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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: TheFlyingRaccoon on Tue, 21 May 2013, 20:18:58

Title: The LongCat Project
Post by: TheFlyingRaccoon on Tue, 21 May 2013, 20:18:58
It started out as a crazy idea in IRC to build a 40% keyboard with a tenkey. However though the information in this thread ( http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40567.0 (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40567.0) ) I decided to attempt to build said keyboard. I would like to give a shoutout to CPTBadAss for helping me with this project so far and Flip for naming it. Also metalliqaz for inspiring me with his awesome Epsilon case design.  I thought I would share my progress here.
(http://i.imgur.com/YYe3LFD.png)
Planned layout
(http://i.imgur.com/k1DTUFB.jpg)
Plate just cut on CNC mill
(http://i.imgur.com/ydIjJuS.jpg)
Switches and standoffs installed
(http://i.imgur.com/Wh08LIy.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/E0qMPy9.jpg)
Keycaps on
(http://i.imgur.com/TsZiGrh.jpg)
Lots of soldering to do!
(http://i.imgur.com/amlk2xp.jpg)
Backplate and feet attached
(http://i.imgur.com/Q3jqqvh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/CIK1TbK.jpg)
Teensy attached to backplate

Left to do:
-Wire up the matrix/ solder switches
-Program the Teensy
 
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: CPTBadAss on Tue, 21 May 2013, 20:20:39
Wow that board came out really nice. I thought you said that the plate came out ****ty but it looks really good here. Are you just going to keep it a skeleton like that or are you making a case as well? And thanks for the shoutout! I'm not sure how much I help but I'm glad you feel that I did ^__^
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: SpAmRaY on Tue, 21 May 2013, 20:21:00
This is so cool, keep up the innovation and pushing the limits of keyboard layouts!!
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: SmallFry on Tue, 21 May 2013, 20:23:30
SWEET!
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: inteli722 on Tue, 21 May 2013, 20:26:00
This looks awesome!

Have a free llama!

:llama:
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: jdcarpe on Tue, 21 May 2013, 20:39:48
Looking great! I'm kinda jealous, but it's awesome that you took your idea and ran with it. :D
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: metalliqaz on Tue, 21 May 2013, 21:28:11
wow that was fast dude.  Looking good.
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: codyeatworld on Tue, 21 May 2013, 21:31:07
I wouldof donated those caps to you if I knew you were gonna do this!

Can't wait for more, I like the layout design!
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: TheFlyingRaccoon on Tue, 21 May 2013, 21:37:02
Thanks for all the support and kind words.  ;) I don't think I could have built this without all you great geekhackers providing me with the materials and knowledge to do this.
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: pichu23 on Tue, 21 May 2013, 21:51:11
looks good :)
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: regicide on Wed, 22 May 2013, 02:51:25
Seriously awesome stuff, is the 'plate' made from acrylic?

I actually quite like the layout too!
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: dko2o on Wed, 22 May 2013, 03:01:22
Wow that is pretty cool layout, was exactly what i was looking for (what i was asking samkoiwse in his thread).
Just wondering are you left handed? I know it isn't mounted to a pcb yet but how do u find having the keypad to the left?
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: Paranoid on Wed, 22 May 2013, 05:31:18
That's cool man :) how thick is the plate? Does it feel sturdy?
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: Photekq on Wed, 22 May 2013, 05:34:46
I think I already said this in IRC but : This is a cool idea for a layout, and your ideas case-wise have been fresh and unique. I'm glad you made this happen and it looks awesome so far. I can't wait to see the finished result.
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: TheFlyingRaccoon on Wed, 22 May 2013, 08:37:16
Quote from: regicide on Wed, 22 May 2013, 02:51:25
Seriously awesome stuff, is the 'plate' made from acrylic?

I actually quite like the layout too!


Quote from: Paranoid on Wed, 22 May 2013, 05:31:18
That's cool man :) how thick is the plate? Does it feel sturdy?

The plate is 1/16" polycarbonate I ordered from Mcmaster. It is pretty sturdy although I'm sure aluminum would be better.

Quote from: dko2o on Wed, 22 May 2013, 03:01:22
Wow that is pretty cool layout, was exactly what i was looking for (what i was asking samkoiwse in his thread).
Just wondering are you left handed? I know it isn't mounted to a pcb yet but how do u find having the keypad to the left?

