Author Topic: Apple Extended Keyboard - Mods ? - Is it Worth at All ? (Read 40137 times)

sprit · « **on:** Sun, 06 October 2013, 19:51:00 »

Apple Ext. Mods - Post Yours !

* Let The Skull Return - Oldies Mods, TransAnimation, CPR > https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=49408.0

Sniping · « **Reply #1 on:** Sun, 06 October 2013, 20:00:41 »

Wow, that's very nice. Thinking of adding those colored keycaps to the new board?

rowdy · « **Reply #2 on:** Sun, 06 October 2013, 20:18:50 »

Interesting.

And these still function as Apple keyboards?

Have they USB connection?

sprit · « **Reply #3 on:** Sun, 06 October 2013, 20:34:11 »

Hello! Yes, USB mod.

Michael · « **Reply #4 on:** Sun, 06 October 2013, 20:47:04 »

Can you condense your plethora of posts in here to one place?....

mkawa · « **Reply #5 on:** Sun, 06 October 2013, 21:42:31 »

beautiful! love the colors! on the AEK2!

mkawa · « **Reply #6 on:** Sun, 06 October 2013, 21:42:39 »

is that RIT dye?

Steven · « **Reply #7 on:** Sun, 06 October 2013, 22:24:40 »

Those Apple keyboards in the first 3 pics, I have nv seen them before. I like the third one most, what is that keyboard called?

sprit · « **Reply #8 on:** Mon, 07 October 2013, 01:11:16 »

Quote from: mkawa on Sun, 06 October 2013, 21:42:39

is that RIT dye?

Hello~ dylon dye.

sprit · « **Reply #9 on:** Mon, 07 October 2013, 01:12:14 »

Quote from: Sniping on Sun, 06 October 2013, 20:00:41

Wow, that's very nice. Thinking of adding those colored keycaps to the new board?

Sure, I'd love to

sprit · « **Reply #10 on:** Mon, 07 October 2013, 01:13:51 »

Quote from: Bro Caps on Sun, 06 October 2013, 20:47:04

Can you condense your plethora of posts in here to one place?....

Hello!! Nice to Meet You~ Sorry for That. Newbie's fault

Dubsgalore · « **Reply #11 on:** Mon, 07 October 2013, 01:14:46 »

Quote from: sprit on Mon, 07 October 2013, 01:13:51

Hello!! Nice to Meet You~ Sorry for That. Newbie's fault

Everyone is a newbie at one point

)

sprit · « **Reply #12 on:** Mon, 07 October 2013, 01:16:30 »

Quote from: lowyatguy on Sun, 06 October 2013, 22:24:40

Those Apple keyboards in the first 3 pics, I have nv seen them before. I like the third one most, what is that keyboard called?

Cut and mod the apple PCB and Case. Put some LED's backside.

Findecanor · « **Reply #13 on:** Mon, 07 October 2013, 06:49:22 »

That's beautiful! I like the dyed number keys for showing the function key groups.

BTW, that is the AEKII, not the AEK, right? If it was the AEK, then the rainbow Apple logo would still be on the left side of the keyboard.

sprit · « **Reply #14 on:** Mon, 07 October 2013, 07:03:44 »

Quote from: Findecanor on Mon, 07 October 2013, 06:49:22

That's beautiful! I like the dyed number keys for showing the function key groups.

BTW, that is the AEKII, not the AEK, right? If it was the AEK, then the rainbow Apple logo would still be on the left side of the keyboard.

Allo ! Gut to see You! Yes Right! It is II, a little bit modified to Alps White Click SW.

lewi · « **Reply #15 on:** Mon, 07 October 2013, 07:54:54 »

와우 이츠 리알리 뷰리뽀으
하어빳 마 잉글리시 마 푸렌?

Grimey · « **Reply #16 on:** Mon, 07 October 2013, 11:21:41 »

I would very much appreciate some photographs of the modified PCBs if possible, thanks.

CPTBadAss · « **Reply #17 on:** Mon, 07 October 2013, 11:46:11 »

Quote from: Grimey on Mon, 07 October 2013, 11:21:41

I would very much appreciate some photographs of the modified PCBs if possible, thanks.

I would like this as well. I have an AEK just itching to be transformed into one of these beauties.

sprit · « **Reply #18 on:** Mon, 07 October 2013, 21:41:25 »

updated some Apple Ext photos.
I will post PCB wiring and case rebuilding soon. Thanks a lot !!

mashby · « **Reply #19 on:** Tue, 08 October 2013, 10:42:35 »

What 60% keyboard are you using to get that layout?

sprit · « **Reply #20 on:** Tue, 08 October 2013, 10:48:01 »

Hello ! Apple Ext II PCB cut as Apple Mini - 39.jpg and wired to a USB controller.

Working on now, I'll post quite soon !

