Author Topic: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs  (Read 31070 times)

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Offline .

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« Last Edit: Wed, 01 July 2020, 18:02:24 by . »

Offline .

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Re: The GH80-1800 project
« Reply #1 on: Fri, 20 July 2018, 17:15:56 »
I plan to publish the files when it's all done along with the plate designs.  :thumb:

Offline LightningXI

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Re: The GH80-1800 project
« Reply #2 on: Sat, 21 July 2018, 02:20:12 »
Exciting. I will be following this project. I'd actually love to have my own Cherry 1800 with a custom PCB and plate :thumb: if it's affordable.

Offline TheKeyCompany

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Re: The GH80-1800 project
« Reply #3 on: Sun, 22 July 2018, 10:44:50 »
« Last Edit: Sun, 22 July 2018, 11:03:03 by TheKeyCompany »

Offline jamoz330

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Re: The GH80-1800 project
« Reply #4 on: Sun, 22 July 2018, 10:51:53 »

Offline jamoz330

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Re: The GH80-1800 project
« Reply #5 on: Sun, 22 July 2018, 10:57:33 »
So you basically copied my design?

https://thekey.company/products/pcb-for-tkc-1800

I didn't know you created the 1800 layout.

Offline Poesjuh

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Re: The GH80-1800 project
« Reply #6 on: Sun, 22 July 2018, 11:02:53 »
Maarten designer of 1800 layout confirmed.


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Offline TerryMathews

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Re: The GH80-1800 project
« Reply #7 on: Sun, 22 July 2018, 11:06:23 »
So you basically copied my design?

https://thekey.company/products/pcb-for-tkc-1800

I didn't know you created the 1800 layout.

I think the complaint is more about the right angle USB connector and the cut in the PCB which AFAIK no one did before TKC.

Be interesting to see if GH feels about PCBs like it does colorways.
« Last Edit: Sun, 22 July 2018, 11:08:02 by TerryMathews »

Offline .

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Re: The GH80-1800 project
« Reply #8 on: Sun, 22 July 2018, 11:10:15 »
So you basically copied my design?

https://thekey.company/products/pcb-for-tkc-1800

I did not copy your design at all. I can see that they are pretty similar in form since they are made to fit one keyboard, and mine is just one out of the handful of options for this keyboard. It's like saying the DZ60 is a copy of the GH60, which is a copy of the Pok3r, etc. They're all just similar products designed to fit one case. Heck, Cherry could say you copied their design. Actually, the PCB hineybush made inspired me to design my own because it was a pain to get the panel-mount USB connector (hence the USB port sideways) to fit and I didn't like some design elements. I understand that you have to protect your intellectual property, but this just doesn't seem like the way to go about it.

Offline Poesjuh

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Re: The GH80-1800 project
« Reply #9 on: Sun, 22 July 2018, 11:21:52 »
Time to get some


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Offline TheKeyCompany

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Re: The GH80-1800 project
« Reply #10 on: Sun, 22 July 2018, 12:09:03 »
So you basically copied my design?

https://thekey.company/products/pcb-for-tkc-1800

I did not copy your design at all. I can see that they are pretty similar in form since they are made to fit one keyboard, and mine is just one out of the handful of options for this keyboard. It's like saying the DZ60 is a copy of the GH60, which is a copy of the Pok3r, etc. They're all just similar products designed to fit one case. Heck, Cherry could say you copied their design. Actually, the PCB hineybush made inspired me to design my own because it was a pain to get the panel-mount USB connector (hence the USB port sideways) to fit and I didn't like some design elements. I understand that you have to protect your intellectual property, but this just doesn't seem like the way to go about it.

My apologies, I came off as a bit abrasive. Not my intentions to be a ****. I could have chosen my words more carefully.

I never claimed to invent the 1800 layout as some earlier comments implied, I’m not sure how they even took my comment to mean that. Your usb position and isp header are just very  similar to my design. If you came up with those ideas without ever having seen mine, then my hats off to you. Smart moves and nice work!

Offline .

