Print Page - [CLOSED] [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB

geekhack Marketplace => Group Buys and Preorders => Topic started by: hasu on Sat, 29 March 2014, 11:25:37

Title: [CLOSED] [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Sat, 29 March 2014, 11:25:37

Now this GB is closed and you can buy this from my new artisan service thread.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=71517.0

I'd distribute my extra controller boards to mitigate expense of development(and get a beer :D it is gas/lube to me when coding and soldering).
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=12047.0 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=12047.0)

(http://i.imgur.com/7p9aKFC.jpg?1) (http://i.imgur.com/7p9aKFC.jpg?1)

PCB design files and firmware source code ara available here.
https://github.com/tmk/HHKB_controller (https://github.com/tmk/HHKB_controller)
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/tree/master/keyboard/hhkb (https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/tree/master/keyboard/hhkb)

Sample firmware is loaded to the board for test purpose, but you are required to learn how to compile and load your own configuration.

Post here if you have question or suggestion about this distribution.

UPDATE:
2015/03/29 changed price: ~~$39~~->$40
2015/04/04 all of listed orders were invoiced.
2015/04/12 added keymap editor for BT controller. See MANUAL/Keymap section below.
2015/05/01 closed this GB and moved to artisan service.

RULE:
0. Read this post carefully and ask me if you have a question before palce a order.
1. PM(Personal Message) and let me know which controller you need(USB or BT, Pro2 or JP), your location/country and email address for notification(optional).
2. When the boards become available you will get PM from me. You don't have to pay until then.
3. If no response to my PM within three days you will be postponed/removed from the list.

CONDITION:
Price:
$40 + $8(shipping) = $48USD in total [for USB Controller]
$80 + $10(shipping) = $90USD ~~$75 + $9(shipping) = $84USD~~ in total [for Bluetooth Controller]
Payment: via Paypal
Shipping: Registered Small Packet with tracking and insurance

DISCLAIMER:
USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. I can not be liable for any damage.
NO FRIENDLY CUSTOMER SUPPORT. You are required to teach yourself first.
NOT PROFESSIONAL JOB. I'm not a professional.
NOT LEAD FREE. I use leaded solder to assemble.

CONTROLLER VARIANTS:
USB Pro2 - you can order
USB JP - you can order
Bluetooth Pro2 - you can order
Bluetooth JP - read

Bluetooth JP Controller is possible electronically but to install the board you have to overcome its case problem.
See this photo, black one is JP model while white is Pro2. As you can see JP bottom case has no hole for switch and LEDs. To install the controller into JP 1) you need to drill bottom case to make holes or 2) you can use Pro2 bottom half with JP top half as the photo indicates.
http://i.imgur.com/c6Rcxff.jpg

Bluetooth controller can be used as USB controller too, see this post.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.msg1595705#msg1595705
Capabilities: TBD
Limiations: TBD

NOTE:
- USB controller has two variants Pro2 and JP due to connector difference. Pro2 controller fits for model 'Professional2' and 'Professional2 Type-S' while JP controller fits for model 'Professional JP' and 'Professional JP Type-S'. (HHKB lineup (http://www.pfu.fujitsu.com/hhkeyboard/lineup.html))
- Bluetooth controller supports only Professional2 and Professional2 Type-S. (As for JP see above.)
- This does not fits for HHKB Pro1. https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.msg1277498#msg1277498 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.msg1277498#msg1277498)
- No USB Hub function. https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.msg1542413#msg1542413 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.msg1542413#msg1542413)

REVISIONS:

ALL REVISIONS HAS NO ERRATA FOR USB CONTROLLER
Rev.A: 2013/06
Rev.B: 2014/03
Rev.C: 2014/08
Rev.D: 2014/10 Fix for Bluetooth https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.msg1541485#msg1541485 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.msg1541485#msg1541485)
Rev.E: 2014/11 Fix for Bluetooth https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.msg1556749#msg1556749 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.msg1556749#msg1556749)
Rev.F: 2014/12
Rev.F(batch2): 2015/01
Rev.G: 2015/03 https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.msg1675635#msg1675635

MANUAL:
Firmware/Keymap

Keymap Editor
You can try HHKB keymap editor first. You can download pre-build firmware after editing your keymap. It use a bit old and not full functional firmware but it will work.

http://www.tmk-kbd.com/tmk_keyboard/editor/index.html

(http://i.imgur.com/EMUwuYz.png) (http://i.imgur.com/EMUwuYz.png)

Build firmware
To edit your keymap and build firmware check these documents. To use some functions and tweak keymap thoroughly you need to build yourself.
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard (https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard)
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/blob/master/doc/keymap.md (https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/blob/master/doc/keymap.md)
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/blob/master/doc/build.md (https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/blob/master/doc/build.md)
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/wiki/FAQ (https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/wiki/FAQ)

In short,

Code: [Select]

$ cd keyboard/hhkb

and

Code: [Select]

make -f Makefilefor USB

Code: [Select]

$ make -f Makefile.rn42for BT

Installation

1. Unscrew three bolts on bottom and open case.
(http://i.imgur.com/xHCuHo9l.jpg?1) (http://i.imgur.com/xHCuHo9l.jpg?1)

2. Unscrew bolt at top left on board and unmate connector to remove original board.
Note that you don't need any tool to unmate. See this (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=12047.msg1543860#msg1543860).
(http://i.imgur.com/8PsFj8a.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/8PsFj8a.jpg)

3. Mate connector of Alt board and screw.
For Bluetooth: Connect Lipo battery to board. Battery should be fixed with double sided adhesive tape or something but too strong stickyness may deform and damage battery when you remove it.
(http://i.imgur.com/NBqMo0P.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/NBqMo0P.jpg)

4. Close case and scew bolts.

Bluetooth Controller

(http://i.imgur.com/1kD9tnel.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/1kD9tnel.jpg)

BT Switch
This turn on Bluetooth function of controller and switch keyboard into BT mode. When this switch is off keyboard works in USB mode.

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.

Power LED
When keyboard are powered with USB it lights green if battery is fully charged or ligths red if charging. And it also lights red to alarm when not powered and battery is low.

Charging with USB
Lipo battery can be charged when keyboard is powered with USB cable. You can power it with USB port on PC and 5V USB power adapter. Charging battery with low voltage takes long time or can't charge full. Note that cheap or unpowered USB hub may not be able to supply enough power.

Paring
You can connect keyboard with OS specific method during red BT LED is blinking. You can make up to eight pairing with different hosts, according to manual of RN-42.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth#Pairing_and_bonding (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth#Pairing_and_bonding)

Auto Connect
Keyboard is automatically connected to host once pairing process is done. Keyboard is always connected host to which keyboard connected last time.
This means you can't connect keyboad to other hosts when the last host are in reachable range. In this case you will have to make keyboard into paring mode forcibly using magic command and redo pairing process.

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.

RN-42 config mode
You need hid_listen to access this mode. You can change configuration of Bluetooth module with this. Don't change baud rate! Never! Firmware will lose access to the modlue and you need to communicate to the module with 3.3V UART adapter hardware to fix this problem.

See this for configuration commands.
http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/bluetooth_cr_UG-v1.0r.pdf (http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/bluetooth_cr_UG-v1.0r.pdf)

Bluetooth Battery

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

WAITING LIST:
If you want to add your name on the list, PM(Personal Message) and let me know which controller you need(USB or BT, Pro2 or JP), your location/country and email address for notification(optional).
Read this post carefully and ask me if you have a question.

For USB board

Quote

No back order. Currently lead time is very short. This list won't be updated.(04/20)

For BT board

Quote

No back order. Currently lead time is very short. This list won't be updated.(04/20)

PROCESSING STATUS:

Quote

Name List PM Res Paid Shipped Delivered Rev --------------------------------------------------------------------------- masticasesos 12/04 01/06 ----- ----- ----- ----- - echo0 10/13 01/06 01/07 01/07 01/07 01/13 F mashby 10/14 01/06 ----- ----- ----- ----- - HoffmanMyster 10/14 01/06 01/08 01/08 01/08 01/17 F Vizir 10/22 01/06 01/07 ----- ----- ----- - jahkeup 10/25 01/06 01/07 01/07 01/07 01/24 F jaemzp 11/03 01/10 01/12 01/12 01/13 02/01 F cooldiscretion 11/14 01/06 01/07 ----- ----- ----- - woodada 11/14 01/08 01/08 01/08 01/08 01/26 F kaesve 11/16 01/08 01/09 01/09 01/09 01/14 F osxoep 11/16 01/08 01/10 01/10 01/13 01/19 F esoomenona 03/30 01/30 01/31 01/31 02/02 02/10 Fb Matt3o 12/05 01/30 01/30 01/30 02/02 03/04 Fb argcargv 10/11 01/30 01/30 ----- ----- ----- - naasfu 10/18 01/30 02/01 02/01 02/02 02/10 Fb bazh 10/30 01/30 01/30 ----- ----- ----- - yicaoyimu 11/16 02/04 02/04 02/04 02/04 02/13 Fb Elocutive 11/16 02/04 02/04 ----- ----- ----- - Synjin 11/16 02/04 02/04 02/04 02/04 02/15 F Jakes 11/20 02/04 02/05 02/05 02/05 02/18 F tpc2084 01/16 02/04 02/04 02/04 02/04 02/13 F amzee 11/17 02/15 02/18 ----- ----- ----- - shawn24 11/20 02/15 02/15 02/15 02/23 03/04 F shawn24 11/20 02/22 02/22 02/22 02/23 03/04 Fb rssll 11/18 02/18 ----- ----- ----- ----- - tzskp1 12/01 02/22 02/22 02/22 02/23 02/24 F frontier 12/03 02/22 ----- ----- ----- ----- - IonutZ 12/19 02/22 03/10 03/10 03/16 03/28 Fb Vizir 10/22 02/22 02/22 ----- ----- ----- - deci 09/20 02/22 02/22 02/22 02/23 03/21 Fb rdev5 12/04 02/22 ----- ----- ----- ----- -- x1a0 12/09 02/22 02/26 02/26 02/27 03/07 Fb jmolino 12/29 02/27 03/06 03/10 03/10 03/25 Fb P233 01/10 02/27 02/27 02/28 03/02 03/07 F tinymao 01/13 02/27 02/27 02/27 02/27 03/04 F MJ45 01/16 02/27 02/27 03/01 03/02 03/09 F Cakered 03/07 03/07 03/07 03/07 03/09 03/13 Fj yankez001 03/13 03/13 03/13 03/13 03/13 03/16 Fj TheOtherAdam 01/16 03/27 03/27 03/27 03/27 04/10 G exitfire401 01/16 03/27 03/27 ----- ----- ----- -- trizkut 01/16 03/27 03/27 03/27 03/27 04/06 G Finn 01/17 03/27 03/27 03/27 03/30 G rjradical 01/21 03/27 03/27 03/28 03/30 04/11 G RoastPotatoes 02/11 03/27 03/27 03/27 03/30 04/07 G byker 01/03 03/29 03/29 03/29 03/30 04/09 Fb Vizir 01/07 03/29 03/29 03/29 03/30 04/08 Gb cooldiscretion 11/14 03/29 ----- ----- ----- ----- -- coolbho3k 01/16 03/29 ----- ----- ----- ----- -- yaro_b 02/11 03/29 03/29 03/29 03/30 04/05 G steve.v 02/16 03/29 03/29 03/29 04/01 04/09 G evera 02/21 03/29 ----- ----- ----- ----- -- beestingza 02/23 03/29 04/02 G pexon 02/23 03/29 ----- ----- ----- ----- -- whodevil 02/27 03/29 03/30 03/30 03/30 04/10 G duq 03/03 03/29 04/01 04/01 04/01 G snakeyes 03/04 03/29 03/30 03/30 04/01 G Synjin 01/16 03/29 03/29 03/29 03/30 G btctopre 03/10 04/01 04/01 04/01 04/01 G kvictor 03/11 04/01 ----- ----- ----- ----- -- JanitorJoe 03/22 04/01 04/01 04/01 04/02 04/11 G Bucake 03/25 04/01 04/02 04/02 04/03 G posmicanomaly 03/28 04/01 04/01 04/01 04/01 04/09 G moralles 01/17 04/01 04/01 04/01 04/01 Gb Sygaldry 12/10 04/01 04/03 04/04 04/06 Gb tuantruong 01/27 04/01 ----- ----- ----- ----- -- FrostyToast 02/21 04/02 04/03 04/04 04/06 04/11 Gb redskull 03/06 04/02 ----- ----- ----- ----- -- darkshu 03/13 04/02 04/02 04/02 04/03 04/11 Gb xorkbd 04/02 04/03 04/03 04/03 04/06 04/07 G braidn 03/15 04/04 04/09 Gb Greed 03/17 04/04 04/04 04/04 04/06 Gb Pemdas 03/21 04/04 04/04 04/04 04/06 Gb shrubkeys 03/28 04/04 04/07 04/11 Gb moda38 03/28 04/04 04/04 04/05 04/06 Gb jackiecanev2 04/03 04/04 04/04 04/04 04/06 Gb kubatyszko 04/04 04/04 04/04 04/05 04/06 04/07 Fj Sherlock 04/04 04/04 04/06 04/06 04/06 Gb Belfong 04/04 04/04 04/05 ----- ----- ----- -- jeff95723 04/07 04/07 04/07 04/07 04/07 Gb yomammary 04/09 04/09 04/09 04/09 04/10 Gb RoboKrikit 04/09 04/10 04/10 04/10 04/10 G LaPoune 04/10 04/10 04/10 04/12 04/15 justinyhuang 04/11 04/11 04/13 ----- ----- ----- -- CalvinW 04/12 04/12 04/12 04/12 04/15 SeeThruHead 04/12 04/12 ----- ----- ----- ----- -- ryukojiro 04/13 04/13 04/17 04/17 04/20 G* Oatburner 04/14 04/14 04/14 04/14 04/15 G tinymao 04/17 04/17 04/17 04/17 04/20 Gb xiaosilent 04/17 04/17 04/17 04/17 04/20 Gb matobaa 04/17 04/17 04/17 04/17 04/20 G thefebruaryman 04/18 04/18 04/18 04/18 04/20 G --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name List PM Res Paid Shipped Delivered Rev ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: jdcarpe on Sat, 29 March 2014, 13:18:31

Just a show of support for this, and to say that I am still in, whenever my turn comes.

Thanks hasu for all your efforts in making this available!

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: BunnyLake on Sat, 29 March 2014, 13:32:12

super sad i missed getting my name up for this

id love to be added to that extensive list and im down whenever

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: SpAmRaY on Sat, 29 March 2014, 14:10:46

Quote from: BunnyLake on Sat, 29 March 2014, 13:32:12

super sad i missed getting my name up for this

id love to be added to that extensive list and im down whenever

If hasu would go for it you can take my slot since I no longer have a HHKB.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: BunnyLake on Sat, 29 March 2014, 14:50:00

Quote from: SpAmRaY on Sat, 29 March 2014, 14:10:46

Quote from: BunnyLake on Sat, 29 March 2014, 13:32:12
super sad i missed getting my name up for this

id love to be added to that extensive list and im down whenever

If hasu would go for it you can take my slot since I no longer have a HHKB.

thanks brother man

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Sat, 29 March 2014, 19:31:21

SpAmRaY, removed. Thanks for letting me know.
BunnyLake, you cannot take SpAmRaY's place but I added at bottom of the list.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: Sifo on Sat, 29 March 2014, 20:22:57

Throw me onto the list when you can hasu <3

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: esoomenona on Sat, 29 March 2014, 20:42:45

Awww yiss, #3. My body is ready.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: argcargv on Sat, 29 March 2014, 23:30:28

Good luck with your work hasu!

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: duq on Sun, 30 March 2014, 11:15:48

Please add me to this list. Pleaseeeeeee! How was this so fast?

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Mon, 31 March 2014, 00:28:20

Sifo, duq, you are added.
But note that this distribution does not work like typical group buy process and I can not promise. It'll take very long if it takes place.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: sth on Mon, 31 March 2014, 03:11:25

Hi hasu,

any issues with HHKB pro1? if not i would be interested in getting my name on the list for future boards.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Mon, 31 March 2014, 03:22:28

Unfortunately not fits with Pro1 due to different position of USB receptacle and different header connector.

(http://i.imgur.com/F5wntEJl.jpg)

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: sth on Mon, 31 March 2014, 03:30:38

Quote from: hasu on Mon, 31 March 2014, 03:22:28

Unfortunately not fits with Pro1 due to different position of USB receptacle and different header connector.

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/F5wntEJ.jpg)

ah i forgot about the connector.

well if you ever make one for pro1 (since you have at least one) i would be willing to pick one up if you do a production run :)

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: Glissant on Mon, 31 March 2014, 05:28:09

If I can be added to the list I'd love to be on it. You know; just in case :).

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: Sifo on Mon, 31 March 2014, 08:07:34

Quote from: hasu on Mon, 31 March 2014, 00:28:20

Sifo, duq, you are added.
But note that this distribution does not work like typical group buy process and I can not promise. It'll take very long if it takes place.

I understand, no problems :)

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: duq on Mon, 31 March 2014, 11:54:57

Quote from: Sifo on Mon, 31 March 2014, 08:07:34

Quote from: hasu on Mon, 31 March 2014, 00:28:20
Sifo, duq, you are added.
But note that this distribution does not work like typical group buy process and I can not promise. It'll take very long if it takes place.

I understand, no problems :)

+1. Very reasonable Hasu! Thanks for doing this btw, your efforts have really been one of the main reasons GH is one of the better online communities.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: angelic_sedition on Tue, 01 April 2014, 23:17:51

Would this fit a hhkb pro jp?

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Thu, 03 April 2014, 02:40:09

It will work with JP. PCB has solder pads for JP connector.
But firmware is not ready. I have to get JP to test it.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: Khamidulla Inoyatov on Sat, 05 April 2014, 02:05:45

Hi Hasu,

Thank you for your effort I am want to buy one of this boards. So can you add me to your list. I will wait as much as needed. Thank you in advance.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Wed, 02 July 2014, 20:14:13

Sorry for long silence, I'm finally testing Bluetooth part of PCB rev.B now and I found some defects on that. This means I need to fix the design and order new rev.C PCBs, I'll be able to work on the fix job soon, I hope rev.C come before so long.(rev.C order will amount to 10 PCBs)

BTW the defects are related only to Bluetooth, so no worry, rev.A and B users!

(http://i.imgur.com/OXDsvKU.jpg)

EDIT: Unfortunately it is not tested with HHKB JP yet, I couldn't get JP sofar.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Thu, 10 July 2014, 13:30:32

Finally I got JP and tested rev.B PCB and it works! TMK firmware also was updated for JP.
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=12047.msg1394350#msg1394350

Now Alt controller board supports Pro2 and JP(including both of Type-S's). You can get the controller for Pro2 or JP, but not for both due to difference of their connector. If you want to change your order to JP, PM me.

(http://i.imgur.com/b75VxIT.jpg)
From left JP, Pro2, Pro, Alt JP and Alt Pro2.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Wed, 20 August 2014, 21:51:23

Sorry for long wait.

I'd like to just inform you about current status of this distribution. I got Rev.C PCBs a while back but MCU ATMega32u4 is hardly available from any supplyers now. This scarcity of the component prevents me from assembling the controllers unfortunately. With my last stock of the MCU I made only two controllers assembled and now I can't do anything till it becomes available again.
http://octopart.com/atmega32u4-au-atmel-10466143

Thank you for your patience.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Thu, 18 September 2014, 23:17:45

Status update:

I got 25 MCUs from Mouser which offer the lowest price and shipped all leftover Rev.C boards. ATMega32U4 supply problem has gone now, the price is not good though. I have 20 MCUs in hand and I ordered new 20 Rev.D boards today, next batch will be done in several weeks.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: esoomenona on Thu, 18 September 2014, 23:33:48

What has been changing in the past couple revisions of the PCB?

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Fri, 19 September 2014, 00:01:05

In rev.D some test points, solder jumpers and unused capacitor were removed. And added two dual color LEDs and FET for swtiching battery monitor ADC. Also changed layout of voltage converters to use bigger tantalum capacitor.(C15) Most of changes are in Bluetooth part.

Rev.C and D.
(http://i.imgur.com/dBuopnI.png)
(http://i.imgur.com/MoRHHis.png)

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: jorgenslee on Fri, 19 September 2014, 16:43:40

Quote from: hasu on Fri, 19 September 2014, 00:01:05

In rev.D some test points, solder jumpers and unused capacitor were removed. And added two dual color LEDs and FET for swtiching battery monitor ADC. Also changed layout of voltage converters to use bigger tantalum capacitor.(C15) Most of changes are in Bluetooth part.

