There's no official support for that. However you can do it ghetto way, like someone on their planck: https://m.imgur.com/a/I1HMQ
I.e. solder appropriate size SMT LEDs to the pads that are normally used for standard LEDs.
You may even be able to use both top and bottom LEDs at the same time, but that's a bit more fiddly. However in that case note that when you'll have 2 LEDs on the same pads (top+bottom), they'll share the same amount of current, making the top LED dimmer than it would be without the bottom LED soldered.
I don't think you would necessarily need to use SMT LEDs. Theres a good chance that you can use through-hole LEDs. The only thing you need to worry about is room within the case.Thanks, iaeen. If I use through-hole LED for the bottom, can I still solder another LED on top for the key backlit? Is there going to be any affects? Basically, these two top and bottom LEDs will share the same holes?
I'm not actually familiar with the Infinity 60%, but if it's like the Infinity ErgoDox, you won't need to do anything other then solder LEDs on. It should have a dedicated LED controller that negates the need to worry about stuff like resistors.
Thanks, iaeen. If I use through-hole LED for the bottom, can I still solder another LED on top for the key backlit? Is there going to be any affects? Basically, these two top and bottom LEDs will share the same holes?Yes, they will share the same holes. You might not be able to fit 2 legs through one hole at the same time, and soldering will get really tricky (since the bottom through-hole LED will obscure the region where one would normally solder).
Thanks! Very helpful.Thanks, iaeen. If I use through-hole LED for the bottom, can I still solder another LED on top for the key backlit? Is there going to be any affects? Basically, these two top and bottom LEDs will share the same holes?Yes, they will share the same holes. You might not be able to fit 2 legs through one hole at the same time, and soldering will get really tricky (since the bottom through-hole LED will obscure the region where one would normally solder).
As iaeen writes, no resistors are needed, but the two LEDs will still be in parallel, so they may suffer from this (https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/22291/why-exactly-cant-a-single-resistor-be-used-for-many-parallel-leds) (this is what I meant that if affects the brightness).
Finally, I didn't know that there are any through-hole LEDs that would fit in any case when soldered on the bottom side. Well.
Yep, njbair is right, it's possible. You may even be able to use one of the RGB LED strips based on WS2812 chips (aka neopixels). The whole strip of those only needs 1 pin (besides power and ground of course). Writing some code to make this possible is definitely necessary.
This is getting exciting. Writing code (C++) is actually my daily work, lol. I wrote some C code for chips long time ago and forget them all right now. I don't think I can do any code work on this chip at this moment. But I guess I can pick up the chip coding stuff if anybody can point me to some guides and resources. And I do need knowledge on those circuits, chips and pins to be able to do any modification. So any help is welcome~Not sure there are any "guides" as such out there. There are basically 2 relatively independent things: 1) communicate with your hardware 2) plug this into TMK (or whatever other firmware you'd use).
Also possible : http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014EA9PR0?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpageShow Image(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/MSiL079GVZNY0oIQMgDyvNLFaMktKKvhVZjgUe7Pc8n2b1lMzW_lnnxnJNAas_WKoJPAg7ZWRSFP81RhdFQZnSC7z3p3230bw4smBwuATBC0o0QzZAqM6-aC4-OR31RoMGOWcawIwbMESFxiCkhoSYsWgkz4BAt3WGFDRhlHo3uQncPhvsZWWVYwNkN5dfjw1u9iSqGNq8YOWC03drAyCqNlCcvKilsVOxH8FOe4atfVU0qhoVUGgFwwgaWctiuOSzxv6fqTUp5b42lcmExqL8LL6ZoFBsdaN8lfIgJEY-ASPXbFq7Dn3WjU_PJ0P0XANBSHwa6OXyKjQeFgsNIW1O5GzVMcA4hfVnn1daJVb8yOMB_D4IGB8GAgaZtSOf57Z5k__My-OaMTYzFLimqV9gYhQExuD_LzMFLsjB3pz-OV7PT9sM_Pyxh3J53_8wooqBcPQ6wLvYdfIGPEKv3fcd8LWy_t4LMymrWWdJvYBC9MpoGJymCp8vgK_mtMolp0dmnO8E8yd4U0W30sQ6EnEDtpUCdj1lqv99DI-3waF2kp98cczc4jw_j4zvwGUXyPOS6fSQ=w2506-h892-no)
Strips are spaced so the can go directly behind a row of keys. plus... like RGB and the controller once disassembled is small and thin.
Not sure there are any "guides" as such out there. There are basically 2 relatively independent things: 1) communicate with your hardware 2) plug this into TMK (or whatever other firmware you'd use).
Now 1) is specific to whatever hardware you'll eventually use, and usually it's possible to dig up some libraries on the internet that do the job.
With 2) - it should become relatively straightforward soon-ish (hasu is adding some general hooks into TMK, which will make this easy).
Skullydazed has done some great work adding underglow support for the Monarch keyboard, both on the electronics side as well as the code. I haven't actually seen his code yet, but I'm thinking a lot of the hard work is probably already done.
