Author Topic: [IC] GH60 Expansions (Read 17192 times)

Strelok · « **on:** Wed, 06 March 2013, 14:09:15 »

agodinhost and I have been conceptualizing a wireless breakout board for the GH60 to make it compatible with Bluetooth and battery power here.
komar007 has revised the PCB to make the board able to accept expansion modules.

If there is significant interest, other modules can be prototyped and ran with the next batch of GH60 PCB.

Is there anyone that is interested in any type of expansion module? wireless, lcd screens, various lighting options, whatever you can think of...

Interest:

Wireless:

Strelok
agodinhost
hasu
Mashby
Aleksander
aggiejy
TDub
BossBorot
gnubag
WhiteFireDragon
4LI4Z
tmk1207
Batmann
Mashby
noxwood
whiskeytango
phetto
Leslieann
kriminal
i3oilermaker
vardhana
esoomenonap
Matt3o
tjcaustin
hashbaz
hoshidishi
FabsSpeed
Winther
Turkishrambo
tricheboars
Sai
TheQsanity
Muffet
Glissant
elton5354
inteli722
ItsBc
battletux
Kmynis
Glod
Greystroke
Neal
reality404
heedpantsnow
realex
Jocelyn
Tranquilite

USB Hub:

Agodinhost
Strelok
noxwood
Mashby
esoomenonap
heedpantsnow

EL Backlighting:

Agodinhost
esoomenonap
TheQsanity
Battletux
Kmynis
Glod
heedpantsnow
reality404

Integrated Trackball:

dirge
esoomenonap
TheQsanity
heedpantsnow

aggiejy · « **Reply #1 on:** Wed, 06 March 2013, 17:28:08 »

I'm interested in the idea of adding bluetooth. Personally I don't mind a cord, but I have a couple good friends that always ask me about wireless mechanical keyboards. Filco came out with their full-size bluetooth board I suppose. It does seem like something that will grow in popularity in general.

TDub · « **Reply #2 on:** Thu, 07 March 2013, 02:12:38 »

Definitely interested in Bluetooth

BossBorot · « **Reply #3 on:** Thu, 07 March 2013, 02:19:22 »

+1 to wireless interest

gnubag · « **Reply #4 on:** Thu, 07 March 2013, 02:30:37 »

yes, bluetooth would be boss.

WhiteFireDragon · « **Reply #5 on:** Thu, 07 March 2013, 02:53:04 »

I'd be interested in this, although I don't think it'll easily fit in any existing cases. I'm assuming this module has the circuitry for recharging the lithium polymer battery via USB, right?

dirge · « **Reply #6 on:** Thu, 07 March 2013, 07:23:22 »

DIY Rollermouse built into the case

Strelok · « **Reply #7 on:** Thu, 07 March 2013, 09:14:50 »

Quote from: WhiteFireDragon on Thu, 07 March 2013, 02:53:04

I'd be interested in this, although I don't think it'll easily fit in any existing cases. I'm assuming this module has the circuitry for recharging the lithium polymer battery via USB, right?

Yes.

4LI4Z · « **Reply #8 on:** Thu, 07 March 2013, 10:08:16 »

Totally interested in wireless.

tmk1207 · « **Reply #9 on:** Thu, 07 March 2013, 10:37:17 »

+1 to wireless

Batmann · « **Reply #10 on:** Thu, 07 March 2013, 15:05:03 »

same here,
in for wireless

agodinhost · « **Reply #11 on:** Thu, 07 March 2013, 16:02:00 »

+1 bluetooth and usb lipo charger

+1 modular keyboard matrix

+1 EL backlight with adjust!

el backlight with auto adjust?

el backlight toggled to on or off by timer and movement detection?

water proof? (or at least spit proof?)

agodinhost · « **Reply #12 on:** Thu, 07 March 2013, 16:11:24 »

Quote from: WhiteFireDragon on Thu, 07 March 2013, 02:53:04

I'd be interested in this, although I don't think it'll easily fit in any existing cases. I'm assuming this module has the circuitry for recharging the lithium polymer battery via USB, right?

Yup, usb lipo charger included.

mashby · « **Reply #13 on:** Thu, 07 March 2013, 16:51:09 »

+1 for wireless.

noxwood · « **Reply #14 on:** Thu, 07 March 2013, 21:23:08 »

Bluetooth sounds good.

