New custom build based on M0110A - The Ferguson, aka Fergie

[Yoe]

Just minutes ago I completed my latest build. Of course I have to post some pics right away!





Now I just need to get a nice old-timey USB cable for it. Maybe something in beige and/or brown.


The inside. Not as fancy. This was my first attempt working with leather, so it could probably be made to look nicer. Wiring is basically the same as my previous boards - hand wired matrix and a Teensy 2.0 with TMK.





The project started when I found a wrecked M0110A in my old storage boxes from when we ran a computer club in the town where I live. It had been dropped or otherwise mishandled, and after that someone had tried to repair it with.. I don't know.. a blowtorch? Anyway, I figured I could rip it apart, gather enough switches for a 60%, cut the plate and assemble it all in a new housing. Considering the M0110 and M0110A are quite bulky and high, I thought an integrated wrist rest would be nice, so I made one from wood and leather and mounted it. Liked it and started to work on the rest of the design. The USB-B port was an idea that got ditched later on. Went for a cleaner look with the cable just sneaking out in the back. Not sure, but maybe this one is getting a bottom plate.. but I don't like what that does to the sound with resonance and stuff.

[BlueNalgene]

I like it.  Do you have any pictures of the guts or a build log?

[Yoe]

I like it.  Do you have any pictures of the guts or a build log?

Guts and progress pictures will be added… probably tomorrow

[Yoe]

OP updated with more info and pictures!

[OverKill]

That thing looks great. Nice work!

[neverused]

Very nice work... Any pics of the donor board before it was disassembled?

[VinnyCordeiro]

Extremely well done build, I like the way you used the flat cable to tidy it up. Just need to ask why you used kapton tape on the cable. Now I see that you used TWO THREE flat cables, not only one. Clever idea.

[CPTBadAss]

I love that you post the pictures here and on Instagram. Nice looking build. Can't wait to see the rest of it.

[yehoshuaf]

I like it. I like the combination of retro caps and the new case.

I actually have two m0110's and an m0110a that I'm rebuilding. Unfortunately, I'm too picky to live with the vintage tee switches though. They hurt my hands. I'm converting one to use matias switches and I'll do the other (both?) using cherry switches. I'm trying to use the original case/caps.

[admiralvorian]

this is awesome!

[Yoe]

Thanks!

Very nice work... Any pics of the donor board before it was disassembled?

Only this pic, and that's only half of the disaster showing:

I like it. I like the combination of retro caps and the new case.

I actually have two m0110's and an m0110a that I'm rebuilding. Unfortunately, I'm too picky to live with the vintage tee switches though. They hurt my hands. I'm converting one to use matias switches and I'll do the other (both?) using cherry switches. I'm trying to use the original case/caps.

Interesting! Are you making adapters, modifying stems, or what?

[yehoshuaf]

Interesting! Are you making adapters, modifying stems, or what?

Well. It's been a process. I originally soldered the matias switches to the original circuit board, but I couldn't get them perfectly straight, so I CNC'd a plastic plate for the switches to snap into. This came out great.

I planned on using essentially "sticks" as adapters, since the cap and switch are both females. Same problem. They're not straight enough. Works well but looks like crooked teeth. Now I'm using this as an excuse to CNC and mold my own adapters out of resin. I'm still working on the 3D model for the adapter. Kinda makes me wish I used cherry switches to start.

This model, btw, allows you to put the Apple keycaps on cherry switches, but they'd sit a bit low on these keyboards:

https://www.shapeways.com/product/UAXHBNY7S/cherry-to-commodore-print-v1-1?li=productBox-search

[VoteForDavid]

Congratulations.  That's one good looking product.

[Yoe]

Interesting! Are you making adapters, modifying stems, or what?

Well. It's been a process. I originally soldered the matias switches to the original circuit board, but I couldn't get them perfectly straight, so I CNC'd a plastic plate for the switches to snap into. This came out great.

I planned on using essentially "sticks" as adapters, since the cap and switch are both females. Same problem. They're not straight enough. Works well but looks like crooked teeth. Now I'm using this as an excuse to CNC and mold my own adapters out of resin. I'm still working on the 3D model for the adapter. Kinda makes me wish I used cherry switches to start.

This model, btw, allows you to put the Apple keycaps on cherry switches, but they'd sit a bit low on these keyboards:

https://www.shapeways.com/product/UAXHBNY7S/cherry-to-commodore-print-v1-1?li=productBox-search

Aah, I see. Did you ever consider swapping the springs for some lighter ones?

Cherry switches fit in the plate with no problem, right? (And then hand wire the matrix..) Soft linears like MX reds could be nice if you still want linears. Cherry switches would feel less flimsy with long stems and/or adapters than the Matias switches, I think. Anyway… I'm just throwing thoughts out there now. I guess you're on top of it already

[yehoshuaf]

Aah, I see. Did you ever consider swapping the springs for some lighter ones?

Cherry switches fit in the plate with no problem, right? (And then hand wire the matrix..) Soft linears like MX reds could be nice if you still want linears. Cherry switches would feel less flimsy with long stems and/or adapters than the Matias switches, I think. Anyway… I'm just throwing thoughts out there now. I guess you're on top of it already

Yea, I changed some of the springs to try and make it easier. It was way better, but I hate linear switches. Hate.

Cherry switches snap into the existing plate great. I think I'll do that for the second one I've got, but I'll also wire it to the original board. I like the idea of it being backwards compatible. Plus, I can use the same altoids adapter for all the keyboards without wasting more teensies.

[Findecanor]

Stylish build! Great idea of using L-profile oak siding that way.

[Yoe]

Stylish build! Great idea of using L-profile oak siding that way.

Thanks That would have been a great idea, I agree. I just used materials at hand and used dowels and glue to make the L-profile this time.

[Yoe]

Aah, I see. Did you ever consider swapping the springs for some lighter ones?

Cherry switches fit in the plate with no problem, right? (And then hand wire the matrix..) Soft linears like MX reds could be nice if you still want linears. Cherry switches would feel less flimsy with long stems and/or adapters than the Matias switches, I think. Anyway… I'm just throwing thoughts out there now. I guess you're on top of it already

Yea, I changed some of the springs to try and make it easier. It was way better, but I hate linear switches. Hate.

Cherry switches snap into the existing plate great. I think I'll do that for the second one I've got, but I'll also wire it to the original board. I like the idea of it being backwards compatible. Plus, I can use the same altoids adapter for all the keyboards without wasting more teensies.

Hate?! Yikes! Imo linears are ok, but I do prefer tactiles. Cherry tactiles aren't very nice compared to Alps, though.

[Yoe]

Ok, so I found a cable sleeveing that works with this one, I think. Just waiting for my usb-a connectors so I can complete the cable.