Author Topic: [IC] 60% AEKII & AT101W Plates (Read 23688 times)

phoible · « **on:** Fri, 29 April 2016, 21:57:08 »

I'm looking to make a run of 60% plates compatible with the AEKII (ANSI). It sounds like there might also be interest in AT101W compatible plates.

If there is enough interest, I would consider trying to procure some ALPS64 PCBs as well?

Is anyone interested?

climbalima · « **Reply #1 on:** Fri, 29 April 2016, 21:59:30 »

Im down for one plate.

KaminKevCrew · « **Reply #2 on:** Fri, 29 April 2016, 21:59:39 »

I'm somewhat interested. I've got way too many alps switches right now, and I don't know what to do with them, so I'd be interested.

Sent from my SM-G925T using Tapatalk

emdude · « **Reply #3 on:** Fri, 29 April 2016, 22:00:20 »

I would be, if you could get plates for other layouts, AT101, etc..

I'm not sure otherwise..

Definitely would be nice though, given hasu's current Alps64 round.

phoible · « **Reply #4 on:** Fri, 29 April 2016, 22:08:32 »

If you could get 5+ people interested in AT101 plates, I might be willing to do it.

emdude · « **Reply #5 on:** Fri, 29 April 2016, 22:12:15 »

Okay, great. I'd be down for 2 AT101 plates myself.

Did you manage to get the CAD files from JDCarpe?

romevi · « **Reply #6 on:** Fri, 29 April 2016, 22:29:06 »

I might be down.

KaminKevCrew · « **Reply #7 on:** Fri, 29 April 2016, 22:47:06 »

I'd be more interested in at 101
plates, since it would be easier to get caps for that. I'd be interested in at least two of those, I think.

Sent from my SM-G925T using Tapatalk

emdude · « **Reply #8 on:** Fri, 29 April 2016, 22:55:58 »

Quote from: KaminKevCrew on Fri, 29 April 2016, 22:47:06

I'd be more interested in at 101
plates, since it would be easier to get caps for that. I'd be interested in at least two of those, I think.

Sent from my SM-G925T using Tapatalk

I'm all for this, but I'm confused by your statement. It seems to be much easier to get key caps for an AEK-style plate than it is for the AT101 101/103-key plate.

Do you mean the 104-key AT101W?

Radlife · « **Reply #9 on:** Sat, 30 April 2016, 00:08:15 »

I was thinking of doing the same thing since I got into hasu's short run. I'm going to get plates anyways, might as well save some money.

Count me in.

Radlife · « **Reply #10 on:** Sat, 30 April 2016, 00:13:38 »

Quote from: emdude on Fri, 29 April 2016, 22:12:15

Okay, great. I'd be down for 2 AT101 plates myself.

Did you manage to get the CAD files from JDCarpe?

I PM'd JD about it cause I also wanted to get my own plates. He said that since the only way he earns anything is from his designs, and has a blanket policy of to deny requests like that. He did show me how to make my own alps plate design with builder.swllkb.com which has all you need

CosmosAtlas · « **Reply #11 on:** Sat, 30 April 2016, 00:51:25 »

Count me one, I will definitely picked one up.

phoible · « **Reply #12 on:** Sat, 30 April 2016, 00:51:42 »

Swill's KB Builder doesn't handle the AEKII spacebar (6.5u) properly. It uses the wrong stabilizers.

If there is sufficient interest, we can either license an existing plate design or generate our own.

The other problem is that having a one-off plate made is quite expensive (~$100). If we can get a group buy together (at least 5 of each type and possibly 10+), the cost per plate will go down considerably.

emdude · « **Reply #13 on:** Sat, 30 April 2016, 00:55:21 »

Quote from: Radlife on Sat, 30 April 2016, 00:13:38

Quote from: emdude on Fri, 29 April 2016, 22:12:15
Okay, great. I'd be down for 2 AT101 plates myself.

Did you manage to get the CAD files from JDCarpe?

I PM'd JD about it cause I also wanted to get my own plates. He said that since the only way he earns anything is from his designs, and has a blanket policy of to deny requests like that. He did show me how to make my own alps plate design with builder.swllkb.com which has all you need

Wow, I e-mailed JDCarpe about getting the files as well and haven't gotten a response, I guess that's why. BlueNalgene said after his GB that one would be able to ask JD for the files as long as it was for a one-off or a non-profit GB..