Rev.C and D.
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/dBuopnI.png)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/MoRHHis.png)

Cool. Will the next batch of contoller you will release is Rev D? About the battery on Rev. D. What battery are you going to use? Will it fit inside the HHKB?

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Fri, 19 September 2014, 17:51:58

Lipo 850mAh/1000mAh from Sparkfun is used as you can see in photo posted a while back.
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.msg1385762#msg1385762

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: jorgenslee on Fri, 19 September 2014, 23:56:37

Quote from: hasu on Fri, 19 September 2014, 17:51:58

Lipo 850mAh/1000mAh from Sparkfun is used as you can see in photo posted a while back.
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.msg1385762#msg1385762

Thanks hasu. Looking forward to this. Do you have an estimate on the availability of this? and how many would be available.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Sat, 20 September 2014, 05:33:39

At first, it'll be released to test and evaluate for some who can help the development. Before this release I have to fix circuit design and clean codes, this'll need more a few revisions. I hope these will happen in this year.

You can access files under development here.
https://github.com/tmk/HHKB_controller/
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/tree/rn42/keyboard/hhkb_rn42

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: dustinhxc on Sat, 20 September 2014, 13:35:33

Id LOVE one of these for my JP as long as it wouldnt hurt the main PCB unit at all. Dont want to brick it since it costed a ton to get into the US.

Though, it would be amazing to not have to use autohotkey. :) Great work man!

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: argcargv on Sat, 20 September 2014, 16:22:40

Quote from: dustinhxc on Sat, 20 September 2014, 13:35:33

Id LOVE one of these for my JP as long as it wouldnt hurt the main PCB unit at all. Dont want to brick it since it costed a ton to get into the US.

Though, it would be amazing to not have to use autohotkey. :) Great work man!

Hasu's board replaces the original controller pcb completely and the wirings are very neat. Functionally the firmware is way better than autohotkeys so you will not be disappointed!

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: dustinhxc on Sat, 20 September 2014, 16:30:35

Quote from: argcargv on Sat, 20 September 2014, 16:22:40

Quote from: dustinhxc on Sat, 20 September 2014, 13:35:33
Id LOVE one of these for my JP as long as it wouldnt hurt the main PCB unit at all. Dont want to brick it since it costed a ton to get into the US.

Though, it would be amazing to not have to use autohotkey. :) Great work man!

Hasu's board replaces the original controller pcb completely and the wirings are very neat. Functionally the firmware is way better than autohotkeys so you will not be disappointed!

That is great to hear, I'll be following this. Thank you!

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: phatdood9 on Sat, 20 September 2014, 18:15:10

Just want to say thanks to hasu for this the controller. I installed it last night, built some firmware and was up and running in minutes! I was using some software hacks for multiple layers/double tap ctrl, this works so much better!

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Tue, 07 October 2014, 02:41:09

Status update:

I ordered Rev.D PCB on Sep.19 and PCB fab shipped them on Sep.24 but I'm still waiting for.
Due to Chinese golden week holiday at begining of Oct, so I guess the delivery is stuck somewhere :)

Once I get the 20 PCBs I'll be able to start soldering job immediately. Other components are ready now.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Fri, 10 October 2014, 13:51:36

Good news:
Got PCBs yesterday and I'm doing soldering job now. I'll be able to finish 10 or something boards in this week end.

Bad news:
The price of MCU got increased again :( Parhaps I have to change price of my controller in next batch.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: dustinhxc on Fri, 10 October 2014, 22:23:03

Quote from: hasu on Fri, 10 October 2014, 13:51:36

Good news:
Got PCBs yesterday and I'm doing soldering job now. I'll be able to finish 10 or something boards in this week end.

Bad news:
The price of MCU got increased again :( Parhaps I have to change price of my controller in next batch.

Awesome, I wonder how far down I am on the list. haha

Edit, holy crap I'm like 50th I think. It'll be a year I guess, reading the list.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: jorgenslee on Fri, 10 October 2014, 22:52:40

Quote from: hasu on Fri, 10 October 2014, 13:51:36

Good news:
Got PCBs yesterday and I'm doing soldering job now. I'll be able to finish 10 or something boards in this week end.

Bad news:
The price of MCU got increased again :( Parhaps I have to change price of my controller in next batch.

Oh man, I'm so excited. ~~This will have the BT feature right?~~ - Edit. I think it was answered in the previous page. silly me.

Unfortunately, I'm the 20th on the list.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: Matter on Sat, 11 October 2014, 10:47:35

How do I get added to the list?

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: Glissant on Sat, 11 October 2014, 12:32:43

jorgenslee, you can hope that a bunch of people don't reply to Hasu when he contacts them ;).

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Sun, 12 October 2014, 02:01:53

Quote from: Matter on Sat, 11 October 2014, 10:47:35

How do I get added to the list?

Plz read frist post of this thread.
TLDR; PM me and let me know your HHKB model and country.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: echo0 on Sun, 12 October 2014, 09:27:36

Sent PM to be added to the waiting list.

Thanks... :thumb:

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: jorgenslee on Sun, 12 October 2014, 20:16:34

Quote from: Glissant on Sat, 11 October 2014, 12:32:43

jorgenslee, you can hope that a bunch of people don't reply to Hasu when he contacts them ;).

Haha, you read my mind. :D

Hasu, since this round will be more on testing, does the one who gets this round will be able to get another one/chance after the final release of Version D(BT) is released?

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Mon, 13 October 2014, 11:26:29

Quote from: jorgenslee on Sun, 12 October 2014, 20:16:34

Hasu, since this round will be more on testing, does the one who gets this round will be able to get another one/chance after the final release of Version D(BT) is released?

You can cancel it and wait for wireless one further longer, let me know if you want to do so.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: Khamidulla Inoyatov on Tue, 14 October 2014, 23:12:12

Dear Hasu,

Is currently bluetooth working or not in rev. D?

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Wed, 15 October 2014, 01:55:18

Hi,
I think it should work but not working at this point :D
Maybe problem is firmware or configuration, not hardware design hopefully.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: jorgenslee on Sat, 18 October 2014, 20:54:26

Quote from: hasu on Wed, 15 October 2014, 01:55:18

Hi,
I think it should work but not working at this point :D
Maybe problem is firmware or configuration, not hardware design hopefully.

Does that mean the pcb you are distributing now which is version D is capable of bluetooth but is not enable yet?

In this planned wireless version of controller, is it a hybrid solution? where connecting the keyboard to usb will use the usb connection and charge the battery at the same time?

I saw the message you sent and I am really torn on what to choose.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Sat, 18 October 2014, 23:43:08

Yes, revD has capability of BT if you mount components for wireless. Probably it is very close to final design and will be compatible to future firmware. But l don't confirm its wireless function fully yet. I have no time to do so recently.

My controller is hybrid of USB and bluetooth and switchable. At first you can control power of BT module with slide switch on back side. When BT is off it behaves as normal USB keyboard except for charging Lipo battery. When BT is on and plug in USB you can switch two protocols with specific key combo or the slide switch.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: margo baggins on Wed, 22 October 2014, 04:50:07

Got mine :)

thanks so much hasu!

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: MJ45 on Fri, 24 October 2014, 17:45:37

Mine came in today, Thanks hasu for making this awesome programable HHKB controller possible. M.J.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: jorgenslee on Fri, 07 November 2014, 00:54:39

Wife got the controller today. So excited to get home. Thanks hasu.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Mon, 10 November 2014, 12:22:07

I got Rev.E PCB today, ten boards will be available from this revision.

And I have to raise price to $2 with revision due to change of MCU chip cost. Now the board costs $47 in total.
Sorry.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: esoomenona on Mon, 10 November 2014, 13:50:11

No need to apologize for that. Not in your control, and these things are well worth the cost.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: naasfu on Mon, 10 November 2014, 15:40:06

I installed hasu's controller today and am currently trying out the SpaceFN layout. Thank you, hasu. This is really awesome!

(http://i.imgur.com/0cQtO9k.jpg)

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: yicaoyimu on Mon, 10 November 2014, 17:14:17

Looks like I will get this awesome controller in the next batch! Best news for today!

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: x1a0 on Tue, 11 November 2014, 09:11:27

Quote from: yicaoyimu on Mon, 10 November 2014, 17:14:17

Looks like I will get this awesome controller in the next batch! Best news for today!

If so then I am in next batch too! So excited! Great work! :thumb:

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: lowpoly on Thu, 13 November 2014, 17:54:15

Got it today. Finally I can use my HHKB again, with Colemak and the Fn layer I'm used to! Thank you hasu!

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Sat, 15 November 2014, 17:44:55

Really thanks for your support, guys.

Rev.E boards are ready to ship now, I sent PM to top ten people on the list.
(http://i.imgur.com/qfgFiP7l.jpg)

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: Jakes on Wed, 19 November 2014, 17:55:46

I'd love to get on the list for an alt controller! PM me when available please :D

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: byker on Wed, 19 November 2014, 18:02:39

Quote from: hasu on Sat, 15 November 2014, 17:44:55

Really thanks for your support, guys.

Rev.E boards are ready to ship now, I sent PM to top ten people on the list.
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/qfgFiP7l.jpg)

Oh nice job Hasu!

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 20 November 2014, 08:39:10

hasu, once you get the BT working, will it be possible to use what you have learned to let us know hox to "fix" the earlier PCB revisions?

I have a Rev C and, if I want to get it running with BT, I'm not afraid to cut traces and run some jumper wire as a workaround. :)

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: aliceinwire on Thu, 20 November 2014, 10:21:36

there is some way to add a usb hub to the board ?

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Thu, 20 November 2014, 16:52:27

Quote from: jdcarpe on Thu, 20 November 2014, 08:39:10

hasu, once you get the BT working, will it be possible to use what you have learned to let us know hox to "fix" the earlier PCB revisions?

I have a Rev C and, if I want to get it running with BT, I'm not afraid to cut traces and run some jumper wire as a workaround. :)

Yep, I'll be able to document about patching old revisions. I have only memo of patcch for rev.D here now.

PATCH for Rev.D PCB
===================
With Rev.D to implements Bluetooth components you better have these fixes. It will work whitout fixes but these will make battery life a little bit longer.

Charger leak Fix
----------------
Without this MCU is powered with leakage current of Lipo charger MCP73831 even when swich is off.

