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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: seedvd on Thu, 02 October 2014, 00:11:29

Title: seedvd's build log - GON Nerd 60
Post by: seedvd on Thu, 02 October 2014, 00:11:29
Hi all,

The Nerd 60 PCB is my first custom keyboard. I have done with SMD stuffs, reballing and fixing electronic things, so I have lot of experience on soldering.


The tools i am using with:

- JBC Soldering Station CD-1BD with two different size of tips
- Rosin Core Solder
- Fine point tweezers
- Pin cutter

GON Nerd 60 PCB:
(http://i.imgur.com/k86AOgf.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/y9itidP.jpg)

Resistors installed:
(http://i.imgur.com/F54MiF9.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/rbiLaMG.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/T6F972k.jpg)

Diodes installed:
(http://i.imgur.com/OhRSehb.jpg)

Guess why I cut the diodes pin to short length ?
(http://i.imgur.com/9qnHTxQ.jpg)

Look at that, diodes' pins are gone - it looks better that way and very clean.  :thumb:
(http://i.imgur.com/I0hO8c7.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/LMDcQI2.jpg)

SMD finished.
(http://i.imgur.com/r6J0lF9.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/3U3hO0e.jpg)

That is all for today. I will post next for lubing switches, slapping switches stickers on and installing switches.
Title: Re: seedvd's build log - GON Nerd 60
Post by: Sent on Thu, 02 October 2014, 00:17:03
That black PCB is sex.
Title: Re: seedvd's build log - GON Nerd 60
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 02 October 2014, 09:55:23
That short diode cut does look a lot better than what I typically do. Thanks for sharing that and this build log :).
Title: Re: seedvd's build log - GON Nerd 60
Post by: 0100010 on Thu, 02 October 2014, 10:40:30
Nice!  Will have to keep the short leg length in mind - that looks very clean.
Title: Re: seedvd's build log - GON Nerd 60
Post by: seedvd on Thu, 23 October 2014, 22:27:27
New Update: Oct 23, 2014

Lubed all switches with Krytox Lubricant - Thin Formula, added Mill-Max SIP sockets to each switches, placed GON Switch Stickers and inserted 2x3x4mm LEDs.

(http://i.imgur.com/CztLuyM.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/d1H1RFG.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/xDOKiaQ.jpg)

For your more information about Mill-Max SIP Sockets

Left is Mill-Max and Right is Generic
(http://i.imgur.com/lBe0zKu.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/upn3AAg.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/7V9H2C2.jpg)

I put the final PCB into the Duck Poker case.

(http://i.imgur.com/unNHiNW.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/cozsg34.jpg)

I tested typing on it for few hours and feel great but I noticed that left-bottom PCB get little flex when I bottom out typing due there is no standoff on middle of Duck Poker. I figured how to solve this problem and had a good idea. I took two plastic standoffs off from scraped xbox hard drive housing and cut, measure and sand plastic standoffs. The good thing is that GON's PCB and Universal Plate has two mounting holes in the middle and left space bar. I test putting two standoffs into them and noticed that middle standoff make PCB more rigid - feeling like typing on the table so I removed the middle standoff and leave one standoff at the left space bar. Now it is perfect and no more flexible.

(http://i.imgur.com/FYvOQB4.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/oVJu6DW.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/iLp4d1Q.jpg)

Final Board.
(http://i.imgur.com/DIQ3q7f.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/SGiP3Tn.jpg)
Title: Re: seedvd's build log - GON Nerd 60
Post by: geogga on Thu, 20 November 2014, 19:46:22
Damn! That blue is sexy! I just saw your duck viper and now this...beautiful!

I have a few questions, hope you don't mind  :-*

Which keycap set is that?
Are both your Nerd and Viper using the same Duck Poker case?

thanks, and again, nice build log!
Title: Re: seedvd's build log - GON Nerd 60
Post by: SavvyBird on Thu, 20 November 2014, 20:05:04
 :-* ohh thats pretty

good job on it
Title: Re: seedvd's build log - GON Nerd 60
Post by: seedvd on Thu, 20 November 2014, 23:59:17
Quote from: geogga on Thu, 20 November 2014, 19:46:22
Damn! That blue is sexy! I just saw your duck viper and now this...beautiful!

I have a few questions, hope you don't mind  :-*

Which keycap set is that?
Are both your Nerd and Viper using the same Duck Poker case?

thanks, and again, nice build log!

Thanks.

The keycaps are Vortex Blue Bi-Color PBT Double Shot.

Nope, I have two boards now. The Duck Poker case is with Nerd 60. My other one with green, blue and white leds is Duck Eagle case and the Duck Eagle case came with red PCB as a package.
Title: Re: seedvd's build log - GON Nerd 60
Post by: seedvd on Thu, 20 November 2014, 23:59:50
Quote from: carinaguts on Thu, 20 November 2014, 20:05:04
:-* ohh thats pretty

good job on it

Thanks.
Title: Re: seedvd's build log - GON Nerd 60
Post by: pichu23 on Fri, 21 November 2014, 00:03:16
Hiya, nice board dude.
Mind me asking what plate did you used ? :D
Thanks, and wonderful pictures !
Title: Re: seedvd's build log - GON Nerd 60
Post by: seedvd on Fri, 21 November 2014, 00:25:43
Quote from: pichu23 on Fri, 21 November 2014, 00:03:16
Hiya, nice board dude.
Mind me asking what plate did you used ? :D
Thanks, and wonderful pictures !

Hiya,

I forgot to mention the plate in my log. The plate is GON Full Glare Silver Universal plate.

