[opensource] TOAD v2 | 70% keyboard | Now with Alps and aluminum case.

[TalkingTree]

Ladies and gentlemen, v2 is finally ready.
This is a follow-up to the original TOAD. I'm posting a new thread because the project has been since entirely reworked.
Everything from PCB to plate to case will be opensource, hoping that you'll find it useful.


Part 1: PCB

PCB has reached its third revision and it now features ALPS and MX support, two LED indicators and a universal layout, as shown in the next post.
Once again I owe this achievement to the good fellows who taught me designing PCBs, bpiphany, pomk and vvp. I can't express my gratitude to you gentlmen enough.





Soldered all the SMD components.



Part 2: Plate

Plates were again designed with swill's builder, which allowed me to draw them in a few minutes. Without this great tool I would still be trying to figure out what to do in Inkscape.
Pwner and xondat's experience and expertise truly came to help to fine tune the plate and I do appreciate their suggestions. Thank you guys.
I then had the plates laser cut out of brushed stainless steel 304 at Shangai AnAng Automatic Equipment.




And finally everything was assembled with Kailh Box Black switches.



Part 3: Case

Designing a case was a massive but fun task. For the first version of the TOAD I went through a lot of different options for both shape and material, yet, as you know, I eventually opted for a 3D printed case made out of PLA.
Then this comment really made me wanna try something new.

Lovely. Needs an aluminum case though )

Hence, I switched from Tinkercad to Fusion 360, for the latter was more suitable to my new needs and, nonetheless, free for an hobbyist like me.
I wanted something not too gaudy and the KB-6251 was simply perfect for this task, especially for the bottom half.
Obviously I knew nothing about parametric modeling so I browsed YouTube for some tutorials and Lars Christensen's were undoubtedly the most appropriate. After a few weeks spent in front of my computer, I finally ordered the case at Ulitemech.
I spammed F5 on DHL tracking website for the past fourtyeight hours, literally, waiting for my new case to be delivered, then this package showed up.



I gently unwrapped the package with care, hoping the the customs inspector did the same, and this is what popped out of the box.




I noticed I forgot the screw heads holes for bottom half but I could do without as the plate is perfectly clamped by the two halves of the case.




I applied some rubber feet at the four holes that I predisposed.


Tested the case with the plate.


Finally I had everything ready for the final assembly.


And here it is.


Part 4: Layout, Firmware, Switches, Keycaps and final result.

For a change, I moved to a new encoding, which is Italian 142, and this is how my new layout is organized.
I'm using the TOAD with EasyAVR v3.00.01. Big thanks to metalliqaz for this great tool.
I installed Kailh Box Black which are easily my new favourite switches.
I mixed keysets to resemble the Italian 142 encoding, therefore I used dye sub italian PBT keycaps from a G81/SAI; some german dye sub PBT keycaps from a G81/SAD, specifically I used numbers from 7 to 0, the letter Q and the *+~. Strg and °^ are there just for fun.
Backspace, Right Shift and Fn key are from wodan's GMK HADapter & HADditionals kit.
ANSI Enter is a PBT dyesub and it's from Shadovved's EnjoyPBT Dyesub/Blank Keysets.
R1 Delete key is from the 1800 kit of xiaodian317's GMK Classic Retro & GMK GEEKHACK Pack.
I plan to have some custom dye sub beige keycaps to complete the 142 but it will be done later on.
I'm also planning to design a dust cover which will be likely made out of transparent 3D printed plastics.
For those wondering, the whole keyboard weighs roughly 1900 grams.



I really like how pinholes work for LED indicators.




And finally, a typing test.

Thanks for reading.

[TalkingTree]

This post contains everything that is needed to assemble your own TOAD.

PCB
PCB source is available here. Please use rev. 3.

Parts list.

Quantity	Description	Manufacturer part number	Symbol
1	TOAD PCB
1	Atmel ATmega32u4	ATMEGA32U4-AU	U1
1	16MHz crystal	X322516MOB4SI	X1
2	22pf capacitor	CL21C220JBANNNC	C1, C2
78	1N4148 diode	1N4148W (1N4148WS would also fit)	D1 to D78
2	22 Ohm resistor	0805W8J0220T5E	R1, R2
1	1 kOhm resistor	0805W8F1001T5E	R5
3	1uF capacitor	CL21F105ZOFNNNE	C3 to C7
5	0.1uF capacitor	0805F104M500NT	C8 to C10
1	16 pins USB type-C SMD connector	TYPE-C16PIN

Please note: Part numbers are just for reference, it's not mandatory to use those, just make sure that capacitors and resistors are form factor 0805 and diodes are SOD-123.
You can use your own crystal of choice as long as it's paired with the correct capacitors.

