Author Topic: AcidFire's modular keyboard system - Axios [In Development]  (Read 658055 times)

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Offline ephson

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #400 on: Mon, 29 July 2013, 17:43:01 »
If you hear a voice within you say, ‘You cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced. – Vincent van Gogh

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Offline Thimplum

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #401 on: Mon, 29 July 2013, 18:44:36 »
In other news, look what just walked through the front door :D
Show Image

I will be cutting up the first couple after work today and I'll start populating them later tonight :D

How many boards worth is that?
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Offline linziyi

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #402 on: Mon, 29 July 2013, 19:28:33 »
5 I believe
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Offline Thimplum

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #403 on: Mon, 29 July 2013, 19:32:44 »
5 I believe


I count 10 main boards and 20 thumb clusters.

2 main and 2 thumb each so 5.

But what about the other 10 thumb clusters?
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Offline AcidFire

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #404 on: Mon, 29 July 2013, 22:04:21 »
While it should be enough to do 5 sets w/ some extras, in practice the yields are much lower because I unfortunately packed the boards a bit too tight on the panelization. Getting a good cut on one board is leaving another somewhat ruined. I should however end up with atleast enough to build two with a few spares.

Offline Thimplum

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #405 on: Tue, 30 July 2013, 10:23:52 »
While it should be enough to do 5 sets w/ some extras, in practice the yields are much lower because I unfortunately packed the boards a bit too tight on the panelization. Getting a good cut on one board is leaving another somewhat ruined. I should however end up with atleast enough to build two with a few spares.


How are you cutting them?

Laser cutter?
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Offline daerid

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #406 on: Tue, 30 July 2013, 10:28:02 »
I want in on this.

I NEED in on this.

Offline AcidFire

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #407 on: Tue, 30 July 2013, 11:35:32 »
I'm currently cutting them w/ a bandsaw. I got the soldering done last night for the first test units, I'll be wiring them up to a controller later and taking them for a spin to see how the multiplexing works out. If the board works out to be solid the next step is to order a small batch of the boards you guys would be getting for further testing & verification (w/ MUCH faster shipping.) Because everything will be in place and just waiting on the boards, it should only take me a day or two to verify everything works before offering up the beta batch.

Now, on the ordering process, I have the ability to put up a private site instead of indiegogo to allow you guys to purchase beta kits without fear of someone taking your spot (verifying by beta sign up), would this be preferable to you? Everything is still done through paypal (ew I know) but locked down to those of you who are actually interested in helping out. This would also allow me to gather data faster as to what type of configuration you guys would be interested in, LED color, thumb layout, etc etc. without a lot of back and forth. What do you guys think?

Offline hoggy

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #408 on: Tue, 30 July 2013, 11:42:16 »
For all the work you've put in, I'm more than happy to go with whatever would be easiest for you.
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Offline Glod

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #409 on: Tue, 30 July 2013, 12:09:35 »
I want in on this.

I NEED in on this.

did you sign up?

I'm currently cutting them w/ a bandsaw. I got the soldering done last night for the first test units, I'll be wiring them up to a controller later and taking them for a spin to see how the multiplexing works out. If the board works out to be solid the next step is to order a small batch of the boards you guys would be getting for further testing & verification (w/ MUCH faster shipping.) Because everything will be in place and just waiting on the boards, it should only take me a day or two to verify everything works before offering up the beta batch.

Now, on the ordering process, I have the ability to put up a private site instead of indiegogo to allow you guys to purchase beta kits without fear of someone taking your spot (verifying by beta sign up), would this be preferable to you? Everything is still done through paypal (ew I know) but locked down to those of you who are actually interested in helping out. This would also allow me to gather data faster as to what type of configuration you guys would be interested in, LED color, thumb layout, etc etc. without a lot of back and forth. What do you guys think?

sounds good


Offline ephson

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #410 on: Tue, 30 July 2013, 12:13:05 »
Now, on the ordering process, I have the ability to put up a private site instead of indiegogo to allow you guys to purchase beta kits without fear of someone taking your spot (verifying by beta sign up), would this be preferable to you? Everything is still done through paypal (ew I know) but locked down to those of you who are actually interested in helping out. This would also allow me to gather data faster as to what type of configuration you guys would be interested in, LED color, thumb layout, etc etc. without a lot of back and forth. What do you guys think?


