Author Topic: the Norbaforce: after-market housing for RealForce TKL keyboards — SHIPPED (Read 251146 times)

Puddsy · « **Reply #450 on:** Sat, 10 March 2018, 13:59:09 »

Quote from: vinzlr on Sat, 10 March 2018, 13:53:16

What sliders would y’all recommend? I tried using some jtk sliders but they’re so loose that my keys fell off

kbdfans or novatouch if you can find them

Jca666us · « **Reply #451 on:** Sat, 10 March 2018, 19:07:17 »

I emailed keyclack.com a month ago - they're testing their own sliders. No idea on the ETA.

thelaughingman · « **Reply #452 on:** Wed, 14 March 2018, 10:16:28 »

Finally got myself a good deal for a 87UW55 today. Now I'm kinda sad that I didn't join this buy when it was active, but I couldn't pull the trigger then knowing I might not get a RF later. Such is life I guess. I've already subscribed to the mailing list in case there are spares (ideally Tactical black Winkey option:P).

Peddamann · « **Reply #453 on:** Thu, 15 March 2018, 10:57:16 »

a good deal for a realforce 87UW55 in germany is to get ANY realforce at all :-/
ordered a 87UW55 from the uk for around 260€ -_- (320$) RIP Wallet...
last item i need are some sliders...

Lansky · « **Reply #454 on:** Thu, 15 March 2018, 11:42:11 »

Just out of curiosity... How many cases are being manufactured?

crtexcnndrm99 · « **Reply #455 on:** Fri, 16 March 2018, 07:03:08 »

I may have to join the extras crowd - that's if there are to be any extras..

thelaughingman · « **Reply #456 on:** Fri, 16 March 2018, 09:53:35 »

Quote from: Peddamann on Thu, 15 March 2018, 10:57:16

a good deal for a realforce 87UW55 in germany is to get ANY realforce at all :-/
ordered a 87UW55 from the uk for around 260€ -_- (320$) RIP Wallet...
last item i need are some sliders...

WOW RIP wallet indeed my friend! Topre keyboards in Vietnam is also a very rare sight but the price is much better. I also need NT sliders now too

norbauer · « **Reply #457 on:** Fri, 16 March 2018, 13:25:35 »

Quote from: Lansky on Thu, 15 March 2018, 11:42:11

Just out of curiosity... How many cases are being manufactured?

Around 350 were ordered, which is part of why it's going to take a while for manufacturing to be complete (the other main reason being CNY). I myself was shocked by the popularity of the design and number of orders.

One thing is for sure: I'm going to have quite an interesting week sorting, inspecting, assembling, and shipping all these things when they come here to my home office. x_X But that's all part of the fun, so I'm actually looking forward to it.

The cases will all be coming with an instruction manual with some cool hand-drawn artwork I made with an illustrator friend, and I plan to be individually numbering and signing each one—just for the lulz. We're planning on printing them on a Japanese risograph printer, to keep with the Japanese vibe of the RealForce.

duckboi · « **Reply #458 on:** Fri, 16 March 2018, 15:57:10 »

Quote from: norbauer on Fri, 16 March 2018, 13:25:35

The cases will all be coming with an instruction manual with some cool hand-drawn artwork I made with an illustrator friend, and I plan to be individually numbering and signing each one—just for the lulz. We're planning on printing them on a Japanese risograph printer, to keep with the Japanese vibe of the RealForce.

Very cool, I can't wait to get mine!

ihalatch · « **Reply #459 on:** Fri, 16 March 2018, 20:01:23 »

Quote from: norbauer on Fri, 16 March 2018, 13:25:35

Quote from: Lansky on Thu, 15 March 2018, 11:42:11
Just out of curiosity... How many cases are being manufactured?

Around 350 were ordered, which is part of why it's going to take a while for manufacturing to be complete (the other main reason being CNY). I myself was shocked by the popularity of the design and number of orders.

One thing is for sure: I'm going to have quite an interesting week sorting, inspecting, assembling, and shipping all these things when they come here to my home office. x_X But that's all part of the fun, so I'm actually looking forward to it.

The cases will all be coming with an instruction manual with some cool hand-drawn artwork I made with an illustrator friend, and I plan to be individually numbering and signing each one—just for the lulz. We're planning on printing them on a Japanese risograph printer, to keep with the Japanese vibe of the RealForce.