You also need:

• Two discrete LEDs and Two 0805 resistors for them;
• a set of stabilizers;
• up to eighty switches.

Layouts

The PCB supports split Backspace, Shifts and ANSI Enter key. ISO Enter is also supported.
Bottom row could either be standard or winkeyless (with or without the actual winkey).
LEDs are predisposed in either a dedicated spot or in-switch in the Esc and Caps Lock's pads.




Firmwares

• EasyAVR: Starting from v3.00.01, the TOAD is now officially supported.
• QMK: TOAD is officially supported.

Please note: The TOAD and the XMMX share the same matrix and the former is considered a variant. Make sure you're choosing the correct keymap and layout for your goal.


Plate
I recommend to design your own plate and have it laser cut at your favourite factory.
You can use the universal layout template to design your own.
If you're using swill's builder to draw your plate, please use these custom polygons:

More

Top and bottom supports:
Add polygon - Custom polygon.
shape: [-x/2-10,-y]; [-10,-y]; [x/2-10,-y]; [-x/2-10,y]; [-10,y]; [x/2-10,y]
path: [0,0]; [5,-5]; [15,-5]; [20,0]; [15,5]; [5,5]

Top and bottom supports holes:
Cut polygon - Circle.
diameter: 3
shape: [-x/2,-y-5]; [0,-y-5]; [x/2,-y-5]; [-x/2,y+5]; [0,y+5]; [x/2,y+5]
circle centers: [0,0]

Lateral supports:
Add polygon - Custom polygon.
shape: [-x,-y/2-10]; [-x,y/2-10]; [x,-y/2-10]; [x,y/2-10]
path: [5,5]; [5,15]; [0,20]; [-5,15]; [-5,5]; [0,0]

Lateral supports holes:
Cut polygon - Circle.
diameter: 3
shape: [-x-5,-y/2]; [-x-5,y/2]; [x+5,-y/2]; [x+5,y/2]
circle centers: [0,0]

LED indicators:
Cut polygon - Circle.
diameter: 7
shape: [0,0];[19.05,0]
circle centers: [105,-38]

1u backspace Half-plate:
Cut polygon - custom polygon.
shape: [0,-19.05*2.25]
path: [0,0];[19.05*6.5,0];[19.05*6.5,19.05*1.5];[19.05*6,19.05*1.5];[19.05*6,19.05*2.5];[19.05*5.5,19.05*2.5];[19.05*5.5,19.05*3.5];[19.05*5,19.05*3.5];[19.05*5,19.05*4.5];[-19.05*5.25,19.05*4.5];[-19.05*5.25,19.05*3.5];[-19.05*6,19.05*3.5];[-19.05*6,19.05*1.5];[-19.05*6.5,19.05*1.5];[-19.05*6.5,0];[0,0]

2u backspace Half-plate:
Cut polygon - custom polygon.
shape: [0,-19.05*2.25]
path: [0,0];[19.05*5.5,0];[19.05*5.5,19.05*1.5];[19.05*6,19.05*1.5];[19.05*6,19.05*2.5];[19.05*5.5,19.05*2.5];[19.05*5.5,19.05*3.5];[19.05*5,19.05*3.5];[19.05*5,19.05*4.5];[-19.05*5.25,19.05*4.5];[-19.05*5.25,19.05*3.5];[-19.05*6,19.05*3.5];[-19.05*6,19.05*1.5];[-19.05*6.5,19.05*1.5];[-19.05*6.5,0];[0,0]

If anyone needs help designing the plate, please post your KLE in this thread.


Case
Source code for the case model is available here. This was made with Autodesk Fusion 360 so you can download the .f3d files.
Compiled .step files can be downloaded here. The PDF is for the screw threads as it's required by some factories.
Please be aware that I've not sent the top with blockers to production so it is to be considered untested.

[emenelopee]

Very nice, and nicely done. 

[MajorKoos]

Impressive work.
Thanks for the details on which manufacturers you used.

[LightningXI]

Really impressive work. This is the kind of stuff we need for customs! 

[Sifo]

!!!! still need to build mine and get some parts made for it.

[kurplop]

Impressive work. I really like the direction you went with the Toad. TalkingTree is truly a shining star in the keyboard cosmos.

