[TMK] HHKB Alt Controller with Mini-B/Type-C connector

[Glissant]

Much appreciated, hasu. I even had those posts bookmarked from before, but had forgotten them -_-". Sorry!

[hasu]

ugh, seems like Rev.D fix is too complex

Glissant, I can send you a *raw* Rev.G PCB for nothing if you are serious about BT mod.

[Glissant]

I have my battery ready, and my hhkb type-s wants to be wireless, but does "raw" mean I need to source the smd parts myself? Might be better to deal with this via private message, so if you agree just continue there.

[hasu]

I meant an empty PCB without any components by "raw". Yes, you need to get all components, but perhaps you can desolder some of them from your Rev.D controler. Or you can source them from me but it costs, of course.

Anyhoo, you can get a PCB for free. PM me.

[IonutZ]

Hey buddy, hope you're well. Can you please document the various transmittal power choices we have?

I'm aware of

SY,0004 which is really strong and
SY,FFF4 which is really weak

I'm not very hex savvy, what could go in between? I tried BBBB thinking it might be somewhere in the middle, but had no luck.

[hasu]

Hi.
See page 27 of the date sheet, you can use one of the following eignt vaules. Not sure BBBB is valid value.
FFF4 is two's compliment notation of -12.

Code: [Select]

0010 16
000C 12
0008 8
0004 4
0000 0
FFFC -4
FFF8 -8
FFF4 -12

http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/bluetooth_cr_UG-v1.0r.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two's_complement

[IonutZ]

Yea, wow I had no idea haha. I thought the range of values was a lot higher and started at FFFF and ended at 0000. Lol. Thanks for this!!!

[mko]

This is what I have been looking for all the time. hope you the BT can have multi pairing(connect to multiply device at the same time and switch using key combo)

[TastaturenAuslese]

Any issues with dust gathering inside the empty USB ports in the back? =)) I'm really considering picking up a BT version soon.

[hasu]

You may need to close them with tape or something if you are going to use the keyboard outdoor
3D-printed cover would be better cosmetically.

[shrubkeys]

Do a quick search - someone posted some .stl files they created for little inexpensive/good-enough covers on one of the other hhkb alt controller threads...

[yomammary]

Can someone link it? I couldn't find it.

[suicidal_orange]

Can someone link it? I couldn't find it.

Just thought I'd post here that my friend and I designed and 3d printed dust covers for the usb ports on the hhkb with Hasu controller.  Here is a picture of it:

Show Image

I'll get the .stl file from my buddy and upload for anyone that wants it.  Some minimal sanding is required around the corners and edges etc.  Unfortunately, I cannot make these for anyone as my school has the machine, and I will be graduating in a week.

No sign of the .stl file though, maybe send him a PM?

[MJ45]

Can someone link it? I couldn't find it.

Just thought I'd post here that my friend and I designed and 3d printed dust covers for the usb ports on the hhkb with Hasu controller.  Here is a picture of it:

Show Image

I'll get the .stl file from my buddy and upload for anyone that wants it.  Some minimal sanding is required around the corners and edges etc.  Unfortunately, I cannot make these for anyone as my school has the machine, and I will be graduating in a week.

No sign of the .stl file though, maybe send him a PM?

Try this link; https://www.dropbox.com/s/v6vtinzjoh5y06u/HHKBusbcover.stl?dl=0

[yomammary]

Thanks

[Glissant]

Got my kit, hasu. Will build the kit once I get back to my soldering station Thanks again!

[esoomenona]

.

[hasu]

Yes, Pro1 alt controller is identical electronically with Pro2 so you can use same binary hex file on both.

[s00pcan]

Registered here to ask about possible usb type c on this board.  I'd buy one!

[hasu]

Yes Type-C is interesting. And I know it is next big thing on USB and some people are excited at that.
It doens't seems to be hard to replace mini B connector with Type-C but note that you have to file your case to fit it into.

The connector is so pricy at the time I feel like waiting till it becomes common everywhere and cheap.

