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geekhack Marketplace => Artisan Services => Topic started by: meow a cat on Fri, 23 October 2015, 10:23:51

Title: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: meow a cat on Fri, 23 October 2015, 10:23:51
Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service

Welcome to my thread, fellow Geekhackers! After a lot of thought, I've decided to offer my services for keyboard assembly and modifications. Mostly as an excuse to do more of my favourite part of this hobby.  ;D

Services offered:


Pricing will vary on a case-to-case basis, and shipping + materials are on you. My main tools are a Hakko FX-888D soldering station, and an Edsyn Soldapullt. Later on, I'm planning on investing in a small hot air rework station and other SMD tools, but for now SMD soldering will also be on a case-to-case basis.

I will only be accepting 1-3 projects at a time, depending on the sizes of each project, and anything after that will go into a queue to be sure that I am not feeling rushed. This way I can give each project 100% of the attention it deserves. I will also not be accepting any projects I am not 100% confident in my ability to complete perfectly.

I will accept orders from and ship them back to anywhere in North America (I'll even do EU or Asia orders, if you really want me to for some reason  :)) ).

I am located in the sunny Okanagan Valley, British Columbia. On the slim chance that anyone from the Okanagan would like to arrange local pick-ups, that's fine by me.

PM me for a quote!

Payment through PayPal. If you're low on funds but really want something done, maybe we can work out a trade.

Project Portfolio:

More
(http://i.imgsafe.org/98b7901.jpg)
(http://i.imgsafe.org/a7eb6a2.jpg)
(http://i.imgsafe.org/ef2cdee.jpg)
(http://i.imgsafe.org/54035d0.jpg)

More
Note: flux not cleaned off yet in these photos.

(http://i.imgur.com/Dg7rVmc.jpg?1)
(http://i.imgur.com/ztB74Gu.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/BWX2YqM.jpg)


bcredbottle's Atreus (completed!):

More

Shots taken pre-flux-cleaning, nothing is scorched.

(http://i.imgsafe.org/dc52b40.jpg)
(http://i.imgsafe.org/df3c568.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Q7X7Ghe.jpg)
(http://i.imgsafe.org/f562940.jpg)
(http://i.imgsafe.org/ecb2c8c.jpg)
(http://i.imgsafe.org/f658b99.jpg)
(http://i.imgsafe.org/e3a6c4b.jpg)



Thanks for reading my thread.  ;D

Disclaimer: I am not an electrical engineer, I am a hobbyist looking to give back to our wonderful community, as well as maybe make enough to continue throwing money at this hobby. I am 100% confident in my skills, and have never had anything go wrong before, but there's a chance things could go wrong. In that case I will work to make things right with you. [/list]
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: meow a cat on Fri, 23 October 2015, 10:24:05
Reserved.
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: meow a cat on Sat, 24 October 2015, 11:34:01
Approval bump!  ;D
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: n0rvig on Mon, 26 October 2015, 01:22:58
Nice dude! Welcome fellow BC person!
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: Kola93 on Mon, 26 October 2015, 02:10:25
Let's see those build photos! ^-^
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: Ralph Furley on Mon, 26 October 2015, 02:55:19
Greetings and best wishes on your new venture from your neighbor on Vancouver Island.
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: meow a cat on Mon, 26 October 2015, 18:03:38
Thanks for the kind words guys.

Photos should be up sometime this week, depends when I can borrow a half-decent camera again.

Looking forward to doing my first project for someone!  ;D
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: byker on Mon, 26 October 2015, 18:09:11
BC builder! Woot woot. Glad to see you are local.  :)
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: dummytim on Fri, 20 November 2015, 00:12:37
Hey was just wondering how much a switch swap for a Poker 2 would be?

I don't have the switches, but I'd like my Poker 2 with browns to be swapped with clear switches.
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: deductivemonkee on Fri, 20 November 2015, 00:19:14
Never thought there were this many Canadians on this thread. I'm from BC too!
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: bcredbottle on Thu, 17 December 2015, 20:11:27
I have an Atreus kit (+ Zealio switches) that I'm never going to have time to solder up and assemble. I'm curious, how much would a full-on Atreus assembly cost? How long do you estimate that it would take?
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: Sifo on Thu, 17 December 2015, 20:14:33
(y) you can take all my orders
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: meow a cat on Fri, 18 December 2015, 03:35:42
Quote from: bcredbottle on Thu, 17 December 2015, 20:11:27
I have an Atreus kit (+ Zealio switches) that I'm never going to have time to solder up and assemble. I'm curious, how much would a full-on Atreus assembly cost? How long do you estimate that it would take?

