[GB] TMK Alps64 - 60% PCB for Alps

[lishi]

Hi All,

Just started an interest check for an Apple Extended Keyboard style label for your Alps 60%'s!

I've already printed out the labels, if you're interested make sure to post in here: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=73915.0 or send me a PM!

[ctm]

Is there any place on this PCB that I might hook up a LED to? I really wish to have a LED as a layer indicator.

[Lurch]

My life's biggest regret is not getting in on this group buy.  Rats.

yiiiiiiiiiiiiiiip. fingers crossed for another run.

[a-c]

Is there any place on this PCB that I might hook up a LED to? I really wish to have a LED as a layer indicator.

According to the schematics pins C4, C6, and C7 are unused.

They are not broken out anywhere so you will have to solder a wire directly to the chip.

[Karura]

would it be possible to support backlit for this in the future?

[ctm]

Is there any place on this PCB that I might hook up a LED to? I really wish to have a LED as a layer indicator.

According to the schematics pins C4, C6, and C7 are unused.

They are not broken out anywhere so you will have to solder a wire directly to the chip.

Thanks!

[kennardsmith]

I got my B-stock from R2 in the mail last night. It looks to be of better quality than some folks are getting for their Infinity PCBs.

Thanks, hasu!

[Lurch]

does anyone have an extra pcb they would like to sell? shoot me a pm if so

[zenless]

Yeah i snoozed on the b-stock, by the time i got around to responding they were gone.. I'll just hope for another GB!

[ctm]

I notice a small problem with V60 case. It's not a perfectly exact fit of the case and causes a slight deform. This makes the four rubber feet under the case not even, and also makes the spacebar get stuck with the case in rare occasions. From my observation, the bottom edge of the plate is now closer to the case, compared to the stock PCB. Can this be a problem of my assembly? Any idea how to fix this?

[a-c]

I notice a small problem with V60 case. It's not a perfectly exact fit of the case and causes a slight deform. This makes the four rubber feet under the case not even, and also makes the spacebar get stuck with the case in rare occasions. From my observation, the bottom edge of the plate is now closer to the case, compared to the stock PCB. Can this be a problem of my assembly? Any idea how to fix this?

I noticed the same thing, but thought it was just me. I think the two holes for the pins may just be a tiny bit off. I think if you take a fine file to it and enlarge the holes a little it will fit without warping. I put mine in a different case so didn't try this myself.

[ctm]

Which pins are you referring to?

[a-c]

Which pins are you referring to?

There are two plastic pins sticking up in the center of the V60 case that fit into holes in the bottom of the PCB.

Between T,Y and U,I.

[hasu]

Which pins are you referring to?

There are two plastic pins sticking up in the center of the V60 case that fit into holes in the bottom of the PCB.

Between T,Y and U,I.

Those holes on my PCB should have been bigger for safer tolerance. I'll change them on next revision. I don't have V60 so let me know how the holes are off to the pins, it would be useful to fix.

[BlueNalgene]

I was thinking about 60% alps boards today, and this happened to show up on spy.  I would love to get in for at least 2 if another round comes up. 

Hasu, how much interest do you need before starting another group buy?

[hasu]

At this moment I don't know when next round starts but I made Google form for interest check. (This is mainly for purpose to learn how form works.)

Fill in the form if you are interested in next round of this PCB and don't want to check this thread periodically. I'll let you know via PM when it starts.
http://goo.gl/forms/8f8RcZICuk

You don't necessarily have to fill the form to get PCB, use it only if you need notice from me.

Thanks

[hasu]

I was thinking about 60% alps boards today, and this happened to show up on spy.  I would love to get in for at least 2 if another round comes up. 

Hasu, how much interest do you need before starting another group buy?

We need 25 at least to order.

[BlueNalgene]

At this moment I don't know when next round starts but I made Google form for interest check. (This is mainly for purpose to learn how form works.)

Fill in the form if you are interested in next round of this PCB and check this thread periodically. I'll let you know via PM when it starts.
http://goo.gl/forms/8f8RcZICuk

You don't necessarily have to fill the form to get PCB, use it only if you need notice from me.

Thanks

Alright, I signed the petition to make the world a better place.  I have all of these linear greens and nothing good to do with them.

[ctm]

Which pins are you referring to?

There are two plastic pins sticking up in the center of the V60 case that fit into holes in the bottom of the PCB.

Between T,Y and U,I.

Show Image

Show Image

Those holes on my PCB should have been bigger for safer tolerance. I'll change them on next revision. I don't have V60 so let me know how the holes are off to the pins, it would be useful to fix.

I just expanded the two holes a little larger but it does not seem to work. The problem is probably not here. It might be from the USB connector. I compared the TMK PCB to the stock V60 PCB and the USB part is the only difference I can spot. (It will probably be easier to determine the problem if I don't have switches and plates over the PCB, but I really don't want to desolder all the switches and then solder them back). As shown in the following pictures, the USB part of the stock PCB is completely flat while the TMK one sticks out a little. Maybe this is the problem? Will anything bad happen if I flatten the sticking out part with a fine file?

[hasu]

Filing that part of PCB is probably alright.

[ctm]

Filing that part of PCB is probably alright.

It looks to me that the two parts in red circle will be filed away if I file it. Is that really OK? That shiny part looks like soldering.

[a-c]

Filing that part of PCB is probably alright.

It looks to me that the two parts in red circle will be filed away if I file it. Is that really OK? That shiny part looks like soldering.
(Attachment Link)

I have a bare board I can put in my V60 case. Just need to take it apart. Don't file your PCB.

[hasu]

Filing that part of PCB is probably alright.

It looks to me that the two parts in red circle will be filed away if I file it. Is that really OK? That shiny part looks like soldering.
(Attachment Link)

It may weaken USB connector firmness mecanically but no problem electrically. I don't recommend but you are probably OK.

And check a-c 's post before filing.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69740.msg1792742#msg1792742

[a-c]

Yes, the case is pressing against the little extended tab. I would file down the case though, instead of the PCB. You just need to remove enough so the tab will fit into the case a bit.

The two pins actually look ok as they are.

[ctm]

Show Image

Yes, the case is pressing against the little extended tab. I would file down the case though, instead of the PCB. You just need to remove enough so the tab will fit into the case a bit.

The two pins actually look ok as they are.

Thank you very much! I thought twice and concluded putting the PCB at risk is too much risk for me. If the PCB fails I will lose my precious programmable keyboard. I will file the case instead.

[hasu]

OK.
Removing of that tab of PCB from current design is not possible. This problem won't be fixed in next revision.


I added caveat on the first post.
"
To install this PCB into KBP V60 case you have to file case or PCB.
"

[a-c]

Thank you very much! I thought twice and concluded putting the PCB at risk is too much risk for me. If the PCB fails I will lose my precious programmable keyboard. I will file the case instead.

Decided to give it another try. Used a dremel with a small grinder wheel. Took off about half the thickness of the wall. You can't see it at all from the outside.


Now the board stays flat when screwed down. The USB port sicks out a tiny bit from the back.

[njbair]

Thank you very much! I thought twice and concluded putting the PCB at risk is too much risk for me. If the PCB fails I will lose my precious programmable keyboard. I will file the case instead.

Decided to give it another try. Used a dremel with a small grinder wheel. Took off about half the thickness of the wall. You can't see it at all from the outside.

Show Image

Now the board stays flat when screwed down. The USB port sicks out a tiny bit from the back.

I always say, you can't have a custom keyboard without a rotary tool.

Actually I've never said that before. But it's true probably?

[ctm]

I filed my case. It now fits perfectly. Thanks a million to a-c and hasu!

[VinnyCordeiro]

I always say, you can't have a custom keyboard without a rotary tool.

Actually I've never said that before. But it's true probably?

The creator of the rotary tool should be made a saint by the Church, that's how important I see them. (I was into casemodding long before my interest on mechanical keyboards.)

[sean]

hmm, will this case issue be a problem with a stock Poker II case?

[a-c]

hmm, will this case issue be a problem with a stock Poker II case?

No, the V60 just has a super tight case. The PCB fits perfectly inside with zero play.

