Post by: ARSLOCK on Wed, 02 December 2020, 19:28:21
(https://i.imgur.com/7vafeCy.jpg)
Carolina Mech (https://carolinamech.com/) + Van Dusen Mfg.
Palmetto 60%
Designed and manufactured in South Carolina, USA
The goal of this project is to produce a high-end board entirely locally.
Palmetto 60% Group Buy starts on 5/8/21 at 11 AM EST:
75 Units
First Come, First Served
Sale starts at 11am EST on 5/8/21
LIVE Carolina Mech (https://carolinamech.com/)
IC Feedback Form (https://forms.gle/RurtxjDum9Sce2f56)
Join the Carolina Mech Discord (https://discord.gg/s6XBwQh2Sb)
Photo Album (https://imgur.com/a/yNpL2xv)
(https://i.imgur.com/DSD2JhU.jpg)
Silver Powder Coat and Blue Cerakote Protos
Background:
As you all know, most of the high-end keyboards produced in this hobby are made overseas (with some notable exceptions). After working on GMK Classic Blue in 2019, I realized a school friend actually owned a local CNC machine shop. I met with Van Dusen Mfg. and we began to design a keyboard together. We have been working the past several months securing a supply chain that consists of as many local businesses as possible--this goes beyond just having the cases CNC'd locally. We are also working with local shipping companies for shipping boxes and custom foam. Currently we’re evaluating regional finishing shops for cerakote, powder coat, and anodizing. All of the people we are working with are within easy driving distance!
(https://i.imgur.com/Fg7qDNN.jpg)
Palmetto weight - hand brushed + blued for protos, most likely will be sandblasted in GB
Palmetto 60:
The Palmetto is a 60% unibody mounted with an o-ring gasket, featuring a thick brass weight and USB-C daughterboard. The typical tray mount screw holes are not present, but there is a center post to prevent shorting out from flex. The only screws on the board are on the weight and the daughterboard. There are large holes in the case the large brass weight fits into; once the weight is removed, this allows you to push out the PCB easily, similar to the TGR/Singa Unikorn. The name Palmetto comes from the Palmetto Tree, which is the state tree of South Carolina.
(https://i.imgur.com/kjyjguK.jpg)
Internal render note: the zig zag on the daughterboard cable channel is designed to pinch the cable in place, if it gets loose, the o-ring will not work properly
Finishing:
Local Cerakote and Powder Coat Vendors are currently being assessed. Local anodizing will also be tested. Colors will most likely be limited to a handful of options in order to make the buy go as smoothly as possible.
(https://i.imgur.com/g0rkEBK.jpg)
Butt shot
Specs:
Typing Angle: 8 degrees
Front Height: 20 mm
Weight: 3.7 lb / 1.68 kg (unbuilt)
O-Ring Mount
Hineybush H60 PCB + USB-C Daughterboard
Plates:
Aluminum Full/Half
Carbon Fiber Full/Half
FR4 Full/Half (outsourced to save costs)
(https://i.imgur.com/0NVLOGZ.jpg)
Carbon Fiber and FR4 Half Plates
Layout:
(https://i.imgur.com/hKk5zSr.png)
Kit includes: unibody case, brass weight, full aluminum plate, Hineybush H60 PCB, JST Cable, USB-C Daughterboard, bumpons, screws, o-ring.
Price TBD ($400-475?) - Made in USA. Working on making this as affordable as possible.
More Photos here: https://imgur.com/a/yNpL2xv
Round 1 Group Buy will be 50 units, most likely raffled, Q1 2021.
Cell phone sound test - Carbon Fiber Half Plate, Milky Gateron Blacks, Leopold PBT
Fulfilment will be through CarolinaMech.com (https://www.carolinamech.com)
Turnaround time: 4-6 months (hopefully less).
Thanks to hineybush, Hoodrow Thrillson, basecataz, Lewis Flude and many others for their feedback and advice.
IC Feedback Form (https://forms.gle/RurtxjDum9Sce2f56)
Join the Carolina Mech Discord (https://discord.gg/s6XBwQh2Sb)
Palmetto 60% Group Buy starts on 5/8/21 at 11 AM EST:
75 Units
First Come, First Served
Sale starts at 11am EST on 5/8/21
Carolina Mech (https://carolinamech.com/) + Van Dusen Mfg.
Palmetto 60%
Designed and manufactured in South Carolina, USA
The goal of this project is to produce a high-end board entirely locally.