Love ya mate. You are a creative fellow. Can't wait to put together my Norbaforce.

xondat · « **Reply #460 on:** Fri, 16 March 2018, 20:28:36 »

Quote from: norbauer on Fri, 16 March 2018, 13:25:35

Quote from: Lansky on Thu, 15 March 2018, 11:42:11
Just out of curiosity... How many cases are being manufactured?

Around 350 were ordered

Holy ****...

hayt · « **Reply #461 on:** Fri, 16 March 2018, 21:58:31 »

Quote from: xondat on Fri, 16 March 2018, 20:28:36

Quote from: norbauer on Fri, 16 March 2018, 13:25:35
Quote from: Lansky on Thu, 15 March 2018, 11:42:11
Just out of curiosity... How many cases are being manufactured?

Around 350 were ordered

Holy ****...

That's pretty dope. Didn't realize this many were being released into the wild.

Lansky · « **Reply #462 on:** Sat, 17 March 2018, 05:09:33 »

Quote from: norbauer on Fri, 16 March 2018, 13:25:35

Quote from: Lansky on Thu, 15 March 2018, 11:42:11
Just out of curiosity... How many cases are being manufactured?

Around 350 were ordered, which is part of why it's going to take a while for manufacturing to be complete (the other main reason being CNY). I myself was shocked by the popularity of the design and number of orders.

One thing is for sure: I'm going to have quite an interesting week sorting, inspecting, assembling, and shipping all these things when they come here to my home office. x_X But that's all part of the fun, so I'm actually looking forward to it.

The cases will all be coming with an instruction manual with some cool hand-drawn artwork I made with an illustrator friend, and I plan to be individually numbering and signing each one—just for the lulz. We're planning on printing them on a Japanese risograph printer, to keep with the Japanese vibe of the RealForce.

Wow, congrats! That's impressive!

And that sounds really nice, can't wait till I get mine.

nmur · « **Reply #463 on:** Sat, 17 March 2018, 07:45:43 »

Quote from: xondat on Fri, 16 March 2018, 20:28:36

Quote from: norbauer on Fri, 16 March 2018, 13:25:35
Quote from: Lansky on Thu, 15 March 2018, 11:42:11
Just out of curiosity... How many cases are being manufactured?

Around 350 were ordered

Holy ****...

that's like literally 1 tonne of keyboard

Kerasan · « **Reply #464 on:** Sat, 17 March 2018, 10:22:06 »

Quote

The cases will all be coming with an instruction manual with some cool hand-drawn artwork I made with an illustrator friend, and I plan to be individually numbering and signing each one—just for the lulz. We're planning on printing them on a Japanese risograph printer, to keep with the Japanese vibe of the RealForce.

What?

you are from another category,

not just details but norbadetails.

Kerasan KMK Labs

dgneo · « **Reply #465 on:** Sat, 17 March 2018, 10:43:03 »

Quote from: norbauer on Fri, 16 March 2018, 13:25:35

Quote from: Lansky on Thu, 15 March 2018, 11:42:11
Just out of curiosity... How many cases are being manufactured?

Around 350 were ordered, which is part of why it's going to take a while for manufacturing to be complete (the other main reason being CNY). I myself was shocked by the popularity of the design and number of orders.

One thing is for sure: I'm going to have quite an interesting week sorting, inspecting, assembling, and shipping all these things when they come here to my home office. x_X But that's all part of the fun, so I'm actually looking forward to it.

The cases will all be coming with an instruction manual with some cool hand-drawn artwork I made with an illustrator friend, and I plan to be individually numbering and signing each one—just for the lulz. We're planning on printing them on a Japanese risograph printer, to keep with the Japanese vibe of the RealForce.

pls tell me there's extras?

regionfree · « **Reply #466 on:** Sat, 17 March 2018, 23:32:32 »

there probably will be, as some of those who purchases will probably have a change in their financial situations, which might cause them to cancel.

in my case, I ordered 2 and I will very probably sell one off once I get them. I couldn't make up my mind between the silver alu and enigma black.

Quote from: dgneo on Sat, 17 March 2018, 10:43:03

pls tell me there's extras?

EugeneYap83 · « **Reply #467 on:** Mon, 19 March 2018, 23:30:41 »

Quote from: norbauer on Fri, 16 March 2018, 13:25:35

Quote from: Lansky on Thu, 15 March 2018, 11:42:11
Just out of curiosity... How many cases are being manufactured?