Poker II/Pok3R have much more space to move around.

[skikarl]

damn! i have 108 alps creams that are from an apple extended ii that i want to make in to a custom board! then someone points me to this thread and i cant even buy this board! Very interested in a run 3 of this bad boy right here. i like how it looks with your apple key caps. i am planing on using the caps from the AEii as well on mine, the caps are rather clean and a nice grey color. i also like the unique legends on them. nice looking pcb at a very reasonable price! And from what i have read it fits nicely in a poker case?

[BlueNalgene]

damn! i have 108 alps creams that are from an apple extended ii that i want to make in to a custom board! then someone points me to this thread and i cant even buy this board! Very interested in a run 3 of this bad boy right here. i like how it looks with your apple key caps. i am planing on using the caps from the AEii as well on mine, the caps are rather clean and a nice grey color. i also like the unique legends on them. nice looking pcb at a very reasonable price! And from what i have read it fits nicely in a poker case?

IC for a relevant project will be up soonish.  Keep your eyes peeled.

[CommonCurt]

IC for a relevant project will be up soonish.  Keep your eyes peeled.

Oh really?

[njbair]

damn! i have 108 alps creams that are from an apple extended ii that i want to make in to a custom board! then someone points me to this thread and i cant even buy this board! Very interested in a run 3 of this bad boy right here. i like how it looks with your apple key caps. i am planing on using the caps from the AEii as well on mine, the caps are rather clean and a nice grey color. i also like the unique legends on them. nice looking pcb at a very reasonable price! And from what i have read it fits nicely in a poker case?

IC for a relevant project will be up soonish.  Keep your eyes peeled.

Please post about it here for us lazy folks!

[BlueNalgene]

IC for a relevant project will be up soonish.  Keep your eyes peeled.

Oh really?

damn! i have 108 alps creams that are from an apple extended ii that i want to make in to a custom board! then someone points me to this thread and i cant even buy this board! Very interested in a run 3 of this bad boy right here. i like how it looks with your apple key caps. i am planing on using the caps from the AEii as well on mine, the caps are rather clean and a nice grey color. i also like the unique legends on them. nice looking pcb at a very reasonable price! And from what i have read it fits nicely in a poker case?

IC for a relevant project will be up soonish.  Keep your eyes peeled.

Please post about it here for us lazy folks!

It's happening!!!

[henz]

heck id be in for another one. love my alps board

[punkpc]

Ok got my keyboard built, no issues there. I'm typing on it now...  but my issue is with the TMK software. I have used Easy AVR but not TMK. I think I have everything right but I'm getting a error when I "make" the file.

Code: [Select]

/usr/bin/sh: dfu-programmer: command not found
/usr/bin/sh: dfu-programmer: command not found

-------- begin --------
avr-gcc (WinAVR 20100110) 4.3.3
Copyright (C) 2008 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
This is free software; see the source for copying conditions.  There is NO
warranty; not even for MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.


mkdir -p obj_alps64
Compiling C: keymap_plain.c
avr-gcc -c -mmcu=atmega32u2 -gdwarf-2 -DF_CPU=16000000UL -DINTERRUPT_CONTROL_ENDPOINT -DBOOTLOADER_SIZE=4096 -DF_USB=16000000UL -DARCH=ARCH_AVR8 -DUSB_DEVICE_ONLY -DUSE_FLASH_DESCRIPTORS -DUSE_STATIC_OPTIONS="(USB_DEVICE_OPT_FULLSPEED | USB_OPT_REG_ENABLED | USB_OPT_AUTO_PLL)" -DFIXED_CONTROL_ENDPOINT_SIZE=8  -DFIXED_NUM_CONFIGURATIONS=1 -DPROTOCOL_LUFA -DEXTRAKEY_ENABLE -DCONSOLE_ENABLE -DCOMMAND_ENABLE -DVERSION=unknown -Os -funsigned-char -funsigned-bitfields -ffunction-sections -fdata-sections -fno-inline-small-functions -fpack-struct -fshort-enums -fno-strict-aliasing -Wall -Wstrict-prototypes -Wa,-adhlns=obj_alps64/keymap_plain.lst -I. -I../../tmk_core -I../../tmk_core/protocol/lufa -I../../tmk_core/protocol/lufa/LUFA-git -I../../tmk_core/common -std=gnu99 -include config.h -MMD -MP -MF .dep/obj_alps64_keymap_plain.o.d  keymap_plain.c -o obj_alps64/keymap_plain.o

