[IC] PENDULA, 60/65% bluetooth keyboard with a wooden case

[arcsay]

When do you plan to start?

[pomk]

When do you plan to start?

I'll submit the GB thread 5.2.2017, so it'll appear sometime during the following week I imagine.

[pixelpusher]

Saving up.  This is a very nice project, indeed.

[pomk]

Saving up.  This is a very nice project, indeed.

Nice! 

[pomk]

I did some audio based latency tests comparing it to an Ergodox running firmware built with the massdrop configurator.

The test setup was as follows:
1. setup a software which plays a short  beep when a key is pressed
2. set a microphone at a fixed distance to the key which causes the beep to happen
3. start recording and hit the key repeatedly (my n = 10)
4. load up the recording to a spectrum analyzer
5. measure the distance between the initial peak from hitting the key and the start of the beep sound on the recording
6. compare results to determine which keyboard was of lower latency and what was the difference

Please be aware that the measured times are for the time from the finger hitting the top of the keycap to the sound so be present from the sound card and should not be thought of as the latency of the keyboard itself. Measuring (just the) keyboard latency is very difficult, but this setup allows me to compare keyboards against each other with reasonable accuracy.

results:

pendula
0,124 worst
0,120 typical
0,114 best

ergodox
0,129 worst
0,115 typical
0,104 best

~5ms difference. I think that the latency is not that bad, considering that for gaming you would likely wish to have a 1000 Hz polling keyboard anyway and the BT HID spec is capped to 100 Hz.

I'll try to find some bluetooth keyboards to compare it against.

[arcsay]

Would this be a good keyboard to compare with as it is supposedly BT 4.0

https://www.amazon.com/Calibur-Wireless-Bluetooth-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B01MQVIIBB/

[mrboovn]

I will be down for one,definitely.Have been waiting for a real wooden custom 60%

[pomk]

Would this be a good keyboard to compare with as it is supposedly BT 4.0

https://www.amazon.com/Calibur-Wireless-Bluetooth-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B01MQVIIBB/

I was thinking of something that people are already familiar with, like the apple wireless keyboard. Even if it is just BT3. I can also find one for testing without having to buy stuff.

[pomk]

I decided to wait for the paypal thing to be completed and that seems to be OK for now. I also adjusted the bottom plate design to be a bit more simplistic.
I wrote the GB thread contents already, but seeing how this is my first one, I thought it would be a good idea to add it here for some comments.

More

[GB] PENDULA - wooden bluetooth 4 keyboard | 10 spots open
IC: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=86364.50

Production prototype:



Production design bottom:



Price 350 EUR | 10 spots open

payment via Paypal only, for your protection. Price includes paypal fees.

