[IC] Nuclear Data Green Old-Skool (SA Row 3 Profile) Keycaps

[danielucf]

You really should find the exact color you want and send an example or the approximate pantone code equivalent. It really doesn't add that much time on (only a couple weeks) and that time could just be used for people to place their orders or generate the mock ups. After toxic starts arriving at peoples houses I suspect more will want sets with new original colors not currently in SPs regular inventories.

[agodinhost]

Please, forgive me if someone else already asked: any chance to get an ErgoDox set?
+1

[Matt3o]

how's ergodox on SA? any picture?

[SpAmRaY]

how's ergodox on SA? any picture?

You can see some commando (SA) on ergodox action in Glod's post (you might have to click the links to get to his flicker page)

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45655.msg1204312#msg1204312

[Tarzan]

You really should find the exact color you want and send an example or the approximate pantone code equivalent. It really doesn't add that much time on (only a couple weeks) and that time could just be used for people to place their orders or generate the mock ups. After toxic starts arriving at peoples houses I suspect more will want sets with new original colors not currently in SPs regular inventories.

+1 for this approach.

[samwisekoi]

This has come up more than once, and although it is covered in the OP, it bears repeating:

Would you ever consider doing these in SA profile?

They will be in SA profile.  All Row 3.

How else could they truly be Old Skool?

Also, I am considering adding a Big-Ass Enter Key and a Long-Ass spacebar. Unfortunately 9x is the longest SA spacebar SP lists; I'd prefer 10x, but what are you going to do.

Is anyone else interested in a long spacebar?

Is anyone interested in a Big-Ass Enter Key, or is an ISO Enter big enough?

 - Ron | samwisekoi

p.s.  Updated OP and OP#2.

[Latin00032]

This has come up more than once, and although it is covered in the OP, it bears repeating:

Would you ever consider doing these in SA profile?

They will be in SA profile.  All Row 3.

How else could they truly be Old Skool?

Also, I am considering adding a Big-Ass Enter Key and a Long-Ass spacebar. Unfortunately 9x is the longest SA spacebar SP lists; I'd prefer 10x, but what are you going to do.

Is anyone else interested in a long spacebar?

Is anyone interested in a Big-Ass Enter Key, or is an ISO Enter big enough?

 - Ron | samwisekoi

p.s.  Updated OP and OP#2.

I was gong to ask about the 9x space bar.

I wish they had a 10x.

What keyboards would be compatible with a 9x? I would love to find a way to use the 9x space bar with my gh60 in the future.

Any ideas?

[samwisekoi]

9x spacebars may be a problem on standard keyboards.  We could do a 10x DCS in matching colors.

I have not looked at the GH60 for a 9x spacebar.  I'll do that.  Stabilizers will be a problem.  That was why I worked up the layout several posts above.  I may do a PCB with a 2x5, 15x5, and 4x5 blocks, and if I do, I can make the 15x5 section be stand-off compatible with the GH60 and pin-compatible with the Phantom.  THAT will have a 9x spacebar with PCB-stabilizer mounts to fit.  (Cherry PCB-stabilizer wires are very easy to make whatever length you want.)

I did notice that the original Nuclear Data keyboard only uses 1x and 1.5x keycaps (plus the long spacebar.)  I might play around with a layout like that.

Anyhow, I'll go see if a 9+1 or some such can be made to work on the GH60.

 - Ron | samwisekoi

[tjcaustin]

An ergodox kit will probably entice me in.

[samwisekoi]

Ok, I am not the expert, but (except for stabs) I believe the following will work on the GH60:

1.25 - 1.25 - 9.00 - 1.00 - 1.25 - 1.25


Possible 9+1 spacebar on GH60.
Original image from jdcarpe's post in GH60 [IC] thread.

Expert opinions hereby solicited!

 - Ron | samwisekoi

[MOZ]

I am no expert either but I just gave this a go, and I hate to say it but the 1.25 - 1.25 - 9.00 - 1.00 - 1.25 - 1.25 won't work as the switch mount for the spacebar is not in the required position. As a matter of fact, I don't think the GH60 supports 10u with PCB mounted stabs. as you can see from the image.

The blue outlines are based on SVG exported from the production revision of the GH60 PCB.

This is ofcourse assuming the 10u and 9u spacebar are as mentioned here: http://deskthority.net/wiki/Space_bar_dimensions#10_units_.28190mm_wide.2C_3_mounts.2C_66.5mm_apart.29 and following the Cherry specification of switch in center and stab mounts 3.5u on either side.