I am right handed but I decided to put the tenkey on the left for numerous reasons.
-For gaming I can hit the number keys with my pinky
-My tenkey speed is about the same on both hands
-I prefer my mouse to be as close to the home row to minimize movement
-I can use the mouse and tenkey at the same time
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: metalliqaz on Wed, 22 May 2013, 08:56:55
I can say from experience that acrylic in that thickness is not strong enough by itself, at least not for daily use. 
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: metalliqaz on Wed, 22 May 2013, 08:57:49
Quote from: TheFlyingRaccoon on Wed, 22 May 2013, 08:37:16
I am right handed but I decided to put the tenkey on the left for numerous reasons.
-For gaming I can hit the number keys with my pinky
-My tenkey speed is about the same on both hands
-I prefer my mouse to be as close to the home row to minimize movement
-I can use the mouse and tenkey at the same time

I completely agree with all of this
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: mkawa on Wed, 22 May 2013, 23:36:29
where's the longcat key bro?
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: jonnybastard on Wed, 22 May 2013, 23:50:32
That layout is very cool, nicely done sir!
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: Dianoda on Wed, 22 May 2013, 23:52:54
Quote from: mkawa on Wed, 22 May 2013, 23:36:29
where's the longcat key bro?

Custom dye-subbed 10x spacebar in the works?
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: TheFlyingRaccoon on Thu, 23 May 2013, 16:39:32
Got the backplate cut out today. Updated OP
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: SmallFry on Thu, 23 May 2013, 17:51:51
That foot design is very cool. Props to ya.
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: 4LI4Z on Thu, 23 May 2013, 17:58:39
Very nice design, I like the idea of the Numpad at the right side.
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: TheFlyingRaccoon on Mon, 24 June 2013, 21:00:05
Got my new lasered acrylic plates! One was broken but Pololu is sending me a new one free of charge which is pretty cool of them.
(http://i.imgur.com/lme9uMn.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/WtrhzNw.jpg)
Also got some PBT beige Cherry keycaps which look pretty baller.
(http://i.imgur.com/MVQ5EYlh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/cj6nxsQh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/ACmcfB6h.jpg)
The spacebar doesn't fit so that will take some work but everything else looks good.
Working on the led wiring as of now and will post pictures when that is done.
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 24 June 2013, 21:01:44
If you're putty modding the spacebar, can you let me know what putty you're using? I want to do the same for my Leopold spacebar.
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: TheFlyingRaccoon on Mon, 24 June 2013, 21:08:49
Quote from: CPTBadAss on Mon, 24 June 2013, 21:01:44
If you're putty modding the spacebar, can you let me know what putty you're using? I want to do the same for my Leopold spacebar.

I actually 3D printed stems with supports between them. My plan is to dremel out the existing stems and supports and superglue the 3D printed one with the correct stem placement in.
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: CPTBadAss on Mon, 24 June 2013, 21:16:05
No one likes a show off TheFlyingRaccoon! Just kidding. Take lots of pics of your custom swag :D
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: mtl on Mon, 24 June 2013, 21:26:21
Very nice!
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: jdcarpe on Mon, 24 June 2013, 21:27:57
Please make a build log, and show us how you wire this. :)
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: TheFlyingRaccoon on Mon, 24 June 2013, 21:35:04
Quote from: mtl on Mon, 24 June 2013, 21:26:21
Very nice!
Thank you!

Quote from: jdcarpe on Mon, 24 June 2013, 21:27:57
Please make a build log, and show us how you wire this. :)
Oh I have some things up my sleeve  ;)
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: Findecanor on Tue, 25 June 2013, 10:13:07
Nice! Apart from the plate breaking in shipping, were there any other problems with Polulu?
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: TheFlyingRaccoon on Tue, 25 June 2013, 22:55:32
Quote from: Findecanor on Tue, 25 June 2013, 10:13:07
Nice! Apart from the plate breaking in shipping, were there any other problems with Pololu?

Nope, very fast shipping and great customer service! And they sent me a replacement plate yesterday. Also their prices were cheaper than any other service. I highly recommend them.
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: TheFlyingRaccoon on Sun, 11 August 2013, 00:51:10
Quote from: TheFlyingRaccoon on Mon, 24 June 2013, 21:00:05
Working on the led wiring as of now and will post pictures when that is done.

Finally some progress!
(http://i.imgur.com/dblcYVj.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/tilp3W8.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/i5q5ytU.jpg)
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: Photekq on Sun, 11 August 2013, 00:51:40
Awesome!!!
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: CPTBadAss on Sun, 11 August 2013, 11:37:43
That's so fetch
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: TheFlyingRaccoon on Sun, 11 August 2013, 11:43:24
Quote from: CPTBadAss on Sun, 11 August 2013, 11:37:43
That's so fetch

(http://doblelol.com/uploads/3/funny-coincidence-quotes.jpg)
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: TheFlyingRaccoon on Mon, 12 August 2013, 16:28:02
(http://i.imgur.com/BUhytso.jpg)
I ordered 50 LEDs when there are 60 keys on the board. I am not a smart man  :blank:
(http://i.imgur.com/mC9L9Ir.jpg)
The LED wiring + some of the matrix wiring.
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: vorn on Tue, 13 August 2013, 09:46:17
Really love this layout! Though I'm an ISO kinda guy. Maybe I'll get adventurous enough to follow your build process one day! Keep up the great work!
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: MOZ on Tue, 13 August 2013, 17:01:43
This is beautiful, I love ghetto work!
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: Dubsgalore on Tue, 13 August 2013, 17:03:14
Quote from: mohitgarg on Tue, 13 August 2013, 17:01:43
This is beautiful, I love ghetto work!

ghetto? this is far from ghetto son
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: MOZ on Tue, 13 August 2013, 17:26:38
Correction, DIY.
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: lazerpointer on Tue, 13 August 2013, 17:54:59
That is one sexy Longcat! I like how the tenkey looks like the head, etc (in the OP pics.)