Not sure. I'm on mobile or I would just link to the Monarch thread. But you can find it under Group Buys and ask your question there.Skullydazed has done some great work adding underglow support for the Monarch keyboard, both on the electronics side as well as the code. I haven't actually seen his code yet, but I'm thinking a lot of the hard work is probably already done.
I don't know about the Monarch keyboard. Will that work with the Infinity 60% as well? Is there any source for this?
So that one pictured is a FaceW Sprit60% and the issue there was trying to fit an attiny85 in there to control the WS2818 LEDs with the TEX case. The code alterations were not really the issue there.
Now when it comes to adding WS2818 LEDs to the infinity, you basically only need to write the tie ins and assign another set of function layer keys. The code there is ahem... much better organized and logical. You can use the serial interface, but I do believe that there is an open GPIO. However remember that the logic voltage of that chipset is 3.3V and too low for the WS2818 standard LEDs (though a low logic version is made now they are quite expensive) so using an NPN transistor (SOT-23 package) to boost would be good (maybe something like a 3904).
There is a larger issue with the normal infinity board in doing this directly..... YOU BETTER ADD SOME PROTECTION DIODES AND SMOOTHING CAPACITANCE!!! There is really very minimal smoothing capacitance on the infinity board and thus not equipped for any board level changes or add ons. I have spoken with Haata on this. its default configuration is not hacker friendly..... and the original USB ports used were junk and just crapy metal.... i suggest everyone replace theirs and secure it to the board with epoxy unless you have the very latest one which uses the PTH components now.
Disassembly of that unit is stupid easy as they basically just covered the controller with heatshrink. For the lack of frustration and overall finish, its likely your best option unless you are really comfy with a soldering iron and C code. I am on both counts and this was still a better option for what I wanted.
Anyway, back to the better solution, how should I power the strip? Wire some cable between the power input pins and the LED strip input pins?
ADD SOME PROTECTION DIODES AND SMOOTHING CAPACITANCEMeaning that you'll need to add a relatively big capacitor between the 5V and GND lines (which would smooth out any spikes that appear when the LEDs power up), and some diodes for protection as well.
Again, let's reiterate:Quote from: childofthehornADD SOME PROTECTION DIODES AND SMOOTHING CAPACITANCEMeaning that you'll need to add a relatively big capacitor between the 5V and GND lines (which would smooth out any spikes that appear when the LEDs power up), and some diodes for protection as well.
1. Any 5V/1A+ power diode will do and there are a ton under $0.03 each which are fine.
2. If using the strip that had its own MCU/controller like the one I posted, there is no need for the extra capacitor. Its optional at that point since the controller has enough already.
3. Yes, wire directly to the 5V on the USB port.
4. Just remember with everything running and not to cause a LDO error on the keyboard, only use like 6-7 max of the high power RGB LEDs. Some Testing on your part may be required. Mine does so and it glows VERY brightly as you can see in the video.
That is a much better way to go about it than what I read on Reddit :confused:
Also possible : http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014EA9PR0?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpageShow Image(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/MSiL079GVZNY0oIQMgDyvNLFaMktKKvhVZjgUe7Pc8n2b1lMzW_lnnxnJNAas_WKoJPAg7ZWRSFP81RhdFQZnSC7z3p3230bw4smBwuATBC0o0QzZAqM6-aC4-OR31RoMGOWcawIwbMESFxiCkhoSYsWgkz4BAt3WGFDRhlHo3uQncPhvsZWWVYwNkN5dfjw1u9iSqGNq8YOWC03drAyCqNlCcvKilsVOxH8FOe4atfVU0qhoVUGgFwwgaWctiuOSzxv6fqTUp5b42lcmExqL8LL6ZoFBsdaN8lfIgJEY-ASPXbFq7Dn3WjU_PJ0P0XANBSHwa6OXyKjQeFgsNIW1O5GzVMcA4hfVnn1daJVb8yOMB_D4IGB8GAgaZtSOf57Z5k__My-OaMTYzFLimqV9gYhQExuD_LzMFLsjB3pz-OV7PT9sM_Pyxh3J53_8wooqBcPQ6wLvYdfIGPEKv3fcd8LWy_t4LMymrWWdJvYBC9MpoGJymCp8vgK_mtMolp0dmnO8E8yd4U0W30sQ6EnEDtpUCdj1lqv99DI-3waF2kp98cczc4jw_j4zvwGUXyPOS6fSQ=w2506-h892-no)
Strips are spaced so the can go directly behind a row of keys. plus... like RGB and the controller once disassembled is small and thin.
This looks awesome! Wonder how it works. Disassemble and use the controller that comes with the strip and share the 5V input with it, I guess? Disassembling looks like a challenge...