Participants:
1. My dad

More

http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/##@_radii=0px&switchMount=cherry&switchBrand=cherry&plate:true%3B&@_x:15.5&c=%23ffffff&p=CHICKLET&sm=cherry&a:7%3B&=1&=1%3B&@_y:0.25&x:2.5&c=%2300ff00%3B&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&_w:2%3B&=2&=1%3B&@_x:2.5&w:1.5%3B&=1.5&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&_x:0.25&w:1.25&h:2&w2:1.5&h2:1&x2:-0.25%3B&=iso&=1&_x:1.5&c=%23ffffff&w:1.5%3B&=1.5&_x:1.5&w:1.5%3B&=1.5%3B&@_c=%2300ff00&w:1.75%3B&=1.75&_x:0.75&c=%23ffffff&w:1.25&w2:1.75&l:true%3B&=1.25%2F%2F1.75&_x:0.5&c=%2300ff00%3B&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&_x:1.25%3B&=1&_x:0.75&c=%23ffffff&w:2.25%3B&=2.25%20(ansi)&_x:0.75%3B&=1&_w:1.25%3B&=1.25%3B&@_w:2.25%3B&=2.25&_x:0.25&c=%2300ff00&w:1.25%3B&=1.25&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&_w:1.75%3B&=1.75&=1&=1&_x:0.25&c=%23ffffff&w:2.75%3B&=2.75&_x:0.25%3B&=1&_w:1.75%3B&=1.75%3B&@_x:2.5&c=%2300ff00&w:1.25%3B&=1.25&_w:1.25%3B&=1.25&_w:1.25%3B&=1.25&_w:6.25%3B&=6.25&_w:1.25%3B&=1.25&_w:1.25%3B&=1.25&_x:0.5%3B&=1&=1&=1%3B&@_y:0.25&x:2.5&c=%23ffffff&w:1.25%3B&=1.25&_w:1.25%3B&=1.25&_w:1.25%3B&=1.25&_w:6.25%3B&=6.25&_w:1.25%3B&=1.25&_w:1.25%3B&=1.25&_w:1.25%3B&=1.25&_w:1.25%3B&=1.25&=1%3B&@_y:0.25&x:2.5&w:1.5%3B&=1.5&=1&_w:1.5%3B&=1.5&_w:7%3B&=7&_w:1.5%3B&=1.5&=1&_w:1.5%3B&=1.5&=1%3B&@_y:0.25&x:2.5&w:1.5%3B&=1.5&=1&_w:1.5%3B&=1.5&_w:7%3B&=7&_w:1.5%3B&=1.5&_x:0.5%3B&=1&=1&=1%3B&@_y:0.25&x:2.5&w:1.5%3B&=1.5&_w:1.5%3B&=1.5&_w:7%3B&=7&_w:1.5%3B&=1.5&_w:1.5%3B&=1.5&=1&=1&=1%3B&@_y:0.25&x:2.5&w:1.5%3B&=1.5&_w:1.5%3B&=1.5&_w:7%3B&=7&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1%3B&@_y:0.25&x:2.5&w:1.25%3B&=1.25&_w:1.25%3B&=1.25&_w:1.25%3B&=1.25&_w:6.25%3B&=6.25&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1%3B&@_y:0.25&x:4%3B&=1&_w:1.5%3B&=1.5&_w:6%3B&=6&_w:1.5%3B&=1.5&=1

Surface treatment: colored, 3169 noki

2. -
3. -
4. -
5. -
6. -
7. -
8. -
9. -
10. -
11. -
12. me

More

tba kle link

waiting list:
1.
2.
3.


Specifications:

Material: Grade 'A' 2-3 ply/mm Finnish birch plywood.

Finish: Osmo color TopOil
(add 20 EUR for a colored under coat)

Made to order plates
   -no universal plates
   -no switch-top removal
   -no spare plates or PCBs (monoblock design)

PCB supports the following layouts:



the 5% portion of the 65% PCB can be removed for a 60% layout.

Battery life: 6 to 12 months of normal use
Weight: 550 g including switches and gateron pbt keycaps
IC: nRF51822


Software features:

Wireless layout updates
2 layers and a dictionary style FN-key support
Change connected host via a key-combo
   - there is a delay limited by your devices connection acquisition speed, as the current SDK does not support concurrent links to multiple hosts
                                                          (new SDK update in the future might help here)

Firmware will be open sourced after I figure out how it can be made available without breaking nordic semi's terms.
   - the (unlikely) worst case scenario is that I will supply GB entrees with a download link and a no-distribution/commercial-use terms.

Firmware can be updated via a SWD interface (

More

]http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-J-Link-OB-ARM-Debugger-Programmer-Downloader-replace-v8-SWD-M74/400943523132?_trksid=p2047675.c100623.m-1&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D41376%26meid%3D97e45322365347ba826a450f690e8ba2%26pid%3D100623%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D262044416722

). (not included)


Risks and Challenges:

Incomplete firmware
   The host switching functionality is not yet implemented
   The layer switching feature is not yet implemented
   The wireless layout updates do not work as of yet

   Mitigation:
      Open source the firmware
      Three months is more than plenty for these three things
      If I'm unable to make the wireless layout changes a reality, I'll subtract the price of the SWD interface device from the shipping cost

Catastrophic failures in mechanical construction
   Failures in use of power tools
   Failures in ordering of laser cut parts
   Failures on surface finishing

   Mitigation:
      I make two keyboards for myself and for my dad and will apply all mechanical processes to them before the other 10 boards. This allows me to migitate the initial (very unlikely) 'oh sh*t' moments on something other than your precious boards.
      After constructing two of these I already know some of the more error prone processing phases.
      I have ordered the parts for the two prototypes from the same laser cut firm and I have not modified the process I use to generate the vector files. Also the price of the case would cover an additional set of case parts should it come to that.
      I will have spare parts from each case with which I will be able to test the surface finishing prior to applying them to the cases themselves.