Maybe more lighting options? There was a picture of a keyboard that had backlighting that lit the desk around the keyboard, looked pretty cool.

whiskytango · « **Reply #15 on:** Thu, 07 March 2013, 21:41:45 »

Since I have decided I must join the GH60 club, I would be interested in a wireless option since I plan on getting a tablet when my laptop dies.

agodinhost · « **Reply #16 on:** Fri, 08 March 2013, 16:23:45 »

What? no one asked for a few USB ports?

noxwood · « **Reply #17 on:** Fri, 08 March 2013, 18:17:41 »

Good idea, a USB hub built in would be fantastic.

Also, a trackpoint.

mashby · « **Reply #18 on:** Sat, 09 March 2013, 07:57:38 »

and a Pony!

Seriously though, the USB hub is a great idea.

phetto · « **Reply #19 on:** Sat, 09 March 2013, 08:58:29 »

+1. For wireless. Perfect for htpc

Leslieann · « **Reply #20 on:** Sat, 09 March 2013, 18:02:14 »

Definitely interested in wireless.

Strelok · « **Reply #21 on:** Mon, 11 March 2013, 18:50:45 »

I added USB Hub to the list but I can't work out the logistics for that in my head.

Additional case mods would be necessary and I can't imagine how easy it would be to stack with wireless.

agodinhost · « **Reply #22 on:** Mon, 11 March 2013, 22:25:50 »

Quote from: Strelok on Mon, 11 March 2013, 18:50:45

I added USB Hub to the list but I can't work out the logistics for that in my head.

Additional case mods would be necessary and I can't imagine how easy it would be to stack with wireless.

Worst case scenario: we could get one 4 ports USB Hub and wire it internally.
Best case scenario: we could design our own ...
I'm not sure yet.
Right now it's just a wish ...

kriminal · « **Reply #23 on:** Tue, 12 March 2013, 14:22:01 »

wireless\bluetooth

i3oilermaker · « **Reply #24 on:** Tue, 12 March 2013, 14:42:02 »

Yea ring me up

vardhana · « **Reply #25 on:** Thu, 14 March 2013, 09:15:53 »

I'm interested in wireless.

dirge · « **Reply #26 on:** Thu, 14 March 2013, 15:24:33 »

Why am I the only person to say roller mouse?

Strelok · « **Reply #27 on:** Thu, 14 March 2013, 15:40:29 »

Quote from: dirge on Thu, 14 March 2013, 15:24:33

Why am I the only person to say roller mouse?

Yes.

Glissant · « **Reply #28 on:** Thu, 14 March 2013, 15:56:54 »

Interested in the wireless module

.

esoomenona · « **Reply #29 on:** Thu, 14 March 2013, 16:06:03 »

I'm interested in any expansion that can be made.

Strelok · « **Reply #30 on:** Thu, 14 March 2013, 16:52:41 »

I don't know a hell of a lot about PCB but it seems that if order at least 25 it will be less than $10 per PCB. Bluetooth modules are a different story.

Matt3o · « **Reply #31 on:** Thu, 14 March 2013, 17:05:00 »

+1 wireless

agodinhost · « **Reply #32 on:** Thu, 14 March 2013, 19:50:39 »

Quote from: Strelok on Thu, 14 March 2013, 16:52:41

I don't know a hell of a lot about PCB but it seems that if order at least 25 it will be less than $10 per PCB. Bluetooth modules are a different story.

I used BatchPCB a few times and it was okay for small quantities ...

tjcaustin · « **Reply #33 on:** Thu, 14 March 2013, 19:55:37 »

AMG WHY AM I NOT ON THE WIRELESS LIST, I NEEEED ONE OF THESE FOR MY LIVING ROOM PC.

hashbaz · « **Reply #34 on:** Thu, 14 March 2013, 22:31:20 »

Interested in wireless.

Sai · « **Reply #35 on:** Thu, 14 March 2013, 22:34:42 »

yep. put me down for 1 wireless.

)

FabsSpeed · « **Reply #36 on:** Sat, 16 March 2013, 14:41:30 »

In for mwireless!

Winther · « **Reply #37 on:** Tue, 19 March 2013, 14:09:46 »

wireless could be cool.
im interested..