Around 350 were ordered, which is part of why it's going to take a while for manufacturing to be complete (the other main reason being CNY). I myself was shocked by the popularity of the design and number of orders.

One thing is for sure: I'm going to have quite an interesting week sorting, inspecting, assembling, and shipping all these things when they come here to my home office. x_X But that's all part of the fun, so I'm actually looking forward to it.

The cases will all be coming with an instruction manual with some cool hand-drawn artwork I made with an illustrator friend, and I plan to be individually numbering and signing each one—just for the lulz. We're planning on printing them on a Japanese risograph printer, to keep with the Japanese vibe of the RealForce.

Wow! JUST WOW! You have just make me more inpatient for the case. (In a good sense).
I’ll be sure to show to my friends once I’m done building the keyboard and poison them into norba*insert projectName*.

Puddsy · « **Reply #468 on:** Tue, 20 March 2018, 01:34:38 »

Quote from: xondat on Fri, 16 March 2018, 20:28:36

Quote from: norbauer on Fri, 16 March 2018, 13:25:35
Quote from: Lansky on Thu, 15 March 2018, 11:42:11
Just out of curiosity... How many cases are being manufactured?

Around 350 were ordered

Holy ****...

that's so ****ing many

do you even have space for that many cases? like holy ****

PurpleURP · « **Reply #469 on:** Wed, 21 March 2018, 16:08:28 »

Quote from: clappingcactus on Thu, 11 January 2018, 21:00:00

Brass backplate update:

@ order quantities;

Brushed:
For 1: $230
For 5: $104
For 10: $100
For 20: $90

The place also contracts a Rolex (re)finisher for their PVD work, and can get Nickel and Gold done. The Nickel PVD plating would cost about $50-70ish, and the Gold PVD would cost $100-$150ish (because the Gold actual is double-plated, with a base of Nickel first). I understand this puts the highest end plate at around $250ish which is a lot, but advantages include impeccable work, great QC and turnaround time (I guarantee your plates will arrive before the case does).

I would be taking in three extra plates' worth of money just in case of accidents or mis-estimated pricings. Shipping worldwide from Canada is about $40 per piece, and I'd be 'paying myself' $15 per hour for the administrative duties (estimated 6 hours work) (and I'll actually be donating all this money to a homeless shelter local to me with a donation receipt for all to see). Any surplus cash will be listed clearly after the buy, and will be available to be forwarded in lump-sum to any buys related to Norbauer's cases (i.e. if someone wants to take on a brass plate or offer a re-anodization process or for Norbauer himself to prototype future cases etc.).

How does this sound?

edit: All prices in CAD which currently trades for 0.8USD.

pmd, hopefully not too late

hayt · « **Reply #470 on:** Wed, 21 March 2018, 16:11:47 »

Quote from: PurpleURP on Wed, 21 March 2018, 16:08:28

Quote from: clappingcactus on Thu, 11 January 2018, 21:00:00
Brass backplate update:

@ order quantities;

Brushed:
For 1: $230
For 5: $104
For 10: $100
For 20: $90

The place also contracts a Rolex (re)finisher for their PVD work, and can get Nickel and Gold done. The Nickel PVD plating would cost about $50-70ish, and the Gold PVD would cost $100-$150ish (because the Gold actual is double-plated, with a base of Nickel first). I understand this puts the highest end plate at around $250ish which is a lot, but advantages include impeccable work, great QC and turnaround time (I guarantee your plates will arrive before the case does).

I would be taking in three extra plates' worth of money just in case of accidents or mis-estimated pricings. Shipping worldwide from Canada is about $40 per piece, and I'd be 'paying myself' $15 per hour for the administrative duties (estimated 6 hours work) (and I'll actually be donating all this money to a homeless shelter local to me with a donation receipt for all to see). Any surplus cash will be listed clearly after the buy, and will be available to be forwarded in lump-sum to any buys related to Norbauer's cases (i.e. if someone wants to take on a brass plate or offer a re-anodization process or for Norbauer himself to prototype future cases etc.).