[whiskytango]

1.25-1.25-10-1.25-1.25 should work. I think moz is right that 9u will not work if it is not centered on bottom row. Also anything bigger than 7u space bar will not work with pcb stabs on gh60. Could do plate mount though but will obviously require a plate.

*also not an expert 

[MOZ]

Centered will work in 1.25--1.75--9u--1.75--1.25 config, where  the 1.75 key has to be off center, to the left on one key and right on the other (We can rotate the standard off-center cap 180 degrees)

[Latin00032]

Centered will work in 1.25--1.75--9u--1.75--1.25 config, where  the 1.75 key has to be off center, to the left on one key and right on the other (We can rotate the standard off-center cap 180 degrees)

You read my mind.

I was thinking of this. Can text be put upside down to make this work?

[MOZ]

In theory, yes since it is row 3 flat profile. However they do have 1.75 stepped right and stepped left keys according to their website.

[Latin00032]

In theory, yes since it is row 3 flat profile. However they do have 1.75 stepped right and stepped left keys according to their website.

If this I'd confirmed to work with the gh60, then that's great news.

When the GB starts you might need a separate Kit for the keys and other off set keys for the 9x space bar.

[TheSoulhunter]

Interested!

[danielucf]

Change VV to a custom color that matches more accurately. If you can get a sample from the original caps then you can send it in for an exact match. You just have be willing to wait a few weeks for its return.

I would also be in for 8x and 9x size spacebars. Also hoping the set supports 1.5x mods as well, they were not in the mockup last I looked, and neither was 1.75x shift. I'd like this bad boy fully compatible with 1800

[samwisekoi]

Change VV to a custom color that matches more accurately. If you can get a sample from the original caps then you can send it in for an exact match. You just have be willing to wait a few weeks for its return.

I would also be in for 8x and 9x size spacebars. Also hoping the set supports 1.5x mods as well, they were not in the mockup last I looked, and neither was 1.75x shift. I'd like this bad boy fully compatible with 1800

I am much more likely to sort one of your two requests than the other.  Specifically, having 1.00 and 1.50 mods as well as an ISO enter and long spacebars are high on my list.

If you look at the photo in the OP, you can see that all of the keycaps are either 1x or 1.5x with the sole exception of the 10x spacebar.  I might do a PCB or hardware plate to support that layout.  Other than that, matt3o's Granite GB is probably a great indication of the keycap selection we will attempt.

 - Ron | samwisekoi

[berserkfan]

Change VV to a custom color that matches more accurately. If you can get a sample from the original caps then you can send it in for an exact match. You just have be willing to wait a few weeks for its return.

I would also be in for 8x and 9x size spacebars. Also hoping the set supports 1.5x mods as well, they were not in the mockup last I looked, and neither was 1.75x shift. I'd like this bad boy fully compatible with 1800

I am much more likely to sort one of your two requests than the other.  Specifically, having 1.00 and 1.50 mods as well as an ISO enter and long spacebars are high on my list.

If you look at the photo in the OP, you can see that all of the keycaps are either 1x or 1.5x with the sole exception of the 10x spacebar.  I might do a PCB or hardware plate to support that layout.  Other than that, matt3o's Granite GB is probably a great indication of the keycap selection we will attempt.

 - Ron | samwisekoi

Ron, let me add my words of support for a big ass enter, as well as options for blank 1.25, 1.5, 1 mods much like what the Tai Hao set came with. These will give people a lot of options.
(EG Razer, Corsair, some CM models, sometimes have non-standard layouts giving many people severe grief when they try to get something that fits. This being an Old-Skool color scheme, it might be pretty tough.)

I personally do not use Steelseries, but I know these guys have lots of fans, and the fans are always shortchanged and locked out of group buys. I think even if a big-ass enter is priced at $6 or 7, it will have no difficulty selling because people need it.

[Oobly]

If you add a 1.75x shift key I would be interested IMHO the green could be a bit darker to match the original. These would be quite awesome on any 60% board.

[ideus]

I might do a custom keyboard layout (hard-wire or pcb) like this:

(Attachment Link)
Nuclear Data Keyboard samwisekoi 2014

Because these will be SA keycaps, any of the key positions can have any of the keycaps.  So if someone wanted to place F1-F10 on the left, they could, etc.

Just some pondering...

 - Ron | samwisekoi

Very interesting layout. I would change use the caps lock for control, the current place of control for alt and the capc lock may be in place of alt in the left block.

[grapenutster]

Pls count me in! 

Remember this thread?

Show Image

Take a look at these pictures of my Nuclear Data terminals.