Thanks for sharing your skills with us.

[TalkingTree]

Thanks everyone for your kind words. It's really a pleasure to be part of this community.

TalkingTree is truly a shining star in the keyboard cosmos.

That's a great comment from someone who's actually a master manufacturer of custom keyboards. Thanks a lot.

[AMongoose]

This is so nice, I should really do an alps build when you release the case design.

[TalkingTree]

Updated the second post with the DIY instructions.

[TalkingTree]

A little bonus for you gentlemen: I made a winkeyless top as well.
Source will be released shortly.

[ygor]

I want one of these so bad. xD

[ojrask]

This is awesome. Need to see if I could make one myself at some point. But really, GB worthy stuff right here.

[TalkingTree]

Need to see if I could make one myself at some point.

If I had, anyone could.

Also added firmwares support to the second post. My thanks to metalliqaz for adding the TOAD and the XMMX' code to the source of his great EasyAVR firmware.

[TalkingTree]

Case source added to the second post.

[TonyD]

impressive, many thanks for sharing it.

[TalkingTree]

impressive, many thanks for sharing it.

Thanks for looking into it.
Hopefully it will be useful to someone.

[ygor]

Did I ever tell you that this board is dope?

[TalkingTree]

Did I ever tell you that this board is dope?

A few hundred times. Thanks you mate. 

[Sifo]

challenge is for me to find a place that'll manufacture it

[TalkingTree]

challenge is for me to find a place that'll manufacture it

Have you asked Ulitemech?

[RealLaugh]

I am signed into autodesk but when I access the page for the case there is no option to download. Do you know another way?

[TalkingTree]

I am signed into autodesk but when I access the page for the case there is no option to download. Do you know another way?

Try reloading the page, I've toggled the download option on again.

[RealLaugh]

Edit: see OP for latest KLE to start building your backplate

[TalkingTree]

I knew something slipped my mind. Thanks for adding the KLE.

[RealLaugh]

I knew something slipped my mind. Thanks for adding the KLE.

No problem, would you mind telling me how you submitted the case files to the fab?

I downloaded the STL and FreeCad can highlight the different components but I cannot separate them (top, plate, bottom, wkl option). That's why I wanted to ask you what file you submitted and if you gave the fab individual files for the top/bottom of the case or if you just simply sent them the fusion project.

Cheers

[TalkingTree]

how you submitted the case files to the fab?

I exported the .stp files from Fusion 360 and emailed them, along with the PDF for the thread sizes, to my contact at the factory.

[RealLaugh]

how you submitted the case files to the fab?

I exported the .stp files from Fusion 360 and emailed them, along with the PDF for the thread sizes, to my contact at the factory.

I don't think I can download the files individually, and also .stp (unless STEP is the same thing?) is not a download option in the Fusion web viewer, am I missing something?

[TalkingTree]

Yes, stp and step are the same thing. I'm not sure about the browser viewer because the entire sharing system on Fusion 360 is a little botched.
Unless you need to modify anything in the case, you can download the compiled step files from my Google Drive account. The link is at the end of the second post.

[RealLaugh]

Yes, stp and step are the same thing. I'm not sure about the browser viewer because the entire sharing system on Fusion 360 is a little botched.
Unless you need to modify anything in the case, you can download the compiled step files from my Google Drive account. The link is at the end of the second post.

Opps I missed that, got them now, thanks!

[TalkingTree]

I'm looking forward to see your TOAD. 

[RealLaugh]

I'm looking forward to see your TOAD. 

Me too, just ordered the PCBs, maybe I can offer the leftovers to someone else if they need some because of the 5 MOQ

[geewizwow]

I'm looking forward to see your TOAD. 

Me too, just ordered the PCBs, maybe I can offer the leftovers to someone else if they need some because of the 5 MOQ

I'm sure we can work something out Have you made any headway with case manufacture ?

[vafan]

How much does the case cost?

[TalkingTree]

How much does the case cost?

I myself paid USD 300,00 shipped, it really depends on where you have it made. This is not a group buy by the way.

[RealLaugh]

I'm looking forward to see your TOAD. 

Me too, just ordered the PCBs, maybe I can offer the leftovers to someone else if they need some because of the 5 MOQ

I'm sure we can work something out Have you made any headway with case manufacture ?

No idea, sent a couple of emails to different email addresses this week but no reply, I am starting to look locally now.

[ygor]

I'd like to purchase one of the PCBs if there are any available. I'd like to eventually collect enough of the parts to build one of these myself so if there are PCBs to be sold, please let a dude know.