How does this sound?

edit: All prices in CAD which currently trades for 0.8USD.

pmd, hopefully not too late

Were orders being taken for these brass plates? Maybe I missed it.

norbauer · « **Reply #471 on:** Wed, 21 March 2018, 16:11:59 »

Quote from: Puddsy on Tue, 20 March 2018, 01:34:38

Quote from: xondat on Fri, 16 March 2018, 20:28:36
Quote from: norbauer on Fri, 16 March 2018, 13:25:35
Quote from: Lansky on Thu, 15 March 2018, 11:42:11
Just out of curiosity... How many cases are being manufactured?

Around 350 were ordered

Holy ****...

that's so ****ing many

do you even have space for that many cases? like holy ****

lol. I'm trying not to think about this quite yet.

Like I said, it's going to make for an interesting week in my living room.

HotRoderX · « **Reply #472 on:** Wed, 21 March 2018, 16:15:26 »

Quote from: norbauer on Wed, 21 March 2018, 16:11:59

Quote from: Puddsy on Tue, 20 March 2018, 01:34:38
Quote from: xondat on Fri, 16 March 2018, 20:28:36
Quote from: norbauer on Fri, 16 March 2018, 13:25:35
Quote from: Lansky on Thu, 15 March 2018, 11:42:11
Just out of curiosity... How many cases are being manufactured?

Around 350 were ordered

Holy ****...

that's so ****ing many

do you even have space for that many cases? like holy ****

lol. I'm trying not to think about this quite yet. Like I said, it's going to make for an interesting week in my living room.

I am getting more and more excited!!! I can't wait for my case to ship! Are you doing shipping in tiers? Meaning the non powder coated cases will go out a lot sooner then the powder coated ones? I got a tactical black and can't wait!!!

norbauer · « **Reply #473 on:** Wed, 21 March 2018, 16:19:17 »

Quote from: HotRoderX on Wed, 21 March 2018, 16:15:26

I am getting more and more excited!!! I can't wait for my case to ship! Are you doing shipping in tiers? Meaning the non powder coated cases will go out a lot sooner then the powder coated ones? I got a tactical black and can't wait!!!

Yes, the anodized cases will ship much sooner than the powder cases, but still not until later in the spring or summer. As expected, CNY really caused this production run to take quite a while to get rolling. But they're being machined right now.

The powder ones are basically custom-made, nearly one-by-one by a small local shop, so they take time. They're still finishing up Novatouch cases for me right now actually.

sethbc · « **Reply #474 on:** Wed, 21 March 2018, 16:30:01 »

Quote from: haytorious on Wed, 21 March 2018, 16:11:47

Quote from: PurpleURP on Wed, 21 March 2018, 16:08:28
Quote from: clappingcactus on Thu, 11 January 2018, 21:00:00
Brass backplate update:

@ order quantities;

Brushed:
For 1: $230
For 5: $104
For 10: $100
For 20: $90

The place also contracts a Rolex (re)finisher for their PVD work, and can get Nickel and Gold done. The Nickel PVD plating would cost about $50-70ish, and the Gold PVD would cost $100-$150ish (because the Gold actual is double-plated, with a base of Nickel first). I understand this puts the highest end plate at around $250ish which is a lot, but advantages include impeccable work, great QC and turnaround time (I guarantee your plates will arrive before the case does).

I would be taking in three extra plates' worth of money just in case of accidents or mis-estimated pricings. Shipping worldwide from Canada is about $40 per piece, and I'd be 'paying myself' $15 per hour for the administrative duties (estimated 6 hours work) (and I'll actually be donating all this money to a homeless shelter local to me with a donation receipt for all to see). Any surplus cash will be listed clearly after the buy, and will be available to be forwarded in lump-sum to any buys related to Norbauer's cases (i.e. if someone wants to take on a brass plate or offer a re-anodization process or for Norbauer himself to prototype future cases etc.).

How does this sound?

edit: All prices in CAD which currently trades for 0.8USD.

pmd, hopefully not too late

Were orders being taken for these brass plates? Maybe I missed it.

I still haven't seen anything on this in a while either, i'd be down.

hayt · « **Reply #475 on:** Wed, 28 March 2018, 15:32:22 »

NE Updates on the brass plate avail?

norbauer · « **Reply #476 on:** Wed, 28 March 2018, 16:32:32 »

Quote from: haytorious on Wed, 28 March 2018, 15:32:22

NE Updates on the brass plate avail?