Anyhow, I think having his CAD files would be ideal because SwillKB's plate designer doesn't seem to fully support Alps..

Like so, JDCarpe/BlueNalgene's AT101 plate:

versus the one I made with SwillKB's editor:

Note that it does not have the necessary holes for the spacebar stabilizer, has extra stabilizer cutouts, etc. Perhaps someone knows how to fix these in some CAD program?

It does appear that the extra holes were simply hand-drawn in...

emdude · « **Reply #14 on:** Sat, 30 April 2016, 00:57:16 »

Quote from: phoible on Sat, 30 April 2016, 00:51:42

Swill's KB Builder doesn't handle the AEKII spacebar (6.5u) properly. It uses the wrong stabilizers.

If there is sufficient interest, we can either license an existing plate design or generate our own.

The other problem is that having a one-off plate made is quite expensive (~$100). If we can get a group buy together (at least 5 of each type and possibly 10+), the cost per plate will go down considerably.

I hope we can get something like 25 plates done so the price will be around what BlueNalgene charged for them, about $27.50.

emdude · « **Reply #15 on:** Sat, 30 April 2016, 01:52:40 »

Oh I noticed that you changed your IC to include AT101W plates, I just want to clarify that I'd be interested in AT101 plates (101/103-key), not AT101W (104).

I hope other people will want AT101 plates.

EDIT: Here are all the options that BlueNalgene offered, might help to include them in the OP, if you're willing to offer more than just the AEK and AT101W plates:

More

AT101

AT101W

AT102W

AEKII ANSI

AEKII ISO

Infinity

HHKB

lootbag · « **Reply #16 on:** Sat, 30 April 2016, 06:19:09 »

Interested!
Would like to have an HHKB style plate às well if there is enough interest.

njbair · « **Reply #17 on:** Sat, 30 April 2016, 06:41:46 »

I have way too many Alps 60% boards right now, but if you're making plates from scratch I recommend considering the addition of Costar stab clip holes. That way the boards can support SP Alps keycaps.

jdcarpe · « **Reply #18 on:** Sat, 30 April 2016, 07:47:32 »

Quote from: phoible on Sat, 30 April 2016, 00:51:42

Swill's KB Builder doesn't handle the AEKII spacebar (6.5u) properly. It uses the wrong stabilizers.

If there is sufficient interest, we can either license an existing plate design or generate our own.

The other problem is that having a one-off plate made is quite expensive (~$100). If we can get a group buy together (at least 5 of each type and possibly 10+), the cost per plate will go down considerably.

Yeah, if you all get a community GB going, and want to use my designs, let me know. My licensing fee is quite small, as other GB leaders can attest!

tintoret · « **Reply #19 on:** Sat, 30 April 2016, 08:53:09 »

Definitely down for an AEKII

SJHL · « **Reply #20 on:** Sat, 30 April 2016, 09:50:15 »

I was planning to just get an AEK and cut it myself but if this group buy happens, Im interested.

phoible · « **Reply #21 on:** Sat, 30 April 2016, 11:09:18 »

I'm looking into 16ga 304 Stainless. 6061 aluminum is cheaper, but not nearly as strong.

I'm going to contact some local waterjet cutting places to figure out the cost at various quantities. There may be a MOQ on each style if we offer multiple styles, but if not, I'm happy to produce the full range of plates compatible with Hasu's PCB.

It would be awesome if we can get the price to about $30 per plate (plus shipping).

need · « **Reply #22 on:** Sat, 30 April 2016, 11:25:17 »

I'd love to be in for a AEKII.

And if other plates are possible, I'd really want one that supports 1.5u CTRL & ALT.
Which are AEK and 103 from Hasu's PCB layout range.

StormyMonday · « **Reply #23 on:** Sat, 30 April 2016, 18:37:39 »

Quote from: emdude on Sat, 30 April 2016, 00:55:21

Quote from: Radlife on Sat, 30 April 2016, 00:13:38
Quote from: emdude on Fri, 29 April 2016, 22:12:15
Okay, great. I'd be down for 2 AT101 plates myself.

Did you manage to get the CAD files from JDCarpe?

I PM'd JD about it cause I also wanted to get my own plates. He said that since the only way he earns anything is from his designs, and has a blanket policy of to deny requests like that. He did show me how to make my own alps plate design with builder.swllkb.com which has all you need

Wow, I e-mailed JDCarpe about getting the files as well and haven't gotten a response, I guess that's why. BlueNalgene said after his GB that one would be able to ask JD for the files as long as it was for a one-off or a non-profit GB..