[TalkingTree]

I'd like to purchase one of the PCBs if there are any available.

Where are you in the world?

[ygor]

I'd like to purchase one of the PCBs if there are any available.

Where are you in the world?

East Coast of the USA.

[TalkingTree]

I'd like to purchase one of the PCBs if there are any available.

Where are you in the world?

East Coast of the USA.

If nobody can provide you a PCB, I'll see what I can do.

[xondat]

I'm not sure how I haven't commented on this... Suppose I thought I had done already. Anyway.

Great work - the end product is drool worthy.

I loved V1, so it's really nice to see such a great evolution for V2.

I said I wasn't educated on LED pinholes, but I think I'll have to learn some lessons from this execution as it's both clean and functional.

[TalkingTree]

Great work - the end product is drool worthy.

Much obliged good sir.

I loved V1, so it's really nice to see such a great evolution for V2.

I never pictured myself making a custom aluminum case. Your comment was truly the encouragement to follow that route.

I said I wasn't educated on LED pinholes, but I think I'll have to learn some lessons from this execution as it's both clean and functional.

LED indicators is something I really miss on 60% boards and I gotta say that pinholes are the best implementation for them.

[ygor]

Xon Toad case when? :ygorthink:

[RealLaugh]

I made my own plate using your Swills coordinates for the plate mounts and LED holes.

Question I have is, would it be possible to just take the plate file that you shared in the V1 thread? or is that not  compatible with V2?

[TalkingTree]

would it be possible to just take the plate file that you shared in the V1 thread? or is that not  compatible with V2?

No, that wouldn't work without the perimetral supports. V1 was tray mounted while V2 is top mounted.

[RealLaugh]

would it be possible to just take the plate file that you shared in the V1 thread? or is that not  compatible with V2?

No, that wouldn't work without the perimetral supports. V1 was tray mounted while V2 is top mounted.

hmm that's strange because the file that's linked in V1 has those, you can see my swills file on top of the file linked in the V1 thread



I'm not saying your wrong, I just think that you linked the V2 plate file already in the V1 thread

at the end under "V1 Source" you have a pic of the plate with the download files, the plate looks the same as V2

Can you check I am not missing something?

[TalkingTree]

You are indeed correct. After posting the V1, I started working on the V2 and posted some resources in the previous thread. That plate should work as intended. Sorry for the confusion.

[RealLaugh]

You are indeed correct. After posting the V1, I started working on the V2 and posted some resources in the previous thread. That plate should work as intended. Sorry for the confusion.

totally fine! I just needed a confirmation that I could use it to check that what I did in Swill's was correct

thanks for the fast response

[Sifo]

used the swill tool cuz im a noob, anything im missing here? assuming measurements for the cut out area are correct... i actually just eyeballed it but pretty sure i gave myself enough space for switches. not sure about the LEDs but not sure if i'll use them either.

[TalkingTree]

used the swill tool cuz im a noob, anything im missing here? assuming measurements for the cut out area are correct... i actually just eyeballed it but pretty sure i gave myself enough space for switches. not sure about the LEDs but not sure if i'll use them either.

Show Image

That looks fine to me aside for the LED holes that might be insufficient, try adding them to see how the plate looks like. Also, consider my last PM void.
Lastly, if you could share the half-plate cutout, I'll be adding that to the second post as it could be useful to someone else.

[RealLaugh]

used the swill tool cuz im a noob, anything im missing here? assuming measurements for the cut out area are correct... i actually just eyeballed it but pretty sure i gave myself enough space for switches. not sure about the LEDs but not sure if i'll use them either.

Show Image

That looks fine to me aside for the LED holes that might be insufficient, try adding them to see how the plate looks like. Also, consider my last PM void.
Lastly, if you could share the half-plate cutout, I'll be adding that to the second post as it could be useful to someone else.

I would second getting that KLE/Swills code from you if you don't mind! Can someone explain what the benefit of having the middle cut out like that, is it to save costs of getting the plate made, to achieve a specific sound profile once built or to better access the switches for lubing/spring swapping (or something else)?

[Sifo]

i am going to redo the half plate as i didn't save the swill inputs, and will also add the led holes to check for clearance.

basically half plates are for tactile switches, the softer bottom out gives a different experience but still gives the sturdy feel for stabilized keys.

[vafan]

Hi there,

I love your project and your keyboard. One think that I need to know is the price.

How much money do you have to pay for things (in details)?

Thank you!