Cut trace which runs from 'NoPPTC' solder jumper to 'PPTC' and place schottky diode on 'PPTC' lands with direction presented in picture.

ADC Switch Fix
--------------
Without this MCU is powered through ADC pin from Lipo battery.
Place components as located in picture.

http://i.imgur.com/EJhoeVUl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/4MWi1xql.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/mfR2xtTl.jpg[FIXED 2014/12/09] ~~http://i.imgur.com/sklO4KDl.jpg~~
http://i.imgur.com/ExQrgwzl.jpg

EDIT: and BOM: https://github.com/tmk/HHKB_controller/blob/master/BOM.txt
EDIT: fixed schematic image 12/09

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 20 November 2014, 16:57:36

Quote from: hasu on Thu, 20 November 2014, 16:52:27

Quote from: jdcarpe on Thu, 20 November 2014, 08:39:10
hasu, once you get the BT working, will it be possible to use what you have learned to let us know hox to "fix" the earlier PCB revisions?

I have a Rev C and, if I want to get it running with BT, I'm not afraid to cut traces and run some jumper wire as a workaround. :)

Yep, I'll be able to document about patching old revisions. I have only memo of patcch for rev.D here now.

PATCH for Rev.D PCB
===================
With Rev.D to implements Bluetooth components you better have these fixes. It will work whitout fixes but these will make battery life a little bit longer.

Charger leak Fix
----------------
Without this MCU is powered with leakage current of Lipo charger MCP73831 even when swich is off.

Cut trace which runs from 'NoPPTC' solder jumper to 'PPTC' and place schottky diode on 'PPTC' lands with direction presented in picture.

ADC Switch Fix
--------------
Without this MCU is powered through ADC pin from Lipo battery.
Place components as located in picture.

http://i.imgur.com/EJhoeVUl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/4MWi1xql.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/sklO4KDl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/ExQrgwzl.jpg

Woo! I'm willing to substitute in stuff from Sparkfun, if necessary. haha

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Thu, 20 November 2014, 16:59:43

Quote from: aliceinwire on Thu, 20 November 2014, 10:21:36

there is some way to add a usb hub to the board ?

You can mod with Alt controller like this.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=57008.msg1491318#msg1491318

Or someone can design Alt controller which has hub function on board, of course but I for one don't use hub of HHKB and have no plan to do it for a while.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: aliceinwire on Fri, 21 November 2014, 05:15:10

Quote from: hasu on Thu, 20 November 2014, 16:59:43

Quote from: aliceinwire on Thu, 20 November 2014, 10:21:36
there is some way to add a usb hub to the board ?

You can mod with Alt controller like this.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=57008.msg1491318#msg1491318

Or someone can design Alt controller which has hub function on board, of course but I for one don't use hub of HHKB and have no plan to do it for a while.

so, how you close the hole in the back of the hhkb?
looks not so good :/

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Fri, 21 November 2014, 15:55:08

Make 3d print covers, close with epoxy putty or just tape it?

I've had a plan to make covers with 3D printer or resin cast but I don't have 3D printer, casting equipment and any experience of them, I think someone can do better job.

Or buy two USB A receptacles and hot glue them on Alt board so that it looks like stock HHKB Pro2.
http://akizukidenshi.com/catalog/g/gC-07674/

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Mon, 08 December 2014, 20:41:44

I tested Rev.E and fixed a stupid bug of ADC resistor dividor again. If you want to implement components to get Bluetooth to work you need this fix.
Though, no error for USB controller.

Rev.E Fix
---------
Q4 Pch FET drain and source pins are reversed stupidly in schematic and PCB on this revision.
You need to solder the FET upside down like this, really shame.
http://i.imgur.com/U6UnzaYl.jpg

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: aliceinwire on Tue, 09 December 2014, 00:29:54

:eek:
i will try to fix when i can but looks scary mod :-X

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: Sturmfrau on Wed, 10 December 2014, 23:58:42

Is USB hub support coming any time soon?

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Thu, 15 January 2015, 11:36:16

Sorry for very late reply.

No, I have no plan about hub support at this time.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: exitfire401 on Thu, 15 January 2015, 16:06:11

I keep putting it off, but I'd like to throw myself on the list for a pro 2 board please :D

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Thu, 15 January 2015, 23:47:28

Bluetooth module RN-42 support was integrated into firmware and hardware design was finalized now. Yes, it works well as Bluetooth keyboard for my usage at least. But due to limitation of the modlue it was not possible to realize all of what I expected, in particular battery life and connectoin switching.(I might be wrong but I won't pursuit any more.) Firmware is not final, I'm sure I'll update the firmware for usability and tuning.

Probably price will be $70-80(not includes battery), yes it is ridiculous.
Think again, you really need Bluetooth? You are welcome if you change your order to USB controller. PM me.

I'll contact some of you who are on wait list for BT controller.

Ask if you have any questons.

Inside and backside look like this. Not slick as consumer products.
You may want to make cover and knob yourself.

(http://i.imgur.com/NCy8qLrm.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/NCy8qLr.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/6F3rUJcm.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/6F3rUJc.jpg)

Capabitlities:
- USB keyboard functions
completely equivarent to USB controller including mouse keys and NKRO.
- Switching between USB and Bluetooth
You can switch the two connections with BT switch or key combination.
- RN-42 config mode
You can change power/connection configuration of the module if needed.
- Low battery alert
Red LED turns on when low voltage.
- RN-42 status indicator
LED indicates status of Bluetooth connection.
- Pairing
The module stores up to 8 connections.
- Auto connect
The module connects the last connected device automatically.
- iOS support
works as keyboard with iPhone5. No tested completely.
- Android support
works as keyboard and mouse with Nexus5. No tested completely.
- Mouse keys over BT
Note that iOS doesn't accept mouse device.
- Battery charge
You can charge from USB port or power adapter which has USB outlet.

Limitations:
- Short battery life
Around 12hr with 1000mAh
- No connection switching
RN-42 auto-connects to the last connected device.
Some of consumer products can switch between devices, for example Logitech K480.
http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/multi-device-keyboard-k480?crid=26
- HHKB JP requires case modification
You need to drill holes for power switch and LEDs.

NOTE:
- Lipo battery is not included. Cannot ship it from Japan due to regulations. See this post (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.msg1597883#msg1597883) for the detail.
- LIPO BATTERY IS VERY DANGEROUS, TAKE EXTRA CARE OF YOUR SAFETY AND PROPERTY. You can learn here (https://learn.adafruit.com/li-ion-and-lipoly-batteries).
- No NKRO over Bluetooth
- Check your country's wireless regulations and certification of the module.

RN-42 specification, documenations and certifications:
http://www.microchip.com/wwwproducts/Devices.aspx?product=RN42

You can access files of PCB desgin and firmware here.
https://github.com/tmk/HHKB_controller/ [PCB]
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/tree/master/keyboard/hhkb/rn42 [Firmware]

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: byker on Fri, 16 January 2015, 00:45:25

Wow Hasu! Thank you for all of your hard work on this project! :eek: I think the end product is phenomenal! I cannot wait to get a bluetooth hhkb running! I think 12 hours of battery life is pretty good, enough to use for most of the day and only have to plug it when when not at the computer.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Fri, 16 January 2015, 07:59:31

Quote from: byker on Fri, 16 January 2015, 00:45:25

Wow Hasu! Thank you for all of your hard work on this project! :eek: I think the end product is phenomenal! I cannot wait to get a bluetooth hhkb running! I think 12 hours of battery life is pretty good, enough to use for most of the day and only have to plug it when when not at the computer.

My thoughts exactly. This is excellent work, hasu. :thumb: I didn't realize we could pre-order BT boards or I might have done that! :eek: :P

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: Joey Quinn on Fri, 16 January 2015, 12:39:44

Quote from: HoffmanMyster on Fri, 16 January 2015, 07:59:31

Quote from: byker on Fri, 16 January 2015, 00:45:25
Wow Hasu! Thank you for all of your hard work on this project! :eek: I think the end product is phenomenal! I cannot wait to get a bluetooth hhkb running! I think 12 hours of battery life is pretty good, enough to use for most of the day and only have to plug it when when not at the computer.

My thoughts exactly. This is excellent work, hasu. :thumb: I didn't realize we could pre-order BT boards or I might have done that! :eek: :P

+1 Seriously nice work man. You have put in a ton of work keeping everyone updated on each rev and making changes to the board.

So to make a Rev.E bluetooth I need to make the fix and then source the parts in the BOM and solder them on correct? Is there anyone I could pay to do this for me?

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: naasfu on Sat, 17 January 2015, 21:18:50

Hey hasu,

Some dumb Lipo battery questions about the BT version of your controller:
1. Installing the battery doesn't require any kind of soldering, right? Can we buy something like this Lipo battery (http://www.adafruit.com/product/258) and just plug it into the controller?
2. How do we recharge one of these Lipo batteries? Can we do it via a USB cable connected to the controller? Or would we need to disconnect the battery and use some external charger?

Thanks. :) I love your USB controller, and being able to also use BT for my HHKB would be awesome.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Sun, 18 January 2015, 01:54:21

Right. You don't need any soldering work.
You need to use 3.7V Lithium Ion battery with JST PH 2pin connector and battery protection circuit is needed.
Battery space inside HHKB is around 54mm x 50mm and its height is 7mm(or 8mm).
(http://i.imgur.com/7Q1amfP.jpg)

That battery you linked has JST connector and protection but it won't fit in the space. I'm using these two Sparkfun Lipo batteries and they works. I can recommend 1000mAh one.

Sparkfun 850mAh
https://www.sparkfun.com/products/341
Sparkfun 1000mAh
https://www.sparkfun.com/products/339

To charge Lipo battery you just need to plug USB cable into HHKB. BT conroller board has battery charger inside, you don't need external charger. You can charge from normal USB port and USB outlet of wartwart power adapter.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: coolbho3k on Mon, 19 January 2015, 13:12:58

12 hours is a bit short for me, going to try to find a bigger battery online :D Sparkfun's 2000mah seems to be almost small enough, but a bit bigger than the space. Anyone have any ideas where else in the keyboard where I could fit a big battery? It seems like there is a lot of empty space in the keyboard.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Mon, 19 January 2015, 13:18:30

Quote from: coolbho3k on Mon, 19 January 2015, 13:12:58

12 hours is a bit short for me, going to try to find a bigger battery online :D Sparkfun's 2000mah seems to be almost small enough, but a bit bigger than the space. Anyone have any ideas where else in the keyboard where I could fit a big battery?

I am not an expert on the subject and I have not read all of the two threads I'm about to link, but they might be good resources to check out.

Smasher816's Teensy mod for HHKB (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=57008.0)
Smasher816's Bluetooth mod for the aforementioned Teensy-modded HHKB (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=58718.0)

Just glancing through (and having seen it in person), I'm suspecting that maybe going the Teensy route can give you more room internally, which would allow for a bigger battery. Might be worth looking into. :thumb:

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Mon, 19 January 2015, 18:43:24

Thanks for your support, guys.
I'm waiting for PCB now and I'll start soldering five BT boards as the first batch next week, in additon to USB boards.

If you want bigger battery
this battery will be the biggest that can be installed inside. manisteinn found it at aliexpress. It is reportedly a bit thick and interfares with bottom of upper component but he could put together back.
See his installation here. http://imgur.com/a/oX2Vr
(http://i.imgur.com/IlOAukc.jpg)

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=12047.msg1558708#msg1558708

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: Sygaldry on Mon, 19 January 2015, 18:51:39

Quote from: hasu on Mon, 19 January 2015, 18:43:24

Thanks for your support, guys.
I'm waiting for PCB now and I'll start soldering five BT boards as the first batch next week, in additon to USB boards.

If you want bigger battery
this battery will be the biggest that can be installed inside. manisteinn found it at aliexpress. It is reportedly a bit thick and interfares with bottom of upper component but he could put together back.
See his installation here. http://imgur.com/a/oX2Vr
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/IlOAukc.jpg)

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=12047.msg1558708#msg1558708

This is awesome! Thanks for doing this, Hasu! I can't wait for my turn to come up =]

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: coolbho3k on Tue, 20 January 2015, 00:04:42

Not as good as my tablet's keyboard that supposedly lasts half a year idle but I'll take the HHKB anyday ;D

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: Jakes on Tue, 27 January 2015, 00:29:10

Throwing myself at the mercy of the board: I'm an idiot and plugged my HHKB2 (this style http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=pfu_keyboards,hhkbpro2&pid=pdkb400b) into a USB1 hub and fried the poor controller board. If anyone has replaced their controller board and is willing to sell their stock one to me I would love to buy it and raise my KB from the dead. I can pay with paypal

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: Moralless on Tue, 27 January 2015, 00:37:14

Quote from: Jakes on Tue, 27 January 2015, 00:29:10

Throwing myself at the mercy of the board: I'm an idiot and plugged my HHKB2 (http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=pfu_keyboards,hhkbpro2&pid=pdkb400b) into a USB1 hub and fried the poor controller board. If anyone has replaced there default controller board and is willing to sell their stock controller board I would love to buy it and raise my KB from the dead. I can pay with paypal

If you don't really use the USB on the HHKB itself, then you could try to make your own controller with a teensy powered by hasu's tmk firmware. Here's a great write up about it by Smasher (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=57008.msg1292217#msg1292217). This mod allows for complete programmability of the layout but at the cost of not being able to use the USB hub.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: Jakes on Tue, 27 January 2015, 10:44:24

Quote from: moralles on Tue, 27 January 2015, 00:37:14

If you don't really use the USB on the HHKB itself, then you could try to make your own controller with a teensy powered by hasu's tmk firmware. Here's a great write up about it by Smasher (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=57008.msg1292217#msg1292217). This mod allows for complete programmability of the layout but at the cost of not being able to use the USB hub.

Thank you for the reply Moralles; I'll give that a look - nowhere to go but up from here right :)

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: coolbho3k on Tue, 27 January 2015, 16:06:54

Quote from: Jakes on Tue, 27 January 2015, 00:29:10

Throwing myself at the mercy of the board: I'm an idiot and plugged my HHKB2 (this style http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=pfu_keyboards,hhkbpro2&pid=pdkb400b) into a USB1 hub and fried the poor controller board. If anyone has replaced their controller board and is willing to sell their stock one to me I would love to buy it and raise my KB from the dead. I can pay with paypal

Why would that fry it? Just curious. Thought USB2 was supposed to be 100% backwards compatible.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: Jakes on Tue, 27 January 2015, 21:27:37

Quote from: coolbho3k on Tue, 27 January 2015, 16:06:54

Why would that fry it? Just curious. Thought USB2 was supposed to be 100% backwards compatible.

I am not sure why myself. It was fairly old and cheap. Everything seemed fine for a few minutes and then it started to smell like something was melting all of a sudden. When I plugged it back into my main computer it failed to recognize the USB device.

The teensy mod looks like exactly what I need. I ordered two just in case I mess up the first go around :D

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: coolbho3k on Wed, 28 January 2015, 21:45:43

Quote from: Jakes on Tue, 27 January 2015, 21:27:37

Quote from: coolbho3k on Tue, 27 January 2015, 16:06:54
Why would that fry it? Just curious. Thought USB2 was supposed to be 100% backwards compatible.
I am not sure why myself. It was fairly old and cheap. Everything seemed fine for a few minutes and then it started to smell like something was melting all of a sudden. When I plugged it back into my main computer it failed to recognize the USB device.

The teensy mod looks like exactly what I need. I ordered two just in case I mess up the first go around :D

Yikes. Hope your keyboard PCB wasn't damaged or anything and it was just the controller board. Good luck.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: osxoep on Fri, 30 January 2015, 16:39:43

hasu, I'm not sure if you got my PM (it was over a week ago) but I received the board and it works really well! Thanks for all your hard work.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Fri, 30 January 2015, 18:40:12

Great! I hope you enjoy it.
Yes I got your PM but I forgot to reply, sorry. It seems like tracking system doesn't work well between UK and JP and doesn't have 'final delivery' mark on your item yet. Thanks for letting me know.

Quote from: osxoep on Fri, 30 January 2015, 16:39:43

hasu, I'm not sure if you got my PM (it was over a week ago) but I received the board and it works really well! Thanks for all your hard work.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Mon, 02 February 2015, 13:25:05

Today some of BT controllers from first batch are shipped today. I assembled five boards in this batch last week and USB controllers will be soldered, next.

And I wrote simple manual for BT controller in first post.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.0

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: rdev5 on Tue, 17 February 2015, 23:51:43

Quote from: Jakes on Tue, 27 January 2015, 00:29:10

Throwing myself at the mercy of the board: I'm an idiot and plugged my HHKB2 (this style http://elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=pfu_keyboards,hhkbpro2&pid=pdkb400b) into a USB1 hub and fried the poor controller board. If anyone has replaced their controller board and is willing to sell their stock one to me I would love to buy it and raise my KB from the dead. I can pay with paypal

I still have my original that's been sitting in the box since I received the alternate HHKB Pro 2 keyboard controller from hasu. I'm actually only revisiting these threads now because it looks like I'm up for ordering the BT version so I could use some change to help offset the cost :)

Send me a PM if you're still looking for the original controller board for HHKB Pro 2.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: rdev5 on Wed, 18 February 2015, 00:53:37

Also, regarding the BT controller that's now out, should we be concerned with Bluetooth hacking as a form of remote keylogging?

http://hackyogi.com/top-5-bluetooth-hacking-tools/

Obviously we use things like Bluetooth and WiFi on a day-to-day basis at our own risk (or how about the Internet? :) but I wanted to at least point that out. To be honest, I haven't thought about it much until just now that this would affect any Bluetooth technology and not just this controller board.

One additional thought I had is adding flash memory; something sort of like an onboard solid-state storage medium similar to that of a USB drive so when you connect the keyboard over USB, it would also mount a removable disk for you to be able to drag/drop files from the OS and be able to access it in the controller's firmware/code. I know this is essentially approaching an OS environment for the HHKB Pro 2, but I'm looking at it from the perspective of perhaps extending the head room for compiled code to run due to existing size limitations and even some kind of bi-directional communication between the board the host it's connected to.

I haven't tried this yet, but is it possible to establish a socket connection in code at this point or is that pretty much outside the parameters of what the board can store or handle? Bah, I guess it'd be outside the scope since there's no TCP/IP stack or anything like that. I guess what I was going after was something like the Arduino Ethernet board: http://arduino.cc/en/Main/ArduinoBoardEthernet

Oh well :)

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: Glissant on Sun, 22 February 2015, 19:50:54

I hope to one day be able to get the controller with the BT module. The controller by itself is a lot of fun, but having it wireless would be insanely awesome. Thanks again for all your hard work!

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: HoffmanMyster on Wed, 25 February 2015, 17:39:48

As I've started using my HHKB with this controller more and more, I'm noticing an odd behavior with the function layer.

If I press fn + arrow, then release the arrow but continue to hold fn (in anticipation of pressing another arrow key very soon), the cursor/whatever will continue in the initial arrow direction as if I've continued to press it down. Was this intentional? Is there a way to fix it?

There is also a half-second delay between the initial arrow press and the first time the cursor moves, which is bothering me as well.

This happens with most of the keys in the function layer.

I understand that these are programmable, but is this sort of behavior something that we can adjust ourselves? I haven't attempted to reprogram the layout and am not sure where to start with that, but I haven't done much digging so that's not the intent of this post. :)

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Wed, 25 February 2015, 18:05:16

HoffmanMyster,
it is totally weird to me too. It is not intentional at all there are somethong wrong.
You are still using default keymap I uploaded when shipping, right? If so you should not have those problem at all.

Low voltage may cause some problem but looks to me like it is unlikely. Just plug in USB port of PC directly if you are using unpowered hub or something. Or try other PC if available.

And I'd suspect connection and hardware problem. Unmate HHKB internal connector of HHKB and reconnect it firmly. If this doesn't resolve your problem, try orignal controller and confirm your HHKB has no problem.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Wed, 25 February 2015, 18:24:46

And I'd like to let you know that HHKB uses naive and delicate capacitve swithes, you have to place switch board and controller properly in its case, or you may have some weird behaviours.(BTW, screws are not so important, you can keep it unscrewed.) Don't place them direlcty on desktop or something when it turns on.

This is for 'just in case', ignore if you installed properly.

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: naasfu on Thu, 05 March 2015, 05:45:44

I just received my 1000mAh battery from SparkFun today, and finally got around to installing hasu's new BT version of the controller and the battery into my HHKB. This thing is super duper awesome! I paired my HHKB with my iPhone and also my laptop, and so far everything works very well. The range is really impressive; I was able to use the HHKB with my laptop which was over 20 feet away.