I'd guess my turnaround time to be within two weeks to be safe, but most likely a week or less. I don't do sanding or finishing on the case though, woodworking is definitely not my forte. It looks like it would take  four or so hours to build, so I'd say about $70CAD for assembly and solder, plus shipping.

Quote from: Sifo on Thu, 17 December 2015, 20:14:33
(y) you can take all my orders

But Sifo, you're the Canadian keyboard guru!  :-*
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: Sifo on Fri, 18 December 2015, 12:15:45
Quote from: meow a cat on Fri, 18 December 2015, 03:35:42
Quote from: bcredbottle on Thu, 17 December 2015, 20:11:27
I have an Atreus kit (+ Zealio switches) that I'm never going to have time to solder up and assemble. I'm curious, how much would a full-on Atreus assembly cost? How long do you estimate that it would take?

I'd guess my turnaround time to be within two weeks to be safe, but most likely a week or less. I don't do sanding or finishing on the case though, woodworking is definitely not my forte. It looks like it would take  four or so hours to build, so I'd say about $70CAD for assembly and solder, plus shipping.

Quote from: Sifo on Thu, 17 December 2015, 20:14:33
(y) you can take all my orders

But Sifo, you're the Canadian keyboard guru!  :-*

I prefer the title of wizard
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: meow a cat on Fri, 18 December 2015, 12:24:14
Quote from: Sifo on Fri, 18 December 2015, 12:15:45
Quote from: meow a cat on Fri, 18 December 2015, 03:35:42
Quote from: bcredbottle on Thu, 17 December 2015, 20:11:27
I have an Atreus kit (+ Zealio switches) that I'm never going to have time to solder up and assemble. I'm curious, how much would a full-on Atreus assembly cost? How long do you estimate that it would take?

I'd guess my turnaround time to be within two weeks to be safe, but most likely a week or less. I don't do sanding or finishing on the case though, woodworking is definitely not my forte. It looks like it would take  four or so hours to build, so I'd say about $70CAD for assembly and solder, plus shipping.

Quote from: Sifo on Thu, 17 December 2015, 20:14:33
(y) you can take all my orders

But Sifo, you're the Canadian keyboard guru!  :-*

I prefer the title of wizard

Ah man, I was gunning for the title of keyboard wizard. Can I be a keyboard cleric then?  ;D
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: meow a cat on Tue, 05 January 2016, 09:37:59
First client build received yesterday and in progress, more build photos to come soon (potato pictures though).  ^-^

Atreus, to be built with 65g tactile Zealios! Diodes soldered up. :)

(http://i.imgur.com/Q7X7Ghe.jpg)
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: Sifo on Tue, 05 January 2016, 10:29:36
That was a fun one to build. TIP: DON'T SOLDER IT ON BACKWARDS
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: meow a cat on Tue, 05 January 2016, 10:38:12
Quote from: Sifo on Tue, 05 January 2016, 10:29:36
That was a fun one to build. TIP: DON'T SOLDER IT ON BACKWARDS

It's a really unique board, I like it so far. The wood case is really nice!  :thumb:

I'll keep that in mind, that wouldn't be good. I'll be sure to triple check which way I have it before I solder in the switches and plate hahah.  :))
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: meow a cat on Wed, 06 January 2016, 09:11:28
Atreus completed! There will be some more photos later, probably today.  ;D

(http://i.imgsafe.org/dc52b40.jpg)

(http://i.imgsafe.org/df3c568.jpg)
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: bcredbottle on Wed, 06 January 2016, 09:49:53
Quote from: meow a cat on Wed, 06 January 2016, 09:11:28
Atreus completed! There will be some more photos later, probably today.  ;D

Show Image
(http://i.imgsafe.org/dc52b40.jpg)


Show Image
(http://i.imgsafe.org/df3c568.jpg)


My Atrelio looks so dope! Thanks meow. Saved me soooo much time!!
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: Waateva on Wed, 06 January 2016, 10:23:04
Quote from: bcredbottle on Wed, 06 January 2016, 09:49:53
Quote from: meow a cat on Wed, 06 January 2016, 09:11:28
Atreus completed! There will be some more photos later, probably today.  ;D

Show Image
(http://i.imgsafe.org/dc52b40.jpg)


Show Image
(http://i.imgsafe.org/df3c568.jpg)


My Atrelio looks so dope! Thanks meow. Saved me soooo much time!!