[TalkingTree]

How much money do you have to pay for things (in details)?

Much depends on the deals you can make around.

For the case, I myself paid USD 300,00 (shipped to Italy) at Ulitemech and I'm extremely satistied with look and machining.
Plates were cut, in a batch of five, at AnAng for around USD 110,00 shipped.
PCBs, again in a batch of five, cost around USD 45,00 plus shipping (and I'd recommend DHL for fast delively) plus the cost of the components which is roughly around USD 10,00.

[Mattheuk9]

I'm really interested in getting something like this. Think of running a GB?

[TalkingTree]

Think of running a GB?

Not personally, but I'll ask a vendor soon.

[Sifo]

edit: use the cleaned up version in the 2nd post for half plate

More

ok so half-plate numbers. I included the LED cut outs. I think personally I won't be using LED cutouts. Sorry for the sloppy work, I'm really bad with numbers and this tool so I had to cut 4 separate rectangles haha. Numbers are very approximate and I eyeballed it. Here is a ghost image of the spacing:



Cut Rectangle
w
h
shape relative
rectangle center

248
21
[0,0]
[-x+143,-y+32.5]

232
19
[0,0]
[-x+143,-y+52.5]

213
19
[0,0]
[-x+138,-y+71.5]

193
19
[0,0]
[-x+138,-y+90.5]

if anyone can use this as a base and maybe do a more scientific/calculated version that'd be cool otherwise this would work fine for the purpose.

@talkingtree please let me know what you think and if it would work. hoping the bottom row isn't too thin?

[TalkingTree]

Update:

Added a universal KLE template to the second post for you to design your own plate.
Also added the cutout patterns for the half-plate. Please note that there are two versions of it: one for 1u backspace plates and another for a 2u ones.

[SJHL]

Damn, this is very nice. Will be following.

[crtexcnndrm99]

used the swill tool cuz im a noob, anything im missing here? assuming measurements for the cut out area are correct... i actually just eyeballed it but pretty sure i gave myself enough space for switches. not sure about the LEDs but not sure if i'll use them either.

Show Image

Oh man, we have to see a half-plate build for this now. This is hot stuff.

[aya3154]

Everything here is beautiful 

[MajorclaM]

I'm still quite new around here, as evidenced by my post count, but how much experience with CAD and the other design tools did you have prior to this build. Also what benefits does parametric design give? I've seen it mentioned a few times. Does it reduce repetition?

[TalkingTree]

how much experience with CAD and the other design tools did you have prior to this build.

None.

Also what benefits does parametric design give? I've seen it mentioned a few times. Does it reduce repetition?

More experienced users would give you more accurate answers. All I can say is that it allowed me to achieve this goal.

[RealLaugh]

Please note the stabalizer orientation when building your plate file.

A few months ago when making the plates I realized that I had messed up when the plates were still with the factory so it was easy to fix the situation.

Here is the orientation for all the stabalizers:



When pasting the raw data from KLE into Swill's you'll need to add _rs:180 to the space bar and backspace keys to get the correct rotation.

What I did was to duplicate each key with a stab and for the first key add _rs:180 and for the second add x:-[width of key]

So that would mean for a 6.25 space bar the KLE would look like this: {w:6.25,_rs:180},"Space1",{w:6.25,x:-6.25},"Space2"



Cheers

[RealLaugh]

Big thanks again to TalkingTree for making this open source and for help along the way 



Built with vintage blues

Other images here: https://imgur.com/a/IYL0Obz

[RealLaugh]

Still having fun with my TOAD!

Over the holiday season I assembled my first PCB created in KiCad and managed to get it working, it's a PCB that's compatible with the TOAD and uses QMK. It's far from perfect (as you can see some errors were made with routing!), but it works and I learned a ton from doing it.





I spent more time on the PCB in the past days and fixed all the problems that I could find from the one above to create a rev2 version that I will order soon. First I need to work on the plate files, I am thinking of trying a half-plate like Sifo was working on for the next round of building.



Greets for 2019! Thanks again for making this available to the community 

[Sifo]

still gotta get mine done this year is the year!!!!!!

[LightningXI]

still gotta get mine done this year is the year!!!!!!

Have you gotten your case made? If so, which manu are you planning on using? This is a dope project

[Sifo]

still gotta get mine done this year is the year!!!!!!

Have you gotten your case made? If so, which manu are you planning on using? This is a dope project

i've had some recommendations on some chinese manufacturers. I want to modify the case talkingtree made a little bit to learn a little bit about 3d modeling and such but I haven't had the time or motivation

[RealLaugh]

still gotta get mine done this year is the year!!!!!!

