clicks, kind of the same feeling as when you add a keycap to a switch, but it does this every time. I bought mine second hand already dental banded - could this simply be an issue with dental bands and the key travel issues they bring? The space character registers just fine, it's just weird to me.

Planning on buying hyperspheres to replace the dental bands before my norbauer case arrives: would this help this issue at all?

[Photoelectric]

Is there a Cherry part number for 6.25x PLATE-mounted stabilizer set?  I see this old post by JD:

Does anyone know the part number for PCB mounted Costar or Cherry stabilizers?

There is no such thing as "PCB Mounted" Costar stabilizers. All Costar stabilizers attach to the plate.

Cherry "Plate Mounted" stabilizers are parts: G99-0224 (1x2, 1x2.25, 1x2.75), G99-0379 (1x7), and G99-0226 (1x8, 1x9, 1x10).

These Cherry part numbers are "without frame," and I'm not sure if that means "PCB Mounted" or what: G99-0742 (1x2, 1x2.25, 1x2.75), G99-0745 (1x7), and G99-0744 (1x8, 1x9, 1x10).

This is the link from Cherry: http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/switches/key/mx.htm

But it doesn't include 6.25x size for plate-mounted variety.  Is that still the case, and would I need to source 6.25x wires separately?

[DefinePenguins]

Hello, recently my WKL b.face has stopped working. Whenever I plug it into my computer, the capslock LED flashes once and windows reports that the USB device was not recognized. I've tried different cables and different computers, but the same thing happens. A HHKB and a POK3R will connect to the computer with any of the cables I tried, so the problem is definitely in the b.face itself. Can someone suggest possible sources of the problem and solutions? Could it be that the keyboard's pcb is messed up somehow?

[seeqeer]

does anyone know how long costums can take, the usps listing is

May 15, 2017    07:56    BRUSSELS EUROPEAN MAIL CENTRE,BELGIUM    HELD IN CUSTOMS

no clue how long it should take. its my first board not bought in belgium itself.

[Joey Quinn]

does anyone know how long costums can take, the usps listing is

May 15, 2017    07:56    BRUSSELS EUROPEAN MAIL CENTRE,BELGIUM    HELD IN CUSTOMS

no clue how long it should take. its my first board not bought in belgium itself.

No clue how long it'll take in Belgium but in the US I've had customs take anywhere from 1 day to a little over a week.

[elcubismo]

My Novatouch spacebar sticks - it doesn't stay stuck in the down position, but it has like almost no key travel and if I push down a tad bit harder, it clicks, kind of the same feeling as when you add a keycap to a switch, but it does this every time. I bought mine second hand already dental banded - could this simply be an issue with dental bands and the key travel issues they bring? The space character registers just fine, it's just weird to me.

Planning on buying hyperspheres to replace the dental bands before my norbauer case arrives: would this help this issue at all?

Answering my own question in case someone else gets this issue: apparently something was up with the spacebar itself: maybe loose connector or something. I swapped out my spacebar and everything seemed to work as normal. A shame, since I really liked the white spacebar with my color scheme.

[kenmai9]

I need to make layout for my GH60 rev.c in easyavr with bottom row 1.5u 1u 1.5u 7u 1.5u 1u 1.5u, with split shift and backspace.

Is this the correct way to do so:



Any help is appreciated thanks

[OnTheBrink]

How do I test a keyboard PCB before I start soldering? (switches etc)

[alienman82]

removed.

[SpAmRaY]

How do I test a keyboard PCB before I start soldering? (switches etc)

tweezers can be used to short pins so that you can see if it works

To elaborate you can install a program like aquakey test, ek switch hitter or even just open notepad, plug the PCB in to the computer and check the output from shorting the pins with the tweezers.

[Bucake]

not keyboard related, but how on earth do i add transparency to my avatar? i tried saving as png and gif since that's what showed up when i googled, but no bueno.
the png works on other sites, it was made with photoshop.
what can i try?

[SpAmRaY]

not keyboard related, but how on earth do i add transparency to my avatar? i tried saving as png and gif since that's what showed up when i googled, but no bueno.
the png works on other sites, it was made with photoshop.
what can i try?

I think it has to be less than 150x150 when uploaded. I emailed you the one that seems to work. 

I just grabbed your current avatar, deleted the background with paint.net lasso then saved as a png at 149x149.



Also for light reading

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=82303.0

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=60019.0

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40501.msg1285301#msg1285301

[alienman82]

removed.