When compiling the firmware, don't make the same dumb mistake I did. After tinkering around with my board for a bit, the Bluetooth functionality stopped working. I could pair with my devices, but nothing registered when I typed. It was only after awhile that I realized that I had used the default Makefile for compiling the firmware, when I should have been using the BT version of the Makefile (Makefile.rn42) instead. Oops.

I need to spend more time with this new setup, but so far it works great. Being able to use my HHKB with my laptop and not having to deal with annoying USB cables is a huge win. Really excellent work, hasu! Thanks so much for sharing this with us!

(http://i.imgur.com/dDkZhwk.jpg)

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Thu, 05 March 2015, 07:27:56

naasfu,
Thanks for the detailed report! I'll improve my document of firmware build.

Before shipping next batch of BT controllers I need more feedback from other BT users of first batch. Feel free to post your questions and problems please, first users!

Title: Re: [CLOSED] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Tue, 10 March 2015, 23:48:01

I ordered Rev.G PCBs days ago, they will get to me in one or two weeks.
In Rev.G I just made small two change, 1) removing unused pads and 2) refine thermal relieve of ground pad. In terms of electric it completely same as Rev.F.

https://github.com/tmk/HHKB_controller/blob/master/TODO_revF.txt

Code: [Select]

Rev.F Errata
============
 
- Poly FUSE foot print
    Size up to 3225-3228
    Recommended pads are used already, not changed. Solder jumper is removed. 03/09
 
- GND pin should be connected to just one side due to thermal relief
    thin spoke thermal relief is used for reset button 03/09

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: deci on Wed, 11 March 2015, 12:36:36

Received my controller and just shopping for BT dongles and batteries now.

Has anyone found any good batteries other than the Sparkfun 1000mah (out of stock until next week) and 2000mah Ali Express one posted earlier?
Also, any BT dongle recommendations or basically any of the cheap ones on Amazon are ok?

Thanks!

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: redskull on Wed, 11 March 2015, 22:43:39

Quote from: hasu on Tue, 10 March 2015, 23:48:01

I ordered Rev.G PCBs days ago, they will get to me in one or two weeks.
In Rev.G I just made small two change, 1) removing unused pads and 2) refine thermal relieve of ground pad. In terms of electric it completely same as Rev.F.

hi hasu,

did you get my pm? i am interested to get into que for this. thanks.

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Wed, 11 March 2015, 23:52:57

Added! Sorry, I missed.

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: Greed on Fri, 20 March 2015, 19:21:07

Quote from: hasu on Wed, 11 March 2015, 23:52:57

Added! Sorry, I missed.

Missed me too! ;)

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Tue, 24 March 2015, 18:32:25

I got a buch of componentsa and controllers in the mail, next production is going to begin soon.

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: Bromono on Tue, 24 March 2015, 19:16:36

:D I will def grab one. Joined to late and missed out on this

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: Greed on Wed, 25 March 2015, 10:50:42

Quote from: Bromono on Tue, 24 March 2015, 19:16:36

:D I will def grab one. Joined to late and missed out on this

Very excited!

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: TheOtherAdam on Thu, 26 March 2015, 20:26:03

Hi Hasu

Thanks for making these boards available, PM and payment sent.

Cheers
Adam

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: nubbinator on Thu, 26 March 2015, 20:37:15

I'm definitely interested. I'm also wondering if there's any chance that the controller might be compatible with this Topre board (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=70321.0) I recently found or if there's any way it could be made compatible. I can provide any info needed.

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: shawn24 on Fri, 27 March 2015, 21:29:53

just set up my usb board, it works well, thx hasu.
for Mac OSX user, if you use homeberw to install bfu-programmer, it may install the 7.0 version,
which can only successfully erase chip but not flash for me.
after several try until I download the latest 7.2 version, I succeeded flash the new hex file

and here is a question, it is said that the lion battery need protection circuit to prevent booooom
which kind of the circuit should we buy? or is it ok to use the battery without protection circuit?

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Fri, 27 March 2015, 22:14:34

shawn24, thanks for your feedback!
yeah, I've found this problem and fixed just a few days ago(03/26). I think the latest TMK has no problem with dfu-programmer 0.7. I tested with dfu-programmer 0.7.1, not 0.7.2 yet though.
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/commit/2b7d217ebb44934dd8554f3505ab656106649a11

You should use battery with protection function. Most Lipo Battery has protection circuit itself but some doesn't. You have to check datasheet of battery vendor/manufacturer offers. I can recommend Sparkfun batteries.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.msg1597883#msg1597883
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.msg1595705#msg1595705

Read this. This is enough to use Lipo. I don't know beyond what this page explains.
https://learn.adafruit.com/li-ion-and-lipoly-batteries

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: shawn24 on Sat, 28 March 2015, 08:33:00

oh, the one u recommend already has built-in protection circuit. cool :thumb:

Quote

On the batteries we sell, the protection circuit is soldered onto the battery and then taped into the little cavity at the top of the battery. This is very common for lipoly cells.

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Mon, 30 March 2015, 13:40:13

Last weekend I could make many boards and yesterday I shipped eight packages. Updated the first post.

I'll be able to supply USB boards enough to clear all the list untill next week. And hopefully all requested BT boards also will be made within next few weeks.

Thanks,

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: Vizir on Mon, 30 March 2015, 14:51:28

Just a FYI, my name is in 3 places on the list (bold and underlined). Not sure if that's intentional or mistake, but I wanted to point it out so that in the future there is no confusion :)

Quote from: hasu on Sat, 29 March 2014, 11:25:37

PROCESSING STATUS:
Quote
Name List PM Res Paid Shipped Delivered Rev --------------------------------------------------------------------------- masticasesos 12/04 01/06 ----- ----- ----- ----- - echo0 10/13 01/06 01/07 01/07 01/07 01/13 F mashby 10/14 01/06 ----- ----- ----- ----- - HoffmanMyster 10/14 01/06 01/08 01/08 01/08 01/17 F Vizir 10/22 01/06 01/07 ----- ----- ----- - jahkeup 10/25 01/06 01/07 01/07 01/07 01/24 F jaemzp 11/03 01/10 01/12 01/12 01/13 02/01 F cooldiscretion 11/14 01/06 01/07 ----- ----- ----- - woodada 11/14 01/08 01/08 01/08 01/08 01/26 F kaesve 11/16 01/08 01/09 01/09 01/09 01/14 F osxoep 11/16 01/08 01/10 01/10 01/13 01/19 F esoomenona 03/30 01/30 01/31 01/31 02/02 02/10 Fb Matt3o 12/05 01/30 01/30 01/30 02/02 03/04 Fb argcargv 10/11 01/30 01/30 ----- ----- ----- - naasfu 10/18 01/30 02/01 02/01 02/02 02/10 Fb bazh 10/30 01/30 01/30 ----- ----- ----- - yicaoyimu 11/16 02/04 02/04 02/04 02/04 02/13 Fb Elocutive 11/16 02/04 02/04 ----- ----- ----- - Synjin 11/16 02/04 02/04 02/04 02/04 02/15 F Jakes 11/20 02/04 02/05 02/05 02/05 02/18 F tpc2084 01/16 02/04 02/04 02/04 02/04 02/13 F amzee 11/17 02/15 02/18 ----- ----- ----- - shawn24 11/20 02/15 02/15 02/15 02/23 03/04 F shawn24 11/20 02/22 02/22 02/22 02/23 03/04 Fb rssll 11/18 02/18 ----- ----- ----- ----- - tzskp1 12/01 02/22 02/22 02/22 02/23 02/24 F frontier 12/03 02/22 ----- ----- ----- ----- - IonutZ 12/19 02/22 03/10 03/10 G Vizir 10/22 02/22 02/22 ----- ----- ----- - deci 09/20 02/22 02/22 02/22 02/23 Fb rdev5 12/04 02/22 ----- ----- ----- ----- -- x1a0 12/09 02/22 02/26 02/26 02/27 03/07 Fb jmolino 12/29 02/27 03/06 03/10 03/11 Fb P233 01/10 02/27 02/27 02/28 03/02 03/07 F tinymao 01/13 02/27 02/27 02/27 02/27 03/04 F MJ45 01/16 02/27 02/27 03/01 03/02 03/09 F Cakered 03/07 03/07 03/07 03/07 03/09 03/13 Fj yankez001 03/13 03/13 03/13 03/13 03/13 03/16 Fj TheOtherAdam 01/16 03/27 03/27 03/27 03/27 G exitfire401 01/16 03/27 03/27 ----- ----- ----- -- trizkut 01/16 03/27 03/27 03/27 03/27 G Finn 01/17 03/27 03/27 03/27 03/30 G rjradical 01/21 03/27 03/27 03/28 03/30 G RoastPotatoes 02/11 03/27 03/27 03/27 03/30 G byker 01/03 03/29 03/29 03/29 03/30 Fb Vizir 01/07 03/29 03/29 03/29 03/30 Gb cooldiscretion 11/14 03/29 Gb coolbho3k 01/16 03/29 Gb yaro_b 02/11 03/29 03/29 03/29 03/30 G steve.v 02/16 03/29 03/29 03/29 G evera 02/21 03/29 G beestingza 02/23 03/29 G pexon 02/23 03/29 G whodevil 02/27 03/29 03/30 03/30 03/30 G duq 03/03 03/29 G snakeyes 03/04 03/29 G Synjin 01/16 03/29 03/29 03/29 03/30 G ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Mon, 30 March 2015, 15:57:11

Vizir, no worry. It is intentinal and misktaken.
You changed order to BT at Jan 7. But invoice for USB was sent again wrongly at Feb 22.
Check your PMs around the dates if you need.

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: Vizir on Mon, 30 March 2015, 16:31:42

Yep, I checked and it's easy for me, but I thought you'd have a hard time checking through the multitudes of PM's you probably receive. So I was making sure you knew of this. And it looks like you are on top of things.

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: JanitorJoe on Thu, 02 April 2015, 12:07:04

Well gosh darn, not even two weeks and my board is already in the mail!

I need to start planning my layout.

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: FrostyToast on Thu, 02 April 2015, 12:14:01

Going to make my payment tomorrow!

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: Bromono on Fri, 03 April 2015, 09:59:40

anyway I can get on the list =3?

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: kubatyszko on Fri, 03 April 2015, 20:48:16

Hello, I would like to order one controller for JP (PD-KB420B), I live in Tokyo.

今日、クバです、
JPモデル(ワイアー)用一個を買いたいんですが、東京へ発送をできますか？
早めに着払いはどうでしか？
振り込みもうできますよ。
宜しくお願いします。
クバ

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Fri, 03 April 2015, 21:09:24

Thanks all for your interest and support!
Finally I sent invoices for all orders in the waiting list, most of controllers can be shipped immediately or within a week in the worst case.

Now that there is no backorder and no further development for this project is needed, so I'm going to close this group buy and create my artisan service thread for this.

For a while, I'll leave this GB open so that you can still order controller boards untill my artisan service is open.

Thank you so much for supporting this project!

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Fri, 03 April 2015, 21:11:25

Bromono, kubatyszko, Thanks for your interest.
To order read the first post of this thread and PM me.

EDIT: PM=Personal Message

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: FrostyToast on Fri, 03 April 2015, 21:19:38

I just sent payment!
I don't even have an hhkb yet...

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: byker on Fri, 03 April 2015, 23:33:46

Quote from: FrostyToast on Fri, 03 April 2015, 21:19:38

I just sent payment!
I don't even have an hhkb yet...

Better order it soon! EMS shipping means that the controller is going to be there soon :)

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: ctm on Tue, 07 April 2015, 16:04:29

Just curious, there seems to be plenty of space in HHKB, so is there possibility of stuffing a USB hub in so that the controller is connected to one port and the other two ports can be used in place of Pro 2 USB hub? (Actually I don't have great need for USB hub on Pro 2. I just think it's a little ugly to leave two holes there.)

EDIT: I just find a USB hub that looks small enough to fit into HHKB. It has 4 ports so maybe the DIP place can be an extra port? http://smile.amazon.com/Sabrent-Portable-MacBook-Windows-HB-MCRM/dp/B00L2442H0/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1428441835&sr=8-15&keywords=4-ports+usb+hub

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: Ngt on Tue, 07 April 2015, 17:24:35

Is the sale still up for the USB controller?

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Tue, 07 April 2015, 17:33:58

ctm, totally possible. Use small controller board like Teensy or pro micro instead of this board. Or just buy HHKB Pro and sell your Pro2 :p
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=12047.msg1699177#msg1699177

Ngt, yes. Read through the first post and PM me.

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: IonutZ on Tue, 07 April 2015, 21:24:53

Probably the best investment I've ever made for the HHKB... Hasu's bluetooth alt... amazing!

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: Bucake on Wed, 08 April 2015, 10:14:40

mine has arrived already :D

awesome stuff hasu, thank you

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: yomammary on Thu, 09 April 2015, 08:59:07

Hey guys,
I'm wondering if any of you compiled this using Windows using Flip.
If so, any recommendations?
As you can see I don't have much programming experience.

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: shawn24 on Sat, 11 April 2015, 10:02:56

Quote from: yomammary on Thu, 09 April 2015, 08:59:07

Hey guys,
I'm wondering if any of you compiled this using Windows using Flip.
If so, any recommendations?
As you can see I don't have much programming experience.

just follow the instruction on hasu"s github, it should be detailed enough

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: yomammary on Sat, 11 April 2015, 10:18:45

Quote from: shawn24 on Sat, 11 April 2015, 10:02:56

Quote from: yomammary on Thu, 09 April 2015, 08:59:07
Hey guys,
I'm wondering if any of you compiled this using Windows using Flip.
If so, any recommendations?
As you can see I don't have much programming experience.
just follow the instruction on hasu"s github, it should be detailed enough

Alright!

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: byker on Sat, 11 April 2015, 12:37:16

For some reason my Windows PC doesn't pick up the hhkb when I have it in bluetooth mode, but my macbook easily connected. Anyone have this issue? I have tried restarting both sides multiple times..

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: shawn24 on Sat, 11 April 2015, 15:45:25

Quote from: byker on Sat, 11 April 2015, 12:37:16

For some reason my Windows PC doesn't pick up the hhkb when I have it in bluetooth mode, but my macbook easily connected. Anyone have this issue? I have tried restarting both sides multiple times..

does ur pc have built-in bt module?

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Sat, 11 April 2015, 16:34:06

byker,
Windows won't find your keyboard if it is linked with Mac or other host. In this situation to make the keyboard discoverable you have to disconnect it from the host first or start pairing mode with pressing LShift+RShift+p(Magic p command).

If this is not your problem possible cause is various...

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: byker on Sat, 11 April 2015, 18:55:32

shawn24 - no, i am using a separate bluetooth connecter.

hasu - Thanks, I will try that!

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: Vizir on Sat, 11 April 2015, 19:02:14

rec'd my Rev. Gb board a couple of days ago. Waiting for the 1000mAh battery from sparkfun before I try it out.

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Sun, 12 April 2015, 02:16:32

Thanks for your support!

Keymap editor for Bluetooth controller is available now.
Also firmware was updated in USB keymap editor.

http://www.tmk-kbd.com/tmk_keyboard/editor/index.html

This is not needed if you are already familiar with editing keymap file and building firmware. Also you cannot make use of all functions with this keymap editor. But it will be useful when you don't need fancy keymap function or you are in trouble with your own built firmware.

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: btctopre on Mon, 13 April 2015, 14:04:23

Got my controller in! With minimal experience doing anything like this before, it only took me 15 minutes or so to create my keymap using the editor, and then flash it onto the controller using Flip. Process was incredibly easy and the result is exactly what I wanted. The purchase was well-worth it, thank you hasu for you hard work!

The only issue I'm encountering is the same thing HoffmanMyster previously did, where there is a slight delay when a function layer is initially trigger (so Fn + [/Up Arrow has like a .2 second delay before moving up), but disappears if the Fn key remains pressed. This isn't as big of a deal to me, as I only have a few commonly-used keys on the secondary layer, but it is noticeable. Is there any known fix for this? I'm plugged into a motherboard back USB port, so power should be okay, and I've tried multiple ports to no avail.

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Mon, 13 April 2015, 16:44:56

Quote from: btctopre on Mon, 13 April 2015, 14:04:23

The only issue I'm encountering is the same thing HoffmanMyster previously did, where there is a slight delay when a function layer is initially trigger (so Fn + [/Up Arrow has like a .2 second delay before moving up), but disappears if the Fn key remains pressed. This isn't as big of a deal to me, as I only have a few commonly-used keys on the secondary layer, but it is noticeable. Is there any known fix for this? I'm plugged into a motherboard back USB port, so power should be okay, and I've tried multiple ports to no avail.

Hmm, 0.2sec deay reminds me Dual role keys or Tapping in TMK terminology.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modifier_key#Dual-role_keys
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/blob/master/doc/keymap.md#4-tapping

What are you using actually as Fn key?
With 'Layer Switch Momentary'(L1, L2, ...) you should not have the delay, if you suffer it is a bug.

In Keymap Editor 'Layer Switch with Tap Toggle', 'Layer switch with Tap key' and 'Modifier with special function' are Dual role keys. These should have the delay inevitably from its nature.

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: btctopre on Mon, 13 April 2015, 17:29:30

Quote from: hasu on Mon, 13 April 2015, 16:44:56

Hmm, 0.2sec deay reminds me Dual role keys or Tapping in TMK terminology.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modifier_key#Dual-role_keys
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/blob/master/doc/keymap.md#4-tapping

What are you using actually as Fn key?
With 'Layer Switch Momentary'(L1, L2, ...) you should not have the delay, if you suffer it is a bug.

In Keymap Editor 'Layer Switch with Tap Toggle', 'Layer switch with Tap key' and 'Modifier with special function' are Dual role keys. These should have the delay inevitably from its nature.

I'm using the standard L1 Fn key (momentary). And I tried reflashing the firmware with my layout, then flashing the default layout and still the delay is there on both unfortunately. I'll try using it with a different computer in a couple hours and see what the result is.

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Mon, 13 April 2015, 18:04:48

Thanks for the testing.
Ah, I finally found the delay you described, never found it myself so far, I don't know why :D
It seems like this is unneeded delay and I can fix it. I'll look into source later.

Title: Found a super battery
Post by: IonutZ on Mon, 13 April 2015, 18:36:59

I'd like to know your thoughts on this - I found a really badass battery

3000mah (can be found on ebay, called a 3010080 lipo)
3mm x 100mm x 80mm

Check out the pictures

In order to install this had to take out 4 screws (only 3 pictured, also one above). With the battery installed it does not seem to affect stability of keyboard.
(http://i.imgur.com/f87Biy8.jpg)

There is a bit of a bulge in the front. I don't think it's too bad...
(http://i.imgur.com/GYGySVY.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/icXjxhl.jpg)
This bulge is distributed across first half and second half, putting a little strain on middle hinge.

You can see the battery in the back as it sits on top of the pcb.
(http://i.imgur.com/3D8hTUw.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/YggVCbJ.jpg)

Size of battery
(http://i.imgur.com/qQMDmhd.jpg)

By my calculations having run it with a 500mah... This would last about 40 hours at 3000mah. Which means an entire work week without having to recharge.........

What are your thoughts?

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: btctopre on Tue, 14 April 2015, 00:19:47

Quote from: hasu on Mon, 13 April 2015, 18:04:48

Thanks for the testing.
Ah, I finally found the delay you described, never found it myself so far, I don't know why :D
It seems like this is unneeded delay and I can fix it. I'll look into source later.

You're the best :thumb: The delay still persists on my home machine, but you adjust to it pretty quick. If you do come up with a fix, please let me know though. That would make your controller board absolutely perfect!

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: Pemdas on Tue, 14 April 2015, 17:26:40

Got my controller and got everything working, your keymap editor made everything so easy. Not only does this give me bluetooth support (something I've wanted for a looong time) but it also gives me media control keys on windows using the HHKB!

Thank you again Hasu! Love the controller :p

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: Greed on Tue, 14 April 2015, 19:20:34

Just another happy camper here. Hasu you are AMAZING! Thank you so much for doing this. All I was looking for was bluetooth capability for my HHKB Type-S and this delivered big time. Just open the case, remove the old controller replace with Hasu's controller and plug in a battery and I was wirelessly thocking away withing 5-10 mins of receiving the controller :)

I rigged up a 1000mah battery for this just waiting for my 2000mah battery from China.

Thanks again Hasu!