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Re: The GH80-1800 project
« Reply #11 on: Sun, 22 July 2018, 12:25:59 »
So you basically copied my design?

https://thekey.company/products/pcb-for-tkc-1800

I did not copy your design at all. I can see that they are pretty similar in form since they are made to fit one keyboard, and mine is just one out of the handful of options for this keyboard. It's like saying the DZ60 is a copy of the GH60, which is a copy of the Pok3r, etc. They're all just similar products designed to fit one case. Heck, Cherry could say you copied their design. Actually, the PCB hineybush made inspired me to design my own because it was a pain to get the panel-mount USB connector (hence the USB port sideways) to fit and I didn't like some design elements. I understand that you have to protect your intellectual property, but this just doesn't seem like the way to go about it.

My apologies, I came off as a bit abrasive. Not my intentions to be a ****. I could have chosen my words more carefully.

I never claimed to invent the 1800 layout as some earlier comments implied, I’m not sure how they even took my comment to mean that. Your usb position and isp header are just very  similar to my design. If you came up with those ideas without ever having seen mine, then my hats off to you. Smart moves and nice work!
Well yeah, I placed one USB connector in the center and another sideways because of this and on a location where the case wouldn't cause problems because of the standoffs. I'm guessing you did the same, and that's why it's in a similar location. I'm not sure how my ISP header looks like yours, but whatever. I even suggest you to use the standard pinout, saves us hobbyists a lot of work. Thanks for the response :)

Offline LightningXI

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Re: The GH80-1800 project
« Reply #12 on: Sun, 22 July 2018, 16:24:58 »
Glad that there was an apology and we can continue to follow this project for the good work's that is being done for it. :thumb: Look forward to more progress!

Offline hineybush

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Re: The GH80-1800 project
« Reply #13 on: Fri, 27 July 2018, 11:38:29 »
Didn't know you were making a PCB alongside the plate, nice. Did you use the spacing and component placement from the PCB files I sent you to use for the plate?
« Last Edit: Fri, 27 July 2018, 11:40:12 by hineybush »

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Re: The GH80-1800 project
« Reply #14 on: Fri, 27 July 2018, 11:58:02 »
Didn't know you were making a PCB alongside the plate, nice. Did you use the spacing and component placement from the PCB files I sent you to use for the plate?

I found the right spacing before you sent me the files, and it just so happens to be the same  ;)

Offline hineybush

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Re: The GH80-1800 project
« Reply #15 on: Fri, 27 July 2018, 12:06:14 »
then why did you ask me for my PCB file? I'm genuinely curious, as you said you needed it for the spacing of the switches etc. since it's not standard

either way, it's nice to see a slight improvement over my original design. my v2 is still in the works, but I haven't had much time to work on it lately
« Last Edit: Fri, 27 July 2018, 12:26:33 by hineybush »

Offline .

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Re: The GH80-1800 project
« Reply #16 on: Fri, 27 July 2018, 13:23:16 »
then why did you ask me for my PCB file? I'm genuinely curious, as you said you needed it for the spacing of the switches etc. since it's not standard

either way, it's nice to see a slight improvement over my original design. my v2 is still in the works, but I haven't had much time to work on it lately

I originally wanted to make a plate for yours, which I needed your files for, but then I got my hands on a few 1800 cases and needed more PCBs, so I decided to make my own from scratch with a few adjustments and improvements. Just to be clear: I didn't copy anything. I'm excited to see what v2 will bring  :)

Offline .

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Re: The GH80-1800 project
« Reply #17 on: Sat, 04 August 2018, 04:41:12 »
Prototype has been built and here it is!

201375-0201377-1201379-2

Offline .

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Re: The GH80-1800, a replacement PCB for G80/G81-1800 boards (with plate!)
« Reply #18 on: Sun, 05 August 2018, 06:01:05 »
Gave the OP a little overhaul and the plate designs are up as well!  :D

Offline .

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The matrix has been completely redesigned and prototypes will be ordered soon, as well as prototypes for the GH80-3003  :)

Offline kaz

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Any update on this?
Cherry G80-11800 (Workhorse) | Cherry G80-11900 | \'93 IBM Model M | Apple M0116

Offline .

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Any update on this?






Just finished the prototype and it works perfectly. I do think I should move the header and zip tie hole more to the right, what do you think?

Offline kaz

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Nicely done, thanks for the update. I guess moving them to be above the LEDs would be a more appropriate location. Will that header fit the stock connector?
Cherry G80-11800 (Workhorse) | Cherry G80-11900 | \'93 IBM Model M | Apple M0116

Offline t8c

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Very cool. Just bought a NCR case if you should offer the GH80-3003 pcb in the near future.

Offline sh_xguitar

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This is very interesting, I need this so much  :eek:
Keep the great job!

Offline equalunique

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Nice to know an open source alternative to TKC-1800 & Leeku 1800 L3 is very close to being complete. I am very glad that those PCBs exist, but Leeku's aren't produced anymore, and TKC is currently out of stock of their 1800-compatible PCB. This fixes the scarcity problem.

I wonder if the plate DXF files could be used by the PCB manufacturer as a basis for FR4 plates. Since solder mask comes is a variety of colors, this might be a neat way to get quality color finishes without having to use expensive anodization / powder coating equipment.

Offline Muammar

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Re: The GH80-1800, a replacement PCB for G80/G81-1800 boards (with plate design!)
« Reply #26 on: Sat, 28 September 2019, 21:25:39 »
Hello sir, this is file plate compatible with PCB from TKC1800 ?

Offline Applet

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Re: The GH80-1800, a replacement PCB for G80/G81-1800 boards (with plate design!)
« Reply #27 on: Sun, 29 September 2019, 00:44:36 »
Very nice, clever position of ICSP header and reset, looks really nice!

Offline .

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Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #28 on: Wed, 01 July 2020, 18:03:02 »
I finally put the designs online along with gerber and BOM! Friendly reminder to adhere to the license.

Offline Faceman76

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Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #29 on: Fri, 18 September 2020, 13:26:45 »
Would this plate work with Cherry's OEM board?  TY.
TKC 1800, Crystal Box Navy, Sprit 100g

Offline tnk

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Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #30 on: Sun, 18 October 2020, 23:15:26 »
Gonna try and mod this layout to work with the FC980m's 1800 layout, will fork the repo whenever I get to finishing that lol

Offline .

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Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #31 on: Mon, 19 October 2020, 00:05:49 »
Gonna try and mod this layout to work with the FC980m's 1800 layout, will fork the repo whenever I get to finishing that lol
Pssst, check this out: https://github.com/evyd13/nt-series


Offline retoid

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Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #32 on: Sun, 27 December 2020, 14:58:01 »


Are the through holes and pads both added here so you can place either SMD diodes or TH diodes (TH Being installed on either side of the board)?

Offline .

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Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #33 on: Sun, 27 December 2020, 15:28:15 »
Show Image


Are the through holes and pads both added here so you can place either SMD diodes or TH diodes (TH Being installed on either side of the board)?

yes

Offline retoid

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Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #34 on: Sun, 27 December 2020, 15:38:32 »
Thank you :)

Offline cest73

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Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #35 on: Fri, 01 January 2021, 04:11:00 »
Great thread and excellent craftsmanship  :thumb:

Would anyone know of an actually back lit project for the 1800 using actual in-switch LEDs?

Offline Rayndalf

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Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #36 on: Fri, 01 January 2021, 08:04:24 »
Great thread and excellent craftsmanship  :thumb:

Would anyone know of an actually back lit project for the 1800 using actual in-switch LEDs?
The TKC1800 might work. Make sure you get the plate (and it fits your layout). It's overpriced and bottom row switch alignment without the plate is poor, but it supports in switch leds

Edit: The E80-1800 would also work, it looks promising (open source and all) but check the bottom row layouts it supports (only 7 or 6 u spacebar, no 6.25 IIRC)
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=107604.0
« Last Edit: Fri, 01 January 2021, 08:06:45 by Rayndalf »

Offline cest73

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Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #37 on: Fri, 01 January 2021, 18:04:26 »
Great thread and excellent craftsmanship  :thumb:

Would anyone know of an actually back lit project for the 1800 using actual in-switch LEDs?
The TKC1800 might work. Make sure you get the plate (and it fits your layout). It's overpriced and bottom row switch alignment without the plate is poor, but it supports in switch leds

Edit: The E80-1800 would also work, it looks promising (open source and all) but check the bottom row layouts it supports (only 7 or 6 u spacebar, no 6.25 IIRC)
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=107604.0
I can personally confirm the TKC-1800 as i own one and had installed Kalih red on it.