Turkishrambo · « **Reply #38 on:** Tue, 19 March 2013, 14:23:40 »

wireless for me!

TheQsanity · « **Reply #39 on:** Tue, 19 March 2013, 14:43:33 »

Not sure if any bit of it would be compatible with a prototype but all the ideas lool nice

agodinhost · « **Reply #40 on:** Tue, 19 March 2013, 16:01:29 »

Quote from: TheQsanity on Tue, 19 March 2013, 14:43:33

Not sure if any bit of it would be compatible with a prototype but all the ideas lool nice

compatible with a prototype? what do you mean?
I'm working on one prototype - just give me some time bro, I'm slow ...

tricheboars · « **Reply #41 on:** Tue, 19 March 2013, 16:15:21 »

i would love a wireless one!

Winther · « **Reply #42 on:** Tue, 19 March 2013, 18:13:37 »

just curious here, would this be ready around the same time as the board, if you are able to tell that yet?

agodinhost · « **Reply #43 on:** Tue, 19 March 2013, 20:20:21 »

Quote from: Winther on Tue, 19 March 2013, 18:13:37

just curious here, would this be ready around the same time as the board, if you are able to tell that yet?

I think it will take one month, 2 tops.
The idea is to make one proof of concept first, then I'll post the basic wiring into my blog or here. Doing so we will enable more people to help in the firmware code.

The thing is that I do have a few bluetooth modules at home (picture 1) but they are not ready to be used without another module (one level converter).
So, to keep the wiring simple as possible, I did ordered a few bluetooth "shields" (picture 3, I don't like this word but it's how the arduino guys are calling it's modules).

Picture 1, the bluetooth CSR module

Picture 2, the bluetooth "level converter" module

Picture 3 = picture 1 + picture 2

I did almost finished the usb lipo charger wiring (here).
Take a look there and feel free to write comments (and please, anyone, pardon my english - any review on it will be welcome).

TheQsanity · « **Reply #44 on:** Wed, 20 March 2013, 02:09:12 »

Quote from: agodinhost on Tue, 19 March 2013, 16:01:29

Quote from: TheQsanity on Tue, 19 March 2013, 14:43:33
Not sure if any bit of it would be compatible with a prototype but all the ideas lool nice
compatible with a prototype? what do you mean?
I'm working on one prototype - just give me some time bro, I'm slow ...

No, no problem at all. I heard new pbc and thought the prototype wouldnt be compatible. I would be interested if the difficulty level isnt too high.

How about the trackpoint(pointing stick)? Idea was proposed for the hypermicro.
I would be very interested in that
And maybe some mouse clickers by the spacebar...

You have my full support! Get me in them all.

agodinhost · « **Reply #45 on:** Wed, 20 March 2013, 08:59:01 »

Quote from: TheQsanity on Wed, 20 March 2013, 02:09:12

... I would be interested if the difficulty level isnt too high.

The idea is to keep the whole thing as simple as possible.

Quote from: TheQsanity on Wed, 20 March 2013, 02:09:12

You have my full support! Get me in them all.

There is not much to do until I got those parts.
Komar is testing his firmware and gui, he needs help ...

Muffet · « **Reply #46 on:** Thu, 21 March 2013, 09:29:26 »

I am also interested in the wireless

Strelok · « **Reply #47 on:** Sun, 24 March 2013, 17:49:47 »

Quote from: TheQsanity on Wed, 20 March 2013, 02:09:12

How about the trackpoint(pointing stick)? Idea was proposed for the hypermicro.
I would be very interested in that
And maybe some mouse clickers by the spacebar...

I'd love a trackpoint myself, but that would require a lot more infrastructure to be created. I think we're all waiting for the MiniGuru to return.

Glissant · « **Reply #48 on:** Sun, 24 March 2013, 18:33:54 »

Quote from: Glissant on Thu, 14 March 2013, 15:56:54

Interested in the wireless module .

elton5354 · « **Reply #49 on:** Sun, 24 March 2013, 18:45:14 »

Quote from: Muffet on Thu, 21 March 2013, 09:29:26

I am also interested in the wireless

inteli722 · « **Reply #50 on:** Sun, 24 March 2013, 19:23:27 »

Wireless is the main reason for a 60% board for me...so

I would love a wireless option!