Have you gotten your case made? If so, which manu are you planning on using? This is a dope project

I used http://ulitemech.com/en/ which is the one that TalkingTree linked in the OP. I can recommend them, they were very patient and helpful, shipping was fash (DHL) and everything was well packed and I was very happy with the quality. I had to rework the top plate STEP file in FreeCAD to replace the screw threads that are part of the 3D model with drill holes, since during the machining process the fab drills holes first before tapping the threads (and unfortunately downloading the 3D files you can't turn off the threads beforehand) so having threads in your model instead of drill holes isn't helpful for them to get the job done. For M3 it's 2.5mm dril holes and M2 is 1.6mm. I can share my top case file if you ever want to submit then you won't have to go through that.

[Sifo]

still gotta get mine done this year is the year!!!!!!

Have you gotten your case made? If so, which manu are you planning on using? This is a dope project

I used http://ulitemech.com/en/ which is the one that TalkingTree linked in the OP. I can recommend them, they were very patient and helpful, shipping was fash (DHL) and everything was well packed and I was very happy with the quality. I had to rework the top plate STEP file in FreeCAD to replace the screw threads that are part of the 3D model with drill holes, since during the machining process the fab drills holes first before tapping the threads (and unfortunately downloading the 3D files you can't turn off the threads beforehand) so having threads in your model instead of drill holes isn't helpful for them to get the job done. For M3 it's 2.5mm dril holes and M2 is 1.6mm. I can share my top case file if you ever want to submit then you won't have to go through that.

sure please share your case file!

[majak]

What about other layout for everything language.
https://klawiatura.wordpress.com/

Here exmple french


Very usefull 2 rotor potenciometer for volume, or manipulating 3d objects or for game (for example tempest iv for rotor not for mouse or keyboard)

[TalkingTree]

Revision 4 (2020)

I'm making a few changes to both the case and the PCB for I've finally found a suitable type-C connector to replace the mini-B with. The case opening in the rear is changed accordingly. I've also designed a dust cover with the logo that I'll be hopefully able to have produced somewhere in the world.
I've added a weight to the base of the case with the logo but unfortunately I had to change the letter O slightly, as a round circle wouldn't obviously work.
I'm also considering a RGB LED indicator on the PCB if I'm able to make it work in the firmware.
Furthermore, I'm splitting the spacebar and I'm considering a few options. At the moment it's either a 3-1-3 or 1.5-2-2-1.5, out of a 7u of course.
Finally, I've redesigned the case entirely in Fusion 360 with many less sketches and features which should make editing, computing and rendering much faster and less stressful, I'll post the source when I'm 100% satisfied with the design.

Changes from Rev. 3 short list.

• Weight
• Dust cover
• Type-C connector
• Split spacebar (in progress)
• RGB LED indicator (testing)

A few pictures for you gentlemen. Click to enlarge.

[Sifo]

Revision 4 (2020)

I'm making a few changes to both the case and the PCB for I've finally found a suitable type-C connector to replace the mini-B with. The case opening in the rear is changed accordingly. I've also designed a dust cover with the logo that I'll be hopefully able to have produced somewhere in the world.
I've added a weight to the base of the case with the logo but unfortunately I had to change the letter O slightly, as a round circle wouldn't obviously work.
I'm also considering a RGB LED indicator on the PCB if I'm able to make it work in the firmware.
Furthermore, I'm splitting the spacebar and I'm considering a few options. At the moment it's either a 3-1-3 or 1.5-2-2-1.5, out of a 7u of course.
Finally, I've redesigned the case entirely in Fusion 360 with many less sketches and features which should make editing, computing and rendering much faster and less stressful, I'll post the source when I'm 100% satisfied with the design.

Changes from Rev. 3 short list.

• Weight
• Dust cover
• Type-C connector
• Split spacebar (in progress)
• RGB LED indicator (testing)

A few pictures for you gentlemen. Click to enlarge.

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this is exciting! I'm so sad I still haven't had a case produced for my toad pcb yet. I swear I'll do it this year zzz

[TalkingTree]

I still haven't had a case produced for my toad pcb yet.

I'm seriously considering a mini group buy this time. I'll finalize things and then move to that.

[auggie246]

Looking good man, interested in the mini group buy
Will u still upload the case design as before?

[TalkingTree]

Will u still upload the case design as before?