mkdir -p obj_alps64
Compiling C: keymap_common.c
avr-gcc -c -mmcu=atmega32u2 -gdwarf-2 -DF_CPU=16000000UL -DINTERRUPT_CONTROL_ENDPOINT -DBOOTLOADER_SIZE=4096 -DF_USB=16000000UL -DARCH=ARCH_AVR8 -DUSB_DEVICE_ONLY -DUSE_FLASH_DESCRIPTORS -DUSE_STATIC_OPTIONS="(USB_DEVICE_OPT_FULLSPEED | USB_OPT_REG_ENABLED | USB_OPT_AUTO_PLL)" -DFIXED_CONTROL_ENDPOINT_SIZE=8  -DFIXED_NUM_CONFIGURATIONS=1 -DPROTOCOL_LUFA -DEXTRAKEY_ENABLE -DCONSOLE_ENABLE -DCOMMAND_ENABLE -DVERSION=unknown -Os -funsigned-char -funsigned-bitfields -ffunction-sections -fdata-sections -fno-inline-small-functions -fpack-struct -fshort-enums -fno-strict-aliasing -Wall -Wstrict-prototypes -Wa,-adhlns=obj_alps64/keymap_common.lst -I. -I../../tmk_core -I../../tmk_core/protocol/lufa -I../../tmk_core/protocol/lufa/LUFA-git -I../../tmk_core/common -std=gnu99 -include config.h -MMD -MP -MF .dep/obj_alps64_keymap_common.o.d  keymap_common.c -o obj_alps64/keymap_common.o

mkdir -p obj_alps64
Compiling C: matrix.c
avr-gcc -c -mmcu=atmega32u2 -gdwarf-2 -DF_CPU=16000000UL -DINTERRUPT_CONTROL_ENDPOINT -DBOOTLOADER_SIZE=4096 -DF_USB=16000000UL -DARCH=ARCH_AVR8 -DUSB_DEVICE_ONLY -DUSE_FLASH_DESCRIPTORS -DUSE_STATIC_OPTIONS="(USB_DEVICE_OPT_FULLSPEED | USB_OPT_REG_ENABLED | USB_OPT_AUTO_PLL)" -DFIXED_CONTROL_ENDPOINT_SIZE=8  -DFIXED_NUM_CONFIGURATIONS=1 -DPROTOCOL_LUFA -DEXTRAKEY_ENABLE -DCONSOLE_ENABLE -DCOMMAND_ENABLE -DVERSION=unknown -Os -funsigned-char -funsigned-bitfields -ffunction-sections -fdata-sections -fno-inline-small-functions -fpack-struct -fshort-enums -fno-strict-aliasing -Wall -Wstrict-prototypes -Wa,-adhlns=obj_alps64/matrix.lst -I. -I../../tmk_core -I../../tmk_core/protocol/lufa -I../../tmk_core/protocol/lufa/LUFA-git -I../../tmk_core/common -std=gnu99 -include config.h -MMD -MP -MF .dep/obj_alps64_matrix.o.d  matrix.c -o obj_alps64/matrix.o