Electrical design failures
   I have not built a full keyboard with the components I have on hand.
   The controller does function and I have been able to flash a firmware to the one which I soldered together already. The connectivity seems fine as well.

   Mitigation
      Before shipping to you I will construct my keyboard and use it to validate the electrical design. If problems arise I can order a set of new PCBs/some other components and shift the timeline slightly forward

Paypal does not lift the limits on my paypal account in a timely manner
   With the limits currently on my account I can only invoice 7 of the 10 orders. I have been told that the limits would be lifted in a more timely manner as I start invoicing something. The paperwork for paypal has been filled already.

   Mitigation:
      The timeline will shift forward until it has been resolved.

Loss of interest during GB
   This has happened before in some GBs here.

   Mitigation
      Paypal dispute window.

Did I miss something?



To order:
1. Write a post in this thread starting with "I would like to enter"
2. Wait for your name to appear in the OP under 'Participants'
3. PM me your email address and I will reply to it.
4. Select the layout by loading the KLE link and coloring the positions you want with 0x00FF00 (see example for 1st position)
5. Select the surface treatment you wish to have (clear/colored(color code from http://www.osmocolor.com/puuvaha.html)/untreated)
6. send the KLE link and the surface treatment option of your choice to me via email. I will update it to the OP under your position
   - if you are unsure about the surface treatment or KLE layout, please have explicit questions as part of the email, so I can answer those easily
   - it's possible that the KLE link I have does not fully cover all possibilities there is with the PCB. If you have some specific bottom row layout in mind I can check whether it might work.
   - you can also request other customizations in the email regarding for example edge treatment or a fully assebled board option. I will price these based on the work involved
7. after you agree with the information in the OP, email me explicitly stating that you agree with the information (and quote the full information) as well as your paypal account and I will invoice you.
8. postage and -supplies will be invoiced separately after the products are ready for shipping
   - shipping will be from Finland
   - pick-up in person is possible and preferred (although unlikely considering my location [Helsinki/Finland] )

If you wish to sell your order, please do so only after you receive the goods. In order to protect myself from paypal disputes I will ship the goods only to the holder of the paypal account who made the purchase. Because of obvious reasons no changes to the chosen layout can be made after week 2, and no changes to the surface treatment options after week 4.

Note: Before invoicing I expect to receive responses to emails within 24 hours, as otherwise I cannot lock the production files in a timely manner. I also expect invoices to be paid in 48 hours from issue. Failure to comply with these expectations may lose you your spot.

KLE link:

More

http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/##@_radii=0px&switchMount=cherry&switchBrand=cherry&plate:true%3B&@_x:15.5&c=%23db4040&p=CHICKLET&sm=cherry&a:7%3B&=1&=1%3B&@_y:0.25&x:2.5&c=%23cccccc%3B&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&_c=%23db4040&w:2%3B&=2&_c=%236b64ed%3B&=1%3B&@_x:2.5&c=%23cccccc&w:1.5%3B&=1.5&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&_x:0.25&c=%23bf4bb9&w:1.25&h:2&w2:1.5&h2:1&x2:-0.25%3B&=iso&_c=%236b64ed%3B&=1&_x:1.5&c=%23bf4bb9&w:1.5%3B&=1.5&_x:1.5&w:1.5%3B&=1.5%3B&@_c=%23ffbfda&w:1.75%3B&=1.75&_x:0.75&w:1.25&w2:1.75&l:true%3B&=1.25%2F%2F1.75&_x:0.5&c=%23cccccc%3B&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&_c=%23bf4bb9%3B&=1&_x:1.25&c=%236b64ed%3B&=1&_x:0.75&c=%23bf4bb9&w:2.25%3B&=2.25%20(ansi)&_x:0.75%3B&=1&_w:1.25%3B&=1.25%3B&@_c=%2340b3a8&w:2.25%3B&=2.25&_x:0.25&w:1.25%3B&=1.25&=1&_c=%23cccccc%3B&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&_c=%2346b356&w:1.75%3B&=1.75&=1&_c=%236b64ed%3B&=1&_x:0.25&c=%2346b356&w:2.75%3B&=2.75&_x:0.25%3B&=1&_w:1.75%3B&=1.75%3B&@_x:2.5&c=%23c1c474&w:1.25%3B&=1.25&_w:1.25%3B&=1.25&_w:1.25%3B&=1.25&_w:6.25%3B&=6.25&_w:1.25%3B&=1.25&_w:1.25%3B&=1.25&_x:0.5%3B&=1&=1&_c=%236b64ed%3B&=1%3B&@_y:0.25&x:2.5&c=%23c1c474&w:1.25%3B&=1.25&_w:1.25%3B&=1.25&_w:1.25%3B&=1.25&_w:6.25%3B&=6.25&_w:1.25%3B&=1.25&_w:1.25%3B&=1.25&_w:1.25%3B&=1.25&_w:1.25%3B&=1.25&_c=%236b64ed%3B&=1%3B&@_y:0.25&x:2.5&c=%23c1c474&w:1.5%3B&=1.5&=1&_w:1.5%3B&=1.5&_w:7%3B&=7&_w:1.5%3B&=1.5&=1&_w:1.5%3B&=1.5&_c=%236b64ed%3B&=1%3B&@_y:0.25&x:2.5&c=%23c1c474&w:1.5%3B&=1.5&=1&_w:1.5%3B&=1.5&_w:7%3B&=7&_w:1.5%3B&=1.5&_x:0.5%3B&=1&=1&_c=%236b64ed%3B&=1%3B&@_y:0.25&x:2.5&c=%23c1c474&w:1.5%3B&=1.5&_w:1.5%3B&=1.5&_w:7%3B&=7&_w:1.5%3B&=1.5&_w:1.5%3B&=1.5&=1&=1&_c=%236b64ed%3B&=1%3B&@_y:0.25&x:2.5&c=%23c1c474&w:1.5%3B&=1.5&_w:1.5%3B&=1.5&_w:7%3B&=7&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&_c=%236b64ed%3B&=1%3B&@_y:0.25&x:2.5&c=%23c1c474&w:1.25%3B&=1.25&_w:1.25%3B&=1.25&_w:1.25%3B&=1.25&_w:6.25%3B&=6.25&=1&=1&=1&=1&=1&_c=%236b64ed%3B&=1%3B&@_y:0.25&x:4&c=%23c1c474%3B&=1&_w:1.5%3B&=1.5&_w:6%3B&=6&_w:1.5%3B&=1.5&=1

Preliminary timeline:
1. week: GB thread approved and orders in
2. week: layout and order options locked in, invoicing
3. week: order to plywood cutting firm
4. week: acquisition of surface treatment materials and additional assembly tools
5. week: plywood from cutting service, start of assembly
6-8. week: assembly done
8-9. week: mechanical case finishing
9-10. week: surface treatment
10-12. week: postage invoicing & postage

20. week: if you have not received your shipping notification at this point, dispute via paypal.


I will keep an up-to-date progress information (with pictures!) at the start of the OP

- Panu

note: this is not the GB thread and you cannot enter yet, it will be posted on the appropriate subforum.

[pomk]

no comments, so I guess everything is fine.

GB posted and awaiting for approval.

[Rykno]

beautiful looking case; the dark wood looks like something straight off an old ship.

[duynguyenle]

This is an excellent keyboard and I can see the amount of work you've put into this, unfortunately I already have too many 65% on the way  )

[pomk]

You can always choose a 60% build 
Anyway the gb thread seems to be open now! I'll have time to look at things tomorrow 

[pomk]

GB thread is here: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=87695.0
No further updates will come to this thread.

Thank you all who participated in the interest check! 

[brianjking]

I would love a wireless 65% keyboard, especially one with the battery life you're indicating you can get here. What about a plastic case as a less expensive option?