This sounds great to me. I'm in.
If you hear a voice within you say, ‘You cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced. – Vincent van Gogh

"If you want to learn something, read about it; if you want to understand something, write about it; if you want to master something, program it."

Offline Tarzan

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #411 on: Tue, 30 July 2013, 12:17:20 »
For all the work you've put in, I'm more than happy to go with whatever would be easiest for you.

+1

Just let us know where to go to sign up, although I think you already have my info on the beta tester signup sheet.   ;D

Offline wesleyh

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #412 on: Tue, 30 July 2013, 12:30:34 »
so how does this beta test work again exactly? do we need to send the kit back afterwards?

and what kind of feedback do you need from beta testers? is this limited to US only?

Offline BlueByLiquid

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #413 on: Tue, 30 July 2013, 12:39:52 »
acidfire, that sounds good. Paypal is fine with me. I'm ready today if you need to test the process. :)

Offline BlueByLiquid

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #414 on: Tue, 30 July 2013, 15:03:58 »
As an insteresting note. It seems Razer has starting using small mechnical switches for the large number of buttons on their new version of the Naga Mouse. I wonder if these would make for a great way to add small Function keys without increasing the size much.
http://www.razerzone.com/gaming-mice/razer-naga

Offline Thimplum

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #415 on: Tue, 30 July 2013, 16:52:12 »
As an insteresting note. It seems Razer has starting using small mechnical switches for the large number of buttons on their new version of the Naga Mouse. I wonder if these would make for a great way to add small Function keys without increasing the size much.
http://www.razerzone.com/gaming-mice/razer-naga

I'm not sure what Razer means by "mechanical switches".
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Offline ephson

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #416 on: Tue, 30 July 2013, 17:05:17 »

I'm not sure what Razer means by "mechanical switches".

I'm, not convinced that they know either...
If you hear a voice within you say, ‘You cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced. – Vincent van Gogh

"If you want to learn something, read about it; if you want to understand something, write about it; if you want to master something, program it."

Offline Thimplum

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #417 on: Tue, 30 July 2013, 17:33:57 »

I'm not sure what Razer means by "mechanical switches".

I'm, not convinced that they know either...

It is absolutely impossible for them to use Cherry MX switches.

It may be, that they are using some kind of RD switch.

I like my 2012 Naga, but the buttons are much too stiff.
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Offline Thimplum

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #418 on: Tue, 30 July 2013, 17:39:25 »
Hrmm...

How to do paypal...

I will be gone from tomorrow until next week.

I'll try to do something then.
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Offline BlueByLiquid

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #419 on: Tue, 30 July 2013, 17:49:03 »
Hrmm...

How to do paypal...

I will be gone from tomorrow until next week.

I'll try to do something then.

wait are we already supposed to send money?

Offline Thimplum

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #420 on: Tue, 30 July 2013, 18:02:48 »
Hrmm...

How to do paypal...

I will be gone from tomorrow until next week.

I'll try to do something then.

wait are we already supposed to send money?

No, not yet I think.
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Offline BlueByLiquid

  • Posts: 122
Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #421 on: Tue, 30 July 2013, 18:12:07 »
Hrmm...

How to do paypal...

I will be gone from tomorrow until next week.

I'll try to do something then.

wait are we already supposed to send money?

No, not yet I think.


I got confused by your statement about doing it tomorrow.

Offline Thimplum

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #422 on: Tue, 30 July 2013, 21:21:37 »
Hrmm...

How to do paypal...

I will be gone from tomorrow until next week.

I'll try to do something then.

wait are we already supposed to send money?

No, not yet I think.


I got confused by your statement about doing it tomorrow.

Oh.

I meant when I get back next week.
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Offline wiredPANDA

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #423 on: Wed, 31 July 2013, 16:04:39 »
How have I overlooked this thread for so long.   Nice work on this AcidFire!

To add fuel to the fire --- where do we sign up/throw our money?
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Offline AcidFire

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #424 on: Wed, 31 July 2013, 17:41:36 »
I'll be putting the site together over the weekend for where you guys can order, as I'll be testing my boards over the next couple of days and should hopefully be readying the next batch for order by tuesday. After that it'll come down to whether I feel I need to do another board revision before ordering the prototype batch, or if I should just go for it. Either way, I'll have a firm timeline for Tuesday (yay long weekend!).

Offline Glod

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #425 on: Thu, 01 August 2013, 16:42:40 »
one thing if you ever get around to it is update the original post of the topic with the current status of the project and it is looking with the design. Some people may not get where this project is at unless they go through every page

on the other hand, it has become a nice little elite ErgoGP fan club going on in here, I haven't seen TP4Tissue show up yet in here :O

Offline AcidFire

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #426 on: Fri, 02 August 2013, 02:36:24 »
one thing if you ever get around to it is update the original post of the topic with the current status of the project and it is looking with the design. Some people may not get where this project is at unless they go through every page

on the other hand, it has become a nice little elite ErgoGP fan club going on in here, I haven't seen TP4Tissue show up yet in here :O

I'll definitely update the front over the weekend, I've got a fair amount of time slotted for working on development and whatnot.

Speaking of updates, I was able to test the boards tonight and everything looks pretty good so far. Next is to test the micros which I'm expecting to be a bit more involved, but I feel confident w/ the design to order the next revision of the boards for testing before I offer it up to you guys.

Offline audukent

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #427 on: Fri, 02 August 2013, 09:03:16 »
I am very interested in your ErgoGP.  The work you have done on it is magnificent
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Offline AcidFire

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #428 on: Fri, 02 August 2013, 14:22:54 »
I am very interested in your ErgoGP.  The work you have done on it is magnificent

Thank you :)

While it isn't much in the way of further progress, I've created a twitter account for those interested in following: @multiplxd. I'm also setting up accounts on YouTube, google+, etc etc. to better share what I'm working outside of the forum.

Offline Tarzan

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #429 on: Fri, 02 August 2013, 14:33:30 »
I am very interested in your ErgoGP.  The work you have done on it is magnificent

Thank you :)

While it isn't much in the way of further progress, I've created a twitter account for those interested in following: @multiplxd. I'm also setting up accounts on YouTube, google+, etc etc. to better share what I'm working outside of the forum.

Is that the right Twitter handle?  I couldn't find it via a quick search.  I'm on Twitter as well, @Greystoke.

Offline AcidFire

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #430 on: Fri, 02 August 2013, 14:38:02 »
I am very interested in your ErgoGP.  The work you have done on it is magnificent

Thank you :)

While it isn't much in the way of further progress, I've created a twitter account for those interested in following: @multiplxd. I'm also setting up accounts on YouTube, google+, etc etc. to better share what I'm working outside of the forum.

Is that the right Twitter handle?  I couldn't find it via a quick search.  I'm on Twitter as well, @Greystoke.

Thats odd, it may not come up right away since it's a fairly new account and I'm sure theres some caching involved somewhere. I followed you so you should be able to see my account, let me know if it comes up as something different.

Also, just a very quick demo of the backlight LEDs running an animation:

Edit: When you search on twitter, make sure you set the filter on the left to people. The account doesn't come up on the main search because it hasn't been mentioned in any tweets yet.
« Last Edit: Fri, 02 August 2013, 14:40:54 by AcidFire »

Offline Tarzan

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #431 on: Fri, 02 August 2013, 14:49:17 »
Got it.  I was using the wrong search box, thanks for the pointer!