[SpAmRaY]

anyone know the part number / dimensions for the LED spacers on a Filco case?  I'm building a phantom and need to get some

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009EOPU8U/ref=mp_s_a_1_5/141-7834072-2220006?ie=UTF8&qid=1495755351&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=led+spacer&dpPl=1&dpID=41xBdesyq0L&ref=plSrch

5mmx8mm

[alienman82]

removed.

[SpAmRaY]

anyone know the part number / dimensions for the LED spacers on a Filco case?  I'm building a phantom and need to get some

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009EOPU8U/ref=mp_s_a_1_5/141-7834072-2220006?ie=UTF8&qid=1495755351&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=led+spacer&dpPl=1&dpID=41xBdesyq0L&ref=plSrch

5mmx8mm

oh thanks!  Does the filco use 5mm LEDs? or 3mm?

3mm also called T1

[Bucake]

@SpAmRaY

thanks! :-D

-1 for my googling skills :<

[OnTheBrink]

So I built my first board as I've so proudly mentioned near 100 times on here with Sentraq PCB, sand which case and glorious Zealios 67g

One of the switches has a bit of a subtle squeak to it so I decided to lube the switch. I only lubed the stabilizers when building the board and I'm kind of glad I didn't lube all the switches. Now the lube switch is smooth as butter but almost, I want to say; too smooth? It seems to have effected the tactile feedback just a touch but the key travel feels slightly less.

I've also noticed lubing dampens the sound of the key which is really cool since I didn't know it did that.


Anyway, is this normal or did I add too much lube or something?

[q1w2e3r4t5z]

So I built my first board as I've so proudly mentioned near 100 times on here with Sentraq PCB, sand which case and glorious Zealios 67g

One of the switches has a bit of a subtle squeak to it so I decided to lube the switch. I only lubed the stabilizers when building the board and I'm kind of glad I didn't lube all the switches. Now the lube switch is smooth as butter but almost, I want to say; too smooth? It seems to have effected the tactile feedback just a touch but the key travel feels slightly less.

I've also noticed lubing dampens the sound of the key which is really cool since I didn't know it did that.


Anyway, is this normal or did I add too much lube or something?

Did you lube the stem feet? If so it removes the tactility a bit

[OnTheBrink]

So I built my first board as I've so proudly mentioned near 100 times on here with Sentraq PCB, sand which case and glorious Zealios 67g

One of the switches has a bit of a subtle squeak to it so I decided to lube the switch. I only lubed the stabilizers when building the board and I'm kind of glad I didn't lube all the switches. Now the lube switch is smooth as butter but almost, I want to say; too smooth? It seems to have effected the tactile feedback just a touch but the key travel feels slightly less.

I've also noticed lubing dampens the sound of the key which is really cool since I didn't know it did that.


Anyway, is this normal or did I add too much lube or something?

Did you lube the stem feet? If so it removes the tactility a bit

Yeah, I lubed the whole stem and the spring. I kind of took off most of the lube from the stem though and it still feels the same. It's weird because I just can't tell if I like it or not. It makes the key feel "tighter" so to speak and definitely more silent.

I have another question for anyone who can answer:
Using QMK Firmware Builder -- how do I upload a previously built firmware so I can just edit what I've already changed instead of starting from scratch on http://qmk.sized.io/

I downloaded the entire firmware ZIP after making the layout but I don't know which file in the zip needs to be uploaded to continue where I left off. Whatever I try says "Invalid Configuration".

[katushkin]

Hello helpful people. I'm just wondering what software the Lightsaver V2 uses to program it? If it's jing-eon I will be sad

[alienman82]

removed.

[iamtootallforthis]

Hello helpful people. I'm just wondering what software the Lightsaver V2 uses to program it? If it's jing-eon I will be sad

O2D firmware and you flash it with flip I think.

Duck's software is literally the bottom of the **** barrel

Yeah it isn't all that hard IMO. I just did it with my viper and it was easy.

[katushkin]

Hello helpful people. I'm just wondering what software the Lightsaver V2 uses to program it? If it's jing-eon I will be sad

O2D firmware and you flash it with flip I think.

Duck's software is literally the bottom of the **** barrel

Yeah it isn't all that hard IMO. I just did it with my viper and it was easy.

Ah okay, I was looking at metalliqaz's firmware and was going to try that first but if I find all the files for O2D then I might try that.