(https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ACheronProject/Fluxon/master/graphics/fluxon_logo.png)
Fluxon. The quantum of magnetic fields. In SIS (superconductor-insulator-superconductor) junctions, a Fluxon manifests as a Josephon Vortex (a vortex of circulating supercurrents). In T2 Superconductors, a Fluxon manifests as a Abrikosov Vortex, or a small normal circulation of supercurrents around the normal core of a superconducting phase.
Introduction
Hi there guys!
Gondo her again for (yet) another PCB.
Nothing special about this, no huge wall of text with detailed technical description of how I came up with a horrendously complicated result (phew! Quakemz approves) and no big takes. I just have a Vortex Core which is a wonderful keyboard, specially for the price. It's portable, very usable, nice look and construction, but I am honestly done with trying to type portuguese on it; as you guys might know, to type in portuguese we need some accents and special characters like the grave ~ and cedilla ç. I have to use a four-key combination for both which looks like I'm conjuring a ninjutsu and releasing a demon samurai out of my desk. Programmability on the VCore is close to nonexistant (yeah I know you can re-program it but it's horrible).
The ATOM47 PCB is not available to purchase, so I'm making this one. It is gonna happen one way or the other, so I thought why not check if people are interested in this. The PCB is almost done; files can be seen at https://github.com/AcheronProject/Fluxon .
Layouts
Another big issue (in my opinion) is the default layout. The 175-275 split spacebar bottom row is less-than-stellar to use and let's face it, no one needs three modifiers to use their keyboard (maybe someone does? No idea). So I included a 6.25u and a 7u layout too. Also offering a full 2.25u right shift and a 2u backspace.
The idea is to also offer replacement FR4/steel plates that cover these new layouts.
(https://raw.githubusercontent.com/AcheronProject/Fluxon/master/graphics/fluxon_layouts.png)
When, where, how much
Prototyping right now, if we go into GB phase it's gonna happen in 2 months in SpaceCat (https://spacecat.design/) aka Weltraumkatze Designs for something around 40-50 USD (can be lower)
Other characteristics
- In the place of the colored indicators the VCore has I put three SK6812-minis which can be used with QMK as layer indicators, lock indicators, or simply pretty lights.
- No LEDs. I don't need it, you don't need it, Vortex don't need it.
- ARM processor, ESD protection, open-source.
- Micro USB connector because that is all the case supports (I know it sucks, but a USBC won't fit)
- Dank-ass synthwave-inspired logo, dank-ass solid state physics-inspired name, nerdy designer and beautiful vendor (the best interaction between Brazil and Germany since the World Cup 7x1)
Early previews
(https://imgur.com/xQ0RDWI.png)
(https://imgur.com/wgjZXCJ.png)
TLDR and closing thoughts
- Vortex Core replacement PCB using ARM, QMK, VIA, ESD, micro USB, RGB indicators, and all those acronyms we love.
- Need to know if there are people in for this. I'm gonna design and make this anyway
- Aiming at 40USD, possible GB in 2 months time
- Mom told me she learned of my name in the community, that she reads all my ICs/GBs and she's proud. So just for you, I love you mom.