We haven't heard from clappingcactus in a while. I don't want to step on his toes, as I know he was busy with school, but if for some reason he prefers not to complete the project, I'll look into making something similar available this summer, around the time when the Norbaforces ship. My current experiments on the heavy-6 have made me realize that at least doing a brushed brass backplate isn't too hard. Stainless steel with PVD coating could also be an option. I'm looking into that also right now for the Heavy-6.

alisonica · « **Reply #477 on:** Wed, 28 March 2018, 18:32:45 »

Quote from: norbauer on Wed, 28 March 2018, 16:32:32

Quote from: haytorious on Wed, 28 March 2018, 15:32:22
NE Updates on the brass plate avail?

We haven't heard from clappingcactus in a while. I don't want to step on his toes, as I know he was busy with school, but if for some reason he prefers not to complete the project, I'll look into making something similar available this summer, around the time when the Norbaforces ship. My current experiments on the heavy-6 have made me realize that at least doing a brushed brass backplate isn't too hard. Stainless steel with PVD coating could also be an option. I'm looking into that also right now for the Heavy-6.

Nice, i'm in for this for my 5 norbaforces, also in for 2 Heavy-6.

xondat · « **Reply #478 on:** Wed, 28 March 2018, 18:34:16 »

Quote from: alisonica on Wed, 28 March 2018, 18:32:45

Quote from: norbauer on Wed, 28 March 2018, 16:32:32
Quote from: haytorious on Wed, 28 March 2018, 15:32:22
NE Updates on the brass plate avail?

We haven't heard from clappingcactus in a while. I don't want to step on his toes, as I know he was busy with school, but if for some reason he prefers not to complete the project, I'll look into making something similar available this summer, around the time when the Norbaforces ship. My current experiments on the heavy-6 have made me realize that at least doing a brushed brass backplate isn't too hard. Stainless steel with PVD coating could also be an option. I'm looking into that also right now for the Heavy-6.

Nice, i'm in for this for my 5 norbaforces, also in for 2 Heavy-6.

FIVE?!

Bloody hell. I want to see all these builds when they happen!

braidn · « **Reply #479 on:** Wed, 28 March 2018, 22:04:08 »

Quote from: alisonica on Wed, 28 March 2018, 18:32:45

Quote from: norbauer on Wed, 28 March 2018, 16:32:32
Quote from: haytorious on Wed, 28 March 2018, 15:32:22
NE Updates on the brass plate avail?

We haven't heard from clappingcactus in a while. I don't want to step on his toes, as I know he was busy with school, but if for some reason he prefers not to complete the project, I'll look into making something similar available this summer, around the time when the Norbaforces ship. My current experiments on the heavy-6 have made me realize that at least doing a brushed brass backplate isn't too hard. Stainless steel with PVD coating could also be an option. I'm looking into that also right now for the Heavy-6.

Nice, i'm in for this for my 5 norbaforces, also in for 2 Heavy-6.

Five is a pretty impressive number. Doubly so with the impressive number to acquire a single case.

Peddamann · « **Reply #480 on:** Tue, 03 April 2018, 12:20:31 »

new video for all who didnt sub the maestro's youtube channel yet

Darknight00z · « **Reply #481 on:** Sun, 08 April 2018, 19:52:03 »

Did we manage to find someone to add custom programming on the breakout PCB? My norbatouch is seriously lacking this feature.

Puddsy · « **Reply #482 on:** Sun, 08 April 2018, 21:38:48 »

Quote from: Darknight00z on Sun, 08 April 2018, 19:52:03

Did we manage to find someone to add custom programming on the breakout PCB? My norbatouch is seriously lacking this feature.

from what xondat says in the XRF thread, it is impossible and a new pcb/firmware needs to be designed

apparently it is under development now

speedyzy · « **Reply #483 on:** Sun, 15 April 2018, 12:45:16 »

I cant believe I missed this ;-;

xondat · « **Reply #484 on:** Sun, 15 April 2018, 13:03:10 »

Quote from: Puddsy on Sun, 08 April 2018, 21:38:48

Quote from: Darknight00z on Sun, 08 April 2018, 19:52:03
Did we manage to find someone to add custom programming on the breakout PCB? My norbatouch is seriously lacking this feature.

from what xondat says in the XRF thread, it is impossible and a new pcb/firmware needs to be designed

apparently it is under development now

Only just seen this so thought I'd weigh in.