Yes, as soon as I'm happy with the design.

[jaymack]

I am looking to make one of these myself but I ran into a bit of an issue with ordering the PCB. It looks like the Left Spacebar Stab holes go through a trace. I would just delete this since I have no use for this whole in my board but I can't save a version of this myself for some reason on EasyEDA. Is it possible to get those holes removed as well as having that switch mount removed since it also looks to cause an over lap of pins or can I at least get a version of the file I can save locally and edit myself to have them removed.

[TalkingTree]

I am looking to make one of these myself but I ran into a bit of an issue with ordering the PCB.

[jaymack]

Looks like the document layer wasn't turned on when it loads in. Thanks, that makes sense now. Do you have Rev 3 or should I just wait for Rev 4 to be done?

[TalkingTree]

Do you have Rev 3 or should I just wait for Rev 4 to be done?

You can surely have a rev. 3 produced by switching versions within EasyEDA but I'm nearly done with rev. 4. I just need to test the RGB LED indicator and have a PCB made for myself to assemble and test.

[jaymack]

I have decided to make a rev 3 board but i cant figure out a way to switch to version 3 of the board in the link. I'm not too familiar with EasyEDA so maybe you can help me with that.

sorry for being bad with this. First time I have tried a custom PCB. Baby steps.

[TalkingTree]

i cant figure out a way to switch

[jaymack]

I can do that with my personal projects but since this is a shared one, i dont see an option for it. even when i export it out and reimport it to make it a personal project, i am missing the other versions.

[ Specified attachment is not available ]

[TalkingTree]

I can do that with my personal projects but since this is a shared one, i dont see an option for it.

Go for rev. 4. I just wired everything. You just won't get RGB LEDs as I haven't had a chance to test them yet but everything else will be there.
I'll post the updated firmware later.

[jaymack]

So I ordered the pcb of the REV 4 file and got them in but I am having issues with it going into bootloader mode or at least qmk toolbox recognizing the board. I have attempted shorting the reset pin to ground when plugging in and that hasn't worked. Am I missing something? this is my first raw pcb flash so I definitely could be.

[TalkingTree]

I am having issues with it going into bootloader mode or at least qmk toolbox recognizing the board.

If it's the first time you're running a 32u4 from the bootloader, you might need to install drivers for that. If you're on a windows machine, check the device manager for missing drivers.

[jaymack]

It looks like my issue is that windows is not recognizing my board as being plugged in. There is voltage in the system when I plug it in so i know the connector is working. I tested the cable and port with another device and that works.

I dont see any changes in USB or in HID devices in device manager when I plug it in or hit the reset pin. I am pretty sure I have the drivers since I have flashed other prebuilt boards with 32u4.

[TalkingTree]

It should be working out of the box so to say. One only guess would be they soldered a 32u4rc which comes with no bootloader.

[jaymack]

I checked and its a 32u4au which does come with the boot loader as far as i can see. at least, 32u3au is whats printed on the chip itself.

[TalkingTree]

I checked and its a 32u4au which does come with the boot loader as far as i can see. at least, 32u3au is whats printed on the chip itself.

Then it does have the bootloader, I doubt anyone wiped it off for whatever reason.
Can you run linux on a virtual machine or a Live CD?

[jaymack]

Can you run linux on a virtual machine or a Live CD?

I have a fresh copy of Ubuntu I installed in Oracle VM i never did anything with if that will work.

[TalkingTree]

Can you run linux on a virtual machine or a Live CD?

I have a fresh copy of Ubuntu I installed in Oracle VM i never did anything with if that will work.

Just to see if Linux can detect the board or not.

[jaymack]

Its not detecting it.

[TalkingTree]

Its not detecting it.

Out of ideas, sorry.

[jaymack]

I ordered a set of Mini-B USB jacks to replace the USB-C jack and will test how that works. I will just tie into the pinouts just below the port with a ribbon cable. If it still fails, I am also lost. I will let you know once I get them in.

[TalkingTree]

I ordered a set of Mini-B USB jacks to replace the USB-C jack and will test how that works. I will just tie into the pinouts just below the port with a ribbon cable. If it still fails, I am also lost. I will let you know once I get them in.

You can use the USB breakout for that. Solder a cable directly to the pads.

[jaymack]

IT WORKS!! Just quick soldered a 5 cable ribbon to a mini jack and it worked. It's the same board I was testing with the USB-C jack so i guess it was the data parts of the connector. I have usb mini cables and the case I made works with that so I will keep it like this and just epoxy it down to keep it secure.