That is a much better way to go about it than what I read on Reddit :confused:
Infinity 60% MD Reddit Post
Infinity 60% Reddit Post (https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/460rj0/infinity_60_keyboard_kit_drop_again/)
In the Reddit post, just below the Amazing Imgur link to a SATAN GH60 is brief explanation of what you would have to do for the Inifinity. Well, what they say needs to be done for separate control of the underglow..Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/WlKjgCw.jpg)
Hello GH60 SATAN http://imgur.com/a/BzSMq (http://imgur.com/a/BzSMq)
This stuff is beyond my caliber but I have noticed that the SATAN GH60 has built in support for crazy underglow.
Yea, the SATAN GH 60% PCB only needs a firmware update and the WS2812B RGB LEDs apparently. The controller handles the rest for you :)That is a much better way to go about it than what I read on Reddit :confused:
Infinity 60% MD Reddit Post
Infinity 60% Reddit Post (https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/460rj0/infinity_60_keyboard_kit_drop_again/)
In the Reddit post, just below the Amazing Imgur link to a SATAN GH60 is brief explanation of what you would have to do for the Inifinity. Well, what they say needs to be done for separate control of the underglow..Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/WlKjgCw.jpg)
Hello GH60 SATAN http://imgur.com/a/BzSMq (http://imgur.com/a/BzSMq)
This stuff is beyond my caliber but I have noticed that the SATAN GH60 has built in support for crazy underglow.
This solution looks pretty neat. But I wonder if this will have risks of messing up the board without adding capacitor and diodes, as mentioned by flabbergast. Besides, it requires firmware modification, which is fun to me, but I just don't know how to do it right now. I need to learn the TMK stuff I guess.
The SATAN GH60 PCB is an alternative to the Infinity PCB.
SATAN GH60 PCBShow Image(http://i.imgur.com/3KWOf7D.jpg)
Infinity 60%Show Image(http://images.anandtech.com/doci/8627/Massdrop-Infinity-(3)_575px.jpg)
I guess some Infinity PCBs have "Kiibohd" printed on them?Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/0KYVun9.jpg)
All these PCBs!
That Satan GH60 is loaded with GMK Firmware. https://github.com/jackhumbert/qmk_firmware (https://github.com/jackhumbert/qmk_firmware)
I browsed over some GMK details and it looks like you can set up your keyboard using the Github documentation to do any kind of layout configuration you want.
It would be more complicated to set up the software configuration for the satan GH60. Nothing like the Input Club but the documentation for Github repository appears to be well maintained.
Massdrop really knows how to bring people in to the custom keyboard fold! I found an ergodox email one day from Massdrop and that is what drove me to find out more about firmware customization :thumb:That Satan GH60 is loaded with GMK Firmware. https://github.com/jackhumbert/qmk_firmware (https://github.com/jackhumbert/qmk_firmware)
I browsed over some GMK details and it looks like you can set up your keyboard using the Github documentation to do any kind of layout configuration you want.
It would be more complicated to set up the software configuration for the satan GH60. Nothing like the Input Club but the documentation for Github repository appears to be well maintained.
I just checked the link and it is essentially using TMK, right? I guess I have to learn TMK to do some serious hack to any board...
But still, incredible work from the Input Club, they've made changing layout so easy for newbies. Wish one day we can have a configurator for all :D
On Infinity, you can use either the firmware that comes out of InputClub's online configurator (definitely no underglow support), or modify the sources of some firmware (for this you have two options - either Haata's (this is that's used for the online configurator internally), or hasu's TMK).
On almost all other boards, you will probably run some version/fork for of TMK. You can of course modify the sources (this is what I would recommend learning), but there are various online configurators for this also cropping up. Especially the Chinese ones. I think I've seen something like this for 'Satan GH60' somewhere here on GH.
Just in case someone is not aware already, there are PCBs that support SMD LEDs for underglow, at hardware and software level.
Just in case someone is not aware already, there are PCBs that support SMD LEDs for underglow, at hardware and software level.
Could you provide the name or link to these PCBs? Thanks.
ohhhh, I forgot about the NerD 60 (http://i.imgur.com/BJb7JAl.gif)Just in case someone is not aware already, there are PCBs that support SMD LEDs for underglow, at hardware and software level.
Could you provide the name or link to these PCBs? Thanks.
This is the link to one of them in sixty format.
http://www.gonskeyboardworks.com/pcbs-and-controllers/113-nerd-60-ver20-pcb.html
And this is a picture of the last build I did, showing one of the SMD LEDs and its resistor just soldered.Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/m67nbm7.jpg)
This is the link to one of them in sixty format.
http://www.gonskeyboardworks.com/pcbs-and-controllers/113-nerd-60-ver20-pcb.html
And this is a picture of the last build I did, showing one of the SMD LEDs and its resistor just soldered.Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/m67nbm7.jpg)
This is the link to one of them in sixty format.
http://www.gonskeyboardworks.com/pcbs-and-controllers/113-nerd-60-ver20-pcb.html
And this is a picture of the last build I did, showing one of the SMD LEDs and its resistor just soldered.Show Image(http://i.imgur.com/m67nbm7.jpg)
Never know about this website. Looks nice! Thanks!
The SATAN GH60 PCB is an alternative to the Infinity PCB.
All these PCBs!