To explain it best, it's important to outline why it's possible on the HHKB.

With the HHKB, you have the main PCB, which is where the domes/spring sit etc. This board has the matrix, and then is plugged into the other PCB. The other PCB has the controller on. Stock, it isn't possible to program the HHKB due to the controller, but because the side PCB is easily replaceable, you can edit it like that. It's why Hasu has a PCB replacement only for the HHKB.

The RF is different in this sense (but similar to most keyboard PCBs) where the controller and the matrix are on the whole board. This means there is no where to "intercept" the communication between the matrix and the controller, so it leaves only one option, which is to try and program the controller... But you can't, as there isn't any where to plug in or whatever. I think it's possible to solder wires to the controller, but at this point, it's too messy.

With the RF, you can have a breakout PCB to change the type of connector, but you can't edit the keycodes directly. Think of it as being read only after the information has gone through the controller.

So with the HHKB, you have this:

Key press -> matrix -> through connecting cable -> controller -> physical output

RF is:

Key press -> matrix -> controller -> physical output

Now with a breakout PCB, you can change the physical output, but you can't directly edit the keycode.

It is possible to have a small PCB that takes whatever it's given from the controller, and edit it like this, but this adds latency, and it isn't what we really want, so it'd be pointless to put time development into that.

We want to edit what the controller gives, not what the computer receives.

Why haven't there been any complete PCB replacements yet? It's incredibly complex, and there isn't any public knowledge on it. We all know Topre works using capacitive sensing, which is infinitely more complex than Cherry where it's either on or off.

Hope that explains it well

Disclaimer: I'm not a PCB designer, and honestly I don't understand how you'd do it, but I think I understand the reasoning of why you can't simply use a breakout board.

duynguyenle · « **Reply #485 on:** Sun, 15 April 2018, 15:04:14 »

Quote from: xondat on Sun, 15 April 2018, 13:03:10

Quote from: Puddsy on Sun, 08 April 2018, 21:38:48
Quote from: Darknight00z on Sun, 08 April 2018, 19:52:03
Did we manage to find someone to add custom programming on the breakout PCB? My norbatouch is seriously lacking this feature.

from what xondat says in the XRF thread, it is impossible and a new pcb/firmware needs to be designed

apparently it is under development now

Only just seen this so thought I'd weigh in.

To explain it best, it's important to outline why it's possible on the HHKB.

With the HHKB, you have the main PCB, which is where the domes/spring sit etc. This board has the matrix, and then is plugged into the other PCB. The other PCB has the controller on. Stock, it isn't possible to program the HHKB due to the controller, but because the side PCB is easily replaceable, you can edit it like that. It's why Hasu has a PCB replacement only for the HHKB.

The RF is different in this sense (but similar to most keyboard PCBs) where the controller and the matrix are on the whole board. This means there is no where to "intercept" the communication between the matrix and the controller, so it leaves only one option, which is to try and program the controller... But you can't, as there isn't any where to plug in or whatever. I think it's possible to solder wires to the controller, but at this point, it's too messy.

With the RF, you can have a breakout PCB to change the type of connector, but you can't edit the keycodes directly. Think of it as being read only after the information has gone through the controller.

So with the HHKB, you have this:

Key press -> matrix -> through connecting cable -> controller -> physical output

RF is:

Key press -> matrix -> controller -> physical output

Now with a breakout PCB, you can change the physical output, but you can't directly edit the keycode.

It is possible to have a small PCB that takes whatever it's given from the controller, and edit it like this, but this adds latency, and it isn't what we really want, so it'd be pointless to put time development into that.

We want to edit what the controller gives, not what the computer receives.

Why haven't there been any complete PCB replacements yet? It's incredibly complex, and there isn't any public knowledge on it. We all know Topre works using capacitive sensing, which is infinitely more complex than Cherry where it's either on or off.

Hope that explains it well

Disclaimer: I'm not a PCB designer, and honestly I don't understand how you'd do it, but I think I understand the reasoning of why you can't simply use a breakout board.

This is actually what the Hasu's TMK USB to USB converter does, iirc it doesn't add much latency, and is pretty much completely transparent to the end-user. Perhaps if you're a CSGO Pro you might notice the difference, but I reckon most mortal plebs like us wouldn't even notice a few extra miliseconds of latency when using a man-in-the-middle such as this.