Offline linziyi

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #432 on: Fri, 02 August 2013, 15:13:15 »
amazing
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Offline wiredPANDA

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #433 on: Fri, 02 August 2013, 21:59:33 »
Just retweeted your link --- so you're mentioned in tweets now.  =]
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Offline fisofo

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #434 on: Sat, 03 August 2013, 02:27:40 »
Sa-weet.

Offline insilica

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #435 on: Mon, 05 August 2013, 06:50:35 »
Very nice work Sir!

Thank you for sharing and I look forward to assembling one of these :D.
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Offline Loligagger

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #436 on: Mon, 05 August 2013, 17:01:27 »
Pretty interested in the final board. However, would black DSA PBTs be possible as a keyset (with enough extras for the different thumb variations)? What about stabilizers for 2x keys?

On the software side, layers being active only while a switch is pressed & layer indicators are possible right?

Offline AcidFire

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #437 on: Mon, 05 August 2013, 17:48:33 »
Do you mean blank or labeled sets? I'm definitely going to make a full blank black set of DSA PBT caps available, along with a couple other options.

As for the layers, you will be able to either toggle (stays on that layer) or shift (only active while holding a key). You can also set the toggle and shift keys to target specific layers, and any key can be set to shift or toggle.

Offline Loligagger

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #438 on: Mon, 05 August 2013, 19:06:46 »
Yea, I did mean blank sets. Sounds pretty good so far. Can the software do LED layer indicators?

Either way I'm most likely in when the final board rolls around.

Offline AcidFire

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #439 on: Mon, 05 August 2013, 20:33:03 »
Yea, I did mean blank sets. Sounds pretty good so far. Can the software do LED layer indicators?

Either way I'm most likely in when the final board rolls around.

That's the plan. You'll be able to set which LED the layer toggles, and when I make the RGB add on, the color too.

Offline linziyi

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #440 on: Mon, 05 August 2013, 20:38:20 »
what addons are you planning to made available for the beta kits?
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Offline do_Og@n

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #441 on: Mon, 05 August 2013, 20:50:52 »
That ErgoDox reminds me of a really nice Steinway and Sons Grand Piano.

Awesome work....I wish these were cheaper so I could afford one.

Offline agodinhost

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #442 on: Mon, 05 August 2013, 21:28:31 »
Again, Awesome work acid!

I'm really interested to see how you are going to manage this amount of leds (the required power and general wiring circuitry).
Building one square I2C keyboard with those 1200 switches (thanks JDCarpe)
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Offline AcidFire

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #443 on: Mon, 05 August 2013, 21:39:52 »
Again, Awesome work acid!

I'm really interested to see how you are going to manage this amount of leds (the required power and general wiring circuitry).

Thank you :D

The wiring is fairly simple, being a straight forward matrix layout. For those of you unfamiliar with how this works, it's pretty much exactly like the switch array on a keyboard, providing power one row and a time and cycling through the columns to give the power a route through the LED. This is strobed very quickly, faster than your eye can pick up, and ends up using very little power.

what addons are you planning to made available for the beta kits?

The standard kit will be all that will be available at the start, as well as some of the options for the stands. I may offer more when the Bluetooth modules are made available as well.
« Last Edit: Mon, 05 August 2013, 21:59:28 by AcidFire »

