geekhack
geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: Gondolindrim on Thu, 16 April 2026, 22:12:43
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Hi all.
Recently I have been approached several times by various people asking me to design a replacement PCB for the HBPC, by Hineybush. Until recently I have been reluctant to do so because of my respect for Hiney and the fact I was not able to get his blessing, plus some help with the design.
Long story short I have Hiney's go-ahead and he supplied me with design files so I can get some PCBs redesigned. The idea is to make a modernized replacement for both the main PCB and the RGB daughterboard.
The V2 PCBs will be white in color, 1.6mm FR4, no flex cuts, and RGB underglow capabilities. They will me QMK/VIA compatible and will use STM32 microcontrollers. The V2 PCBs are redesigned using the same outlines and positions from the V1 PCB, like USB and JST connector.
Initially, only solderable PCBs will be offered. This IC also has a field to see if people are also interested in hotswap PCBs too.
Every PCB (solderable or hotswap) will come with a RGB DB that will be snappable.
I am also gauging interest for plates. Plates are 1.6mm FR4 in white color, exactly the same cutout as the original universal plate.
Pricing highly depends on the quantity we sell. I foresee a 70-50USD price range, with an additional 5 USD for hotswap PCBs.
This is a Interest Check for these PCBs. Depending on how many people are interested I can pitch this to a vendor to handle logistics. If not many people are interested I will get the PCB factory to dropship the PCBs directly to customers.
Here is the formulary. It contains a field to supply your e-mail address, and when (if!) GB happens I will send you an e-mail.
https://forms.gle/1STKpWKUJwYL3kPm6
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Reserved
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since the pcb is being redesigned, is there any chance we can change the connection between the led pcb and main pcb to use pogo pins instead? it's always such a chore to connect the jst cable between the two pcbs.
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One for the ages. Glad to see such capable hands carrying on that legacy
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since the pcb is being redesigned, is there any chance we can change the connection between the led pcb and main pcb to use pogo pins instead? it's always such a chore to connect the jst cable between the two pcbs.
The adoption of pogos significantly complicates things in design, price and execution. I understand the jankiness of JSTs but they are cheap, available and stable in the long-term, none of which pogos are. I only trust genuine mill-max pogos but they are insanely expensive.
Plus, using a JST ensures that the V2 PCB is compatible with the V1 RGB DB, and vice-versa.
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Gondo you legend. THANK YOU for doing this ;D