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geekhack Marketplace => Group Buys and Preorders => Topic started by: DALExSNAIL on Sun, 19 January 2020, 15:41:27

Title: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Complete!
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Sun, 19 January 2020, 15:41:27
PHANTOM PLATES AND LINERS

[attachimg=3][attachimg=1]


Phantom options leave a bit to be desired these days, what with the progression of design over these few years. I've slowly been putting together things to help with this, if only a small amount. The easiest and most affordable starting point seems to be plates, and FR4 is a perfect option for test runs. In the future other material options may be available, but that depends on interest and successfulness of projects.

This will be a small test run to see how well the design works, and iron out small kinks. This will currently only be the plates + liners and not any PCBs, but I am in works with a few people to design better PCBs for filco/phantom style cases that should be affordable, and up to date with current standards.



[attachimg=2]

GROUP BUY FORM (https://forms.gle/ztFP5LTE1Ah9dEPV7)

Details and Notes

OPTIONS

Plates
Liners
Shipping

The buy will open 12:00pm EST 1/20/2020 and will run until 11:59pm EST Sunday 1/26/2020

Estimated to ship in [Pending] - Subject to change depending on potential manu issues or QC problems. Will keep updated here and in Discord.



GROUP BUY FORM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2djx83-4XNQ) - Closed

JOIN THE DISCORD FOR MORE FREQUENT UPDATES (https://discord.gg/bgsNxGM)
After joining, navigate to the #role-request channel and react with the GOAT emoji to be assigned the filco role. I try and keep pings to a minimum, but be aware that I will ping this role for important updates.

I only hope you guys stan your Filcos as much as I do  :-*
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Starting 1/20/2020
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Mon, 20 January 2020, 02:07:19
Reserved

Under construction



Disclaimer:
I want to emphasize again that this is a test run. An initial effort to work out issues users may have when using the plates, so that future iterations will be tested, tried, and true. While I've had assistance from other users to make sure all is well, I cannot in good faith guarantee that the plates will fit all switches/stabs/PCBs/etc. in all instances. What I can say is that the file sent to manu is built with the open source phantom plate as a base. I've edited around the already existing plate files to ensure that the majority of elements on the plate are directly transferred from an existing drawing that has been tested many many times.

I will be building a test board after receiving the plates, before sending out orders, to be sure that there are no issues. If after receiving plates there is a glaring issue somehow overlooked by me, I will do my best to replace plates for users out of pocket, and only charge shipping to send a replacement out.


Annotations
* Modifying the plate to work with the stock PCB is quite easy, since FR4 is relatively easy to cut, even with a hobby knife. The picture below shows where you will need to cut to accommodate for the PCB controller. The integrity of the plate will not be compromised from this cut.

[attachimg=1]


**  I have been informed that the Micarta would present some issues with cutting so thin, potential shattering, and a special way that it needs to be cut would raise the price significantly, close to $40 a plate NOT including material. In the future we may try true Micarta, but for now they've presented me with an alternative material that will be very inexpensive and has most of the same properties, just is not laminated after finishing. It's a polyester based "plastic" made in the same way as Micarta (layered, heated, then pressed), with a different resin used as the binding agent, typically used as shim stock. I will start an IC eventually to see if people are willing to pay the premium to have true Micarta cut in the future, possibly pairing with a carbon fiber option.


*** International shipping is looking to be slightly inflated if you are only purchasing one item. Based on estimates so far, the total will be betweeen $20 and $35
If this gets too expensive and enough people order overseas then I'll be looking into a proxy to reduce shipping cost to you guys.




ESTIMATED TIMELINE




UPDATES

1/31/2020

2/6/2020

3/10/2020




If you're feeling especially dedicated, feel free to use this in your signature to link back to the buy.

(https://i.imgur.com/mM5pZdc.png) (https://bit.ly/30DpeJk)

[/list]
Code: [Select]
[url=https://bit.ly/30DpeJk][img]https://i.imgur.com/mM5pZdc.png[/img][/url]
Full Size:
[attachimg=2]
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Starting 1/20/2020
Post by: Signature on Mon, 20 January 2020, 05:19:02
Approved!
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Starting 1/20/2020
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Mon, 20 January 2020, 07:14:54
Approved!