mkdir -p obj_alps64
Compiling C: led.c
avr-gcc -c -mmcu=atmega32u2 -gdwarf-2 -DF_CPU=16000000UL -DINTERRUPT_CONTROL_ENDPOINT -DBOOTLOADER_SIZE=4096 -DF_USB=16000000UL -DARCH=ARCH_AVR8 -DUSB_DEVICE_ONLY -DUSE_FLASH_DESCRIPTORS -DUSE_STATIC_OPTIONS="(USB_DEVICE_OPT_FULLSPEED | USB_OPT_REG_ENABLED | USB_OPT_AUTO_PLL)" -DFIXED_CONTROL_ENDPOINT_SIZE=8  -DFIXED_NUM_CONFIGURATIONS=1 -DPROTOCOL_LUFA -DEXTRAKEY_ENABLE -DCONSOLE_ENABLE -DCOMMAND_ENABLE -DVERSION=unknown -Os -funsigned-char -funsigned-bitfields -ffunction-sections -fdata-sections -fno-inline-small-functions -fpack-struct -fshort-enums -fno-strict-aliasing -Wall -Wstrict-prototypes -Wa,-adhlns=obj_alps64/led.lst -I. -I../../tmk_core -I../../tmk_core/protocol/lufa -I../../tmk_core/protocol/lufa/LUFA-git -I../../tmk_core/common -std=gnu99 -include config.h -MMD -MP -MF .dep/obj_alps64_led.o.d  led.c -o obj_alps64/led.o

mkdir -p obj_alps64/protocol/lufa
Compiling C: ../../tmk_core/protocol/lufa/lufa.c
avr-gcc -c -mmcu=atmega32u2 -gdwarf-2 -DF_CPU=16000000UL -DINTERRUPT_CONTROL_ENDPOINT -DBOOTLOADER_SIZE=4096 -DF_USB=16000000UL -DARCH=ARCH_AVR8 -DUSB_DEVICE_ONLY -DUSE_FLASH_DESCRIPTORS -DUSE_STATIC_OPTIONS="(USB_DEVICE_OPT_FULLSPEED | USB_OPT_REG_ENABLED | USB_OPT_AUTO_PLL)" -DFIXED_CONTROL_ENDPOINT_SIZE=8  -DFIXED_NUM_CONFIGURATIONS=1 -DPROTOCOL_LUFA -DEXTRAKEY_ENABLE -DCONSOLE_ENABLE -DCOMMAND_ENABLE -DVERSION=unknown -Os -funsigned-char -funsigned-bitfields -ffunction-sections -fdata-sections -fno-inline-small-functions -fpack-struct -fshort-enums -fno-strict-aliasing -Wall -Wstrict-prototypes -Wa,-adhlns=obj_alps64/protocol/lufa/lufa.lst -I. -I../../tmk_core -I../../tmk_core/protocol/lufa -I../../tmk_core/protocol/lufa/LUFA-git -I../../tmk_core/common -std=gnu99 -include config.h -MMD -MP -MF .dep/obj_alps64_protocol_lufa_lufa.o.d  ../../tmk_core/protocol/lufa/lufa.c -o obj_alps64/protocol/lufa/lufa.o
../../tmk_core/protocol/lufa/lufa.c: In function 'setup_mcu':
../../tmk_core/protocol/lufa/lufa.c:575: warning: implicit declaration of function 'clock_prescale_set'
../../tmk_core/protocol/lufa/lufa.c:575: error: 'clock_div_1' undeclared (first use in this function)
../../tmk_core/protocol/lufa/lufa.c:575: error: (Each undeclared identifier is reported only once
../../tmk_core/protocol/lufa/lufa.c:575: error: for each function it appears in.)
make: *** [obj_alps64/protocol/lufa/lufa.o] Error 1

It seems to go fine till "mkdir -p obj_alps64/protocol/lufa"

Does anyone know where I'm going wrong?

Thanks for the help...

[hasu]

Probably your toolchanin is too old to support ATMega32u2.  Atmel AVR toolchain should work.
http://www.atmel.com/ja/jp/tools/ATMELAVRTOOLCHAINFORWINDOWS.aspx


I've always felt like writing how to install toolchain on windows but my laziness always wins.
I got updated my note to Win10 the otherday and have a plan to do it for the OS but ...

[punkpc]

Probably your toolchanin is too old to support ATMega32u2.  Atmel AVR toolchain should work.
http://www.atmel.com/ja/jp/tools/ATMELAVRTOOLCHAINFORWINDOWS.aspx


I've always felt like writing how to install toolchain on windows but my laziness always wins.
I got updated my note to Win10 the otherday and have a plan to do it for the OS but ...

