Updates
4/16/24
- Added renders of proto colorway.
- Proto has been cut.
- PCB sample has arrived.
- Firmware in development.
4/23/24
- PCB prototype images added.
- Prototype is complete and en route.
- Firmware has been confirmed.
- PCB edits are complete and new proto will be ordered.
4/30/24
Umbra Prototype v1 has arrived and preliminary testing has started.
Right off the bat, this is the best proto I have ever received. There are very few edits to be made and all of them are just tightening up tolerance, meaning the accuracy is even better than I hoped for. I am beyond happy with the design decisions. We are in a really good spot. Fully assembled the board weighs in at 3.15 lbs or 1429 g.
ANODIZING:
The meteor grey is exactly what I was hoping for, it feels very space mineral rock-like. While I am happy with the ano, I think we can work on the texture. I spec’ed a custom blasting process for this project in order to achieve a unique texture. While this new blasting medium was used, I believe the pressure in the gun was not correct. Further testing will be done. We are also working on hanging methods to make the ano as flawless as possible. The proto was rack hung with spreaders. This will make small imperfections where the spreader makes contact with the part. We have placed the spreads in a spot that is unseen while using the board, of course, but also hard to see when building it.
PLATE:
Perfect fit and the ano is money.
WEIGHT:
The weight has a custom spec glass-blasting and I love it. The finish is scratch-resistant when compared to traditional sandblasting. The surface has a tighter texture with a semi-matte appearance and since it is stainless steel, it's very easy to clean.
Weight tolerances have been decreased as the fitment of all the parts is very accurate. I originally increased the gap between the bottom chassis and weight based on the 3D prints, but now having the parts in metal we can make the fitment even nicer. Installing the weight has a very satisfying sound and feel.
KEY:
The weight removal key works perfectly. The file for this 3D printed part will also be available to future proof the board.
ISOLATORS:
This system is working just as I hoped. This force-break method removes the contact from the top and bottom of the chassis. This result is a deeper, tighter sounding board. I am currently testing different designs to make this the best it can be. We are for sure heading in the right direction. Also you can use the board without the isolators for more traditional sound.
MOUNTS:
Running simulations on the plate to determine optimal mounting locations was a great move. I am very happy with the mounting locations and shape. I plan to test this further with different switches to see if any small improvements can be made.
Top Mount - It's great! Responsive, solid, and has a machine gun spacebar.
Gummy Mount - Testing was done with a few custom sized 60a o-rings. I believe I have found the best size that will work for both full and split backspace, though more testing is needed. This has a deeper, more even sound, with a slight mute. The 2 piece chassis construction makes installation a breeze. I do see where an additional cut can be made on the lower chassis for a better fit around the spacebar stabilizers.
This has more flex than top mount, of course. Here is another case where many rounds of 3D prints made the design the best it could be. The plate has a pleasant, even flex without bottoming out. This flex was especially hard to engineer with the low front height of the board and wanting to maximize the surface area of the lower chassis.
Tadpole Mount - The one issue with the proto is that the mounting holes for the tadpoles were fully threaded, so I am not able to install the tadpoles without modification. I have already talked to the factory about the issue. They apologized and thought that I had made a mistake in the drawings. This is an easy fix. Testing of the tadpole mounting on the board will occur during the v2 prototype.
CABLE SHIELD:
Size has been revised for better fitment with new blasted finish.
MAGNETS:
Magnet recesses have been revised to fit final magnets perfectly.
EMBLEM:
Emblem recess has been revised for better fit. Currently finalizing design for mold production.
PCB:
PCB and daughter board fit is perfect. Zero edits to be made. Also I believe all cables will fit without a problem. My favorite part of the daughterboard design is how low to the table the USB port sits, and how the Rune logo on the back is a great alignment tool for the USB.
TAP:
The custom chip I ordered works great but the phone has a hard time scanning when installed on the board. I did a good amount of testing on this while designing it, but a mixture of the interference from the metal surrounding it as well as the depth within the case leads to the scanning not working as desired. Currently working on a solution.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
I am working hard now to get all the little details correct before ordering another proto. I will get more images, sound tests, and a build stream going as well!