Glad to see there are people who will actually make a plan / design, follow through and execute successfully. Grats, TFR
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: TheFlyingRaccoon on Mon, 02 September 2013, 14:23:30
Horizontal wiring finished. Now working on vertical wiring.
(http://i.imgur.com/Y8n9u5N.jpg)
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: AndyCapets on Mon, 02 September 2013, 19:05:05
That looks... Actually there's no word to describe this, there is a heck of alot of work that went into that board and god it's awesome!
Not sure about the key placement though, but I guess you don't care since it's your project :D
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: AGmurdercore on Tue, 03 September 2013, 01:43:06
This is awesome man, nice work!
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: Hellmark on Wed, 04 September 2013, 11:20:01
It is a really cool idea, and I've toyed with something similar on how you did the numpad (doing it with the keys from the top row), but I have to say, where is the enter key?
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: wiredPANDA on Wed, 04 September 2013, 11:51:20
Nice work on the board.
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: pixel5 on Wed, 04 September 2013, 12:05:28
What resistors/diodes did you use on the switches and LEDs? Thanks!
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: TheFlyingRaccoon on Wed, 04 September 2013, 22:22:40
Quote from: pixel5 on Wed, 04 September 2013, 12:05:28
What resistors/diodes did you use on the switches and LEDs? Thanks!

The resisters for the LEDs are 150 ohmn and the diodes are 1N4148.
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: pixel5 on Thu, 05 September 2013, 08:39:34
Quote from: TheFlyingRaccoon on Wed, 04 September 2013, 22:22:40
Quote from: pixel5 on Wed, 04 September 2013, 12:05:28
What resistors/diodes did you use on the switches and LEDs? Thanks!

The resisters for the LEDs are 150 ohmn and the diodes are 1N4148.

Would you mind linking where you bought them from? I want to know where I can get the best price.
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: jdcarpe on Thu, 05 September 2013, 09:20:21
Texans order from Mouser. :D
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: pixel5 on Thu, 05 September 2013, 09:26:19
Quote from: jdcarpe on Thu, 05 September 2013, 09:20:21
Texans order from Mouser. :D

(http://11thscreen.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Texas_Flag_Come_and_Take_It.png)
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: pixel5 on Thu, 05 September 2013, 13:03:08
Actually I really don't know much about resistors and diodes. There are a lot of extra variables aside from # of Ohms to choose from. Also did you misspell it as 'ohmns'? I don't want to buy the wrong thing and blow up my keyboard.
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: pixel5 on Fri, 06 September 2013, 09:46:34
Quote from: TheFlyingRaccoon on Wed, 04 September 2013, 22:22:40
Quote from: pixel5 on Wed, 04 September 2013, 12:05:28
What resistors/diodes did you use on the switches and LEDs? Thanks!

The resisters for the LEDs are 150 ohmn and the diodes are 1N4148.

Pls, bump for links. You live in Texas, surely you bought from mouser yes? Help!
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: jdcarpe on Fri, 06 September 2013, 10:28:49
Quote from: pixel5 on Fri, 06 September 2013, 09:46:34
Quote from: TheFlyingRaccoon on Wed, 04 September 2013, 22:22:40
Quote from: pixel5 on Wed, 04 September 2013, 12:05:28
What resistors/diodes did you use on the switches and LEDs? Thanks!

The resisters for the LEDs are 150 ohmn and the diodes are 1N4148.

Pls, bump for links. You live in Texas, surely you bought from mouser yes? Help!

Here are Mouser part numbers:

Diodes: 512-1N4148
150Ω Resistors: 660-CFS1/4CT52R151J
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: pixel5 on Fri, 06 September 2013, 11:17:37
Thank you sir.
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: yasuo on Sat, 18 October 2014, 05:10:25
How make they on/off?
Title: Re: The LongCat Project
Post by: Coreda on Sat, 18 October 2014, 05:36:38
Looks surprisingly functional - and with arrow keys no less! This is a really curious layout. I saw a mockup of a Poker II with the side expanded to include a the pg/up/down/arrow key array, and honestly wondered why something like that hasn't been made (making it elongated rather than adding rows to the top).