Palmetto 60% Group Buy starts on 5/8/21 at 11 AM EST:
75 Units
First Come, First Served
Sale starts at 11am EST on 5/8/21
LIVE Carolina Mech (https://carolinamech.com/)
IC Feedback Form (https://forms.gle/RurtxjDum9Sce2f56)
Join the Carolina Mech Discord (https://discord.gg/s6XBwQh2Sb)
Photo Album (https://imgur.com/a/yNpL2xv)
(https://i.imgur.com/DSD2JhU.jpg)
Silver Powder Coat and Blue Cerakote Protos
Background:
As you all know, most of the high-end keyboards produced in this hobby are made overseas (with some notable exceptions). After working on GMK Classic Blue in 2019, I realized a school friend actually owned a local CNC machine shop. I met with Van Dusen Mfg. and we began to design a keyboard together. We have been working the past several months securing a supply chain that consists of as many local businesses as possible--this goes beyond just having the cases CNC'd locally. We are also working with local shipping companies for shipping boxes and custom foam. Currently we’re evaluating regional finishing shops for cerakote, powder coat, and anodizing. All of the people we are working with are within easy driving distance!
(https://i.imgur.com/Fg7qDNN.jpg)
Palmetto weight - hand brushed + blued for protos, most likely will be sandblasted in GB
Palmetto 60:
The Palmetto is a 60% unibody mounted with an o-ring gasket, featuring a thick brass weight and USB-C daughterboard. The typical tray mount screw holes are not present, but there is a center post to prevent shorting out from flex. The only screws on the board are on the weight and the daughterboard. There are large holes in the case the large brass weight fits into; once the weight is removed, this allows you to push out the PCB easily, similar to the TGR/Singa Unikorn. The name Palmetto comes from the Palmetto Tree, which is the state tree of South Carolina.
(https://i.imgur.com/kjyjguK.jpg)
Internal render note: the zig zag on the daughterboard cable channel is designed to pinch the cable in place, if it gets loose, the o-ring will not work properly
Finishing:
Local Cerakote and Powder Coat Vendors are currently being assessed. Local anodizing will also be tested. Colors will most likely be limited to a handful of options in order to make the buy go as smoothly as possible.
(https://i.imgur.com/g0rkEBK.jpg)
Butt shot
Specs:
Typing Angle: 8 degrees
Front Height: 20 mm
Weight: 3.7 lb / 1.68 kg (unbuilt)
O-Ring Mount
Hineybush H60 PCB + USB-C Daughterboard
Plates:
Aluminum Full/Half
Carbon Fiber Full/Half
FR4 Full/Half (outsourced to save costs)
(https://i.imgur.com/0NVLOGZ.jpg)
Carbon Fiber and FR4 Half Plates
Layout:
(https://i.imgur.com/hKk5zSr.png)
Kit includes: unibody case, brass weight, full aluminum plate, Hineybush H60 PCB, JST Cable, USB-C Daughterboard, bumpons, screws, o-ring.
Price TBD ($400-475?) - Made in USA. Working on making this as affordable as possible.
More Photos here: https://imgur.com/a/yNpL2xv
Round 1 Group Buy will be 50 units, most likely raffled, Q1 2021.
Cell phone sound test - Carbon Fiber Half Plate, Milky Gateron Blacks, Leopold PBT
Fulfilment will be through CarolinaMech.com (https://www.carolinamech.com)
Turnaround time: 4-6 months (hopefully less).
Thanks to hineybush, Hoodrow Thrillson, basecataz, Lewis Flude and many others for their feedback and advice.
IC Feedback Form (https://forms.gle/RurtxjDum9Sce2f56)
Join the Carolina Mech Discord (https://discord.gg/s6XBwQh2Sb)
Palmetto 60% Group Buy starts on 5/8/21 at 11 AM EST:
75 Units
First Come, First Served
Sale starts at 11am EST on 5/8/21
Post by: Kokaloo on Wed, 02 December 2020, 19:30:00
Post by: yui_ on Wed, 02 December 2020, 19:31:37
Post by: whitemamba on Wed, 02 December 2020, 19:52:56
Post by: HoodrowThrillson on Wed, 02 December 2020, 20:00:18
Post by: Zeelobby on Wed, 02 December 2020, 20:13:22
Post by: Sifo on Wed, 02 December 2020, 20:59:28
Post by: spamnyams on Wed, 02 December 2020, 21:06:16
Post by: dRnRcRr on Wed, 02 December 2020, 23:05:39
Post by: ARSLOCK on Thu, 03 December 2020, 06:46:09
The squiggle line for the daughterboard channel is designed to pinch the JST cable so it stays in place. If the JST cable gets loose, the gasket doesn't really work.