[flipjsio]

Hi Hasu. Id like to buy one controller please. I have Pro-2 Type-S. Can you pm me your paypal details and total to pay (including shipping) please. I am in the UK. Thanks.

[hasu]

PM'd. Thanks.
Either USB or Bluetooth controller can be shipped in a few days right now.

[grantr]

Hi Hasu! I'd like to buy the bluetooth board. I have a Pro2 and am in the US. Can you PM me the details? Thanks!

[hasu]

PM'd.
Post here or PM me if you have any question.

[esoomenona]

.

[hasu]

You have to build from source to define macro.

[dustinhxc]

Hey Hasu, Id love a USB Controller! I sent a PM. Stoked to try one man, always loved your work. 

[hasu]

dustinhxc,
Thanks for your interest.
Sorry not in stock currently, last three USB controllers have gone in this week.
Components for next batch were ordered but it will take a few weeks until starting assembly.


Updated STOCK in the first post.

Preassembled boards in stock:(can be shipped in a few days)
    USB: 0
    BT: 3

Components in stock:(can be assembled in a week)
    USB: 0
    BT: 0

[dustinhxc]

dustinhxc,
Thanks for your interest.
Sorry not in stock currently, last three USB controllers have gone in this week.
Components for next batch were ordered but it will take a few weeks until starting assembly.


Updated STOCK in the first post.

Preassembled boards in stock:(can be shipped in a few days)
    USB: 0
    BT: 3

Components in stock:(can be assembled in a week)
    USB: 0
    BT: 0

Can I be added to the waiting list please? Id like one. Thanks!

[ajx]

Hi, Hasu, nice thread 
I am willing to buy a polymer battery on Sparkfun

Do not attempt to charge these with anything but a charger specifically designed for Lithium Ion batteries.

Is it safe to charge it through usb from keyboard?

Still any 2000 mah battery or more available that would fit into HHKB?

Thanks you, great works!

[hasu]

yes, you can charge Lipo battery with USB, this controller uses Lipo charger chip MCP73831.

Check this for battery cavity size.

Bluetooth Battery

More

BT Controller doesn't include battery. I can recommend Sparkfun Lipo battery(850mA or 1000mA) but you will be able to find proper batteries at many sites on the net.

You need to use 3.7V Lithium Ion Polymer battery with JST PH 2pin connector and battery protection circuit. Battery space inside HHKB is around 54mm x 50mm and its height is 7mm(or 8mm).
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.msg1597883#msg1597883

LIPO BATTERY IS VERY DANGEROUS, TAKE EXTRA CARE OF YOUR SAFETY AND PROPERTY. For your safety check this.
https://learn.adafruit.com/li-ion-and-lipoly-batteries
https://www.sparkfun.com/tutorials/241

[ajx]

http://www.evita.lt/en/a-lp804550-akumuliatorius-3-7v-2000mah-8x45x50mm-li-polymer

What do you think about this 2000 mah polymer battery? That's the ony that may fit into HHKB case

It has no JST connectors and cables
How to attach it to the battery?

[flabbergast]

http://www.evita.lt/en/a-lp804550-akumuliatorius-3-7v-2000mah-8x45x50mm-li-polymer

What do you think about this 2000 mah polymer battery? That's the ony that may fit into HHKB case

It has no JST connectors and cables
How to attach it to the battery?

I have one LiPo from SparkFun (I think) and the JST connector is not directly cabled to the battery leads like you see on the your picture, but there's a small PCB (JST -- wires -- PCB -- battery). It's hard to see on SparkFun's photos, it's kind of hidden in the battery cover.

So - I always thought that this small PCB has some kind of extra protection stuff on it (well maybe just a diode so that there's no reverse current going in). But I don't know enough about this stuff to tell. These things can be seriously dangerous, so I'm just trying to say that do some more research before just soldering wires straight to a LiPo like you posted.