Will check the E80-1800 and report

Offline 3wisemonkeyfist

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Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #38 on: Tue, 02 February 2021, 00:27:39 »
Hello peeps. I just had these pcbs made for the gh80-1800. I'm pretty new to reading github files to find info. Does anyone know how I can tell which orentation the diodes go? I know each diode has a line which indicates the top however I don't see a corresponding line on the pcb. There are also other smd components that were listed on the bom but aren't labeled on the pcb. I've been looking for a picture of a completely soldered pcb (showing smd placement) but have only found this build log where they show the pcb prior to adding diodes. https://stormlike.com/g80-1800.html

Offline Rico

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Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #39 on: Tue, 02 February 2021, 07:17:45 »
Hello,

The Diodes are facing down, that is the line marked on the diode is at the lowest position.
On the PCB there is a U marked for each diode, the lowest part of the U must match the diode line.

You can open up the Kicad file project to have a better look, but you will need a nighty version of Kicad(version 5.99, that is a pre-release candidate of Kicad 6). 

Offline retoid

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Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #40 on: Tue, 02 February 2021, 10:23:42 »
Yeah, they should be oriented downward like Rico says.

The light pink/beige color is the silkscreen showing the orientation.

Offline 3wisemonkeyfist

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Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #41 on: Tue, 02 February 2021, 16:50:07 »
Thank you both!!! So the kicad file would also show me the other compenents position on the pcb?

Offline retoid

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Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #42 on: Tue, 02 February 2021, 22:13:09 »
Thank you both!!! So the kicad file would also show me the other compenents position on the pcb?

Yes in the schematic it will definitely show, but in the image above is a pic of the PCB layout of a diode. Typically the footprints of diodes will have a dot or additional line as an indicator for which direction they should go. This newer footprint is a bit odd in my opinion. It's a U shape and the part where the U connects at to bottom is acting as the indicator for the direction the diode goes.
Here is a screen shot of the diode in the schematic.



When using kbfirmware.com you can indicate which direction your diodes are going, from Column to Row or Row to Column, so if making a custom keyboard PCB you can go either way so long as the firmware knows the direction.
« Last Edit: Tue, 02 February 2021, 22:15:10 by retoid »

Offline 3wisemonkeyfist

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Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #43 on: Wed, 03 February 2021, 22:21:18 »
Thank you, thank you! I feel like I'm taking a masters course on pcb design. I really appreciate you helping. I'd have 100% soldered 100 diodes upside down. Now I'm just waiting for my resistors to arrive  :)

Offline 3wisemonkeyfist

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Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #44 on: Fri, 05 February 2021, 21:15:25 »
My first time soldering smd components and I'm worried I did something wrong. I tried plugging in the mini usb in all three usb options and my computer isn't registering it. Does anything stand out to you guys?

Offline retoid

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Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #45 on: Sat, 06 February 2021, 00:13:34 »
My first time soldering smd components and I'm worried I did something wrong. I tried plugging in the mini usb in all three usb options and my computer isn't registering it. Does anything stand out to you guys?

That is normal if you've not flashed the IC with any firmware :D
The IC, being the ATMEGA32U in this case needs to know what it's supposed to read and how to react. This is what the firmware will do.
First you will need to go over to keyboard-layout-editor.com and create the layout of your Cherry 1800 board there. I would suggest you load one from a preset and then adjust and edit as needed. This will be a good learning tool for you.
If you don't want to, I have the layout created here:
Cherry 1800 Layout
From here, click on the Raw Data tab and then highlight and copy all the text in that field.
Now head on over to kbfirmware.com and in the empty field there, paste your copied code and then select Import.
Now you should see a screen like this:

This can get a little complicated but for learning purposes I still suggest you go through all the steps in order to understand how this works so you can do this in the future and change functions if you want and customize your firmware.
Now you need to let this firmware builder know how each key is linked. In order to do so you will need to see the schematic of this particular PCB you just had made.
You can download and install KiCad, it will have to be a Nightly Build, here is a link: https://kicad-downloads.s3.cern.ch/index.html?prefix=windows/nightly/ (in this case grab the latest .exe if on windows, x86 is 64bit and i686 is 32bit).
Then you will need to grab the PCB files from Maarten's GitHub from here: https://github.com/evyd13/gh80-series/tree/master/GH80-1800
If you are not familiar with GitHub let me know and I can help you out with that also.

Once you get the files, open up the 1800 PCB files in Kicad and open the Schematic. This is part of what it will look like:

This is the key matrix which tells you the switches and what columns and rows they are linked to. This is the information you will need to enter into the kbfirmware.com.

On the kbfirmware page, tell it that your keyboard has 11 Columns and 10 Rows.
Next, select the top left key, in this case ESC key which is Col 0, Row 0 and make sure it reads as such in the lower part where you just told it how many rows and columns the keyboard has.
Now you are going to go through every single key on this firmware builder and make sure each key is assigned to the correct Row and Column. Don't worry if the lines start to get messy, as you start connecting them all the lines will get a bit more organized.
Once you have these all assigned, double check then triple check they are correct. You can open up the PCB file in Kicad and select each switch there and see exactly where it is on the keyboard schematic to confirm, it will look like this:

(if it looks backwards, click View, Flip Board in KiCad.)
(Note on the far right side the layers I circled and made Hidden to make it easier to see the switches.)
It's very important you match the K1 (key number) to the position with how it's laid in the schematic when assigning this to the keyboard firmware builder.

Next you are going to click on the PINS tab in the kbfirmware builder site and assign the pins.
Now in KiCad in the Schematic, zoom in on the ATMEGA chip and look at the pin numbers and which Row or Column they are assigned to and set them accordingly in the firmware builder.
It will look like this:


Now click on the KEYMAP tab in the firmware builder, then start with ESC key, top left key and work your way through each key and assign the function to each key.
Several of them will already be correct, make any changes if needed or if you want to make anything custom. For example I changed the right "Menu" key to the right of the spacebar to be a MUTE audio function. Make sure you are doing these all on Layer 0. Don't worry about layers for your first time around unless you feel confident enough.

Now select the SETTINGS tab, and give your keyboard firmware a name and click SAVE CONFIGURATION.

Now click the COMPILE tab and download the .hex file. Save this as your keyboards firmware file.

You are almost done and ready to use the keyboard.
You can use the QMK Toolbox app for an easy flashing of the ATMEGA chip.
Download it here: https://github.com/qmk/qmk_toolbox/releases
You can check out some video tutorials on how to use this app but it's fairly simple.
Open up QMK Toolbox.
Under Local File: click and browse to the .hex file you just downloaded.
Make sure the field to the right shows ATMEGA32U4.
Now important, it's best you unplug your current keyboard from your computer, but before doing so open up Virtual Keyboard. Hit WIN key and type "On-Screen Keyboard" and open up the virtual keyboard to use if you need the use of a keyboard during this process. Now unplug your current keyboard.
Plug in your new PCB via USB cable and the QMK Toolbox should detect your keyboard. Go ahead and click the RESET button switch on the front side of your new PCB and verify that the QMK Toolbox registers you clicking that switch and letting you know it's READY. Once it shows ready, go ahead and click the FLASH button.
Wait a short moment while it flashes the chip and it should let you know when it's finish and if it was successful.
If no errors, then you are done. Unplug your new PCB/keyboard, close QMK Toolbox and plug the PCB back in via USB cable.

Now you want to test to make sure each key works and registers correctly. Search internet for something like Keyboard tester. https://www.keyboardtester.com/ This is one option, launch it up and test each key. You do not need to solder on your key switches yet to test, you can use tweezers or a paperclip or similar piece of conductive metal. Bridge the two connection points of each key and make sure they register properly on the keyboard tester. Since your PCB has more keys than the keyboard tester it acts a bit strange. Like some of the keys on the numpad area register on the main area, I don't remember which, and not all will make a clicking sound when doing it, just verify they are doing what they should. If all is good you are all done and can install your switches and build the rest out and add keycaps etc.! Congratulations :D
Now if you don't want to go through this hassle, I can share my firmware file with you but keep in mind I did change the right menu key to act as a MUTE AUDIO button.

Let me know if you have any questions, good luck!
« Last Edit: Sat, 06 February 2021, 00:39:38 by retoid »

Offline retoid

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Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #46 on: Sat, 06 February 2021, 00:14:49 »
I also want to note that you should look at your solder connections under a magnifying glass on the ATMEGA chip and make sure no pins are bridging (are connecting to each other.) Otherwise you will have issues.

And it looks like you are missing 3 Diodes here:
« Last Edit: Sat, 06 February 2021, 00:35:16 by retoid »

Offline 3wisemonkeyfist

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Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #47 on: Sat, 06 February 2021, 19:09:47 »
I also want to note that you should look at your solder connections under a magnifying glass on the ATMEGA chip and make sure no pins are bridging (are connecting to each other.) Otherwise you will have issues.

And it looks like you are missing 3 Diodes here:
Show Image



Thank you for this post. Its exactly what I've been looking for. I had a little bit of experience with the layout builder and firmware site from trying to handwire an alpha 28 recently. This information will also help me so much on that project as well. I was able to pic up a microscope to confirm no solder good and added the missing 3 diodes!

I got the schematic up and can see it but I'm struggling to understand it. I have 11 columns and 10 rows. But the schematic shows more in each row than I see on the layout. Are some of these diodes assigned to multiple keys? For example, I have 9 rows in column 0 but only 6 keys to assign. Am I missing something? The schematic shows a few rows have a split? Does that mean these rows both go to the same key? Also there are more keys than columns.

Someone pointed out that I needed to go back and get the pcb files to compare. My bad. Pls ignore the panic above as I was only viewing the schematic.
« Last Edit: Sat, 06 February 2021, 20:53:42 by 3wisemonkeyfist »

Offline retoid

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Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #48 on: Sat, 06 February 2021, 21:34:14 »
I also want to note that you should look at your solder connections under a magnifying glass on the ATMEGA chip and make sure no pins are bridging (are connecting to each other.) Otherwise you will have issues.

And it looks like you are missing 3 Diodes here:
Show Image



Thank you for this post. Its exactly what I've been looking for. I had a little bit of experience with the layout builder and firmware site from trying to handwire an alpha 28 recently. This information will also help me so much on that project as well. I was able to pic up a microscope to confirm no solder good and added the missing 3 diodes!

I got the schematic up and can see it but I'm struggling to understand it. I have 11 columns and 10 rows. But the schematic shows more in each row than I see on the layout. Are some of these diodes assigned to multiple keys? For example, I have 9 rows in column 0 but only 6 keys to assign. Am I missing something? The schematic shows a few rows have a split? Does that mean these rows both go to the same key? Also there are more keys than columns.

Someone pointed out that I needed to go back and get the pcb files to compare. My bad. Pls ignore the panic above as I was only viewing the schematic.

Oh sorry about that I forgot to mention that I removed the switches that were only acting as alternative placements. That is why you are seeing more switches in the schematic. Several are just linked together and act as the same switch which allows you to have different sized keycaps and place you switch accordingly. Any that are linked like in the pic below and have the same switch number but a -1 or -2 etc. means they are linked and are the same switch.


:)

Offline 3wisemonkeyfist

  • Posts: 25
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  • Blacvelvetpengun
Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #49 on: Sun, 07 February 2021, 00:08:18 »
Thank you for clarifying that. Though my panic was more from not carefully reading the instructions.

I feel like I'm so close to the finish line on building my first board but now I'm getting an error when I try to compile and configure that says "Not every key has a unique position in the wiring matrix". I've been over this more times than I thought I would but there are a couple strands that still look messy. If you're willing can you share your hex file. Would I be able to see or upload your json file to see the layout in kbfirmware.com? In short, I'd like the answer but also I'd like to see how you got it  :))
« Last Edit: Sun, 07 February 2021, 00:11:09 by 3wisemonkeyfist »

Offline retoid

  • Posts: 122
Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #50 on: Sun, 07 February 2021, 11:58:29 »
Thank you for clarifying that. Though my panic was more from not carefully reading the instructions.

I feel like I'm so close to the finish line on building my first board but now I'm getting an error when I try to compile and configure that says "Not every key has a unique position in the wiring matrix". I've been over this more times than I thought I would but there are a couple strands that still look messy. If you're willing can you share your hex file. Would I be able to see or upload your json file to see the layout in kbfirmware.com? In short, I'd like the answer but also I'd like to see how you got it  :))

I'm sure you're just missing one or two. I had the same issue as well. When I went over it carefully again I found that a couple were not unique.
Here is my json file that you can upload to the kbfirmware.com builder. Maybe do it in another tab on your browser so as not to mess yours up. They look similar so you are almost there.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/y39o51r35lwt2qf/cherry1800retoid.json?dl=0

