geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: domin8r on Thu, 29 December 2011, 06:36:36

Title: Best way to reroute/swap keys
Post by: domin8r on Thu, 29 December 2011, 06:36:36
Hi,

this is a bit of a mod thing but I understand that section is only for "showing off" so to say.

I recently bought a NIB BTC 5100C. It's the perfect keyboard to throw into my backpack and bring along.
While using it though I got annoyed that the Fn key is where the CTRL normally is (and should be I think).

So I want to switch these 2 keys.. not with software though, I want to be able to just hook it up somewhere and just use it.

What is the best way to do this?

My idea was to break the tracks on the PCB and solder wires to the switches, but I'm open to better ideas if there are any! :)
Title: Best way to reroute/swap keys
Post by: RiGS on Thu, 29 December 2011, 07:32:02
You can also replace the controller with a Teensy.
Title: Best way to reroute/swap keys
Post by: domin8r on Thu, 29 December 2011, 07:34:17
Quote from: RiGS;479514
You can also replace the controller with a Teensy.

That would require me to re-solder all the connections again right? :)
Title: Best way to reroute/swap keys
Post by: weenis on Thu, 29 December 2011, 11:11:47
Quote from: ripster;479604
Just go with your original idea.  There is a mod in the modifications subforum that rewires the Das S FCN key to a Windows key.

I'd give you a link but Vbulletin search function blows.


[strike]Do want link.[/strike]

I think this is the link-

http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:8533
Title: Best way to reroute/swap keys
Post by: domin8r on Thu, 29 December 2011, 11:47:46
Quote from: weenis;479609
[strike]Do want link.[/strike]

I think this is the link-

http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Island:8533

Thanx for the help guys.. I'll solder the swap, shouldn't be a problem. Will post pics when it's done :)
Title: Best way to reroute/swap keys
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Thu, 29 December 2011, 12:05:01
It's a membrane, so easy to scratch off the trace, and use conductive ink to redraw. I had one of those keyboards a long time ago and did exactly that as I also though the placement to be obnoxious.
Title: Best way to reroute/swap keys
Post by: Findecanor on Thu, 29 December 2011, 12:24:43
On this page (http://www.kbdmania.net/xe/1002592), it is a capacitative foam and foil. It looks you just need to swap to conductors that are next to each other on the PCB in-between the two switch areas. Tiny space, it looks like about a cm square and 1.5 mm high but I think that it can be done.
Title: Best way to reroute/swap keys
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Thu, 29 December 2011, 12:59:07
Right C revision is much later production than that. They went from foam and foil on pcb, to rubber domes on pcb, to rubber domes on mylar. Also the older ones often have pretty decent doublshots, the mid period ones nice quality laser and the most recent often have poor pad print.