That was it! I just did a fresh install of Win 10 on my iMac and forgot to install AVR Tools... oops

all good now

Thanks

[jevvix]

Finally got around to soldering my boards. When I plugged it in to flash the firmware it wouldn't recognize over USB and oddly disconnected my mouse. Took out my multi meter to poke around and found there was a short. After resoldering all the caps and the usb connector a few times the short was still there. I realized my soldering skills aren't that bad so I had a closer look at the '0.1uf caps'. I say '0.1uf caps' because they weren't caps at all. Based on the almost flat and black package with 000 etched on the top it looks like Digikey fudged my order and gave me 0 ohm resistors instead. What are the odds it damaged the Atmega32u2? USB has power protection so it should be alright? I imagine the disconnecting of my mouse was USB cutting power to save itself.

Anyways, they gave me unnecessary overnight shipping on $0.19 of smd caps  )

[flabbergast]

What are the odds it damaged the Atmega32u2? USB has power protection so it should be alright? I imagine the disconnecting of my mouse was USB cutting power to save itself.

Yes, the newer PCs cut off USB when it starts drawing too much power.

The atmega chips tend be to quite resilient, they can survive a lot of abuse. This kind of stuff (shorts) happened to me a few times and the chips always survived (didn't try it with 32u2, but certainly 328p's and some attinys).

By the way, if those were supposed to be 0.1uF caps, then it is possible (even likely) that the board will work without them at all, although probably quite unreliably. They're 'just' for filtering the IC noise. I have some atxmega chips which run quite fine without these filtering caps. Not really recommended, but you might try it just to test before the caps arrive.

The only strictly required cap on 32u4 (and i would guess on 32u2 as well) is the 1uF cap on the UCAP pin (it's for the internal 3.3V voltage regulator, which is needed to be functional for the USB communication to work).

[jevvix]

By the way, if those were supposed to be 0.1uF caps, then it is possible (even likely) that the board will work without them at all, although probably quite unreliably. They're 'just' for filtering the IC noise. I have some atxmega chips which run quite fine without these filtering caps. Not really recommended, but you might try it just to test before the caps arrive.

Good call. I just plugged it. It was instantly recognized and Flip allowed me to open the USB port connection to it. Seems it's just fine 

[hasu]

This post made me in a sweat much about terrible mistake of my production. But I found shortly that I never have that size 0 ohm resistors in my workbench and you got raw PCBs without components from this GB. In fact I had a bad sweat in my armpit before I found this is not my fault

Yep, microcontrollers are very tolerant of this kind of mess generally, you are OK in most cases.

Finally got around to soldering my boards. When I plugged it in to flash the firmware it wouldn't recognize over USB and oddly disconnected my mouse. Took out my multi meter to poke around and found there was a short. After resoldering all the caps and the usb connector a few times the short was still there. I realized my soldering skills aren't that bad so I had a closer look at the '0.1uf caps'. I say '0.1uf caps' because they weren't caps at all. Based on the almost flat and black package with 000 etched on the top it looks like Digikey fudged my order and gave me 0 ohm resistors instead. What are the odds it damaged the Atmega32u2? USB has power protection so it should be alright? I imagine the disconnecting of my mouse was USB cutting power to save itself.

Anyways, they gave me unnecessary overnight shipping on $0.19 of smd caps  )

[sth]

i hope another round of these can be done! i was silly not to order one when I had the chance

[BlueNalgene]

i hope another round of these can be done! i was silly not to order one when I had the chance

Join us

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=74524

[cutterline]

I wonder if it is possible to revise the pcb by adding another switch hole for left side of bottom row, beside the spacebar.
Something similar to minila air's fn layout so I can utilize both thumbs.

[hasu]

I won't do that.
But feel free to use my KiCad file to design your own PCB and run GB if you need.

BTW, how are you going to get key caps for that layout?

[cutterline]

I won't do that.
But feel free to use my KiCad file to design your own PCB and run GB if you need.

BTW, how are you going to get key caps for that layout?

Alright, thanks.

Well, most viable options would be 3D printing and only one keycap, the spacebar as this is the only thing without the keycaps, but I haven't really put everything onto paper yet so anything may change and of course if laziness wave don't hit me really hard.