abjr's first DIY keyboard attempt [Advice needed]

[abjr]

So, I'd like to try and build my own keyboard. I built this a few weeks ago, but it doesn't quite count ... this was basically an exercise in learning hasu's TMK firmware



I'm thinking about a 60%, so something like a Poker II. I'm planning on it being plate mounted and hand wired. I've already participated in the PBT Granite group buy. Perhaps I'm putting the cart before the horse there.

I apologize in advance for any noobish questions and ramblings below.

Parts list:

Code: [Select]

Controller:  Teensy 2.0
Keycaps:     PBT Granite (common + text rgb + text modifiers + text modifiers pro + blue enter)
Switches:    Cherry MX Blue (need to acquire)
Stabilizers: I guess I will need plate mounted stabilizers for L/R shift, backspace, enter, and spacebar. (need to acquire)
Plate:       60% Poker II style (need to acquire)
Case:        Not sure yet. (need to acquire)
Diodes:      (need to acquire)

Questions:
1) If this is going to be plate mounted and hand-wired, what material should I use? Stainless steel? Aluminum? I'm looking for it to be sturdy enough so that swapping caps won't be a problem.
2) What should the switch holes on the plate look like: squares or should they have tabs? Comparing the first and second plates here: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40567.msg805532#msg805532
3) I have a friend who has a friend with a water jet and can cut aluminum, but not SS. If I don't go that route is there a vendor I can just buy a Poker style plate from?
4) Where to acquire switches and stabilizers/springs/inserts from? MK seems the cheapest for switches in bulk and WASD seems the cheapest for the stabilizers but they are out of stock. Any other good sources? Better to just buy a cheap board and cannibalize it for parts?
5) Should I actually buy a case or use the samwisekoi-style where the back and front of the plate are bent to form the "base". If I do that, how would I properly mount the teensy?

I think that's it for now. Not knowing what to do about the plate is what's holding me up right now. Any advice for a first time builder? I'm sure I've overlooked a lot of things.

-abjr

[OldDataHands]

for mounting the teensy you could use this:
 http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45587.msg955666#msg955666

or this:
 http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45587.msg1233204#msg1233204

depending on your mounting and packaging needs...

in case it isn't obvious, these breakout
boards will give you holes for mounting
screws, and could allow removal of teensy without disturbing your wiring.

[abjr]

for mounting the teensy you could use this:
 http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45587.msg955666#msg955666

or this:
 http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45587.msg1233204#msg1233204

depending on your mounting and packaging needs...

in case it isn't obvious, these breakout
boards will give you holes for mounting
screws, and could allow removal of teensy without disturbing your wiring.

Thanks for this information. With something like that, I could perhaps use an acrylic base and mount the teensy in a location that would make access to the USB port easy.

Now if I could just figure out what to do for a plate ...

-abjr

[abjr]

So I designed a plate. I'm not sure about the positioning/design of the stabilizers and the right-most edge of the plate might be too far out. It's a start. Can any of you experts check it for accuracy?



 abjr-test.dwg (43.16 kB - downloaded 119 times.)


Thanks!

-abjr

[abjr]

OK. I think this plate is much more accurate. On my previous attempt the stabilizers were way off. Now I just need to decide what to do for/where to put mounting holes.



 abjr-v2.dwg (44.82 kB - downloaded 116 times.)