ItsBc · « **Reply #51 on:** Tue, 26 March 2013, 05:52:20 »

I'm in on wireless!

agodinhost · « **Reply #52 on:** Tue, 26 March 2013, 08:16:17 »

I'm still waiting for a few parts at here.
As soon as it arrives I'll be back to work in the prototype ...

mkawa · « **Reply #53 on:** Tue, 26 March 2013, 08:34:54 »

the good vertical strain gauge trackpoints come from alps, the 4mm tall version is no longer in production, and MOQ is huge

battletux · « **Reply #54 on:** Tue, 16 April 2013, 08:45:49 »

Wireless and back lighting would be awesome. Consider me interested in both.

Kmynis · « **Reply #55 on:** Tue, 16 April 2013, 09:05:00 »

+1 for wireless and backlight. Some RGB LED stuff would be very cool and I'm pumped to go to insane levels.

Glod · « **Reply #56 on:** Tue, 16 April 2013, 20:16:14 »

what is this integrated trackball you speak of,

im down for 1 or 2 wireless kits if they ever come to exist and inexpensive

shame the ergodox can't be made wireless that i know of.

Tarzan · « **Reply #57 on:** Tue, 16 April 2013, 20:55:13 »

+1 for backlighting and wireless.

Matt3o · « **Reply #58 on:** Wed, 17 April 2013, 05:08:23 »

just wanted to stress the obvious... wireless AND backlight don't go well together. It's either/or.

Tarzan · « **Reply #59 on:** Wed, 17 April 2013, 08:00:31 »

Quote from: Matt3o on Wed, 17 April 2013, 05:08:23

just wanted to stress the obvious... wireless AND backlight don't go well together. It's either/or.

Well in that case... I'd be in for a back-lit GH60.

Neal · « **Reply #60 on:** Wed, 17 April 2013, 13:53:17 »

Interested in wireless.

reality404 · « **Reply #61 on:** Fri, 19 April 2013, 00:28:26 »

Interested in a backlight and wireless on a different GH60.

heedpantsnow · « **Reply #62 on:** Sun, 21 April 2013, 21:30:23 »

Interested in:

ALL OF THEM!

realex · « **Reply #63 on:** Tue, 23 April 2013, 15:11:43 »

interested in wireless mod to be able to finally detonate an explosive charge inside my logitech htpc keyboard.

Jocelyn · « **Reply #64 on:** Tue, 23 April 2013, 15:15:33 »

Very interested in wireless

Tranquilite · « **Reply #65 on:** Wed, 24 April 2013, 15:41:44 »

I'm interested in wireless as well.

bear95 · « **Reply #66 on:** Wed, 24 April 2013, 20:57:43 »

Interested in all. Especially wireless. One of main reasons why I'm getting gh60.

naokira · « **Reply #67 on:** Thu, 02 May 2013, 14:30:17 »

I just think of this while on my way home, how about a built in sd card reader ?

kinda cool if you're dependent on sd cards.

agodinhost · « **Reply #68 on:** Thu, 02 May 2013, 15:29:38 »

Quote from: naokira on Thu, 02 May 2013, 14:30:17

I just think of this while on my way home, how about a built in sd card reader ?

kinda cool if you're dependent on sd cards.

The firmware code required to read FAT is kinda huge - not sure if fit in one teensy (atmega32u4) ...

reddeth · « **Reply #69 on:** Thu, 02 May 2013, 17:04:06 »

I'd be on board for a wireless addon. Just to be sure, I'm assuming this means I have a GH60 board and I can add a board onto it that makes it wireless? Hell yeah!

n0rvig · « **Reply #70 on:** Thu, 02 May 2013, 19:38:42 »

If interest checks are like voting then put me down for Wireless.

agodinhost · « **Reply #71 on:** Fri, 03 May 2013, 07:40:19 »

Quote from: reddeth on Thu, 02 May 2013, 17:04:06

I'd be on board for a wireless addon. Just to be sure, I'm assuming this means I have a GH60 board and I can add a board onto it that makes it wireless? Hell yeah!

Yes, you can, hasu's firmware already does have support for iWRAP so if you do get one compatible module like the Bluegiga I think you are good to go.
I'm working on it with the RN-42 HID module and with the CSR module too but it will take a while (I'm slow).
Take a look into the GH60 Wireless link into my signature.

bbl · « **Reply #72 on:** Thu, 16 May 2013, 10:54:24 »

Wireless. Most definitely.