Link for further info:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=74708.0

Since this is TMK-based, it probably wouldn't be too hard to port over to QMK if someone has the time and expertise to play around with it a bit.

Darknight00z · « **Reply #486 on:** Sun, 15 April 2018, 16:30:04 »

Quote from: xondat on Sun, 15 April 2018, 13:03:10

Quote from: Puddsy on Sun, 08 April 2018, 21:38:48
Quote from: Darknight00z on Sun, 08 April 2018, 19:52:03
Did we manage to find someone to add custom programming on the breakout PCB? My norbatouch is seriously lacking this feature.

from what xondat says in the XRF thread, it is impossible and a new pcb/firmware needs to be designed

apparently it is under development now

Appreciate the thorough insight! Thanks!

Only just seen this so thought I'd weigh in.

To explain it best, it's important to outline why it's possible on the HHKB.

With the HHKB, you have the main PCB, which is where the domes/spring sit etc. This board has the matrix, and then is plugged into the other PCB. The other PCB has the controller on. Stock, it isn't possible to program the HHKB due to the controller, but because the side PCB is easily replaceable, you can edit it like that. It's why Hasu has a PCB replacement only for the HHKB.

The RF is different in this sense (but similar to most keyboard PCBs) where the controller and the matrix are on the whole board. This means there is no where to "intercept" the communication between the matrix and the controller, so it leaves only one option, which is to try and program the controller... But you can't, as there isn't any where to plug in or whatever. I think it's possible to solder wires to the controller, but at this point, it's too messy.

With the RF, you can have a breakout PCB to change the type of connector, but you can't edit the keycodes directly. Think of it as being read only after the information has gone through the controller.

So with the HHKB, you have this:

Key press -> matrix -> through connecting cable -> controller -> physical output

RF is:

Key press -> matrix -> controller -> physical output

Now with a breakout PCB, you can change the physical output, but you can't directly edit the keycode.

It is possible to have a small PCB that takes whatever it's given from the controller, and edit it like this, but this adds latency, and it isn't what we really want, so it'd be pointless to put time development into that.

We want to edit what the controller gives, not what the computer receives.

Why haven't there been any complete PCB replacements yet? It's incredibly complex, and there isn't any public knowledge on it. We all know Topre works using capacitive sensing, which is infinitely more complex than Cherry where it's either on or off.

Hope that explains it well

Disclaimer: I'm not a PCB designer, and honestly I don't understand how you'd do it, but I think I understand the reasoning of why you can't simply use a breakout board.

ag36 · « **Reply #487 on:** Wed, 25 April 2018, 16:34:16 »

Most topre boards and hhkb can be directly ordered from amazon jp, delivery is around £15 for eu. *ansi and jis only

MajorKoos · « **Reply #488 on:** Wed, 25 April 2018, 17:10:16 »

Massdrop has some 87U models on sale for about $200 now.

Kerasan · « **Reply #489 on:** Wed, 25 April 2018, 17:42:53 »

Quote from: norbauer on Wed, 28 March 2018, 16:32:32

Quote from: haytorious on Wed, 28 March 2018, 15:32:22
NE Updates on the brass plate avail?

We haven't heard from clappingcactus in a while. I don't want to step on his toes, as I know he was busy with school, but if for some reason he prefers not to complete the project, I'll look into making something similar available this summer, around the time when the Norbaforces ship. My current experiments on the heavy-6 have made me realize that at least doing a brushed brass backplate isn't too hard. Stainless steel with PVD coating could also be an option. I'm looking into that also right now for the Heavy-6.

Wold be great!

KMK Labs.

norbauer · « **Reply #490 on:** Fri, 27 April 2018, 11:20:49 »

I just wanted to provide an update on the project. Machining of all the cases is complete and anodizing work is wrapping up in the next week or two.

Here are some Aerospace Aluminum cases drying after they came out of the anodizing tank.

We do still have some waiting left to do, however. I opted to try to something a little fancy with the packaging, and the hand-assembled boxes won't be done until likely late May. Then inspection, assembly, trans-Pacific shipment, etc. I think we're still on track with my original time estimate, however; I'm hoping early in the summer for shipment of the anodized assemblies to group buy participants. The custom powder coat cases will follow as the shop here in California turns them around.