Here is a little bit different example, wired to an internal USB controller, saving ADB ports, ADB-USB terminated cable, LED lighting.

mashby · « **Reply #21 on:** Tue, 08 October 2013, 12:22:05 »

So this keyboard is a cut down Apple PCB?

sprit · « **Reply #22 on:** Tue, 08 October 2013, 12:29:25 »

Quote from: mashby on Tue, 08 October 2013, 12:22:05

So this keyboard is a cut down Apple PCB?

Yes Right! Cut down the Apple PCB, put it into a Poker case. = Both are the standard layout.
As you know, keycaps for the Apple Ext 1 and 2 are identical. Here are another working PCB's.

mashby · « **Reply #23 on:** Wed, 09 October 2013, 07:39:04 »

sprit · « **Reply #24 on:** Thu, 10 October 2013, 01:04:15 »

Working on more simple wiring, and trying another USB controller. Now post a rough wiring concept.
Can I post the detail later? I need some more.

A Rough Wiring Schema.

sprit · « **Reply #25 on:** Fri, 11 October 2013, 08:04:37 »

Another Apple to bite ! internal USB Controller. LED mod control.

mashby · « **Reply #26 on:** Fri, 11 October 2013, 09:06:11 »

How do you mount the PCB into the case?

sprit · « **Reply #27 on:** Fri, 11 October 2013, 09:25:49 »

Hello! How are You?

Need a little drilling . A whole New PCB is being prepared as I replied up there.

sprit · « **Reply #28 on:** Fri, 11 October 2013, 13:35:47 »

I loved You then, my blood was ......

sprit · « **Reply #29 on:** Sat, 12 October 2013, 14:14:31 »

Quote from: lewi on Mon, 07 October 2013, 07:54:54

와우 이츠 리알리 뷰리뽀으 = Wow she's really Beautiful
하어빳 마 잉글리시 마 푸렌? = How about ma English, ma Friend? Kangnam style~

I love You my bro, Lewi

You are The Maximus Ultimus Lingusticus!

sprit · « **Reply #30 on:** Mon, 14 October 2013, 23:46:57 »

Another Mod by 다리 Dari, a korean keyboard lover. Dell, Omnikey with LZ usb controller.
bottom is Apple standard 0116. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Apple_(Standard)_Keyboard_M0116.jpg
http://www1.kbdmania.net/xe/photo/7500491

mashby · « **Reply #31 on:** Tue, 15 October 2013, 11:08:09 »

Looking good!

Findecanor · « **Reply #32 on:** Tue, 15 October 2013, 18:58:55 »

Oh.. you cut away a part of the main PCB to make the controller fit!

sprit · « **Reply #33 on:** Wed, 16 October 2013, 20:13:04 »

LED mod by Dari 다리, a committed ALPS Lover.
http://www1.kbdmania.net/xe/photo/7510321

Findecanor · « **Reply #34 on:** Sat, 19 October 2013, 22:06:25 »

I am not really a fan of multicoloured keys or of backlighting... but the multicoloured numerical keys gave me an idea:
If you have a compact keyboard, you could make the number keys light up with red, green and blue LEDs when you press the Fn key.
Not easy if you have other backlighting also, because while White/Red 3mm bicolor LEDs seem to be available, White/Blue and White/Green are not.

sprit · « **Reply #35 on:** Sun, 20 October 2013, 05:17:24 »

Quote from: Findecanor on Sat, 19 October 2013, 22:06:25

I am not really a fan of multicoloured keys or of backlighting... but the multicoloured numerical keys gave me an idea:
If you have a compact keyboard, you could make the number keys light up with red, green and blue LEDs when you press the Fn key.
Not easy if you have other backlighting also, because while White/Red 3mm bicolor LEDs seem to be available, White/Blue and White/Green are not.

tack så mycket !! I will try it definitely !

BakaPhoenix · « **Reply #36 on:** Sat, 26 October 2013, 09:28:33 »

Wow nice work, i really like it

sprit · « **Reply #37 on:** Wed, 30 October 2013, 19:20:20 »

Apple Extended Back View! Am I pretty?

sprit · « **Reply #38 on:** Fri, 01 May 2015, 02:14:17 »

Alps custom springs IC is ON : https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=71357.0

A Groupbuy for the Simplified Alps switches may open in June after enough discussion and mind sharing.

ALPS Custom Springs IC > http://goo.gl/forms/tSoTFlM3hB

Yoe · « **Reply #39 on:** Fri, 01 May 2015, 05:09:35 »

Just finished my AEKII - Orange mod - yesterday. Replaced the dampened white Alps with orange alps. Replaced the green leds with orange ones with a bit more oomph. Finally dyed keycaps in those lovely orange/yellow colors from my previous board. Ta-daa!

Apple Extended Keyboard - Mods ? - Is it Worth at All ?