If you don't mind me asking, what is shipping looking like there and back?  I may be looking to get some work done as well.
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: meow a cat on Wed, 06 January 2016, 10:27:41
Quote from: Waateva on Wed, 06 January 2016, 10:23:04
Quote from: bcredbottle on Wed, 06 January 2016, 09:49:53
Quote from: meow a cat on Wed, 06 January 2016, 09:11:28
Atreus completed! There will be some more photos later, probably today.  ;D

Show Image
(http://i.imgsafe.org/dc52b40.jpg)


Show Image
(http://i.imgsafe.org/df3c568.jpg)


My Atrelio looks so dope! Thanks meow. Saved me soooo much time!!

If you don't mind me asking, what is shipping looking like there and back?  I may be looking to get some work done as well.

I haven't done a quote for the way back quite yet, but bcredbottle could tell you how much it was on the way here! :)

I'd be happy to take another order.  ^-^
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: meow a cat on Thu, 07 January 2016, 16:58:10
Quote from: Waateva on Wed, 06 January 2016, 10:23:04
Quote from: bcredbottle on Wed, 06 January 2016, 09:49:53
Quote from: meow a cat on Wed, 06 January 2016, 09:11:28
Atreus completed! There will be some more photos later, probably today.  ;D

Show Image
(http://i.imgsafe.org/dc52b40.jpg)


Show Image
(http://i.imgsafe.org/df3c568.jpg)


My Atrelio looks so dope! Thanks meow. Saved me soooo much time!!

If you don't mind me asking, what is shipping looking like there and back?  I may be looking to get some work done as well.

Shipping back to bcredbottle came out to $17CAD. I don't know the price for the way here though. Cheers.  ^-^
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: meow a cat on Thu, 07 January 2016, 18:50:37
Last few photos of bcredbottle's Atreus, now completed and shipped!

(http://i.imgsafe.org/f562940.jpg)
(http://i.imgsafe.org/ecb2c8c.jpg)
(http://i.imgsafe.org/f658b99.jpg)
(http://i.imgsafe.org/e3a6c4b.jpg)

It was a pleasure doing this build, thanks a bunch for the opportunity bcred!  ;D
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: bcredbottle on Sat, 16 January 2016, 14:01:04
Meow soldered my Atreus up and I'm very happy with it! He worked quickly and was very responsive. He also provided pictures along the way. Very satisfied.
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: meow a cat on Sat, 06 February 2016, 14:08:34
Still looking for my next order!  :-*
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: meow a cat on Thu, 28 April 2016, 02:48:27
So, bit of an update here.

Currently disassembling and reassembling a GON Crystal and an Orion for Gravenshard, so further orders will have to wait until after those boards are done.

I will get to everyone else as soon as I am able! :)
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: mobbo on Sat, 04 June 2016, 12:06:26
meow a cat is swapping in some vintage blacks for my Viper ^_^

Can't wait to see the results.
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: TeeBaginDragon on Sun, 05 June 2016, 12:26:30
Just commenting here for later, I know I will need some services in the near future...  :)
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: dgneo on Thu, 11 August 2016, 10:40:00
(https://i.imgur.com/vXJizXe.png)
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: dgneo on Thu, 18 August 2016, 07:40:36
(https://i.imgur.com/vXJizXe.png)

Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: mobbo on Fri, 19 August 2016, 07:54:20
Quote from: mobbo on Sat, 04 June 2016, 12:06:26
meow a cat is swapping in some vintage blacks for my Viper ^_^

Can't wait to see the results.

I really didn't want to have to make this post, but I'm getting a bit nervous since there has been a lack of communication. The last correspondence I received from meow a cat was on July 14, just over a month ago. Prior to this he was fairly responsive to PMs. On May 14, user merlin64 shipped the vintage blacks to meow a cat (who also purchased some from the same user). We discussed possible service options and pricing. A generous user, zanduby offered to send some LEDs to meow a cat for a side LED swap on the viper. Then he mentioned he was going through a rough patch and that he may not be able to work on my board when it arrives.

"Hopefully by the time the board gets here, my life has settled down again. If not, I'll be open with you about any delays. Shouldn't be much though."

On June 6, he notified me that both the Viper and LEDs have arrived, but that he had to go on an unexpected trip out of town for a couple of weeks, and that he will return on June 22 and will start work on my board immediately. The next correspondence received was on June 25th, and he told me he would be back in a few days.

Then on July 14 (last correspondence received to date), he told me that he won't be able to work on my board for personal reasons. He also he could have it shipped to someone else who could work on the board (along with the vintage black switches I purchased). He even said that he needed a bit to get the cash to pay for shipping, but not to worry.

I've messaged him three or four times since then, and have even offered to send him PP to cover any shipping costs so he doesn't have to worry about that. I have not yet heard from him.

So please meow a cat if you can read this, I would really appreciate an update on a board that a friend sold to me for a very decent price :/ and to anyone considering his services - please be aware. I understand tough times, trust me, and I know keyboards are probably the last thing on your mind. But if you are running a service, have a thread dedicated to it, and decide accept to work on someone's board, I would expect and appreciate some sort of communication following the announcement that you can't work on the board and are willing to ship it back out.

I'm not trying to witch hunt or call anyone out for anything yet (I don't know all the information or his situation) - I just felt the need to make my situation transparent as an attempt to eventually retrieve my board.

TLDR: Sent Viper and vintage black switches to meow a cat at end of May/beginning of June. No work has been done to date. Last correspondence was July 14. He still has my board.
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: dgneo on Tue, 23 August 2016, 08:26:45
Shows he was last active today about 20 minutes ago. Meow A Cat what the ****?
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: pinkizhip on Wed, 19 October 2016, 15:31:53
Inspiring to find some other BCers. Sad we had to meet under these circumstances :'(
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: meow a cat on Fri, 25 November 2016, 11:51:18
Still alive guys. Life is ****ed right now. Everyone will be getting their boards back, I love you guys and I love this community. Working on this as we speak.

I've had Gravenshards stuff for longer, but his stuff is half in progress so it's been a bit complicated getting it back together, I really don't want to forget anything.

Hoping to get Mobbo's stuff back to him this week.

Sorry this has gotten so ****ed up.
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: Sifo on Fri, 25 November 2016, 16:32:32
it happens to the best of us... happened to me too honestly lol that's why i retired 5 times. gl man, ****ty situation for all parties involved.
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: gravenshard on Wed, 30 November 2016, 13:26:33
Thanks for the update.
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: dingothedog on Thu, 19 January 2017, 21:22:10
This is bs. One of my keyboards is within the stuff that gravenshard sent you.

I was informed by gravenshard that you actually drove and met up with someone to give them their board back but you can't spend 5 minutes to ship things back.
This is such a joke, it's almost been a year.

What's even more messed up is that his keyboard is half finished meaning he has to send his keyboard to someone else to finish it but what if that someone pulls the same thing as you did?
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: gravenshard on Fri, 17 March 2017, 15:06:02
I don't get it. You send me a PM that you're going to send me my stuff back and then disappear for a month again without answering.
I don't see how you can't spend a few minutes to send it back. It's already been over a year and you're basically holding $1000 worth of items.
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: Tally810 on Sat, 18 March 2017, 16:52:59
Quote from: gravenshard on Fri, 17 March 2017, 15:06:02
I don't get it. You send me a PM that you're going to send me my stuff back and then disappear for a month again without answering.
I don't see how you can't spend a few minutes to send it back. It's already been over a year and you're basically holding $1000 worth of items.
Whenever stuff like this happens I feel like the person holding all the stuff doesn't have money to ship.  I could be wrong but I'm sure people would be more than happy to pay for shipping to get their stuff back

Sent from my SM-G928V using Tapatalk

Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: gravenshard on Sun, 19 March 2017, 11:20:57
Quote from: Tally810 on Sat, 18 March 2017, 16:52:59
Quote from: gravenshard on Fri, 17 March 2017, 15:06:02
I don't get it. You send me a PM that you're going to send me my stuff back and then disappear for a month again without answering.
I don't see how you can't spend a few minutes to send it back. It's already been over a year and you're basically holding $1000 worth of items.
Whenever stuff like this happens I feel like the person holding all the stuff doesn't have money to ship.  I could be wrong but I'm sure people would be more than happy to pay for shipping to get their stuff back

Sent from my SM-G928V using Tapatalk

I don't mind sending him the money to ship it back if that was the issue but that can't be the case because he had it well over a year.
Title: Re: [CANADA-BC] Meow's Keyboard Assembly & Modding Service. - ORDERS OPEN
Post by: BobBob on Wed, 03 May 2017, 09:39:27
Any updates?