Lansky · « **Reply #491 on:** Fri, 27 April 2018, 12:00:48 »

Hype!

Puddsy · « **Reply #492 on:** Fri, 27 April 2018, 12:22:56 »

Quote from: norbauer on Fri, 27 April 2018, 11:20:49

I just wanted to provide an update on the project. Machining of all the cases is complete and anodizing work is wrapping up in the next week or two.

Here are some Aerospace Aluminum cases drying after they came out of the anodizing tank.

Show Image

We do still have some waiting left to do, however. I opted to try to something a little fancy with the packaging, and the hand-assembled boxes won't be done until likely late May. Then inspection, assembly, trans-Pacific shipment, etc. I think we're still on track with my original time estimate, however; I'm hoping early in the summer for shipment of the anodized assemblies to group buy participants. The custom powder coat cases will follow as the shop here in California turns them around.

good update

looks great

Mr_BeastQuake · « **Reply #493 on:** Fri, 27 April 2018, 19:07:28 »

*googles when summer starts*

xondat · « **Reply #494 on:** Fri, 27 April 2018, 19:09:39 »

Quote from: Mr_BeastQuake on Fri, 27 April 2018, 19:07:28

*googles when summer starts*

June 21st for anyone wondering

Can't come quicker, I want to pick one up.

norbauer · « **Reply #495 on:** Fri, 27 April 2018, 19:13:55 »

Quote from: Mr_BeastQuake on Fri, 27 April 2018, 19:07:28

*googles when summer starts*

lol. I had to do the same thing today when posting that. This is clearly—intentionally—not a particularly precise timeline, but it seems roughly correct.

It's kind of wacky that the last thing to be complete will be the packaging (same thing is happening to me with Galaxy Class right now). Maybe I need to start looking for a new box factory.

braidn · « **Reply #496 on:** Sat, 28 April 2018, 11:06:19 »

Quote from: norbauer on Fri, 27 April 2018, 11:20:49

I just wanted to provide an update on the project. Machining of all the cases is complete and anodizing work is wrapping up in the next week or two.

Here are some Aerospace Aluminum cases drying after they came out of the anodizing tank.

Show Image

We do still have some waiting left to do, however. I opted to try to something a little fancy with the packaging, and the hand-assembled boxes won't be done until likely late May. Then inspection, assembly, trans-Pacific shipment, etc. I think we're still on track with my original time estimate, however; I'm hoping early in the summer for shipment of the anodized assemblies to group buy participants. The custom powder coat cases will follow as the shop here in California turns them around.

Absolute hype! Excited things are going smooth and the project is on target. Feeling this and the M60 are going to produce some interesting summer builds.

tanvir175 · « **Reply #497 on:** Sat, 28 April 2018, 16:45:29 »

Quote from: braidn on Sat, 28 April 2018, 11:06:19

Quote from: norbauer on Fri, 27 April 2018, 11:20:49
I just wanted to provide an update on the project. Machining of all the cases is complete and anodizing work is wrapping up in the next week or two.

Here are some Aerospace Aluminum cases drying after they came out of the anodizing tank.

Show Image

We do still have some waiting left to do, however. I opted to try to something a little fancy with the packaging, and the hand-assembled boxes won't be done until likely late May. Then inspection, assembly, trans-Pacific shipment, etc. I think we're still on track with my original time estimate, however; I'm hoping early in the summer for shipment of the anodized assemblies to group buy participants. The custom powder coat cases will follow as the shop here in California turns them around.

Absolute hype! Excited things are going smooth and the project is on target. Feeling this and the M60 are going to produce some interesting summer builds.

>M60
>build
>cries in hotswap

HotRoderX · « **Reply #498 on:** Sun, 29 April 2018, 02:15:00 »

norbauer might have answered this before but not sure can't remember. Do you know if the non powder coated board's will ship earlier then the powder coated ones?

duckboi · « **Reply #499 on:** Sun, 29 April 2018, 06:46:32 »

Quote from: HotRoderX on Sun, 29 April 2018, 02:15:00

norbauer might have answered this before but not sure can't remember. Do you know if the non powder coated board's will ship earlier then the powder coated ones?

He said that they would in the most recent update above.

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Author Topic: the Norbaforce: after-market housing for RealForce TKL keyboards — SHIPPED (Read 251146 times)