<3
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Live!
Post by: kernelsanders on Tue, 21 January 2020, 01:00:53
I'm in! I'll take one of everything!  ;D
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Live!
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Tue, 21 January 2020, 09:58:42
I'm in! I'll take one of everything!  ;D

Much appreciated my friend! Make sure to fill out that GB form and join the discord  :-*
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Live!
Post by: Ensaum on Tue, 21 January 2020, 15:14:59
Nevermind, pulling out because..
Quote from: DALExSNAIL
MX Brown apologist and defender
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Live!
Post by: nickheller on Tue, 21 January 2020, 15:24:40
In  :cool:
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Live!
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Wed, 22 January 2020, 11:56:33
Nevermind, pulling out because..
Quote from: DALExSNAIL
MX Brown apologist and defender

I will not falter.
My refined tastes will one day be revered!
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Live!
Post by: kinglukas38 on Wed, 22 January 2020, 13:07:19
Nice to see you pushing this to gb phase, gl Dale  :thumb:
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Live!
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Thu, 23 January 2020, 17:30:56
Nice to see you pushing this to gb phase, gl Dale  :thumb:

Ty man, hoping all goes well!
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Live!
Post by: rpiguy9907 on Thu, 23 January 2020, 22:19:54
I am confused as to why you would make future PCB mount stabs only when the Phantom PCB itself has no hole/support for PCB mount stabs?

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=536

Is there a new version of the PCB out there somewhere?
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Live!
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Thu, 23 January 2020, 23:03:14
I am confused as to why you would make future PCB mount stabs only when the Phantom PCB itself has no hole/support for PCB mount stabs?

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=536

Is there a new version of the PCB out there somewhere?

Quote
Compatible with cherry stabalizers as well as costar for this run, in the future these will be offered with a PCB and will only support PCB mount cherry stabs.

When I run these moving forward, they will be offered alongside my own PCB and will no longer have the phantom name. They will be associated with a new name tied to myself, and instead have a descriptor of something like "Phantom style plates", or something similar.

My hope is to phase out actual phantoms, because it's cumbersome to gather and solder the parts for them and put them together. Plus they're pretty limited compared to even some stock boards on the market.
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Live!
Post by: Dakk1d on Fri, 24 January 2020, 02:51:03
I am confused as to why you would make future PCB mount stabs only when the Phantom PCB itself has no hole/support for PCB mount stabs?

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=536

Is there a new version of the PCB out there somewhere?

Quote
Compatible with cherry stabalizers as well as costar for this run, in the future these will be offered with a PCB and will only support PCB mount cherry stabs.

When I run these moving forward, they will be offered alongside my own PCB and will no longer have the phantom name. They will be associated with a new name tied to myself, and instead have a descriptor of something like "Phantom style plates", or something similar.

My hope is to phase out actual phantoms, because it's cumbersome to gather and solder the parts for them and put them together. Plus they're pretty limited compared to even some stock boards on the market.

Ooh, this sounds nice. Imagine not having to all of the extra crap that comes with a Phantom. As long as you offer an ISO plate together with your future PCB I will buy a few of each.
Any ETA on the PBA project?
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Live!
Post by: iliketimex on Fri, 24 January 2020, 21:12:28
Do you know the thickness of the cork liner? I was wondering if it will lay loosely or be an exact fit, touching both the PCB and the plate when assembled. There is approximately 3.6-3.7 mm space between the PCB and bottom of a plate if a 1.5mm plate is used. Thank you.
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Live!
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Fri, 24 January 2020, 21:35:29
Do you know the thickness of the cork liner? I was wondering if it will lay loosely or be an exact fit, touching both the PCB and the plate when assembled. There is approximately 3.6-3.7 mm space between the PCB and bottom of a plate if a 1.5mm plate is used. Thank you.

Plates are actually 1.6, didn't realize that until I ordered the pre-order for testing. They should be an exact fit, but I'll test them before sending out. If they're just flopping around or something, I'll re order more out of pocked probably. If they're just barely touching both, or half a hair off from touching the top I feel like they'll still do what's intended and I'll be happy with it. At that point they wont really be moving around or anything.