This board requires Cherry snap-in stabs on backspace and spacebar.
Here's what the weight looks like
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/752586888354725958/783875286348857354/20201120_165742.jpg)
Thanks for all the feedback so far!
Post by: some1ab on Thu, 03 December 2020, 07:30:50
Post by: Rossman360 on Thu, 03 December 2020, 07:32:48
Post by: eniigma on Thu, 03 December 2020, 07:35:28
Post by: treeleaf64 on Thu, 03 December 2020, 09:43:23
Post by: PeppyToad on Thu, 03 December 2020, 10:33:16
Post by: hpkb on Thu, 03 December 2020, 12:06:33
Post by: Jaxxstatic on Thu, 03 December 2020, 12:16:18
Post by: Cahuib23 on Thu, 03 December 2020, 16:21:07
Post by: ARSLOCK on Fri, 04 December 2020, 09:36:40
This looks great! one suggestion is to maybe make the bezels thicker on the sides as in my opinion thicker bezels translate to a more premium looking keyboard, but that is just my opinion. good luck!
thicker so they are the same as the top and bottom?
Post by: Cahuib23 on Fri, 04 December 2020, 10:52:14
This looks great! one suggestion is to maybe make the bezels thicker on the sides as in my opinion thicker bezels translate to a more premium looking keyboard, but that is just my opinion. good luck!
thicker so they are the same as the top and bottom?
Yeah, that may be me just wanting symmetry, but I really love everything else about the board. I'm in!
Post by: CGreat on Fri, 04 December 2020, 11:07:42
Post by: paperassgasket on Fri, 04 December 2020, 12:25:18
This looks great! one suggestion is to maybe make the bezels thicker on the sides as in my opinion thicker bezels translate to a more premium looking keyboard, but that is just my opinion. good luck!
Actually this would fix one problem but create another, aesthetically.
I think an equal bezel all the way around would make the board look like some other "less premium" boards like the Drop Ctrl.
But it would solve the issue I have with the inner and outer radius in the corners not matching. It looks odd that way for some reason.
Post by: ARSLOCK on Mon, 07 December 2020, 07:11:14
Blacksimon brought up that the PCB is made in China. I talked to Hiney about the possibility of made in USA PCB, and it would add another $100+ to the price of the PCB, so it's not something we're considering. FR4 is also a cheap material that is expensive to machine so we're looking at those plates being made in China as well. We don't have a laser cutter in house that can cut FR4 or poly, so we were CNCing.
As for past USA-based project gb having difficulties, I'm well aware of that. The main thing I'm worried about doing properly locally is the coating. We're actually exploring doing our own in-house cerakote. I personally am a fan of the powder coat sample we got, so we're looking at the quality of the applicators in town. I'm confident in our CNC quality based of the four proto types we've already made.
We're going to open the case up just a bit to give some more clearance in the bottom row. This type of board has very tight tolerances, but I'm testing the cap clearance with SA, GMK, OG Double Shots, EPBT etc. I'm hoping this week we'll be able to cut some more cases and I'll share some raw pics when I have them.
Thanks for all the interest and feedback so far!
Post by: Sifo on Mon, 07 December 2020, 08:11:25
Post by: Ireris on Mon, 07 December 2020, 10:48:56
Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk
Post by: ARSLOCK on Wed, 09 December 2020, 07:50:33
I think engraving made in USA on the weight would be a nice touch, maybe
Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk
Yeah I think we will engrave that in the inside of the case. I'll share the internal engravings when we cut some more prototypes!
Post by: ARSLOCK on Wed, 23 December 2020, 09:17:40
Post by: MakerJake on Wed, 23 December 2020, 11:35:40
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Chippy on Mon, 11 January 2021, 07:21:48
Post by: GMK83 on Mon, 11 January 2021, 07:28:01
Post by: Livid on Mon, 11 January 2021, 10:50:28
Post by: ARSLOCK on Thu, 21 January 2021, 09:30:44
I love that another board is made in the USA, but it’s so much nicer with that weight finish in the proto photos. I understand that was done by hand and not realistic at scale, but that looks really great.
You know maybe we could offer it as a premium option. I do like it myself!
Post by: dRnRcRr on Sat, 23 January 2021, 21:13:38
Post by: macclack on Sat, 23 January 2021, 21:29:43
Post by: highpur on Sun, 24 January 2021, 01:55:44
Post by: dRnRcRr on Sun, 24 January 2021, 11:54:46
Post by: ARSLOCK on Wed, 27 January 2021, 07:19:55
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0471/6894/6340/products/20210122_085311_1024x1024@2x.jpg)
Pretty happy how they turned out, we should be able to offer FR4 with the GB.