Anyhow, I think having his CAD files would be ideal because SwillKB's plate designer doesn't seem to fully support Alps..

Like so, JDCarpe/BlueNalgene's AT101 plate:

Show Image

versus the one I made with SwillKB's editor:

Show Image

Note that it does not have the necessary holes for the spacebar stabilizer, has extra stabilizer cutouts, etc. Perhaps someone knows how to fix these in some CAD program?

It does appear that the extra holes were simply hand-drawn in...

Swills tool uses Costar stabs for the spacebar and Alps stabs for the rest.

Mattr567 · « **Reply #24 on:** Sat, 30 April 2016, 19:41:38 »

Somewhat interested in a AEKII and a PCB.

rand77 · « **Reply #25 on:** Sun, 01 May 2016, 00:36:55 »

I would be interested in 2 AEK plates.

kiwi99 · « **Reply #26 on:** Sun, 01 May 2016, 00:50:23 »

I have an aek II on hand as well as a 60% aek II plate I cut for myself that works, mine doesn't have the holes for the spacebar stabilizer hole thing but I could take some measurements and include it (didn't have the aek at the time) and I also did my clueboard plate that supports costar + alps mounting for the spacebar so I would be able to help out with the CAD if needed. I'd also suggest you try to not make the plate too thick so the switches still latch in nicely since I've heard some people complain about that a little.

plates I cut for reference.

More

punkpc · « **Reply #27 on:** Sun, 01 May 2016, 23:01:43 »

Interested in a AEKII plate for sure.

Scarpia · « **Reply #28 on:** Mon, 02 May 2016, 01:42:17 »

I'm most likely in for an AEKII as well, as long as the stab holes will work with the stock AEKII caps

harlw · « **Reply #29 on:** Mon, 02 May 2016, 09:12:13 »

Interested in both potentially.

rand77 · « **Reply #30 on:** Mon, 02 May 2016, 22:54:24 »

I will be taking apart a AEK II this weekend and harvesting the switches and keycaps. I can make some measurements if anyone is doing a design. Unfortunately with work being as hectic as it is, I probably won't have time to do the design myself in the next couple weeks.

emdude · « **Reply #31 on:** Mon, 02 May 2016, 23:07:04 »

For the sake of expediency, I feel it would be better to license JDCarpe's plate designs, unless somebody has already drawn up a design!

Luneth · « **Reply #32 on:** Tue, 03 May 2016, 01:04:04 »

I would be in for an AEKII plate. Got in on Hasu's most recent PCB round, so I need to plate for it

emdude · « **Reply #33 on:** Sun, 08 May 2016, 00:27:39 »

Perhaps this is still too soon, but any updates?

phoible · « **Reply #34 on:** Sun, 08 May 2016, 01:11:55 »

I'm working on getting some quotes on producing the plates locally. One place got back to me, but their prices are going to be significantly higher than the ALPS party GB. I'm supposed to chat with another place on Monday to get pricing from them. Will post here when I have more information.

emdude · « **Reply #35 on:** Sun, 08 May 2016, 01:18:25 »

Okay, thanks for the update and best of luck with your negotiations!

need · « **Reply #36 on:** Sun, 08 May 2016, 04:09:52 »

Good luck man, we are very thankful for what you're embarking upon!

infodroid · « **Reply #37 on:** Wed, 11 May 2016, 17:34:04 »

I'm definitely down for at least one of each, AEKII and AT101 and AT101W

Are you considering any fancy options like powder coating?

emdude · « **Reply #38 on:** Wed, 18 May 2016, 08:48:57 »

Quote from: phoible on Sat, 30 April 2016, 11:09:18

I'm looking into 16ga 304 Stainless. 6061 aluminum is cheaper, but not nearly as strong.

I'm going to contact some local waterjet cutting places to figure out the cost at various quantities. There may be a MOQ on each style if we offer multiple styles, but if not, I'm happy to produce the full range of plates compatible with Hasu's PCB.

It would be awesome if we can get the price to about $30 per plate (plus shipping).