Edit: To clarify on the thickness, they should be just over 1/8" inch, somewhere between 1/8" and 3/16". Also judging by both spec sheets I have, I'm getting 3.3-3.4mm expected space with the 1.6mm plate, but have been told that it's less than that by a few people now.
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Live!
Post by: iliketimex on Fri, 24 January 2020, 22:06:56
Edit: To clarify on the thickness, they should be just over 1/8" inch, somewhere between 1/8" and 3/16". Also judging by both spec sheets I have, I'm getting 3.3-3.4mm expected space with the 1.6mm plate, but have been told that it's less than that by a few people now.

Okay it sounds like it should be gapless or close to it, which is good. Just wanted to make sure the liner was not paper thin like 0.5mm or such. I am in for a few items. This is a good idea for a GB. TKL is a really good form factor and TKL customs are huge money compared to plate/pcb swaps.
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Live!
Post by: rpiguy9907 on Fri, 24 January 2020, 22:13:17
A new TKL PCB would be sweet. Gons and Hineybush are the only options compatible with multiple cases. KBd8x is never is stock and the XD87 has non-standard spacing for the function row.

Another PCB choice would be a great benefit to the community. Can’t wait.
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Live!
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Fri, 24 January 2020, 22:17:24
I am confused as to why you would make future PCB mount stabs only when the Phantom PCB itself has no hole/support for PCB mount stabs?

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=536

Is there a new version of the PCB out there somewhere?

Quote
Compatible with cherry stabalizers as well as costar for this run, in the future these will be offered with a PCB and will only support PCB mount cherry stabs.

When I run these moving forward, they will be offered alongside my own PCB and will no longer have the phantom name. They will be associated with a new name tied to myself, and instead have a descriptor of something like "Phantom style plates", or something similar.

My hope is to phase out actual phantoms, because it's cumbersome to gather and solder the parts for them and put them together. Plus they're pretty limited compared to even some stock boards on the market.

Ooh, this sounds nice. Imagine not having to all of the extra crap that comes with a Phantom. As long as you offer an ISO plate together with your future PCB I will buy a few of each.
Any ETA on the PBA project?

I'm working on a more short term option as a collab, to get something out faster, and I'm also working on a more specialized PCB that will be branded as my own, no concrete ETA at the moment, but the gears are turning.
A new TKL PCB would be sweet. Gons and Hineybush are the only options compatible with multiple cases. KBd8x is never is stock and the XD87 has non-standard spacing for the function row.

Another PCB choice would be a great benefit to the community. Can’t wait.

 :-*
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Live!
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Sun, 26 January 2020, 23:26:19
Order form is now closed!

Will be gathering information and putting invoices together for tomorrow.
If you've opted for the Micarta option and won, you will see that reflected on your invoice  :thumb:

Thanks for participating peoples,  :-*
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Live!
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Mon, 27 January 2020, 10:13:06
Invoices out now  :thumb:
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Live!
Post by: placebo guy on Mon, 27 January 2020, 15:58:26
Thank you. Obviously the sooner the better.... But what's the drop dead date to get invoices paid??
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Live!
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Mon, 27 January 2020, 16:01:43
Thank you. Obviously the sooner the better.... But what's the drop dead date to get invoices paid??

I'd say By this coming Sunday, so I can get orders in, but if you have circumstances that might prevent this shoot me a PM on disc and we might be able to work something out.  :thumb:
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Live!
Post by: placebo guy on Mon, 27 January 2020, 16:33:31
Thank you. Obviously the sooner the better.... But what's the drop dead date to get invoices paid??

I'd say By this coming Sunday, so I can get orders in, but if you have circumstances that might prevent this shoot me a PM on disc and we might be able to work something out.  :thumb:

Just posting for the masses. If everyone is like me... feeling the "bank account sucking" these past two months from all the Group Buys.

Dayum Vampyrs  =)
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Live!
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Mon, 27 January 2020, 18:21:54
Thank you. Obviously the sooner the better.... But what's the drop dead date to get invoices paid??

I'd say By this coming Sunday, so I can get orders in, but if you have circumstances that might prevent this shoot me a PM on disc and we might be able to work something out.  :thumb:

Just posting for the masses. If everyone is like me... feeling the "bank account sucking" these past two months from all the Group Buys.