We purchased a bead blast cabinet for the shop and re-machined some of the flat surfaces and are bead blasting to remove visible machine marks, we're going to try a black anodize with a local shop. If that goes well the aluminum plates in the GB will be anodized black.
We're also experimenting with our own in-house cerakote still, trying to refine the process (it's tricky!) Have some photos of the green and grey we've tried on our Discord (https://discord.gg/zzyj64g). I'm trying to post more behind the scenes type photos there, if you are interested in that!
Of note also hiney is currently doing a gb for his h60, which is the PCB we are using in Palmetto.
Post by: azzipa on Wed, 17 February 2021, 14:46:35
Post by: ARSLOCK on Thu, 18 February 2021, 07:58:23
(https://i.imgur.com/0GN4Ltn.jpg)
Update for Mid - February. Still working on our in house cerakote. Definitely a learning process here, so we're not quite ready to do cerakote at scale.
Anodizing: We have 8 prototypes at 2 different anodizers currently. One local, and another in the USA. Once we have some satisfactory results with the anodizing we'll be able to move forward with a group buy. I'm also exploring the idea of doing some in-stock units, so stay tuned. Trying to share as much behind the scenes pics as we can in our discord.
Post by: ARSLOCK on Fri, 12 March 2021, 13:05:09
Hoping to receive anodizing samples back in the next week or so. The local anodizer we were trying just simply didn't work out to the quality we want, so we are trying out a local PVD coater with 2 of those cases and weights.
Additionally we have 2 more prototype cases with a local certified cerakote applicator, hoping for a good result there in the next few weeks. We are doing a grey color on those because it was the most popular in the IC form. We also recognize that we are not great at cerakoting ourselves so don't really feel comfortable trying it for a GB at scale.
The last thing we're working on is trying to make a prototype out of 6063 aluminum. We had been using 6061 previously, which might not be the best for a clean anodize (it will be fine for cerakote, powdercoat). Hoping to have a prototype made out of 6063 in a few weeks as well, which we can do an anodizing test on.
Lastly the FR4 plate we've made for Palmetto has a new version ordered based on feedback from users of the first batch. The new version should also work on more boards with north-facing enter stabs like the TGR/Singa Unikorn, has bigger screw hole cutouts, and larger stab cutouts for durock etc. Should be in available in the next few weeks as well.
It doesn't look like we are going to meet our original GB plan of Q1 2021. We are working hard to iron out details to try and make the GB as efficient as possible, really appreciate your patience with us!
Post by: ARSLOCK on Wed, 24 March 2021, 08:46:50
I have to take a lot more photos and I'll put an album together.
Here's the green ano sample. Because we're using 6061, there's some streaking and I don't think we'll be able to offer this color for the group buy, but the black ano looks great.
(https://preview.redd.it/zi446wknazo61.jpg?width=3648&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d6303fcc93bee8e9f3cef8b8d09f41ba03817256)
(https://preview.redd.it/69yhkvknazo61.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ed39f6948bb80dd5dc787d4c0760319aff5ea999)
Join our discord to keep up: https://discord.gg/s6XBwQh2Sb
We've got to crunch some numbers and do some planning, but we're a lot closer now to being able to launch the GB.
Post by: azzipa on Wed, 24 March 2021, 16:32:04
We got our ano sample AND our cerakote back the same day! I'm super happy with the results of both.
awesome! :thumb:
Post by: Sheppard8588 on Wed, 24 March 2021, 21:29:32
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Little4Real on Wed, 24 March 2021, 21:36:22
Man I really want one. So mad I didn’t see this sooner. Any chance there will be another GB?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
GB hasn't started yet
Post by: Sheppard8588 on Wed, 24 March 2021, 22:02:36
Thanks you just made my day.Man I really want one. So mad I didn’t see this sooner. Any chance there will be another GB?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
GB hasn't started yet
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Senbeii on Wed, 24 March 2021, 22:57:50
Post by: ARSLOCK on Thu, 25 March 2021, 18:26:51
https://www.instagram.com/p/CM15zrfnr5a/
We're still waiting on PVD, want to see how that comes out. Going to get some quotes on outsourcing the carbon fiber plates as well. Getting closer.
Post by: fromscratchusa on Thu, 25 March 2021, 19:43:58
Post by: ARSLOCK on Thu, 15 April 2021, 12:42:07
We're still playing around with the finishes on this. We tried another powdercoat vendor, it seems pretty promising. I'll post some photos of that in the next few days.