This brings new meaning to the phrase "dumb terminal".  The housing includes only the high voltage drive electronics for the CRT and no electronics for processing the keyboard or refreshing the display from memory!  The interface to the outside world consists of a parallel ribbon cable sending keyboard data out and a video input for the CRT monitor.  I believe the circuitry that generates the video feed is enclosed somewhere in the peripheral boxes for the ND 812 computer, but I have no documentation and haven't reverse engineered the circuits yet.

I originally purchased just the ND 6600 terminal because damn that vintage green keyboard was cool looking.  I purchased it from The Black Hole and got it home before I realized it was mostly empty.  On my next trip down to the Hole, I picked up the remaining Nuclear Data gear that was there: the ND812 computer, peripherals and 3 ND 600 data entry terminals with nuclear instrumentation module slots.

If anyone has information about what kind of data the is returning (parallel ASCII, serial ASCII?) to save me the trouble of reverse engineering it, that would be awesome.  Any Nuclear Data 812 information in general would also be appreciated!

During the Retro DSA Group Buy we had talked about a reprise of the Nuclear Data keycaps in White-on-Green doubleshot, potentially in SA profile for maximum old skool-ness.  Maybe a couple of Cold War special keycaps, certainly large, bold, simple legends, especially a numbers-only 10-key pad.

Is anyone still interested in this?

[update 14-03-08]
MAIN INTEREST CHECK QUESTION:
Would you like a set of glossy White on Green (WoG) retro keycaps in SA profile?

POTENTIAL FALLBACK OPTION IF WE CANNOT GET 100% GLOSSY FINISH:
If and only if they cannot ALL be glossy, should we
(A) make them all semi-matte or
(B) make as many of them as possible glossy?
[/update]

 - Ron | samwisekoi

[Tarzan]

Is there a GB thread yet for this?

[Elrick]

Just been reading the above comments of supplying 9x and 10x space-bars to people BUT what will the cost be when this Group Buy is finally launched?  I'm not against any inclusion  of large space-bars in this key-set but considering you need at least 100 people to place forward their money for this key-set then you need to decide what will be included or excluded in keeping the price viable.

Since most here still use the normal 6.25 and/or even 7x space-bars in their current keyboards then why should they pay extra for a 9 or 10x space bar that only a handful of people would want?

Not being nasty here but you need to consider the final pricing and cost break downs when running this.  Already any ISO sets that are provided are always hard to get tipped over in SP's order page.  But if there's enough interest in the standard key-set like over 150 signing up before the deadline, then SP could bundle in the 9 and 10x spacers as a good incentive for running this order through.

Although 7x is enough for anyone to use and handle at their own discretion  .

[Firebolt1914]

I would most likely buy it depending on the price and whether it has an ErgoDox kit.

[moptimus]

I would most likely buy it depending on the price and whether it has an ErgoDox kit.

Likewise.

[Zeroblade]

Color and font scheme look awesome.
Being on a vanilla Filco, I'd be perfectly fine with just the stock ANSI set + a few alternate keys, though I don't mind having to spend a little bit more to add, say, the extra ISO keys, to help push towards MOQ.
But I don't think we should keep on adding more and more and more keys, since as the variety of the keys grows, the likelihood of the MOQ being met becomes lower and lower. (I don't have an actual function for this though).

[Krogenar]

(Patiently waits for this to become a groupbuy -- no rush.)

Also, when you guys say "Big Ass Enter" do you mean the Big Ass Enter as seen on a G80-2100 HDU (which I have)? Please say yes, because that would be awesome.

Seriously, take your time on this one. Let the interest grow, and grow (and my wallet replenish).

[Matt3o]

yes, big ass RETURN (not enter) is the HUGE 1.5x2.25x2, not the lame 1.5x1.25x2

[Krogenar]

yes, big ass RETURN (not enter) is the HUGE 1.5x2.25x2, not the lame 1.5x1.25x2

DAT RETURN. 

Do very many other 'boards use this size?

[Matt3o]

the focus fk2000 has some big ass return I seem to recall

[Krogenar]

the focus fk2000 has some big ass return I seem to recall

Yeah... butt -- why make this key if there's only going to be a very small number of people who can use it? On principle? Put it on a keychain that says, "I'm into it." or something? Don't get me wrong, I hope it does get made -- just not seeing how it makes financial sense.

[Matt3o]

two words: custom keyboards

apart from that I believe it would be an add-on, not really in the base kit.

[Cods]

I'm very interested.

Based upon your updated questions:

MAIN INTEREST CHECK QUESTION:
Would you like a set of glossy White on Green (WoG) retro keycaps in SA profile? ----------- Yes.

POTENTIAL FALLBACK OPTION IF WE CANNOT GET 100% GLOSSY FINISH:
If and only if they cannot ALL be glossy, should we
(A) make them all semi-matte or ------------------------------------------------------------- Yes
(B) make as many of them as possible glossy?