Dayum Vampyrs  =)

It's all for the good of the DALCO cause  :-*
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Invoices paid - Update
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Fri, 31 January 2020, 12:58:41
Quick update guys:

Paypal
Since I've not done a sale like this in the past, PayPal has predictably put a hold on 2 of the invoices paid, unfortunately the ones on hold are much larger than any others. I talked to a CSR beforehand who assured me there wouldn't be an issue, but since I hadn't sent an invoice in quite some time, and then suddenly sent a lot in one afternoon, there was a disconnect. Working with the users and Paypal to get this expedited, but I don't want to expect anyone to do anything that might jeopardize their buyer's protection. Because of that expect a potential delay on the Liners. Fortunately their turnaround time will be about 7 business days from when the invoice is paid!

Proto Full Plates
My initial order of full plates purchased before the buy started has not yet started production, as the files are still in review. With the recent CNY holiday I imagine they are catching up though, so more productive updates on this soon.tm
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Invoices paid - Update
Post by: Aldarris on Fri, 31 January 2020, 16:40:00
Just paid my invoice. Don't have a PCB to use this on atm but I look forward to the one you're working on.
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Invoices paid - Update
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Thu, 06 February 2020, 11:37:27
Quick Update:
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Invoices paid - Update
Post by: Actualize on Sat, 08 February 2020, 13:43:41
What PCB would you recommend to go with this?
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Invoices paid - Update
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Mon, 10 February 2020, 08:53:21
What PCB would you recommend to go with this?

I personally recommend the LFK-TKL (https://www.lfkeyboards.com/lfk-tkl/)
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Invoices paid - Update
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Tue, 10 March 2020, 12:05:13
Updates will be hosted on my website as well moving forward => Updates (https://dalesnail.mx/filco)

3/10/2020
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Invoices paid - Update
Post by: kkatano on Fri, 13 March 2020, 07:03:33
I saw the photos posted on your site and it was amazing. I would like to order if I have the next chance ;)
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Invoices paid - Update
Post by: kernelsanders on Mon, 13 April 2020, 21:18:16
Just checking in to see if there's any more updates on the GB? Thanks!
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Invoices paid - Update
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Fri, 17 April 2020, 10:23:07
Hi guys, sorry for the lack of updates, and the delay. With the current events happening there have been some hiccups, but that's no excuse, so I'll keep you in the loop.

The original PCB that was headed to me, has somehow still not made it my way. This weekend I'll be desoldering my OEM PCB to use in a short build, and I will use it for testing.


Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Invoices paid - Update
Post by: iliketimex on Fri, 17 April 2020, 23:01:10
Thanks for the update. The lockdowns everywhere caught everyone off guard so there is not much anyone can do.
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Invoices paid - Update
Post by: kernelsanders on Sat, 18 April 2020, 01:52:33
Thanks for the update and the transparency.
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Invoices paid - Update
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Tue, 02 June 2020, 13:45:55
Ok, All materials are in hand and I'll be shipping out orders very soon, so be on the lookout for shipping invoices! Once these are out and paid, I'll be able to order proper shipping materials to prevent bending and breakage.

I'm currently waiting on labels to get here for my new shipping label printer, and I'm also shipping out a small package for a test build just to be sure. I would wait on the test build to happen, but honestly I've made you all wait long enough.

I'll post a few pictures of the liners tonight to show them off!

One thing to note, the cork rubber neoprene and the Neoprene Firm are a bit more firm than originally anticipated. This could be a good or bad thing as I see it now. They're soft enough not to cause issues as far as I can tell, but they are likely much different than the foams you might be used to from other vendors. Once I've gotten my own board properly desoldered by a friend, and built with a cork rubber liner, I will upload a sound test.  :thumb:

That said, the Closed Cell Sponge Rubber turned out better than originally hoped. The cell size is a little larger than anticipated, but so far that seems like a good thing.

Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Invoices paid - Update
Post by: DasGnome on Sat, 18 July 2020, 17:19:02
Had anyone gotten an update on this?
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Invoices paid - Update
Post by: iliketimex on Mon, 20 July 2020, 08:06:15
Had anyone gotten an update on this?