I'm wondering, have you consulted places that do laser cutting? BlueNalgene's Alps Party plates were cut that way and it may be cheaper.

kiwi99 · « **Reply #39 on:** Wed, 18 May 2016, 22:19:50 »

Quote from: infodroid on Wed, 11 May 2016, 17:34:04

I'm definitely down for at least one of each, AEKII and AT101 and AT101W

Are you considering any fancy options like powder coating?

textured black powder coating looks dope imo, heres my AEK II plate I did.

More

murkey · « **Reply #40 on:** Wed, 18 May 2016, 23:32:53 »

I'd be down for a PCB and 1-2 plates!

tintoret · « **Reply #41 on:** Thu, 19 May 2016, 09:27:16 »

Quote from: kiwi99 on Wed, 18 May 2016, 22:19:50

Quote from: infodroid on Wed, 11 May 2016, 17:34:04
I'm definitely down for at least one of each, AEKII and AT101 and AT101W

Are you considering any fancy options like powder coating?

textured black powder coating looks dope imo, heres my AEK II plate I did.
More
Show Image

That looks great. And it would probably go well with anything in terms of case or cap colors.

I really hope this GB runs in time for the build I'm doing this summer.

need · « **Reply #42 on:** Thu, 19 May 2016, 10:06:55 »

Quote from: murkey on Wed, 18 May 2016, 23:32:53

I'd be down for a PCB and 1-2 plates!

dude there won't be any PCB.

murkey · « **Reply #43 on:** Thu, 19 May 2016, 10:45:59 »

Quote from: phoible on Fri, 29 April 2016, 21:57:08

If there is enough interest, I would consider trying to procure some ALPS64 PCBs as well?

Quote from: need on Thu, 19 May 2016, 10:06:55

Quote from: murkey on Wed, 18 May 2016, 23:32:53
I'd be down for a PCB and 1-2 plates!
dude there won't be any PCB.

OP mentioned it as a possibility and I want one, so I'm showing my interest. Thanks for your reply.

Radlife · « **Reply #44 on:** Thu, 19 May 2016, 11:03:52 »

[/quote]

OP mentioned it as a possibility and I want one, so I'm showing my interest. Thanks for your reply.
[/quote]

Also showing interest for a pcb and 2 plates

need · « **Reply #45 on:** Thu, 19 May 2016, 11:11:19 »

Quote from: murkey on Thu, 19 May 2016, 10:45:59

Quote from: phoible on Fri, 29 April 2016, 21:57:08
If there is enough interest, I would consider trying to procure some ALPS64 PCBs as well?

Quote from: need on Thu, 19 May 2016, 10:06:55
Quote from: murkey on Wed, 18 May 2016, 23:32:53
I'd be down for a PCB and 1-2 plates!
dude there won't be any PCB.

OP mentioned it as a possibility and I want one, so I'm showing my interest. Thanks for your reply.

oh sorry, just noticed that...you're right

murkey · « **Reply #46 on:** Thu, 19 May 2016, 11:24:21 »

Quote from: need on Thu, 19 May 2016, 11:11:19

Quote from: murkey on Thu, 19 May 2016, 10:45:59
Quote from: phoible on Fri, 29 April 2016, 21:57:08
If there is enough interest, I would consider trying to procure some ALPS64 PCBs as well?

Quote from: need on Thu, 19 May 2016, 10:06:55
Quote from: murkey on Wed, 18 May 2016, 23:32:53
I'd be down for a PCB and 1-2 plates!
dude there won't be any PCB.

OP mentioned it as a possibility and I want one, so I'm showing my interest. Thanks for your reply.
oh sorry, just noticed that...you're right

No worries! If the PCB doesn't work out I hope someone can help me find one. Or give me some tips for hand-wiring

emdude · « **Reply #47 on:** Thu, 19 May 2016, 11:27:12 »

The issue with PCBs is that Hasu just finished his current Alps64 run so he may not have any more.

need · « **Reply #48 on:** Thu, 19 May 2016, 11:32:46 »

Yeah, I guess you could try to pm hasu to see whether he's ordered extras.

phoible · « **Reply #49 on:** Mon, 23 May 2016, 21:09:34 »

Just to provide an update. I contacted a couple of local waterjet cutting places, and it's going to cost significantly more to have the plates cut here than the last ALPS Party GB. That's one of the downsides of living in San Francisco.

I'm going to see whether I can find someone who isn't local to do the cutting for less money.

News:

Author Topic: [IC] 60% AEKII & AT101W Plates (Read 23688 times)