The way these key switches are connected is a bit confusing.
« Last Edit: Sun, 07 February 2021, 12:13:07 by retoid »

Offline 3wisemonkeyfist

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Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #51 on: Mon, 08 February 2021, 10:44:52 »
You were right. I wasn't too far off the mark. Finally got my firmware done and got my hex file. When I plug in my pcb my computer doesn't recognize it to flash. When I plug in the board/ hit the reset button/short rst to gnd I hear it connect but only see it as "Unknown usb device (device descriptor request failed)". Have tried the google recommended steps to clear up the driver error but haven't had success getting it flashed. After searching r/mechanicalkeyboards I saw a lot of people had similar issues with other boards. I thought ok, maybe I accidently burned one of the components or something was faulty. So, I soldered a second pcb and am still getting the same error. I've gone through and updated all my drivers in windows, have tried using zadiq from a video someone shared on reddit, tried different cables, different pcs. I'm tempted to send the parts to someone else to see if they have the same experience. I am known to shock my electronics but I wear anti static bracelets when touching the components and pcbs. Could this be the issue?

Offline King Icewind

  • Posts: 51
    • Keys of Kings
Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #52 on: Mon, 08 February 2021, 11:02:29 »
Can you post an image of the USB connector and MCU solder points?

Offline retoid

  • Posts: 122
Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #53 on: Mon, 08 February 2021, 11:48:35 »
It's normal that your computer is not going to recognize the USB Device until the IC has been flashed.
When you open up QMK Toolbox and plug in your 1800 PCB via USB, does the QMK Toolbox output any text in yellow before or after you hit the reset button with it plugged in? It should tell you it's "Ready".

You only need to solder on and use a single USB socket also. The two others are just for different placements. But since you have all 3 on your PCB, try each connector and see if QMK Toolbox recognizes and says Ready for either of them. (I don't recall if it reads Ready, but it should say something like Device detected. Again make sure no other keyboard is plugged in while doing this.)
« Last Edit: Mon, 08 February 2021, 12:08:23 by retoid »

Offline 3wisemonkeyfist

  • Posts: 25
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  • Blacvelvetpengun
Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #54 on: Mon, 08 February 2021, 15:29:33 »
Can you post an image of the USB connector and MCU solder points?

I'm sorry for the potato pics. My iphone 6 struggles. I spend my money on keyboards lol

Offline 3wisemonkeyfist

  • Posts: 25
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  • Blacvelvetpengun
Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #55 on: Mon, 08 February 2021, 15:34:00 »
It's normal that your computer is not going to recognize the USB Device until the IC has been flashed.
When you open up QMK Toolbox and plug in your 1800 PCB via USB, does the QMK Toolbox output any text in yellow before or after you hit the reset button with it plugged in? It should tell you it's "Ready".

You only need to solder on and use a single USB socket also. The two others are just for different placements. But since you have all 3 on your PCB, try each connector and see if QMK Toolbox recognizes and says Ready for either of them. (I don't recall if it reads Ready, but it should say something like Device detected. Again make sure no other keyboard is plugged in while doing this.)

No matter what I do QMK Toolbox doesn't see the pcb at all. Awww, I was wondering why the bom had 3 usbs listed. Will remove the other two once its sorted, if it gets sorted. No ready, no yellow. Its blank. After googling it seems a lot of different devices have this issue. Some think its a Windows error, Windows blames the devices but I'm leaning more towards it being the usb connectors? If the board was borked it wouldn't recognize anything but it does. The error is all about the usb.

Offline retoid

  • Posts: 122
Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #56 on: Mon, 08 February 2021, 15:48:34 »
Hmm, maybe check your solder on the pins of the USB connections you're using on the PCB. Did you try all 3?
If there is any bridging on any of the pins on any of the 3 USB sockets it will likely cause an issue also.
Just noticed you uploaded pics, they look fine to me.

That's strange though. Did QMK Toolbox prompt you to install drivers when you first ran it? And you hit yes?
When I did this the first time I clicked no and it didn't work for me and I uninstalled the app and re-installed it and it didn't ask for drivers to be installed again. I forget what I did to get the drivers installed. But I had to have it ask me to install the drivers in order for it to work.
« Last Edit: Mon, 08 February 2021, 16:04:10 by retoid »

Offline 3wisemonkeyfist

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Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #57 on: Mon, 08 February 2021, 17:51:55 »
Yes, I tried my two cables in all three usb connectors but no go. I will try reflowing the solder on each of the pins for my microcontroller. I don't see that any of them are connected but a few may need a bit more solder.

