QazPad v2

[metalliqaz]

8/1/2016

Which is better?

   

I like the version with a 0.50 gutter between the Fn row.  It matches my Sigma.  The 0.25 version is exactly square.  Not sure if that is an advantage or not.

I want to add much more LED capability to the board, and possibly the ability to do full 6x6.

Update 8/2/2016

I think the square gets the vote.

Okay so I've got a schematic.  Basically takes the goodness from my Sigma and applies it to the pad.
Now the entire top row contains individually controlled LEDs and there are underglow backlights.



Going to be a tight fit on the PCB, but a challenge is fun.



Just starting to lay it out

Update 8/6/2016

Struggling a bit with the layout.  I'm finding that if I want a minimum size PCB, an option for full 6x6, and my usual front-facing LEDs, then I can't fit PCB-mount stabilizers.

So what is the collective knowledge of Geekhack?  Should I increase the size of the PCB to equal the v1 board and flip the LEDs upside-down, should I forgo the option to replace the 2u keys with two 1u keys, or should I nix the PCB-mount stabs?  Right now I'm strongly leaning towards plate-mount only like the rest of my boards.

[xondat]

Visually the .25 looks nicer, but only next to the Sigma the .5 probably will.

[MediocreBadGuy23]

This is pretty much exactly what I wanted to do for a numpad/extra keys pad. I like the .25 better visually like the other reply.

[jdcarpe]

Nice. I still need to build my V1 -- I feel so ashamed.

Easy answer, though, is to have both. Make the PCB so that it includes the extra 0.25 spacing, but also has pads for the narrow version. If you want to build it square, chop off the top with a dremel.

[romevi]

Ha! Data and I were just talking about this.

[Data]

 

I like the one on the left.  Embrace the square!

[CPTBadAss]

I like the left side more. It looks more custom somehow.

[mrbishop]

i like the left one for the symmetry of the spacing but the right one would give you abit more space for electronics especially on a PCB. both look awesome as far as layouts go. i've really fallen in love with accessory keyboards lately and this one is no exception. looks great period. can't wait to see the case. 


Also milestone hit post 600

[Data]

When it comes to cases, I already know what I want.



This was nubb's take on MOZ's acrylic case from the original 2013 GB.  I have a drawing ready to go to BBS if the layout is even remotely close to the original V1 Qazpad.    Been planning this for a while, so thrilled that there may be another round.

[romevi]

When it comes to cases, I already know what I want.

Show Image

This was nubb's take on MOZ's acrylic case from the original 2013 GB.  I have a drawing ready to go to BBS if the layout is even remotely close to the original V1 Qazpad.    Been planning this for a while, so thrilled that there may be another round.

Perfect. Was hoping you had that case in mind!

[romevi]

Also, finally saw the pics on my computer. I like the one with the wider gap, so the one on the right.
Are the switches movable? Might be a bit difficult to source those extra long num pad keys on the left, so wondering if we can use all 1u keys in that cluster.

Also, can't remember, but did v1 support the long Backspace on top?

[mrbishop]

When it comes to cases, I already know what I want.

Show Image

This was nubb's take on MOZ's acrylic case from the original 2013 GB.  I have a drawing ready to go to BBS if the layout is even remotely close to the original V1 Qazpad.  :P  Been planning this for a while, so thrilled that there may be another round.

ok i know what my next case i'm cutting looks like  :thumb:

[xondat]

When it comes to cases, I already know what I want.

Show Image

This was nubb's take on MOZ's acrylic case from the original 2013 GB.  I have a drawing ready to go to BBS if the layout is even remotely close to the original V1 Qazpad.  :P  Been planning this for a while, so thrilled that there may be another round.

ok i know what my next case i'm cutting looks like  :thumb:

:)) This was my first thought, looks so good.

[metalliqaz]

Updated OP.  With the added lighting, a case like Nub's should look nice.

[romevi]

Sweet. Preferred the other, but just glad this is making a comeback. Looking forward to the updates!

This is one of the first projects that got me hooked on geekhack.

[Data]

Update 8/2/2016

I think the square gets the vote.

Okay so I've got a schematic.  Basically takes the goodness from my Sigma and applies it to the pad.
Now the entire top row contains individually controlled LEDs and there are underglow backlights.

(Attachment Link)

Going to be a tight fit on the PCB, but a challenge is fun.

(Attachment Link)

Just starting to lay it out

Ooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh man this is so great.   

Can you give me the dimensions of the PCB you're working with?  I'll need to make a few adjustments to the case files and then that part is ready to go.

[metalliqaz]

Ooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh man this is so great.   

Can you give me the dimensions of the PCB you're working with?  I'll need to make a few adjustments to the case files and then that part is ready to go.

I'll post a DXF when I'm a little further along.  It will have an exact outline of the PCB.

This one is smaller than the old version except for the USB tab.

[metalliqaz]

More questions for interested parties in OP

[romevi]

My personal taste is to increase the size and allow 1u keys.

[jdcarpe]

Yeah I would say increase the size of the PCB slightly. I think we really want both 2u and 2x-1u options, as well as PCB mount stabilizer holes.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

[metalliqaz]

My personal taste is to increase the size and allow 1u keys.

the problem with the 1u keys isn't the size of the PCB, it's the stabilizer holes.  They occupy the same space.

[Data]

My personal taste is to increase the size and allow 1u keys.

the problem with the 1u keys isn't the size of the PCB, it's the stabilizer holes.  They occupy the same space.

You're saying stab holes and LED pads are in the same places in the layout?

Edit: Looks like Ron got around this on the GH-122 PCB by just flipping the orientation of the stabilizer so the larger cutout and the wire are on the opposite side of the switch from the LED.

By the way, please don't forget about us lowly GH-122 users. 

[Data]

~ BUMP ~

[Data]

 

[romevi]

 

[Data]

I can't even

[romevi]

contain it.