Inching closer to a GB announcement....
Post by: ARSLOCK on Fri, 16 April 2021, 20:12:42
Post by: ARSLOCK on Sun, 25 April 2021, 16:12:44
Typing test from Lightning!
Small update for this week - we are modifying our JST channel to make it bigger + more forgiving for assembling. Cut those into some prototypes, and dropped off a few to get re-cerakoted. Want to make sure the cerakote comes out just right and smooth internally and externally before we do it in the group buy. Thinking about doing maybe 3 cerakote colors + the black anodizing from CT Ano for color options.
Another prototype is on the way to Lulzthax, he should be building it in the next few weeks.
Post by: TofuOrganic on Sun, 25 April 2021, 17:50:26
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: ARSLOCK on Thu, 29 April 2021, 08:17:24
I'm going to finalize the GB details this weekend. I'll update here. We'll do the GB in May. Will be 75 units max for this first run.
I'm trying to decide how to do the sale - what do you guys think is the most fair for this? FCFS? Raffle? Hybrid FCFS/Raffle?
Please let me know your thoughts. Join the discord to keep up as well https://discord.gg/zzyj64g
Post by: macclack on Thu, 29 April 2021, 15:21:27
Post by: ARSLOCK on Sat, 01 May 2021, 14:45:13
Palmetto 60% Group Buy Info:
- 75 Units
- First Come, First Served
- Sale starts at 11am EST on 5/8/21
Price is $475 + shipping. Shipping will be invoiced separately when the boards are complete.
Order will be through Shopify on: https://carolinamech.com/
Each kit includes 1 black anodized aluminum full plate, case, brass weight, hiney h60 solderable pcb, usb-c daughterboard, jst cable, bumpons, screws, allen wrenches
Fulfillment goal is Q4 2021
Cerakote Color Options:
In order to not overwhelm our cerakoter, we will only offer 3 choices and a limited number of cerakoted units this round:
- 8 Sniper Grey
- 8 Sky Blue
- 8 White
Anodizing Options:
- The rest of the units will be anodized black by CT Anodizing.
Black is really the only anodizing color for 6061 Aluminum that is guaranteed to look great, and that I feel confident running this round.
Pricing below on the add-ons.
Extra Plate Options:
- Black Anodized Aluminum Full $35
- Black Anodized Aluminum Half $35
- Matte Black FR4 Full $21
- Matte Black FR4 Half $21
- Carbon Fiber Full $40
- Carbon Fiber Half $40
Extra PCB etc:
- Hiney H60 solderable $45
- Hiney USB-C Daughterboard and JST cable $10
- Extra O-ring $5
Thanks for all the support so far. Will lock this IC once the GB thread is posted.
Post by: dRnRcRr on Sat, 01 May 2021, 15:17:44
Post by: fromscratchusa on Sat, 01 May 2021, 21:32:20
Love that its made in SC! <3
Post by: treeleaf64 on Sat, 01 May 2021, 23:22:50
That's all I will say since I'm not sure what else to mention. The curve is very appealing and enticing to the treeleaf's mind.
Post by: skrunk on Sun, 02 May 2021, 01:30:23
Post by: Chippy on Sun, 02 May 2021, 20:42:19
Post by: ARSLOCK on Mon, 03 May 2021, 14:20:11
Post by: Bub on Thu, 06 May 2021, 07:55:53
Post by: ARSLOCK on Thu, 06 May 2021, 08:05:43
a little sad to see not silver options like you had in your proto, but I think i'm in for a white. any pics of white?
That silver was a powdercoat, and we just weren't happy yet with the local powdercoat options for this round.
The white we're gonna do is stormtrooper white. I don't have a proto in it yet. Here's a pic of the swatches for the blue, and white cera.
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0471/6894/6340/products/stormtrooper_white_cera_1024x1024.png) (https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0471/6894/6340/products/nra_blue_1024x1024.png)
And here's the sniper grey proto
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0471/6894/6340/products/IMG_20210325_084704_092_1024x1024@2x.jpg?v=1620259633)
Post by: busytimmy on Thu, 06 May 2021, 18:12:39
Post by: ARSLOCK on Fri, 07 May 2021, 10:32:47
https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1012677894?t=01h19m47s
typing test part
https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1012677894?t=02h55m32s
I decided to offer a few slots of the green ano, just with the caveat that it might turn out with flaws because we're using 6061 aluminum.
Post by: ARSLOCK on Sat, 08 May 2021, 12:01:57
https://www.carolinamech.com
Thanks for the support everyone!