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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: daat.tech on Thu, 29 April 2021, 13:54:30

Title: Designing my first keeb: Writer60. A keyboard for your Ipad.
Post by: daat.tech on Thu, 29 April 2021, 13:54:30
Hello,

My name is Daat and I'm designing my first keeb. I wanted to combine the look of a typewriter with an Ipad holder. This combination (hopefully) results in a modern typewriter, hence Writer60.
The keyboard is made out of stacked 3mm wood and a brassplate. You can some quick renders below, I will make some better ones later in the process.

I already tested the PCB with an Ipad Pro 2017 via USB C - USB A and a dongle, it worked fine :thumb

If you have any questions or suggestions, please let me know! Feedback is much appreciated!

You can find me in Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/daat.builds/

Bye!

UPDATE:
The test kit is assembled and it turned out really well. See photo's!
However the plate is too thick, so I need to do some modifications there to let the pcb fit. After this I'm planning to order other kinds of wood and a brass plate. Maybe I'll do some modifications on the side of th keyboard to pick it up more easy.

Let me know what you think!


Title: Re: Designing my first keeb: Writer60. A keyboard for your Ipad.
Post by: treeleaf64 on Fri, 30 April 2021, 10:46:09
Nice brooooo this is such a cool innovation! I love it!
Title: Re: Designing my first keeb: Writer60. A keyboard for your Ipad.
Post by: zslane on Fri, 30 April 2021, 11:44:39
This is the same idea as the Qwerkywriter, the Eletron Penna, and the RYMEK.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Designing my first keeb: Writer60. A keyboard for your Ipad.
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 30 April 2021, 16:44:51
but what bout IPAD PRO
Title: Re: Designing my first keeb: Writer60. A keyboard for your Ipad.
Post by: daat.tech on Sat, 01 May 2021, 03:48:39
but what bout IPAD PRO


The newer ipad pro 12.9 inch models should fit as well, since they are smaller. I ordered a test model of the design, so i'll give an update how everything worked out soon!
Title: Re: Designing my first keeb: Writer60. A keyboard for your Ipad.
Post by: shs0913 on Mon, 03 May 2021, 05:55:35
I am concerned that the material is wood. If it is not coated properly after processing, it will cause distortion.

But the design and ideas seem so good!
Title: Re: Designing my first keeb: Writer60. A keyboard for your Ipad.
Post by: MIGHTY CHICKEN on Mon, 03 May 2021, 10:07:59
My dad will see this and lunge for the wallet
Title: Re: Designing my first keeb: Writer60. A keyboard for your Ipad.
Post by: Findecanor on Mon, 03 May 2021, 10:29:16
I already tested the PCB with an Ipad Pro 2017 via USB C - USB A and a dongle, it worked fine :thumb:
What kind of dongle?

I think it would be nice if the keyboard could be like a dongle: connect to a power supply and provide power for itself and the tablet while the tablet remains data host.
That would require some more electronics than a simple USB-device capable microcontroller though.
Title: Re: Designing my first keeb: Writer60. A keyboard for your Ipad.
Post by: daat.tech on Tue, 04 May 2021, 12:58:31
I already tested the PCB with an Ipad Pro 2017 via USB C - USB A and a dongle, it worked fine :thumb:
What kind of dongle?

I think it would be nice if the keyboard could be like a dongle: connect to a power supply and provide power for itself and the tablet while the tablet remains data host.
That would require some more electronics than a simple USB-device capable microcontroller though.

This dongle: https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MK0W2AM/A/lightning-to-usb-3-camera-adapter
So in this setup you need to connect dongle to the lighting port (ipad), and the dongle with the keyboard AND power supply. A lot of cables, but if I can keep the usb cable short I think it can be nice. So the keyboard can be charged while docked.

In the future i'll think of betters ways to connect, but for now im more focused on the design
Title: Re: Designing my first keeb: Writer60. A keyboard for your Ipad.
Post by: daat.tech on Tue, 04 May 2021, 13:01:10
I am concerned that the material is wood. If it is not coated properly after processing, it will cause distortion.

But the design and ideas seem so good!

Thanks for the tip! I will consider coating the wood. I'm also thinking about other materials, but right now i'm looking for the cheapest solution to test the design.
Title: Re: Designing my first keeb: Writer60. A keyboard for your Ipad.
Post by: Findecanor on Tue, 04 May 2021, 13:23:13
This dongle: https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MK0W2AM/A/lightning-to-usb-3-camera-adapter
So in this setup you need to connect dongle to the lighting port (ipad), and the dongle with the keyboard AND power supply. A lot of cables, but if I can keep the usb cable short I think it can be nice. So the keyboard can be charged while docked.
Ah, so the dongle's captive cable is too short for the dongle to be hidden inside the keyboard?

Title: Re: Designing my first keeb: Writer60. A keyboard for your Ipad.
Post by: daat.tech on Fri, 07 May 2021, 04:49:05
This dongle: https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MK0W2AM/A/lightning-to-usb-3-camera-adapter
So in this setup you need to connect dongle to the lighting port (ipad), and the dongle with the keyboard AND power supply. A lot of cables, but if I can keep the usb cable short I think it can be nice. So the keyboard can be charged while docked.
Ah, so the dongle's captive cable is too short for the dongle to be hidden inside the keyboard?

Yes, unfortunately