Trueno86 · « **Reply #73 on:** Tue, 04 June 2013, 14:44:05 »

Wireless for sure!

nil · « **Reply #74 on:** Sun, 16 June 2013, 04:43:12 »

Wireless.

mtl · « **Reply #75 on:** Mon, 17 June 2013, 22:22:50 »

++wireless
++trackpoint IV & 3 buttons
++hub / sdcard reader

Also, how about a speaker for key click sound effects? This could provide auditory feedback for non-clicky switches.

thoere · « **Reply #76 on:** Tue, 18 June 2013, 20:01:01 »

Interested in USB hub and trackball

komar007 · « **Reply #77 on:** Thu, 20 June 2013, 02:55:30 »

Before this gets too far, I have to disappoint you and say that not all of these are technically possible.
The expansion connector contains power and 4 I/O lines from the microcontroller, so USB hub is not possible, since this will require the USB lines to go to the expansion board first and then to the controller.
Trackball/trackpoint/wireless are however theoretically possible.
One potential problem with the expansion modules is the space limitations in the case. It looks like there's really little space there. I've no idea how to fit anything there...

Batmann · « **Reply #78 on:** Thu, 20 June 2013, 07:41:09 »

How about IMSTO new "diamond" case?
they look deeper than what is usually done, it seems there could be some room left under the PCB around the area where the usb controller sits,
what do you think?

agodinhost · « **Reply #79 on:** Thu, 20 June 2013, 09:00:20 »

Quote from: komar007 on Thu, 20 June 2013, 02:55:30

Before this gets too far, I have to disappoint you and say that not all of these are technically possible.
The expansion connector contains power and 4 I/O lines from the microcontroller, so USB hub is not possible, since this will require the USB lines to go to the expansion board first and then to the controller.
Trackball/trackpoint/wireless are however theoretically possible.
One potential problem with the expansion modules is the space limitations in the case. It looks like there's really little space there. I've no idea how to fit anything there...

Yup, not all of these items in this IC are possible without a second uC or with more room at the GH60 case.
I think that with time we will see what we can do or not.
For this IC I think it's valid to write down whatever you like to have - it's an IC anyway, not an GB (IMHO).

Poom · « **Reply #80 on:** Thu, 27 June 2013, 13:03:43 »

Bluetooth please

ferociousfingerings · « **Reply #81 on:** Fri, 12 July 2013, 01:50:38 »

Let's slap some NAND and a quad-core cpu on it!

But srsly, i was thinking "let's make it modular." That way, you could plug-in an F-row and/or a TK/home/arrow-cluster-pad, and upon doing so, it "automagically" changes to a profile that includes the connected component.

As for "usb hub impossible," what would be required to make it possible? I don't quite understand the brief explanation given about why it's impossible (4 I/O lines from microcontroller, usb lines to expansion board first...).

If a USB "hub" is impossible, what about a single "pass-through port?" I realize that would require a different connector and a fancy twin-cable... but is it even possible?

And, if wireless is to be developed, would there be USB-charging? Would there be LED indicators of charging/battery/connectivity status?

agodinhost · « **Reply #82 on:** Fri, 12 July 2013, 09:43:13 »

Quote from: ferociousfingerings on Fri, 12 July 2013, 01:50:38

Let's slap some NAND and a quad-core cpu on it!

Gosh, I would love but whom would pay for it?

Quote from: ferociousfingerings on Fri, 12 July 2013, 01:50:38

But srsly, i was thinking "let's make it modular." That way, you could plug-in an F-row and/or a TK/home/arrow-cluster-pad, and upon doing so, it "automagically" changes to a profile that includes the connected component.

Modular is my motto however the price is a huge influence! Don't forget that the most important thing is to get the project working!

Quote from: ferociousfingerings on Fri, 12 July 2013, 01:50:38

As for "usb hub impossible," what would be required to make it possible? I don't quite understand the brief explanation given about why it's impossible (4 I/O lines from microcontroller, usb lines to expansion board first...).

If a USB "hub" is impossible, what about a single "pass-through port?" I realize that would require a different connector and a fancy twin-cable... but is it even possible?