Offline AcidFire

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #444 on: Tue, 06 August 2013, 04:06:15 »
Just thought I'd share a quick update. I've been making some minor tweaks to the PCBs and sorted out a couple of issues and made some improvements:
1) beefed up the power traces. All the traces on the board the first time round were 10mil, I've sinced uped the 5v & gnd rails to 15mil, including bulking up the vias.
2) added a crystal to both sides of the main & thumb boards. I still have a ways to go w/ pwm control, and the crystals give me the option to bump up to 16mhz if I need to.
3) caught a routing problem on the main board, right side. Missed some I/O >_<
4) added an additional pair of address jumpers. You can now add up to 16 (8 per side) thumb pads.
5) added a 3.5mm connection point to thumb pads for external use.
6) sorted out connectors between main & thumb boards. There are options for permanent & modular connections.
7) shifted over & optimized main boards ISP header. This allows for a pass through connector to be used on the RGB add on, simplifying the connection without using something difficult like ZIF cables.
8) added inline spi header to CPU module for future bluetooth addon.
9) added indicator LEDs to CPU board for power & USB tx/rx (mostly troubleshooting). Can be disabled via a jumper.
10) designed external number pad.
11) designed external 4x5 button array.
12) updated case designs to accommodate pcb changes. Also moved and added case screws for better stability. I have button head & counter sunk screws on order for testing.
13) outlined the addressing table for all boards.
13) outlined the i2c commands for switch polling & LEDs on the sub boards.

Offline wesleyh

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #445 on: Tue, 06 August 2013, 04:11:08 »
I don't understand what half of the updates mean, but nevertheless thank you for your hard work! Can you post some new pictures if anything physical changed?

Does this also mean a trackball will not be included in the design?

Offline agodinhost

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #446 on: Tue, 06 August 2013, 06:41:36 »
The wiring is fairly simple, being a straight forward matrix layout. For those of you unfamiliar with how this works, it's pretty much exactly like the switch array on a keyboard, providing power one row and a time and cycling through the columns to give the power a route through the LED. This is strobed very quickly, faster than your eye can pick up, and ends up using very little power.
I saw one arduino mega in one of your pictures and I think I saw it in the video too - are you planning to use it into the final version? I don't know any avr usb capable IC with this number of available ports ...
Building one square I2C keyboard with those 1200 switches (thanks JDCarpe)
GH60 |GH60-Alps |GH60-BT |GHPad/GHPad Alps |GH60-Case |Alps TKL |EL Wire |OS Controller, Round 2 |My Custom Keyboard |WTT/WTB

Offline MOZ

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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #447 on: Tue, 06 August 2013, 06:46:28 »
Just thought I'd share a quick update. I've been making some minor tweaks to the PCBs and sorted out a couple of issues and made some improvements:
1) beefed up the power traces. All the traces on the board the first time round were 10mil, I've sinced uped the 5v & gnd rails to 15mil, including bulking up the vias.
2) added a crystal to both sides of the main & thumb boards. I still have a ways to go w/ pwm control, and the crystals give me the option to bump up to 16mhz if I need to.
3) caught a routing problem on the main board, right side. Missed some I/O >_<
4) added an additional pair of address jumpers. You can now add up to 16 (8 per side) thumb pads.
5) added a 3.5mm connection point to thumb pads for external use.
6) sorted out connectors between main & thumb boards. There are options for permanent & modular connections.
7) shifted over & optimized main boards ISP header. This allows for a pass through connector to be used on the RGB add on, simplifying the connection without using something difficult like ZIF cables.
8) added inline spi header to CPU module for future bluetooth addon.
9) added indicator LEDs to CPU board for power & USB tx/rx (mostly troubleshooting). Can be disabled via a jumper.
10) designed external number pad.
11) designed external 4x5 button array.
12) updated case designs to accommodate pcb changes. Also moved and added case screws for better stability. I have button head & counter sunk screws on order for testing.
13) outlined the addressing table for all boards.
13) outlined the i2c commands for switch polling & LEDs on the sub boards.

Wow!

Offline vatin

  • Posts: 184
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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #448 on: Tue, 06 August 2013, 07:08:34 »
I may have missed something, but will this be open source like ergodox?
OLKB Planck V6

Offline MOZ

  • KING OF THE NEWBIES
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Re: AcidFire's custom split keyboard - ErgoGP
« Reply #449 on: Tue, 06 August 2013, 07:13:11 »
I may have missed something, but will this be open source like ergodox?

Once everything is finalised, yes, OP has mentioned he is a supporter of open source and open hardware and would like the same for the ErgoGP.