[FingerPunch]

Add me to the list of those interested.

I was fantasizing about a set like this before I saw any reference to it. I love the big bulging profile, and am extremely fond of those antique greens.

I want as many glossy as possible.

I will hand polish the rest. 

BTW, would love the possibility of alternate layout keys (colemak). But not at the cost of having every keycap have the same row profile.

[julencin2000]

Interested very 

It would be awesome having ISO ES APPLE complements.

Like european modifiers from Granite GB. My beautiful Ñ key <3

[Cods]

(Attachment Link)
[update]
Color selection:
VV Dark Green Keycaps (SA Profile All Row 3)
WA Bright White Legends
OAS Orange for just a few special keycaps
[/update]
 - Ron | samwisekoi

I would buy as a single set everything in that image!
(I seem incapable of posting it correctly, so I see it's below. Rightio then...)

[agodinhost]

there is any chance to you provide some packs with blank keys?
it's for those using odd layouts like me.
1x, 1.25, 1.5, 2 and 2.5.

[brybell]

im very interested, is this still available?

[Elrick]

(Attachment Link)
[update]
Color selection:
VV Dark Green Keycaps (SA Profile All Row 3)
WA Bright White Legends
OAS Orange for just a few special keycaps
[/update]
 - Ron | samwisekoi

I would buy as a single set everything in that image!
(I seem incapable of posting it correctly, so I see it's below. Rightio then...)

Sam, please let us know here what's happening with your Nuclear Data's?  Of course I will buy about 4 complete sets, because I said so before and will keep to my word no matter what.

Plus I love them like the C64 Commodore Set because all this retro stuff, is extremely good for the old timers  .

[dante]

interested if glossy

[snoopy]

I'm also very interested and would love to see 1.5mods and maybe support for smallfry board?

I would prefer to have all the keys the same style.

[samwisekoi]

This was paused to let the Midnight SA set go through.

(Also, I had to move my family across town by surprise, and that took eight weeks of total absorption.)

Anyhow, I have now begun gathering parts for a Nuclear Green gaming PC, so I will definitely need to get this set on the road for that!

 - Ron | samwisekoi

[Elrick]

This was paused to let the Midnight SA set go through.

(Also, I had to move my family across town by surprise, and that took eight weeks of total absorption.)

Anyhow, I have now begun gathering parts for a Nuclear Green gaming PC, so I will definitely need to get this set on the road for that!

 - Ron | samwisekoi

Hey take your time, get everything that's important to you personally fixed before embarking upon the Group Buy torture route.

I am hoping that all who professed their joy on selecting your key-set will act with putting down the money when your Group Buy starts but now we see a lot of bullsh1tters pretending to buy big but disappear when the time comes.

Just know this, I Elrick will buy 4 (Complete Sets) when you finally run this - you can count on that fact  .

[rowdy]

I'm not sure about SA keycaps, but I have an urge to get this, find an old terminal, transplant a modern keyboard and small LCD into it.

Weird, huh?

[Matt3o]

Few considerations, Sam.

- Midnight SA didn't start, we ran DCS first, I was planning to run SA later, but I'm more than happy to give Nuclear precedence

- I love your 1-kit-no-frills set, but people love options, and love to spend exactly for what they need (someone asked me for a poker kit for the Midnight set...). I would consider splitting the numpad and the tsangan. Also they will probably be asking for ergodox too and more spacebars.

- SP system made everyone able to run a GB and we've been flooded lately. Last year a well designed and organized GB could easily reach at least 100 tier, now it has become quite a challenge, so in your forecast I would start from 50.

[Elrick]

I'm not sure about SA keycaps, but I have an urge to get this, find an old terminal, transplant a modern keyboard and small LCD into it.

Weird, huh?

Rowdy, when it comes to OLD-style key-sets SA reins supreme out of all the profiles SP has in their possession  .

If it doesn't have huge 'chunky' keys it aint old-style, simple as that.  Besides we've been inundated with DCS's everywhere and now they're sick of seeing anymore DCS profiles according to some Group Buys currently being run.

DSA has been done to death as well, let's see if any numbers could still reach enough to tip any order now.  But Sam stuck with the logical choice SA and that alone is worth anyone's interest in using REAL key's in their MX keyboards  .

[DelKey]

Count me as interested! I'd buy 2 complete sets. As far as the question about glossiness- all glossy is preferable, if not possible all keys with the same finish is my preference.

[teuf]

If not too expensive (for me that is I'd be interested! All glossy, or all semi-matte, not a mix. And an Ergodox kit would be great!