I wouldn't say impossible, I would say harder (out of my league right now - USB is actually an tough subject ).
Do you have any schematic for this "simple pass-through port" idea? I would love to hear it ...

Quote from: ferociousfingerings on Fri, 12 July 2013, 01:50:38

And, if wireless is to be developed, would there be USB-charging? Would there be LED indicators of charging/battery/connectivity status?

Yes, USB charging is there. Take a look at the GH60 BT project link at my signature below.

bupsthename · « **Reply #83 on:** Sat, 13 July 2013, 14:36:12 »

Interested in a wireless module (assuming I can pick up one of the unclaimed kits, of course

)

ferociousfingerings · « **Reply #84 on:** Sun, 14 July 2013, 12:09:29 »

Quote from: agodinhost on Fri, 12 July 2013, 09:43:13

Quote from: ferociousfingerings on Fri, 12 July 2013, 01:50:38
Let's slap some NAND and a quad-core cpu on it!
Gosh, I would love but whom would pay for it?

Quote from: ferociousfingerings on Fri, 12 July 2013, 01:50:38
But srsly, i was thinking "let's make it modular." That way, you could plug-in an F-row and/or a TK/home/arrow-cluster-pad, and upon doing so, it "automagically" changes to a profile that includes the connected component.
Modular is my motto however the price is a huge influence! Don't forget that the most important thing is to get the project working!

Quote from: ferociousfingerings on Fri, 12 July 2013, 01:50:38
As for "usb hub impossible," what would be required to make it possible? I don't quite understand the brief explanation given about why it's impossible (4 I/O lines from microcontroller, usb lines to expansion board first...).

If a USB "hub" is impossible, what about a single "pass-through port?" I realize that would require a different connector and a fancy twin-cable... but is it even possible?
I wouldn't say impossible, I would say harder (out of my league right now - USB is actually an tough subject ).
Do you have any schematic for this "simple pass-through port" idea? I would love to hear it ...

Quote from: ferociousfingerings on Fri, 12 July 2013, 01:50:38
And, if wireless is to be developed, would there be USB-charging? Would there be LED indicators of charging/battery/connectivity status?
Yes, USB charging is there. Take a look at the GH60 BT project link at my signature below.

I actually said "single" usb passthrough. "Simple" implies that i know some sort of magic that would make such a thing not-difficult, which, unfortunately, i cannot truthfully profess to possess. It was just an idea: a place to plug a usb device, to use instead of a back-of-pc port, which would essentially be just a usb extension from the pc to the kb, with the port on the kb. The idea is simple, but i'm guessing implementation would be beyond the scope of my very absent capabilities. lol.

I also had another idea: a built-in KVM switch? (the right one would have high cost, but wouldn't it be awesome to have a wireless, programmable, 60% board, and just press a key-chord to swap between machines?)

And in the spirit of my previous comment about NAND: "Let's slap a raspberry pi on it! And an LCD!" (i bet you could totally make a tiny "laptop" this way, but... the term "sub-optimal" comes to mind)

That idea lead me to discovering the existence of other such similar devices, like the beaglebone and cubieboard.

So, wireless, kvm switch, modular "addon/extension" connector, perhaps... but I think the important thing to remember here is that "it's just a keyboard." Maybe there should be some other companion device conceived for it, in order to add special or techie, useful functionality, in a small and power-efficient format... but not actually be connected to or integrated with the actual keyboard.

Idk, was just thinking, figured i'd share.

jspark · « **Reply #85 on:** Thu, 25 July 2013, 15:29:02 »

interested in wireless.

SpAmRaY · « **Reply #86 on:** Thu, 25 July 2013, 15:32:24 »

Quote from: jspark on Thu, 25 July 2013, 15:29:02

interested in wireless.

^^ x1000

This would be awesome.

debt4lyfe · « **Reply #87 on:** Thu, 22 August 2013, 16:39:52 »

new here so forgive me if it's a faux pas to bump a thread this old, but a bluetooth extension for gh60 would be super rad

now only if i could get my hands on an actual gh60, lol

GH60 rev. B w/ ali's case	\|	Cherry G80-3000 HFU/05	\|	IBM Model M (51G8572)

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Author Topic: [IC] GH60 Expansions (Read 17192 times)