When I first booted qmk toolbox it didn't prompt me to update the drivers but over all my attempts I did check and update them. I will try removing qmk tool box and redownloading it to see if there was any that were missed.
« Last Edit: Mon, 08 February 2021, 18:17:00 by 3wisemonkeyfist »

Offline retoid

  • Posts: 122
Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #58 on: Mon, 08 February 2021, 19:15:11 »
Well shoot, I'm sorry you're have so much trouble with the very last step. You're so close to having a nice custom 1800!
What OS are you running?

Maybe this info can help?
https://docs.qmk.fm/#/driver_installation_zadig
« Last Edit: Mon, 08 February 2021, 19:17:36 by retoid »

Offline TEMzerozero

  • Posts: 1
Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #59 on: Tue, 09 February 2021, 17:00:53 »
This is some amazing work! Thanks Evy for publishing this design.

I love the 1800 layout and I'm really interested in getting this PCB made, but soldering SMD components is way outside my competence so I'm looking into SMT assembly with JLCPCB. It's a bit of a learning curve but so far I've generated a pick and place file from Kicad for the bottom side, edited the BOM into JLCPCB's format and added designators to match up with the PnP file, and identified alternative components for the ones not in JLCPCB's catalogue. However I'm still worried this will all end up some kind of mangled mess when it comes back. For instance the positions in the generated pick and place file don't seem to match up with the coordinates in Kicad, and most of the coordinates are negative (maybe they are supposed to be?).

Any advice here? Has anyone with more experience tried having one of these boards SMT assembled?

Offline Rico

  • Posts: 104
Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #60 on: Wed, 10 February 2021, 05:17:35 »
The first time I tried JLCPCB assembly PCBA, I also had components placed at crazy locations on the review.
The second time it was much better: all components placed at their correct locations with only the orientation that is sometimes wrong.

What I did this time is add an 'auxilary axis origin' in PcbNew.
You can place one easily in PcbNew: the icon to place one is on the right icon list, just after 'delete items' icon and before 'set origin point' icon.
You can place it for example at the top left or bottom left of the PCB (it does not have to be precise, it is just a reference).
You will have to regenerate the gerbers, drill and pos files afterwards.

And don't bother too much about component orientation as JLCPCB does manual inspection to check and fix thid specific problem.
But if you have OCD (like me :D ) you can modify the Rotation column value of such components and redo the supmission again until the results are good.
To be honnest I'd let them fix that part now that I know better how it works on their side.

Offline .

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Re: The GH80-1800 project
« Reply #61 on: Tue, 30 March 2021, 05:16:12 »

Offline Rayndalf

  • Posts: 472
Re: The GH80-1800 project
« Reply #62 on: Tue, 30 March 2021, 20:52:20 »
Looks oddly familiar....

https://thekey.company/products/pcb-for-tkc-1800
My first experience with TKC
And probably the worst PCB for a plateless MX G80-1800 build. The bottom row is total swiss cheese and you're paying $30 more for backlighting.

Offline retoid

  • Posts: 122
Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #63 on: Fri, 02 April 2021, 12:39:26 »
Why is this being brought up again? Did something new happen?

Offline Didrik

  • Posts: 2
Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #64 on: Mon, 19 July 2021, 08:02:25 »
I recently got my hands on an 1800 pcb and have been designing a sandwich case for it in cad. Would anyone be interested in the files once I have it finished? I’ve never posted to GitHub before but there’s a first timer for everything.

Offline cest73

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Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #65 on: Mon, 19 July 2021, 14:10:50 »
360 or FreeCAD?

Offline gavingoh

  • Posts: 13
Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #66 on: Wed, 21 July 2021, 20:35:08 »
Nice to have this pcb as open sourced!

Offline Didrik

  • Posts: 2
Re: GH80-1800, GH80-3003 and GH80-3700 open source PCBs
« Reply #67 on: Sat, 24 July 2021, 10:24:30 »
360 or FreeCAD?

360. In school for engineering and managed to get a student license. This is a good little side project to learn my way around the software.