Hzza · « **Reply #40 on:** Fri, 01 May 2015, 05:25:49 »

Great mods guys.

I've had an idea for an Apple Adjustable mod I've been kicking around for a while, it'll probably be a good while before I get a chance to do anything with it though.

I'll keep popping back in here for inspiration

.

wakko · « **Reply #41 on:** Wed, 06 May 2015, 19:02:30 »

For Apple mini, when you cut the pcb, what did you do about broken connections? Pics? Thanks.

Paranoid · « **Reply #42 on:** Sat, 16 May 2015, 14:55:59 »

Anyone have a good guide for dying with Dylon? Or is it pretty similar as RIT dye?

Hzza · « **Reply #43 on:** Sat, 16 May 2015, 15:03:53 »

http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/how-to-dye-your-keycaps-a-visual-guide-t10672.html

Seems like a pretty good one, not tried it myself though so couldn't really say...

Yoe · « **Reply #44 on:** Sun, 17 May 2015, 01:43:03 »

Quote from: Paranoid on Sat, 16 May 2015, 14:55:59

Anyone have a good guide for dying with Dylon? Or is it pretty similar as RIT dye?

I've used these threads for reference:
http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/dyeing-pbt-caps-with-dylon-some-experiments-t2059.html
http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/dylon-dyeing-of-pbt-caps-more-experiments-t5433.html

My own experiences:
At first I was very careful with temperatures and used a thermometer, but I later found that keeping the dye boiling or near boiling makes the dye take well and the caps won't be damaged as long as you keep stirring. I don't use a strainer, just a small pot (disposable.. you don't want to use it for food afterwards) and a spoon. You can use other peoples experiments or your own when it comes to estimated times, but you pretty much want to watch it all the time anyway, and when you see change in color you take out a cap to check every minute or so. Just rinse real quick in cold water, check the color and put it back into the dye bath. When you are pleased with the color, take them all out, rinse in cold water and carefully wipe them. You don't want any splotches of dye left on them. (This seems to be a problem with some colors, especially the faster ones like the emerald green). Then just let them dry properly before use.

Paranoid · « **Reply #45 on:** Sun, 17 May 2015, 04:16:05 »

Cool, thanks guys!

I have some dylon dye colors laying around since two years or so. Saw Kirks first dye post then as well but never got around to it heh. Those newer ones have some good info as well.
And thanks for your own experience Yoe! Sure it will be useful for other people as well.

njbair · « **Reply #46 on:** Sun, 17 May 2015, 05:59:37 »

Is it possible/advisable to use less dye in the water to achieve a lighter color result?

Yoe · « **Reply #47 on:** Sun, 17 May 2015, 07:23:28 »

Quote from: Paranoid on Sun, 17 May 2015, 04:16:05

Cool, thanks guys! I have some dylon dye colors laying around since two years or so. Saw Kirks first dye post then as well but never got around to it heh. Those newer ones have some good info as well.
And thanks for your own experience Yoe! Sure it will be useful for other people as well.

No problem!

Oh, and I forgot two reminders: it has to be the Dylon Multi-Purpose Dye and this only works on PBT caps, not ABS.

Quote from: njbair on Sun, 17 May 2015, 05:59:37

Is it possible/advisable to use less dye in the water to achieve a lighter color result?

Yeh! I totally forgot to mention that! I usually put in just half of a 4.5g (or 5g) package in I don't know.. perhaps 5-7 deciliters of water.. enough to cover the caps properly and like.. twice that amount. Maybe 4-5 cm depth of water in a small pan. Works fine. You could probably use even less dye per amount of water than that with good results.

Edit: I didn't read your post properly. For a lighter result, less time in the dye is the easiest way to control the color saturation.

Yoe · « **Reply #48 on:** Sun, 17 May 2015, 07:48:53 »

Example: I've used the same dye (02 Golden Glow) for the modifiers on the top and the middle keyboard in the picture below. About 45 minutes for the darker, almost orange, color and about 20 minutes (or 30… don't quite remember) for the mustard yellow. (In the top keyboard I also used the Tangerine dye for enter, backspace and tab keys. Just thought I'd mention that..)

sprit · « **Reply #49 on:** Sun, 17 May 2015, 08:55:56 »

Quote from: Yoe on Sun, 17 May 2015, 07:48:53

Example: I've used the same dye (02 Golden Glow) for the modifiers on the top and the middle keyboard in the picture below. About 45 minutes for the darker, almost orange, color and about 20 minutes (or 30… don't quite remember) for the mustard yellow. (In the top keyboard I also used the Tangerine dye for enter, backspace and tab keys. Just thought I'd mention that..)
(Attachment Link)

Maestro Yoeda !

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Author Topic: Apple Extended Keyboard - Mods ? - Is it Worth at All ? (Read 40137 times)