The issue i am having now is that it is reading only S76 as space rather than S75 which is needed for the 7u space bar. Is this something i can quickly adjust in QMK hex file or is it more complicated than that?

I appreciate all of your help with this/

[TalkingTree]

The issue i am having now is that it is reading only S76 as space rather than S75 which is needed for the 7u space bar. Is this something i can quickly adjust in QMK hex file or is it more complicated than that?

That's because you have a firmware from a previous revision which has less keys. I'll try and write to the code for the rev. 4 later this evening.

[borlopjim]

Hi, I have been tryng to use the design of the TOAD V2 as a guide for creating a custom keyboard and i have noticed something referred to the USB connector.
I have noticed that the usb-C connector you have used on your design, seems that it does not support data transference. The pins connected to the signal D+ and D- are connected to the signals CC1 and CC2 as seen in the datasheet.
https://datasheet.lcsc.com/szlcsc/1811101526_Korean-Hroparts-Elec-TYPE-C-31-M-17_C283540.pdf
I would like to know if the data con be sent thorugh those pins.

Thanks in advice.

[TalkingTree]

I have noticed that the usb-C connector you have used on your design, seems that it does not support data transference. The pins connected to the signal D+ and D- are connected to the signals CC1 and CC2 as seen in the datasheet.

Indeed, it won't work. I'll have to change it. Thanks for the heads up.

Edit: changed to 16 pins.

[Kabonkers]

I've recently bought the parts to make my own TOAD using the rev4 pcb and I can't for the life of me solder the usb-c in place. The pads are directly under the pins which make it hard to stick a soldering iron down there without melting the plastic on the usb-c and using a heatgun to try and solder it on just isn't working. Any tips on how to solder this usb-c down? It's hard to find any videos of people soldering something like this.

[TalkingTree]

I finally managed to make RGB LEDs work. Two will be then featured on the TOAD in the near future.
Sadly EasyAVR won't support it so now it's QMK firmware alone.

Huge thanks to nevin who helped me figure out the code.
Here's a demo on a breadboard:

[treeleaf64]

I will look into this.

[Sifo]

so sad I never got mine built, got too sad after I messed up cutting the plate loved seeing all the progress and other people's builds though.

[TalkingTree]

so sad I never got mine built

Too bad for you. It means that you'll have to buy one from the upcoming GB.

[Sifo]

so sad I never got mine built

Too bad for you. It means that you'll have to buy one from the upcoming GB.

CAN'T WAIT

still have the OG pcb in pristine condition, maybe i'll frame it

[mj1212]

I was looking for a an open source 60% case and stumbled on this thread. This is amazing. This thread provided me lot of info on creating a custom case. Really appreciate the work of the designer. Thank you so much for putting all the effort on this and giving it to the community.

[moxie keyboards]

Thank you for documenting this build, it is helping me greatly!

[TalkingTree]

I put a couple of PCBs together and I can confirm that everything works as intended.

I'm in touch with a vendor in the community to organize a group buy but I'll be fine tuning a couple of things with the case first.

[TalkingTree]

I put a rev.4 into the original case and everything fits perfectly.

Here's a test with RGB LED indicators.

[Earther]

This is truly amazing, that you chose to open source your project. But there is a problem. The source file links for the case is not working. Did you change your mind about open sourcing the case?

[TalkingTree]

The source file links for the case is not working. Did you change your mind about open sourcing the case?

Nope, I've redesigned it from the ground up but I'm testing a few details. I'll be publishing the .f3d file as soon as I'm sure it's good to go.

[meklahi]

is it possible to support f13 key in the next iteration?

[grayboards]

clean

[neru]

I've been eyeing this project for a good 2 months and I think now is a good time to tackle it. However, there is still one thing, the online cad viewer simply doesn't let me download the files and also the google drive link is dead. May I ask about the new link to download?

[ToCHoNeR]

Nope, I've redesigned it from the ground up but I'm testing a few details. I'll be publishing the .f3d file as soon as I'm sure it's good to go.

Man awesome work. I can only say thanks for all the efford and time you put on this project. I read in between that you were thinking about a GB. Are there any plans on that moving forward?? I would like to participate for sure!

[HappyB0T]

This project is awesome - looking forward if you get to a GB. I really wish the community had more contributors like you. Keep up the fantastic work!

[PlayBox]

hello so i want to make my own pcb for it and i want it to be f13 and also elite-c/pro micro compatible how do i do it?