I got a shipping invoice so just waiting for final boxing/shipping.
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Invoices paid - Update
Post by: DasGnome on Fri, 24 July 2020, 08:45:26
Had anyone gotten an update on this?

I got a shipping invoice so just waiting for final boxing/shipping.

Yeah, me too, but that was over a month ago. I thought the materials were already on hand according to the last update here...
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Invoices paid - Update
Post by: Ensaum on Fri, 24 July 2020, 20:42:10
Had anyone gotten an update on this?

I got a shipping invoice so just waiting for final boxing/shipping.

Yeah, me too, but that was over a month ago. I thought the materials were already on hand according to the last update here...

He's got some more updates on his discord. The last one was on July 8 and said everything is packed up and he's waiting on boxes.
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Invoices paid - Update
Post by: DasGnome on Fri, 24 July 2020, 23:57:42
Had anyone gotten an update on this?

I got a shipping invoice so just waiting for final boxing/shipping.

Yeah, me too, but that was over a month ago. I thought the materials were already on hand according to the last update here...

He's got some more updates on his discord. The last one was on July 8 and said everything is packed up and he's waiting on boxes.

Thanks. I've been in the discord a while but have not been given the role for the updates.
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Invoices paid - Update
Post by: DasGnome on Sun, 23 August 2020, 14:05:30
Should be shipping out soon according to discord for con us
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Invoices paid - Update
Post by: Ensaum on Mon, 24 August 2020, 20:22:30
Just came in today

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Invoices paid - Update
Post by: larsbrinkhoff on Tue, 06 October 2020, 06:02:09
(EDITED. Sorry, wrong thread.)
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Invoices paid - Update
Post by: iliketimex on Sat, 23 January 2021, 18:57:41
So I finally got around to building with this. It took a while since a Hakko desolder tool was needed for me to feel comfortable desoldering an entire board.

The cork liner will not really work with the actual Filco PCB. The diodes on the board are too high, and interfere with the exact fit. Did anyone else experience that? Not a big deal for me since I am also working on a LFKeyboards PCB with surface mount diodes, but just thought I'd provide feedback.
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Invoices paid - Update
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Wed, 27 January 2021, 15:33:22
So I finally got around to building with this. It took a while since a Hakko desolder tool was needed for me to feel comfortable desoldering an entire board.

The cork liner will not really work with the actual Filco PCB. The diodes on the board are too high, and interfere with the exact fit. Did anyone else experience that? Not a big deal for me since I am also working on a LFKeyboards PCB with surface mount diodes, but just thought I'd provide feedback.

Ah shoot, I thought this may end up happening because the material was a bit more dense than expected. Wish I'd have had the resources to properly desolder when testing instead of bricking 2 filcos lol (a bit embarassing I know). Ironically  I've got a liner and plate going off to be rebuilt on stream sometime in the next week or 2, so we can see how it fares there with the polyester plate.

I'll shoot a message your way with some more asks.

Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Invoices paid - Update
Post by: odd on Mon, 05 April 2021, 13:29:14
Any chance of extra plates? I have a couple phantom builds I been sitting on and would love one of these plates to put into one of the builds.

If It might help my case on getting a spare plate I could contribute with a fit test on 3rd party Alu cases as I have a Tex Alu TKL and a MKC Alu TKL I can drop the Plate into to see how snug it is.

Let me know either way, thanks.

edit: I could also see if a CM PCB running the Frosty Flake replacement firmware would work on your plate as well. Looking at the pics here I see the cut outs but I also don't see any mention of compatibility.
Title: Re: [GB] FR4 Phantom Plates and Liners - Invoices paid - Update
Post by: placebo guy on Tue, 06 April 2021, 18:05:07
Any chance of extra plates? I have a couple phantom builds I been sitting on and would love one of these plates to put into one of the builds.

If It might help my case on getting a spare plate I could contribute with a fit test on 3rd party Alu cases as I have a Tex Alu TKL and a MKC Alu TKL I can drop the Plate into to see how snug it is.

Let me know either way, thanks.

edit: I could also see if a CM PCB running the Frosty Flake replacement firmware would work on your plate as well. Looking at the pics here I see the cut outs but I also don't see any mention of compatibility.

I sent you a PM.