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: byker on Tue, 14 April 2015, 19:32:05

For some reason I still cannot get my computer to see my hhkb via bluetooth. I know it must be a problem on the computer's end as I have been able to sync the hhkb to other devices. This is the bluetooth adaptor I have, do you see any problems with it hasu? http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B005Z5HT2M (http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B005Z5HT2M?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00)

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Tue, 14 April 2015, 19:49:52

Thanks for your feedbacks. Nice to hear from users of my controller!

byker, it looks no problem with the adapter, which is 3.0 and should have backward compatibility to 2.1 that keyboard uses.
~~Can you connect to other PC or devices like phone?~~ And BT LED is blinked(once per sec) while trying?

EDIT: oops

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: byker on Tue, 14 April 2015, 19:58:32

Quote from: hasu on Tue, 14 April 2015, 19:49:52

Thanks for your feedbacks. Nice to hear from users of my controller!

byker, it looks no problem with the adapter, which is 3.0 and should have backward compatibility to 2.1 that keyboard uses.
~~Can you connect to other PC or devices like phone?~~ And BT LED is blinked(once per sec) while trying?

EDIT: oops

Yup, bt led blinks once per second.

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: IonutZ on Tue, 14 April 2015, 21:32:10

Scratch that, don't buy the 3000mah 3010080, it really doesn't fit. Going with 2 smaller 1600mahs and will update.

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Wed, 15 April 2015, 02:15:24

Thanks for the info.

I never use foot so I'd remove left foot part and do case mod if I need larger battery.

But I don't go out recently :) BT is rarely used :(

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: IonutZ on Wed, 15 April 2015, 19:08:23

Hahah I ghetto rigged mine:
http://imgur.com/ZcRVWwN,uLN1rnO

I use BT all the time man! I love it. Can you put me on the list for another one please?

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Wed, 15 April 2015, 19:16:11

hehe, I love this kindof hack!

Currently no long lead time is needed, probably a few days or within a week. PM me.

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Wed, 15 April 2015, 19:26:17

Quote from: byker on Tue, 14 April 2015, 19:58:32

Quote from: hasu on Tue, 14 April 2015, 19:49:52
Thanks for your feedbacks. Nice to hear from users of my controller!

byker, it looks no problem with the adapter, which is 3.0 and should have backward compatibility to 2.1 that keyboard uses.
~~Can you connect to other PC or devices like phone?~~ And BT LED is blinked(once per sec) while trying?

EDIT: oops

Yup, bt led blinks once per second.

hmm, I think it should be found on Windows. I can't come up with any answer :(

What if you remove and reinstall BT stack or driver?

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: AhmadZuhdi on Thu, 16 April 2015, 00:28:57

if i replace the controller with the bluetooth one, can i still use it with usb ?

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: hasu on Thu, 16 April 2015, 00:52:36

Yes, BT controller works with USB when Bluetooth is switched off.

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: Vizir on Thu, 16 April 2015, 01:07:51

Quote from: IonutZ on Wed, 15 April 2015, 19:08:23

Hahah I ghetto rigged mine:
http://imgur.com/ZcRVWwN,uLN1rnO

I use BT all the time man! I love it. Can you put me on the list for another one please?

That's hilarious!

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: yomammary on Fri, 17 April 2015, 06:57:26

I'm going in today, wish me luck :-[

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: yomammary on Fri, 17 April 2015, 09:29:11

Success! (and no issue with the FN layer) :thumb:

Did you guys cover the holes with anything?

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: Vizir on Mon, 20 April 2015, 10:31:16

Using mine with the bluetooth and the sparkfun 1000mAh battery linked by hasu. Working great. Had to turn off and back on the keyboard once at the start when I couldn't get it to pair with linux mint. The second time I attempted to pair, it worked right away. Haven't played with function layers etc yet. Working great so far!

Thanks again, hasu.

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: jackiecanev2 on Mon, 20 April 2015, 15:33:06

Finally had a chance to put my BT board in and get it programmed, flashed, and paired - works like a charm. Programmable + BT = perfection. Now I just need to build some kind of riser to fit between the top plate and the base for some extra battery space... :thumb:

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: deci on Mon, 20 April 2015, 16:52:44

Quote from: IonutZ on Wed, 15 April 2015, 19:08:23

Hahah I ghetto rigged mine:
http://imgur.com/ZcRVWwN,uLN1rnO

I use BT all the time man! I love it. Can you put me on the list for another one please?

Holy crap hahaha.

I am using this battery:
http://chicagodist.com/products/lithium-ion-polymer-battery-3-7v-1200mah

Shipping was only $3 to Cali so it was much cheaper than the Sparkfun (which was also sold out at the time)
I haven't timed it as I switch between bt and usb for different computers but it is working perfectly for me so far.

They also sell a 2500mah battery that I wanted to try out but it was sold out at the time.

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: thefebruaryman on Tue, 21 April 2015, 17:34:11

Hi all I am going to be getting my hands on a couple of the HAUS alt controllers in a few days and have been reading the documentation. I have found some of it confusing to find the best method for flashing the controller with a custom layout using a linux system. I have tried to write a step by step that I hope to improve on in the future and it has some big holes in it. Could you please help me fill in these holes so that I am ready to go when my controllers arrive? This is as far as I have got

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HAUS alt controller Step by Step linux (opensuse) for HHKB pro 2

1. Download DFU-programmer.

https://dfu-programmer.github.io/

2. Extract it into a directory. I picked with

# tar -xzf dfu-programmer-<version>.tar.gz

# /home/thomas/bin/

3. Install needed extra software. I had to install libusb-1_0-0 and lisbusb-devel. I did this using software management
in yast.

4. cd into dfu-programmer folder.

# cd dfu-programmer

# sudo ./configure

# sudo make

# sudo make install

4. Move back to /home/thomas/bin directory (your equvilant of)

# mv /home/thomas/bin

5. Git clone the software. Make sure git is installed.

# sudo git clone https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard

6. Make you custom layout using keymap editor.

http://www.tmk-kbd.com/tmk_keyboard/editor/hhkb/index.html

and download the hex file

7. ......

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As you can see I still haven't worked out the next step correctly get the hex onto the board.

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: yomammary on Wed, 22 April 2015, 07:25:56

http://roastpotatoes.github.io/2015/04/08/hasus-alternative-controller/

This helped me quite a bit.

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: thefebruaryman on Wed, 22 April 2015, 13:45:27

Quote from: yomammary on Wed, 22 April 2015, 07:25:56

http://roastpotatoes.github.io/2015/04/08/hasus-alternative-controller/

This helped me quite a bit.

Thank you for the reply. This is quite helpful. I have found a few more solutions today for the Linux install that I will post after testing.

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: yomammary on Wed, 22 April 2015, 14:16:55

After trying the install on Linux and Windows, I can say that the Windows install worked better for me.

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: JaydrVernanda on Sun, 26 April 2015, 23:56:30

Quote from: deci on Mon, 20 April 2015, 16:52:44

Quote from: IonutZ on Wed, 15 April 2015, 19:08:23
Hahah I ghetto rigged mine:
http://imgur.com/ZcRVWwN,uLN1rnO

I use BT all the time man! I love it. Can you put me on the list for another one please?

Holy crap hahaha.

I am using this battery:
http://chicagodist.com/products/lithium-ion-polymer-battery-3-7v-1200mah

Shipping was only $3 to Cali so it was much cheaper than the Sparkfun (which was also sold out at the time)
I haven't timed it as I switch between bt and usb for different computers but it is working perfectly for me so far.

They also sell a 2500mah battery that I wanted to try out but it was sold out at the time.

Does the 1200 mAh battery fit well inside the case? Their website doesn't list its dimensions.

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: deci on Mon, 27 April 2015, 00:35:32

Quote from: JaydrVernanda on Sun, 26 April 2015, 23:56:30

Quote from: deci on Mon, 20 April 2015, 16:52:44
Quote from: IonutZ on Wed, 15 April 2015, 19:08:23
Hahah I ghetto rigged mine:
http://imgur.com/ZcRVWwN,uLN1rnO

I use BT all the time man! I love it. Can you put me on the list for another one please?

Holy crap hahaha.

I am using this battery:
http://chicagodist.com/products/lithium-ion-polymer-battery-3-7v-1200mah

Shipping was only $3 to Cali so it was much cheaper than the Sparkfun (which was also sold out at the time)
I haven't timed it as I switch between bt and usb for different computers but it is working perfectly for me so far.

They also sell a 2500mah battery that I wanted to try out but it was sold out at the time.

Does the 1200 mAh battery fit well inside the case? Their website doesn't list its dimensions.

Yeah it fits with no problems. There's plenty of room for it.

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: thefebruaryman on Mon, 27 April 2015, 12:22:55

Got my two alt controllers through the post today. They are amazing. Easy to install and using the online and dfu-programmer(once installed correctly) it was very easy to program and flash. Using it right now!

Many thanks I love these controllers. They have made my hhkb's even better than they were before.

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: radio_killah on Tue, 28 April 2015, 21:48:39

Hasu, I sent you a pm with an order. Forgot to add I am in the United States.

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: JaydrVernanda on Thu, 30 April 2015, 14:35:54

Got my 1200mAh battery from Chicago Electronic Distributors today! If anyone's curious, it's about 64mm x 35mm x 5mm. Seems too large for the area measured by hasu in this post (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.msg1597883#msg1597883), but deci claims that it fits just fine.

(http://i.imgur.com/7BXtKfm.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/7BXtKfm.jpg)

Title: Re: [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: deci on Thu, 30 April 2015, 15:22:00

Show Image

Quote from: JaydrVernanda on Thu, 30 April 2015, 14:35:54

Got my 1200mAh battery from Chicago Electronic Distributors today! If anyone's curious, it's about 64mm x 35mm x 5mm. Seems too large for the area measured by hasu in this post (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.msg1597883#msg1597883), but deci claims that it fits just fine.

More
(http://i.imgur.com/7BXtKfm.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/7BXtKfm.jpg)

:thumb:

If the 2500 ever comes back into stock i might pick one up to see if there's a way i can get that to fit as well.
Although personally i haven't run out of battery yet so i don't really need it. I just leave it plugged in at night...

Title: Re: [CLOSED] [GB] Alt Controller Board for HHKB
Post by: infiniti on Fri, 01 May 2015, 03:59:55

Quote from: hasu on Sat, 29 March 2014, 11:25:37

Now this GB is closed and you can buy this from my new artisan service thread.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=71517.0