[hasu]

http://www.evita.lt/en/a-lp804550-akumuliatorius-3-7v-2000mah-8x45x50mm-li-polymer

What do you think about this 2000 mah polymer battery? That's the ony that may fit into HHKB case

It has no JST connectors and cables
How to attach it to the battery?

I have one LiPo from SparkFun (I think) and the JST connector is not directly cabled to the battery leads like you see on the your picture, but there's a small PCB (JST -- wires -- PCB -- battery). It's hard to see on SparkFun's photos, it's kind of hidden in the battery cover.

So - I always thought that this small PCB has some kind of extra protection stuff on it (well maybe just a diode so that there's no reverse current going in). But I don't know enough about this stuff to tell. These things can be seriously dangerous, so I'm just trying to say that do some more research before just soldering wires straight to a LiPo like you posted.

Yes, that raw battery has no protection circuit and you cannot use with BT controller.
I recommend buying battery with protection board from reliable vendor.

[ajx]

Ok thanks, so those 2000 mah polymer batteries from Adafruit or Spakfun, are too large to be fitted into HHKB?
Only 1000 mah at best i guess?

[hasu]

Perhpas they may fit but not sure.
I'd recommend to check dimension of the battery and HHKB case yourself.

BTW, someone reported 2500mAh battery could fit in the place.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.msg1600169#msg1600169

[ajx]

I found this

http://www.miniinthebox.com/universal-replacement-3-7v-1800mah-li-polymer-battery-for-7-10-macbook-samsung-acer-sony-apple-tablet-pc-4-45-55_p1600818.html

It might fit well into the HHKB even if it sightly larger with 1mm more

[shrubkeys]

Any chance the online keymap editor could generate its C code in all ASCII? It would be great to be able to use it to create a basic layout, which you could then edit further locally. As it stands, the source ouput at the bottom (for debugging) writes the keymap table in hex codes, which isn't all that useful for human reading.

[deci]

Hey guys. I can now confirm that this 2000 mah battery easily fits in the case as well.
(I'm using it in my new Type S, and it is only slightly larger than the 1200 I have in my pro 2)

http://www.adafruit.com/products/2011

The connector side will overlap the pcb slightly but it is a little less thick than the rest of the battery so it's not a big deal.
(I also use 3m mounting tape for the battery so the slight boost in height fits perfectly over the pcb)

*Please note that if you use this battery do not mount it flush with the top of the case. There needs to be a little gap there for the support that presses down on the pcb.
You can leave a little gap or even mount it resting against the lower post for more security.


I also suspect that this 2500 mah might fit as well but there will be much more overlap so it might not be quite is neat.
I don't need the extra power so I did not test one of these yet:
http://www.adafruit.com/products/328

[ajx]

I found and bought a 3000 mah that might fit, its on larger by 0,1mm margin
Its from Aliexpress, not really reliable as Adafruit/Sparkfun, that's why i would test if whether its safe and reliable as polymer battery, before dropping the link here

[hasu]

ANNOUNCE: Alt Controller for Pro1

You can order Alt Controller for Pro1 now.
Pro1(PD-KB300) is older EOL model from 2003-2006. ( http://deskthority.net/wiki/HHKB_Professional#HHKB_Professional.5B1.5D )
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=12047.msg1779801#msg1779801

[ajx]

I having litige with the seller, he sold me a legit 3000 mah battery that could fit into HHKB case but as you may know, the possibility of finding such size capacity within HHKB case dimensions, is almost non existent



He claims its normal structure of lipo battery although i can see and touch a split in middle
What do you think guys, reliable battery?

[TrptJim]

Just got my Pro2 BT board in this morning. Thanks so much Hasu!

I paired it with an Adafruit 2000mAh LiPo and have been testing it out for the past few hours. Everything functions great right out of the box.

I do hear a high pitch whine coming from what sounds like the battery/connector area, that only happens when plugged into a USB PC or charging port. Is this normal? I'll take a closer look tomorrow to narrow it down.

Jim

[hasu]

Thanks for the report back.

Yes, that whine is normal to my BT controller unfortunately, it comes from one of yellow tantalum capacitors. I can't hear it when the case is closed but if you are young and have good ears you can still hear perhaps. In developement phase I tried to remove the whine by changing capacitor value and size, but I couldn't in the end.

It doesn't indicate any defect of components but it may be annoying for good ears.

[TrptJim]

It's inaudible anywhere outside my bedroom so it's a very minor thing, though I wonder if a dab of hot glue would improve it.

[japanskcykel]

Hello hasu! Awesome project you have started, I have always wanted the hhkb to be programmable! The reason I found out about this project is because my original controller fried a couple of days ago at my University (one of the computers had a faulty USB connector) along with my friends Ducky controller too ('dmesg' in linux says it doesn't accept the device enumerator). My question is (in your opinion), would replacing the controller suffice or is the rest of the keyboard broken (the key switch PCB too)? I have seen that the controller is connected to the PCB that contains the keys with a 13-bit (or was it 12?) parallel cable, by the little experience I have of electronics I don't think that should have mitigated there right?

I look forward to buy a hasu controller soon!
Thanks for your help!

[hasu]

I'm not sure but I don't think your switch board was broken. Topre controller board has voltage regulator chip on power line and I guess it may work as protection when power failure. But not sure again there.

Note that TMK USB controller has no protection, you can suffer from a damage more severely when that situation. BT has poly fuse(PPTC) but I don't think it is enough protection in that case.

[Anonymous Coward]

I just received my bt controller as well and it is fantastic.

Thank you for making these available. 

[jgaddi]

Hey guys, I'm having trouble pairing with the bluetooth module. The battery is fully charged, and switching the bluetooth on (with USB unplugged) causes the battery LED to flash red twice. When plugged in, I can't detect a BT signal.

Here's my output from hid_listen after switching BT on. I don't think rn42 should read OFF at this point:

----- RN-42 info -----
protocol: LUFA
force_usb: 0
rn42: OFF
rn42_autoconnecting(): 1
config_mode: 0
USB State: Configured
battery: CHARG
RemoteWakeupEnabled: 0
VBUS: 1
uptime: 00 00:03:37

BAT: 4200mV        00:04:14



Initializing the bluetooth module with LShift+RShift+Del doesn't seem to change anything.

I was able to flash a custom layout, and the controller works great over USB. Any ideas?

[hasu]

Hey guys, I'm having trouble pairing with the bluetooth module. The battery is fully charged, and switching the bluetooth on (with USB unplugged) causes the battery LED to flash red twice. When plugged in, I can't detect a BT signal.

Here's my output from hid_listen after switching BT on. I don't think rn42 should read OFF at this point:

----- RN-42 info -----
protocol: LUFA
force_usb: 0
rn42: OFF
rn42_autoconnecting(): 1
config_mode: 0
USB State: Configured
battery: CHARG
RemoteWakeupEnabled: 0
VBUS: 1
uptime: 00 00:03:37

BAT: 4200mV        00:04:14



Initializing the bluetooth module with LShift+RShift+Del doesn't seem to change anything.

I was able to flash a custom layout, and the controller works great over USB. Any ideas?

Weird, that output indicates Bluetooth module powers off.
This pic shows BT slide switch position and LEDs.


You will see BT LED blinks in red when BT module powers on.

BT LED
It lights red when Bluetooth is connected to host, blinks red(once per second) when waiting for connection and blinks red(10 times per second) when Bluetooth module is config mode.

To initialize BT module you should press LShift+RShift+ScrollLock, not Delete. LShift+RShift+Delete enters module into command mode.

Magic commands
Prefix of magic command are LShift + RShift.

- i displays Bluetooth information on hid_listen console.
- b displays battery voltage on console.
- Delete enter/exits Bluetoot module RN-42 config mode on console. See RN-42 manual.
- Scroll Lock initialize module with TMK default configuration.
- p put keyboard into paring mode focibly.
- u switches between USB and Bluetooth mode.

Check the first post of this thread again for Magic command key combos.