 :thumb:
Title: Re: seedvd's build log - GON Nerd 60
Post by: pichu23 on Sun, 23 November 2014, 16:36:47
Quote from: seedvd on Fri, 21 November 2014, 00:25:43
Quote from: pichu23 on Fri, 21 November 2014, 00:03:16
Hiya, nice board dude.
Mind me asking what plate did you used ? :D
Thanks, and wonderful pictures !

Hiya,

I forgot to mention the plate in my log. The plate is GON Full Glare Silver Universal plate.

 :thumb:

Ah great choice :D That was what I was planning to get as well.
Great pictures, will most probably get that as well :)
Title: Re: seedvd's build log - GON Nerd 60
Post by: Lubed Up Slug on Thu, 27 November 2014, 13:16:04
Do you have to write firmware for this or are the keystrokes pre-assigned? Can you assign function keys and whatnot?
Title: Re: seedvd's build log - GON Nerd 60
Post by: seedvd on Mon, 01 December 2014, 18:55:31
No, keys are pre assigned on shipped PCB but you can custom assigning function keys with Duck's software: http://duck0113.tistory.com/84
Title: Re: seedvd's build log - GON Nerd 60
Post by: seedvd on Mon, 01 December 2014, 19:03:26
Quote from: pichu23 on Sun, 23 November 2014, 16:36:47
Quote from: seedvd on Fri, 21 November 2014, 00:25:43
Quote from: pichu23 on Fri, 21 November 2014, 00:03:16
Hiya, nice board dude.
Mind me asking what plate did you used ? :D
Thanks, and wonderful pictures !

Hiya,

I forgot to mention the plate in my log. The plate is GON Full Glare Silver Universal plate.

 :thumb:

Ah great choice :D That was what I was planning to get as well.
Great pictures, will most probably get that as well :)

Yeah, Full Glare is better for brighter LED reflection. for example, Silver plate + LED= more brighter or black plate + LED= less  bright.
Title: Re: seedvd's build log - GON Nerd 60
Post by: hasu on Tue, 02 December 2014, 06:39:00
Really good soldering skill, very impressive. Especially fillets of switch seem to me like perfect. This is the best I have ever seen in Geekhack :D

What's your experience of soldering? And could you do this job without JBC, I mean, how important is the tool to solder that nicely?

Quote from: seedvd on Thu, 23 October 2014, 22:27:27
Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/xDOKiaQ.jpg)

Title: Re: seedvd's build log - GON Nerd 60
Post by: ideus on Mon, 09 March 2015, 09:31:28
The thread is old now, but in case you are still reading it I have some questions regarding the GON Nerd 60:


How difficult is to sold the resistance?
What type of soldering tip is better for that, flat or conic?


I am not sure if I should get the PCB with components soldered, but the switches. The site is not clear if the additional cost includes components and labor, or if it is only for labor.
Title: Re: seedvd's build log - GON Nerd 60
Post by: seedvd on Mon, 09 March 2015, 23:14:16
It depends on your hands, eyes and experience of soldering. You need steady hands to solder tiny 0805 resistors and can see it or use with lighted stand magnifier.

the fine point tip .5 mm works better on them.  .22 diameter 60/40 rosin core solder wire is recommended as well

0805 resistor size vs normal pencil: http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_nPSznMrmIs/TgrWmH_vjbI/AAAAAAAAAzE/eF-AEbHP5II/s1600-h/smt%252520resistor%252520pencil%25255B4%25255D.jpg (http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_nPSznMrmIs/TgrWmH_vjbI/AAAAAAAAAzE/eF-AEbHP5II/s1600-h/smt%252520resistor%252520pencil%25255B4%25255D.jpg)

How to solder smt video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvjRB9CA4ls (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvjRB9CA4ls)

Another how to solder smt and handle resistors with tweezer video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DsCdOaRUPM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DsCdOaRUPM)

You will need a soldering flux pen for in case if you want to remelt messed or cold joint solder to finish cleanly.

You should get an idea after see videos and think about DIY or the aid from experts or professionals.
Title: Re: seedvd's build log - GON Nerd 60
Post by: ideus on Tue, 10 March 2015, 00:40:40
Quote from: seedvd on Mon, 09 March 2015, 23:14:16
It depends on your hands, eyes and experience of soldering. You need steady hands to solder tiny 0805 resistors and can see it or use with lighted stand magnifier.

the fine point tip .5 mm works better on them.  .22 diameter 60/40 rosin core solder wire is recommended as well

0805 resistor size vs normal pencil: http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_nPSznMrmIs/TgrWmH_vjbI/AAAAAAAAAzE/eF-AEbHP5II/s1600-h/smt%252520resistor%252520pencil%25255B4%25255D.jpg (http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_nPSznMrmIs/TgrWmH_vjbI/AAAAAAAAAzE/eF-AEbHP5II/s1600-h/smt%252520resistor%252520pencil%25255B4%25255D.jpg)

How to solder smt video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvjRB9CA4ls (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvjRB9CA4ls)

Another how to solder smt and handle resistors with tweezer video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DsCdOaRUPM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DsCdOaRUPM)

You will need a soldering flux pen for in case if you want to remelt messed or cold joint solder to finish cleanly.

You should get an idea after see videos and think about DIY or the aid from experts or professionals.


Thank you very much for the references.
Title: Re: seedvd's build log - GON Nerd 60
Post by: Nafs_asp on Sat, 26 November 2016, 00:46:02
Hey! If you're still down to sell the case let me know (: