geekhack

geekhack Marketplace => Group Buys and Preorders => Topic started by: LunarisDream on Sun, 27 November 2016, 04:33:07

Title: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: LunarisDream on Sun, 27 November 2016, 04:33:07
3/13/2017

Got a care package from Matrix the day before yesterday.

http://imgur.com/a/Whq9M

http://imgur.com/a/DXwMi

Working on shipping these out and invoicing for shipping costs (which were not invoiced for during the initial buying phase).

11/29/2016

Payment submitted to Matrix along with the group's order options as they are in the form.



Order form (closed but with info): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdO9hT3gHpnQdnF0w-jjGW5tX8CpH-KLe8aOzw61Zx7NsqP0w/viewform

The group buy was unexpectedly closed early so this thread will be maintained for future updates and bookkeeping purposes.

A low-key aluminum TKL keyboard in 86/84-key flavors from Matrix, a keyboard group within China.

Price: $285+shipping. Paypal only and fees are included in the price. Shipping TBD and to be invoiced later.

ETA: Production slated to complete before Chinese New Year's (end of January).

Check your order here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1GNhJl8NKrWIiSom65PztInEP_ADXotuqzgIfk0MddxM/edit?usp=sharing

Edit: Not the mod's fault. I knew it would take a while to process on GH and the GB was closed way earlier than expected. Just bad luck. Still, it's better to keep track of a GB on GH which is why I made the thread.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel
Post by: LunarisDream on Wed, 30 November 2016, 23:39:00
.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Thu, 01 December 2016, 09:13:44
Got excited, then was immediately let down haha
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel
Post by: wodan on Thu, 01 December 2016, 09:37:59
LOL so thanks to GH mods taking more than three days to approve this GB, it's alredy sold out in China and we an suck it ;)

LD: Did you post this GB elsewhere for ealier access?
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel
Post by: loud_asian on Thu, 01 December 2016, 09:43:43
LOL so thanks to GH mods taking more than three days to approve this GB, it's alredy sold out in China and we an suck it ;)

LD: Did you post this GB elsewhere for ealier access?

It was posted to reddit on /r/mechmarket
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel
Post by: wodan on Thu, 01 December 2016, 09:46:04
Aah thanks for the update, things just got more complicated...

Had to happen though.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Thu, 01 December 2016, 10:25:03
LOL so thanks to GH mods taking more than three days to approve this GB, it's alredy sold out in China and we an suck it ;)

LD: Did you post this GB elsewhere for ealier access?

It was posted to reddit on /r/mechmarket

Pls nobody goes there
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel
Post by: Saiph on Thu, 01 December 2016, 10:27:22
What does the board look like? I missed the pics of it haha
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel
Post by: KetchyKech on Thu, 01 December 2016, 10:27:55
What does the board look like? I missed the pics of it haha

same...I wanna know what I missed out on!! the suspense is killing me!
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel
Post by: CornCha0s on Thu, 01 December 2016, 10:35:13
What does the board look like? I missed the pics of it haha

same...I wanna know what I missed out on!! the suspense is killing me!

http://sli.mg/a/3TziNt

Edit: found some more pics on the Matrix site: http://imgur.com/a/ltkKH
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel
Post by: KetchyKech on Thu, 01 December 2016, 10:35:54
What does the board look like? I missed the pics of it haha

same...I wanna know what I missed out on!! the suspense is killing me!

http://sli.mg/a/3TziNt

thanks m8!
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel
Post by: romevi on Thu, 01 December 2016, 10:40:21
First Cain; now Abel?  :))
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel
Post by: kawasaki161 on Thu, 01 December 2016, 11:07:42
God, even that PCB is a work of art. Now if I just liked TKL I would have picked one up on the mm post.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel
Post by: Saiph on Thu, 01 December 2016, 11:12:09
God, even that PCB is a work of art. Now if I just liked TKL I would have picked one up on the mm post.
Yeah, glad I only go for 60-75% now.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel
Post by: romevi on Thu, 01 December 2016, 11:13:13
God, even that PCB is a work of art. Now if I just liked TKL I would have picked one up on the mm post.

Where are you seeing pics?
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel
Post by: kawasaki161 on Thu, 01 December 2016, 11:15:48
God, even that PCB is a work of art. Now if I just liked TKL I would have picked one up on the mm post.

Where are you seeing pics?
Reply #9
What does the board look like? I missed the pics of it haha

same...I wanna know what I missed out on!! the suspense is killing me!

http://sli.mg/a/3TziNt

Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel
Post by: romevi on Thu, 01 December 2016, 11:17:03
God, even that PCB is a work of art. Now if I just liked TKL I would have picked one up on the mm post.

Where are you seeing pics?
Reply #9
What does the board look like? I missed the pics of it haha

same...I wanna know what I missed out on!! the suspense is killing me!

http://sli.mg/a/3TziNt

Oop, missed that link. I was looking in the OP.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel
Post by: wodan on Thu, 01 December 2016, 12:06:12
God damn ... put me on the waiting list LD!
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel
Post by: kawasaki161 on Thu, 01 December 2016, 13:03:54
God damn ... put me on the waiting list LD!

How much disposable income can someone possibly have? You goddamn glutton  :))
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel
Post by: wodan on Thu, 01 December 2016, 13:20:38
How much disposable income can someone possibly have? You goddamn glutton  :))

It's all about priorities :)
PM me for free career advice ;)
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel {closed}
Post by: Data on Thu, 01 December 2016, 14:03:09
Looks nice.  Bummer that it ended after, what, 48 hours? :P
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel {closed}
Post by: oatmicro on Thu, 01 December 2016, 14:07:29
aaaannnddd it's gone  :eek:
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel {closed}
Post by: wodan on Thu, 01 December 2016, 14:24:25
Actually funny how other custom keyboards sold out in hours while this beauty was available for orders for days...
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel {closed}
Post by: odd on Thu, 01 December 2016, 14:29:30
How did I miss this?  :( I hope to have a custom TLK before I die. It's one of the only things I am lacking to complete my collection
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel {closed}
Post by: loud_asian on Thu, 01 December 2016, 14:40:57
How did I miss this?  :( I hope to have a custom TLK before I die. It's one of the only things I am lacking to complete my collection

The Mech27 TKL GB looks like there's gonna be extras

I might even try to sell my spot in the gb to make room for the Abel
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel {closed}
Post by: -musubi on Thu, 01 December 2016, 17:31:14
Glad I managed to get into this without having to wait for this thread approval :P thanks LD!
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel {closed}
Post by: kenshinjeff on Thu, 01 December 2016, 18:39:01
Come fast fast, go fast fast  :))
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel {closed}
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Thu, 01 December 2016, 20:57:12
Screw the board, I just want to be drowned in hundreds of these PCBs

(https://i.sli.mg/fswJqm.png)

(http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/29899902/images/1391120040159.jpg)
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel {closed}
Post by: loud_asian on Thu, 01 December 2016, 21:04:02
I think its fantastic how the abel name is perfectly placed inside the spacebar plate hole

(http://i.imgur.com/ea9df6G.jpg)
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel {closed}
Post by: gadzkun on Thu, 01 December 2016, 21:09:21
how did i miss this ???? T_T

oh wait

its not this matrix right?

(http://ww4.sinaimg.cn/mw690/746b4b60gw1f75ts77obsj25eg2lcb29.jpg)

i was waiting this matrix now im still waiting :p
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel {closed}
Post by: KyleZhuang on Thu, 01 December 2016, 21:39:15
how did i miss this ???? T_T

oh wait

its not this matrix right?

Show Image
(http://ww4.sinaimg.cn/mw690/746b4b60gw1f75ts77obsj25eg2lcb29.jpg)


i was waiting this matrix now im still waiting :p
This is an earlier work of Matrix, named 8XV1.0. Unfortunately, this one will no longer be produced. But we do have new plans, so stay tuned!
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel {closed}
Post by: DALExSNAIL on Thu, 01 December 2016, 21:42:09
how did i miss this ???? T_T

oh wait

its not this matrix right?

Show Image
(http://ww4.sinaimg.cn/mw690/746b4b60gw1f75ts77obsj25eg2lcb29.jpg)


i was waiting this matrix now im still waiting :p
This is an earlier work of Matrix, named 8XV1.0. Unfortunately, this customized kbd will no longer be produced. But we do have new plans, so stay tuned!     :D

Wish there was an english newsletter or something to subscribe to haha, gotta know about these in the future!
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel {closed}
Post by: gadzkun on Thu, 01 December 2016, 22:29:09
how did i miss this ???? T_T

oh wait

its not this matrix right?

Show Image
(http://ww4.sinaimg.cn/mw690/746b4b60gw1f75ts77obsj25eg2lcb29.jpg)


i was waiting this matrix now im still waiting :p
This is an earlier work of Matrix, named 8XV1.0. Unfortunately, this one will no longer be produced. But we do have new plans, so stay tuned!

yes please, new plan & unique layout, i really like 8XV1.0 layout so unique  :-*
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel {closed}
Post by: odd on Thu, 01 December 2016, 22:55:10
How did I miss this?  :( I hope to have a custom TLK before I die. It's one of the only things I am lacking to complete my collection

The Mech27 TKL GB looks like there's gonna be extras

I might even try to sell my spot in the gb to make room for the Abel

I would have hopped on the Mech27 in a instant if there was more than 1 type of space row and unfortunately the space row that's offered I hate the most. It seems so weird to me that TLK seem to be once of the most popular sizes yet it seems extremely  hard to acquire a custom built one. I'm talking about full metal with integrated plate and not acrylic cases. I guess I'll keep hunting thanks for ther reply.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel {closed}
Post by: loud_asian on Fri, 02 December 2016, 01:43:00
How did I miss this?  :( I hope to have a custom TLK before I die. It's one of the only things I am lacking to complete my collection

The Mech27 TKL GB looks like there's gonna be extras

I might even try to sell my spot in the gb to make room for the Abel

I would have hopped on the Mech27 in a instant if there was more than 1 type of space row and unfortunately the space row that's offered I hate the most. It seems so weird to me that TLK seem to be once of the most popular sizes yet it seems extremely  hard to acquire a custom built one. I'm talking about full metal with integrated plate and not acrylic cases. I guess I'll keep hunting thanks for ther reply.

Ah yes, those were more "common" a while back. Nowadays, everything's gotta have rgb underglow. LifeZone mentioned that he has a back to the basics TKL board coming up next, so you might want to keep an eye out for that one.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel {closed}
Post by: KyleZhuang on Fri, 02 December 2016, 09:49:36
how did i miss this ???? T_T

oh wait

its not this matrix right?

Show Image
(http://ww4.sinaimg.cn/mw690/746b4b60gw1f75ts77obsj25eg2lcb29.jpg)


i was waiting this matrix now im still waiting :p
This is an earlier work of Matrix, named 8XV1.0. Unfortunately, this customized kbd will no longer be produced. But we do have new plans, so stay tuned!     :D

Wish there was an english newsletter or something to subscribe to haha, gotta know about these in the future!
We have our own forumhttp://matrix-lab.cn/ (http://matrix-lab.cn/).
I think some translating tools may be helpful...
We got a lot of great pictures on our forum. Most of them are works by Matrix.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel {closed}
Post by: KyleZhuang on Fri, 02 December 2016, 09:54:15
how did i miss this ???? T_T

oh wait

its not this matrix right?

Show Image
(http://ww4.sinaimg.cn/mw690/746b4b60gw1f75ts77obsj25eg2lcb29.jpg)


i was waiting this matrix now im still waiting :p
This is an earlier work of Matrix, named 8XV1.0. Unfortunately, this one will no longer be produced. But we do have new plans, so stay tuned!

yes please, new plan & unique layout, i really like 8XV1.0 layout so unique  :-*
I believe you mean the FN key in the F row. I think that's the symbol of 1.0 and also the biggest reason why I love it!
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel {closed}
Post by: gadzkun on Fri, 02 December 2016, 10:58:04
how did i miss this ???? T_T

oh wait

its not this matrix right?

Show Image
(http://ww4.sinaimg.cn/mw690/746b4b60gw1f75ts77obsj25eg2lcb29.jpg)


i was waiting this matrix now im still waiting :p
This is an earlier work of Matrix, named 8XV1.0. Unfortunately, this one will no longer be produced. But we do have new plans, so stay tuned!

yes please, new plan & unique layout, i really like 8XV1.0 layout so unique  :-*
I believe you mean the FN key in the F row. I think that's the symbol of 1.0 and also the biggest reason why I love it!

yep i love additional F row and the bottom row, looks like winkeyless but its not, its really cool :thumb:
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel {closed}
Post by: roostrc0gburn on Wed, 28 December 2016, 15:36:18
so, whats up with this? got an email saying the PEO is not available after all....
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel {closed}
Post by: loud_asian on Wed, 18 January 2017, 00:30:32
Would anyone be interested in picking up my order?

I think I ended up switching to a black case

edit: I've got a couple of PMs, no more pls
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel {closed}
Post by: kenshinjeff on Wed, 18 January 2017, 00:52:02
Would anyone be interested in picking up my order?

I think I ended up switching to a black case

Are you sure? It's almost shipping or shipped out you know : x
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel {closed}
Post by: loud_asian on Wed, 18 January 2017, 00:58:28
Would anyone be interested in picking up my order?

I think I ended up switching to a black case

Are you sure? It's almost shipping or shipped out you know : x

I haven't kept up with the progress of the groupbuy. I have to ask my dad to translate the matrix forum for me everytime I look at the thread X)
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: beamingrobot on Sun, 22 January 2017, 03:02:37
If anyone wants to part with their order let me know, am willing to do trades or $$  :p
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: lanyusea on Sun, 22 January 2017, 08:00:00
annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd it is gone!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: clappingcactus on Sun, 22 January 2017, 08:34:28
If anyone wants to part with their order let me know, am willing to do trades or $$  :p

Same offer. I'd like to pick up an Abel. I understand only like 7 were sold outside China, but still.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: TerryMathews on Sun, 22 January 2017, 19:35:19
I understand only like 7 were sold outside China
8...  :D
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: kenshinjeff on Tue, 24 January 2017, 01:14:29
Way more than 8 imo, quite a few of the regulars are not residing in china. Mine came in yesterday : D
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: roostrc0gburn on Tue, 24 January 2017, 11:00:37
i backed out when i found out there would not be a PEO finishing option. that was really the only thing interesting about this board to me.

i guess that makes yours even more rare! but, i think this is one of the most extensive runs of a Matrix board. the earlier models are much more rare
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: clappingcactus on Tue, 24 January 2017, 13:59:22
i backed out when i found out there would not be a PEO finishing option. that was really the only thing interesting about this board to me.

i guess that makes yours even more rare! but, i think this is one of the most extensive runs of a Matrix board. the earlier models are much more rare

Oh? That was the only interesting part to me, too. Any idea why it is no longer an option?
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: roostrc0gburn on Tue, 24 January 2017, 14:53:56
i backed out when i found out there would not be a PEO finishing option. that was really the only thing interesting about this board to me.

i guess that makes yours even more rare! but, i think this is one of the most extensive runs of a Matrix board. the earlier models are much more rare

Oh? That was the only interesting part to me, too. Any idea why it is no longer an option?

i think i read in the matrix thread that it was not feasible to keep it clean or something? maybe it was some issue with the application - that it did not bond well to all the small surfaces. at any rate, LD sent out an email asking for my preference for anodization and i decided to pass.

with so many interesting boards being made this year, i did not want to spend so much money on what seems to be the most plain, boring matrix model yet. if the POE would have worked out, it would have made for a very unique and interesting keeb. alas, it looks like these will be produced in greater numbers that previous models for the enthusiast groups in asia. i'm still interested in this project, and i will keep an eye on it
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: TerryMathews on Tue, 24 January 2017, 23:08:26
Did we ever find out what programming software Abel uses?
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: VereChi on Thu, 26 January 2017, 13:15:39
Did we ever find out what programming software Abel uses?

Matrix's pcb is unprogrammable. :'(
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: loud_asian on Thu, 26 January 2017, 13:41:02
Did we ever find out what programming software Abel uses?

Matrix's pcb is unprogrammable. :'(

!

I wonder if a winkeyless pcb will fit
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: TerryMathews on Thu, 26 January 2017, 17:13:17
Did we ever find out what programming software Abel uses?

Matrix's pcb is unprogrammable. :'(

Lunarisdream, is this true? You listed it on Reddit as fully programmable.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: kuang2 on Mon, 30 January 2017, 00:43:26
All Abel was shipped before Chinese New Year.
The board is not programmable and wkl b.87 can not fit Abel case.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: dbucklin on Mon, 30 January 2017, 10:08:30
That's really disappointing if true, and not what LunarisDream said in the Reddit thread.
[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: loud_asian on Mon, 30 January 2017, 10:55:35
Hmm I wonder what kinda layout the board's gonna use.

If its just gonna be a standard ansi layout, I think I can make it work, but backslash backspace is just to comfortable to let go
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: LunarisDream on Mon, 30 January 2017, 11:25:00
About the board's programming... I'll have to get back to you all on this. But I was told that it was programmable. Would be pretty ****ty if it was confirmed otherwise.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: frostylove on Wed, 01 February 2017, 10:44:43
All keyboards from matrix lab are unprogrammable. And will not fit any other PCB except the original ones.

Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: dbucklin on Wed, 01 February 2017, 12:33:11
All keyboards from matrix lab are unprogrammable. And will not fit any other PCB except the original ones.

For me, the ability to program a board is almost a must. I mean, I can type without a programmable board, but I've implemented some customizations that I'm used to and really like. In your signature, you have four Matrix boards listed. What is the draw of Matrix boards for you? Why do you invest in them if they are so expensive yet not programmable?
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: clappingcactus on Wed, 01 February 2017, 16:16:57
Yeah this is kind of shocking to me, too. Having programmability, and having linearly arranged dedicated arrow keys are the two requirements I have in any keyboard.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: joey on Wed, 01 February 2017, 16:21:00
It's also a bit weird because the PCB doesn't require extra work to make it programmable.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: henz on Wed, 01 February 2017, 16:25:36
dis means good business for hasu, the usbtousb controller would help i guess
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: romevi on Thu, 02 February 2017, 10:17:28
All keyboards from matrix lab are unprogrammable. And will not fit any other PCB except the original ones.

What the heck? A custom keyboard without the ability to be...custom?
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: lolpes on Thu, 02 February 2017, 10:24:26
All keyboards from matrix lab are unprogrammable. And will not fit any other PCB except the original ones.

What the heck? A custom keyboard without the ability to be...custom?

Just brand it with a half eaten apple and its good to go!
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: romevi on Thu, 02 February 2017, 11:13:34
All keyboards from matrix lab are unprogrammable. And will not fit any other PCB except the original ones.

What the heck? A custom keyboard without the ability to be...custom?

Just brand it with a half eaten apple and its good to go!

But you can't even reprogram an Apple keyboard...
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: TerryMathews on Thu, 02 February 2017, 13:01:21
Thats_the_joke.gif
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: Data on Thu, 02 February 2017, 14:50:18
All keyboards from matrix lab are unprogrammable. And will not fit any other PCB except the original ones.

I wonder what exactly makes it "unprogrammable".  Is it just the lack of a bootloader?  Is the firmware written in Ancient Sanskrit?  Custom controller?

Someone had to write that initial firmware.  Even if they didn't want to share their code, just knowing the pinouts and the controller type should be enough foundation to port another codebase or, worst case, write completely new firmware for it.  Though admittedly, I am the Jon Snow of firmware writing.

More
I know nothing.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: gnmar2723 on Thu, 02 February 2017, 23:05:58
If one of the eight people who got in on this wants to sell their spot, send me a pm please  :p
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: romevi on Fri, 03 February 2017, 10:22:09
Thats_the_joke.gif

That was a joke? It wasn't even good.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: juahenza on Fri, 03 February 2017, 10:30:23
dis means good business for hasu, the usbtousb controller would help i guess
The usbtousb controller doesn't work with the matrix 1.2 pcb. Not sure about the others.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: dbucklin on Sat, 04 February 2017, 17:03:32
If you're interested in taking my spot, PM me. I ordered a silver case with ANSI winkey layout and green Matrix logo badge (not the handwritten one). $285. You will be responsible for shipping charges, I believe.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: joey on Sat, 04 February 2017, 17:06:41
dis means good business for hasu, the usbtousb controller would help i guess
The usbtousb controller doesn't work with the matrix 1.2 pcb. Not sure about the others.
Know why?
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: moogle on Sun, 05 February 2017, 11:30:20
I'd like to purchase an Abel that's available.
Any configuration of the keyboard will do.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: frostylove on Mon, 06 February 2017, 10:05:23
All keyboards from matrix lab are unprogrammable. And will not fit any other PCB except the original ones.

I wonder what exactly makes it "unprogrammable".  Is it just the lack of a bootloader?  Is the firmware written in Ancient Sanskrit?  Custom controller?

Someone had to write that initial firmware.  Even if they didn't want to share their code, just knowing the pinouts and the controller type should be enough foundation to port another codebase or, worst case, write completely new firmware for it.  Though admittedly, I am the Jon Snow of firmware writing.

More
I know nothing.

Alright, it's my fault for the misunderstanding. I should say "not available to update layout right now due to the lack of custom layout loader" instead of "unprogrammable" cause nowadays almost every microcontroller is programmable. As far as I know, there's no plan for the team to write the custom layout loader in the near future which would means "unprogrammable" to end-users.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: joey on Mon, 06 February 2017, 10:22:57
All keyboards from matrix lab are unprogrammable. And will not fit any other PCB except the original ones.

I wonder what exactly makes it "unprogrammable".  Is it just the lack of a bootloader?  Is the firmware written in Ancient Sanskrit?  Custom controller?

Someone had to write that initial firmware.  Even if they didn't want to share their code, just knowing the pinouts and the controller type should be enough foundation to port another codebase or, worst case, write completely new firmware for it.  Though admittedly, I am the Jon Snow of firmware writing.

More
I know nothing.

Alright, it's my fault for the misunderstanding. I should say "not available to update layout right now due to the lack of custom layout loader" instead of "unprogrammable" cause nowadays almost every microcontroller is programmable. As far as I know, there's no plan for the team to write the custom layout loader in the near future which would means "unprogrammable" to end-users.
Do you know if the programmer header is exposed on the board?
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: frostylove on Mon, 06 February 2017, 21:07:06
All keyboards from matrix lab are unprogrammable. And will not fit any other PCB except the original ones.

I wonder what exactly makes it "unprogrammable".  Is it just the lack of a bootloader?  Is the firmware written in Ancient Sanskrit?  Custom controller?

Someone had to write that initial firmware.  Even if they didn't want to share their code, just knowing the pinouts and the controller type should be enough foundation to port another codebase or, worst case, write completely new firmware for it.  Though admittedly, I am the Jon Snow of firmware writing.

More
I know nothing.

Alright, it's my fault for the misunderstanding. I should say "not available to update layout right now due to the lack of custom layout loader" instead of "unprogrammable" cause nowadays almost every microcontroller is programmable. As far as I know, there's no plan for the team to write the custom layout loader in the near future which would means "unprogrammable" to end-users.
Do you know if the programmer header is exposed on the board?

I have no idea as I am not the designer.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: TerryMathews on Mon, 06 February 2017, 21:34:59
.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: aurora on Wed, 01 March 2017, 03:24:19
Anyone willing to sell?  :eek:
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (production complete, shipping from Matrix soon)
Post by: LunarisDream on Mon, 13 March 2017, 07:36:26
Update:

The Abels from this buy (that is, once again, graciously made possible by Cain from Matrix after the buy unexpectedly closed in China) have arrived. I've unpacked them all and gave cursory inspections. The quality is on point and I can see no visible defects, which attests to the attention to quality and detail that contributes to Matrix's reputation in China.

Everyone will get two logo plates in the handwritten style, one red and one green. I'm sorry to say that things didn't work out and I can't get the proper logo plates you chose back in December.

Everyone will get a coiled LINDY cable (as stated in the OP).

The PCBs are not programmable. I was grossly misinformed on that matter. If this is a dealbreaker and you'd like a refund, send me a PM or email (my username @ yahoo.com). Based on the info I've gathered, the Abel's case is NOT COMPATIBLE with other TKL PCBs.

I will be contacting/invoicing the buyers for shipping costs ($45) in a day or so.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: gnmar2723 on Mon, 13 March 2017, 10:34:38
If anyone doesn't want theirs anymore, or if anyone drops out, I'd happily buy a spot that had normal wkl blockers. Send me a pm if that is you  :thumb:
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: -musubi on Mon, 13 March 2017, 12:31:07
So pumped, thanks again lunaris! Looking forward to building this fella up
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: Weiss on Mon, 13 March 2017, 20:26:25
I just wanted to say, I got my hands on a Matrix Abel earlier in the month.

The board was great, amazing anodization (though I had the MAO Ceramic White). It was odd to use such a low angle, and a rather light board but otherwise no complaints about the build quality.

Of course the non-programability of the PCB was a huuuuuge pain. I looked into as many ways as improving the board, though I ended up trading the board off. Here's what I found as good ways to fix up the board:

1. The PCBs you want are A.87 PCBs. Replacing your PCB with an A.87 PCB will give you all the programability you could ask for really, though there aren't any plates that I found that will fit with the case. I've checked Kin's TX87 PCB/Plate, but those are actually too big for the case. The Mech-27 plate doesn't fit the screws in the case, but the PCB should work. So, you could replace the PCB rather easily, but you'd need to get a plate custom made if you want to add compatibility for like split backspace or split right shift for example.

2. https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=72052.0 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=72052.0) Hasu's USB-USB converter should give you full programability as well, from what I assume. Probably the least work you'd need to do to at least give yourself full programability, but of course the plate will still leave you unable to adjust your keys to match what you do.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: HappyCatFish on Wed, 15 March 2017, 13:42:59
Bummed that I was busy joining other GBs and I missed out on this.

I am loving the profile view and the low angle on this custom. I kinda miss less extreme angle after using the 11 degree Orion on my desk for so long.

Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: joey on Wed, 15 March 2017, 13:47:47
I just wanted to say, I got my hands on a Matrix Abel earlier in the month.

The board was great, amazing anodization (though I had the MAO Ceramic White). It was odd to use such a low angle, and a rather light board but otherwise no complaints about the build quality.

Of course the non-programability of the PCB was a huuuuuge pain. I looked into as many ways as improving the board, though I ended up trading the board off. Here's what I found as good ways to fix up the board:

1. The PCBs you want are A.87 PCBs. Replacing your PCB with an A.87 PCB will give you all the programability you could ask for really, though there aren't any plates that I found that will fit with the case. I've checked Kin's TX87 PCB/Plate, but those are actually too big for the case. The Mech-27 plate doesn't fit the screws in the case, but the PCB should work. So, you could replace the PCB rather easily, but you'd need to get a plate custom made if you want to add compatibility for like split backspace or split right shift for example.

2. https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=72052.0 (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=72052.0) Hasu's USB-USB converter should give you full programability as well, from what I assume. Probably the least work you'd need to do to at least give yourself full programability, but of course the plate will still leave you unable to adjust your keys to match what you do.
I was a bit surprised when they said no other PCB would fit this case..

Also the USB-USB adapter apparently doesn't work with the matrix pcb either..
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: TerryMathews on Wed, 15 March 2017, 23:06:13
Of course the non-programability of the PCB was a huuuuuge pain.

This isn't set in stone. I've been doing some research after I made my peace with the fact that the PCB is billed as non-programmable.

Opening the latest Abel firmware from matrix-lab.cn with a Hex editor confirms the controller is from ST Micro electronics (42B0) and that the firmware is based on CooCox RTOS (3F50). CooCox appears to be the "standard" IDE for ARM Cortex-M devices like Arduino IDE is for ATmega chips.

It is nowhere near as mature, however there are working ports of TMK and QMK to STM32 microcontrollers, which it appears Abel has.

No guarantees, but my plan is to get QMK running on Abel. Turns out I'm not getting an Abel after all. If someone wants me to port QMK to it, I'll need to borrow a completed keyboard or the PCB
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: -musubi on Thu, 16 March 2017, 01:08:50
Of course the non-programability of the PCB was a huuuuuge pain.

This isn't set in stone. I've been doing some research after I made my peace with the fact that the PCB is billed as non-programmable.

Opening the latest Abel firmware from matrix-lab.cn with a Hex editor confirms the controller is from ST Micro electronics (42B0) and that the firmware is based on CooCox RTOS (3F50). CooCox appears to be the "standard" IDE for ARM Cortex-M devices like Arduino IDE is for ATmega chips.

It is nowhere near as mature, however there are working ports of TMK and QMK to STM32 microcontrollers, which it appears Abel has.

No guarantees, but my plan is to get QMK running on Abel.

That would be amazing if you could do that and share your findings here :D
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: breckstar on Thu, 13 April 2017, 20:54:49
Anyone know what the key between the winkey and ctrl on the right side does? It is not registering for me on keytester. Not sure if it was 'alt' or 'menu' or something else. If anyone has built their board and knows anything please let me know. This is on the 86 key. It is the 'menu' key on my board.
 Picture below.
(http://imgur.com/Eun3Xx7)
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: Gajible on Thu, 13 April 2017, 20:56:51
Anyone know what the key between the winkey and ctrl on the right side does? It is not registering for me on keytester. Not sure if it was 'alt' or 'menu' or something else. If anyone has built their board and knows anything please let me know. This is on the 86 key. It is the 'menu' key on my board.
 Picture below.
Show Image
(http://imgur.com/Eun3Xx7)


That's normal if you're using Aqua or something similar. It's essentially your "Function" key and this happens on most boards. The key works!
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: breckstar on Thu, 13 April 2017, 22:38:42
Anyone know what the key between the winkey and ctrl on the right side does? It is not registering for me on keytester. Not sure if it was 'alt' or 'menu' or something else. If anyone has built their board and knows anything please let me know. This is on the 86 key. It is the 'menu' key on my board.
 Picture below.
Show Image
(http://imgur.com/Eun3Xx7)


That's normal if you're using Aqua or something similar. It's essentially your "Function" key and this happens on most boards. The key works!
That is what I expected, but does any one know what the FN keymap is? I assume there is some LED control on FN layer.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: -musubi on Thu, 27 April 2017, 23:46:34
Anyone know what the key between the winkey and ctrl on the right side does? It is not registering for me on keytester. Not sure if it was 'alt' or 'menu' or something else. If anyone has built their board and knows anything please let me know. This is on the 86 key. It is the 'menu' key on my board.
 Picture below.
Show Image
(http://imgur.com/Eun3Xx7)


That's normal if you're using Aqua or something similar. It's essentially your "Function" key and this happens on most boards. The key works!
That is what I expected, but does any one know what the FN keymap is? I assume there is some LED control on FN layer.

I am also wondering the same thing... was hoping the caps lock/scroll lock leds would come on by default at least too but doesn't look like they do.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: futurecrime on Mon, 22 May 2017, 15:54:53
So did anybody figure out a way to reprogram the Abel yet? Anyone try Hasu's USB to USB converter with it? I've got an Abel ready to build but still slightly on the fence about whether to trade it or not... I want programmability for Colemak...
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: TerryMathews on Mon, 22 May 2017, 22:21:08
So did anybody figure out a way to reprogram the Abel yet? Anyone try Hasu's USB to USB converter with it? I've got an Abel ready to build but still slightly on the fence about whether to trade it or not... I want programmability for Colemak...

I believe QMK could be ported to it, and I'd be willing to do it, but I need a PCB or keyboard to work on.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: kawasaki161 on Tue, 23 May 2017, 03:19:48
So did anybody figure out a way to reprogram the Abel yet? Anyone try Hasu's USB to USB converter with it? I've got an Abel ready to build but still slightly on the fence about whether to trade it or not... I want programmability for Colemak...

I believe QMK could be ported to it, and I'd be willing to do it, but I need a PCB or keyboard to work on.

Nice try  :))
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: futurecrime on Tue, 23 May 2017, 06:04:07
So did anybody figure out a way to reprogram the Abel yet? Anyone try Hasu's USB to USB converter with it? I've got an Abel ready to build but still slightly on the fence about whether to trade it or not... I want programmability for Colemak...

I believe QMK could be ported to it, and I'd be willing to do it, but I need a PCB or keyboard to work on.

I'm actually trying to get a spare PCB right now. Where are you based?
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: TerryMathews on Tue, 23 May 2017, 06:54:40
So did anybody figure out a way to reprogram the Abel yet? Anyone try Hasu's USB to USB converter with it? I've got an Abel ready to build but still slightly on the fence about whether to trade it or not... I want programmability for Colemak...

I believe QMK could be ported to it, and I'd be willing to do it, but I need a PCB or keyboard to work on.

I'm actually trying to get a spare PCB right now. Where are you based?

Dayton, OH
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: TerryMathews on Tue, 23 May 2017, 06:57:26
So did anybody figure out a way to reprogram the Abel yet? Anyone try Hasu's USB to USB converter with it? I've got an Abel ready to build but still slightly on the fence about whether to trade it or not... I want programmability for Colemak...

I believe QMK could be ported to it, and I'd be willing to do it, but I need a PCB or keyboard to work on.

Nice try  :))

I'm actually a pretty frequent contributor to QMK. The commits are out there, same user name.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: -musubi on Wed, 24 May 2017, 14:48:28
So did anybody figure out a way to reprogram the Abel yet? Anyone try Hasu's USB to USB converter with it? I've got an Abel ready to build but still slightly on the fence about whether to trade it or not... I want programmability for Colemak...

I believe QMK could be ported to it, and I'd be willing to do it, but I need a PCB or keyboard to work on.

Nice try  :))

I'm actually a pretty frequent contributor to QMK. The commits are out there, same user name.

Someone get this guy a pcb asap! I think there might be Abel pcbs available on Taobao as well
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: riotonthebay on Wed, 24 May 2017, 15:54:12
So did anybody figure out a way to reprogram the Abel yet? Anyone try Hasu's USB to USB converter with it? I've got an Abel ready to build but still slightly on the fence about whether to trade it or not... I want programmability for Colemak...

I believe QMK could be ported to it, and I'd be willing to do it, but I need a PCB or keyboard to work on.

Nice try  :))

I'm actually a pretty frequent contributor to QMK. The commits are out there, same user name.

Sent a PM -- happy to loan out my PCB for the cause.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: futurecrime on Wed, 24 May 2017, 16:15:35
So did anybody figure out a way to reprogram the Abel yet? Anyone try Hasu's USB to USB converter with it? I've got an Abel ready to build but still slightly on the fence about whether to trade it or not... I want programmability for Colemak...

I believe QMK could be ported to it, and I'd be willing to do it, but I need a PCB or keyboard to work on.

Nice try  :))

I'm actually a pretty frequent contributor to QMK. The commits are out there, same user name.

Sent a PM -- happy to loan out my PCB for the cause.

That would be great. I'm trying to get an extra PCB from TaoBao via Frostylove and was considering loaning that out to Terry, but I'm in UK so it'd start to get expensive pretty quickly with postage. Besides, I'm yet to hear back from Frostylove on the purchase just now anyway. Hope you guys can work something out. I love this board! I love this community!
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: TerryMathews on Wed, 24 May 2017, 17:51:37
So did anybody figure out a way to reprogram the Abel yet? Anyone try Hasu's USB to USB converter with it? I've got an Abel ready to build but still slightly on the fence about whether to trade it or not... I want programmability for Colemak...

I believe QMK could be ported to it, and I'd be willing to do it, but I need a PCB or keyboard to work on.

Nice try  :))

I'm actually a pretty frequent contributor to QMK. The commits are out there, same user name.

Sent a PM -- happy to loan out my PCB for the cause.

Arrangements have been made. Not promising anything, but there's framework code in QMK that I believe can be adapted to support the Abel, based on my Hex edit of the stock firmware - it should be similar to the Infinity 60 and the White Fox.

I'll keep everyone updated.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: futurecrime on Wed, 24 May 2017, 18:33:01
So did anybody figure out a way to reprogram the Abel yet? Anyone try Hasu's USB to USB converter with it? I've got an Abel ready to build but still slightly on the fence about whether to trade it or not... I want programmability for Colemak...

I believe QMK could be ported to it, and I'd be willing to do it, but I need a PCB or keyboard to work on.

Nice try  :))

I'm actually a pretty frequent contributor to QMK. The commits are out there, same user name.

Sent a PM -- happy to loan out my PCB for the cause.

Arrangements have been made. Not promising anything, but there's framework code in QMK that I believe can be adapted to support the Abel, based on my Hex edit of the stock firmware - it should be similar to the Infinity 60 and the White Fox.

I'll keep everyone updated.

You rule. Good luck!
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: -musubi on Sat, 27 May 2017, 03:25:09
So did anybody figure out a way to reprogram the Abel yet? Anyone try Hasu's USB to USB converter with it? I've got an Abel ready to build but still slightly on the fence about whether to trade it or not... I want programmability for Colemak...

I believe QMK could be ported to it, and I'd be willing to do it, but I need a PCB or keyboard to work on.

Nice try  :))

I'm actually a pretty frequent contributor to QMK. The commits are out there, same user name.

Sent a PM -- happy to loan out my PCB for the cause.

Arrangements have been made. Not promising anything, but there's framework code in QMK that I believe can be adapted to support the Abel, based on my Hex edit of the stock firmware - it should be similar to the Infinity 60 and the White Fox.

I'll keep everyone updated.

Wow awesome, that was quick! Looking forward to any of your discoveries, but of course no pressure :P
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: hkf on Mon, 29 May 2017, 17:26:52
So did anybody figure out a way to reprogram the Abel yet? Anyone try Hasu's USB to USB converter with it? I've got an Abel ready to build but still slightly on the fence about whether to trade it or not... I want programmability for Colemak...

I believe QMK could be ported to it, and I'd be willing to do it, but I need a PCB or keyboard to work on.

Nice try  :))

I'm actually a pretty frequent contributor to QMK. The commits are out there, same user name.

Sent a PM -- happy to loan out my PCB for the cause.

Arrangements have been made. Not promising anything, but there's framework code in QMK that I believe can be adapted to support the Abel, based on my Hex edit of the stock firmware - it should be similar to the Infinity 60 and the White Fox.

I'll keep everyone updated.

I am monitoring this thread.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: TerryMathews on Mon, 29 May 2017, 21:12:01
So did anybody figure out a way to reprogram the Abel yet? Anyone try Hasu's USB to USB converter with it? I've got an Abel ready to build but still slightly on the fence about whether to trade it or not... I want programmability for Colemak...

I believe QMK could be ported to it, and I'd be willing to do it, but I need a PCB or keyboard to work on.

Nice try  :))

I'm actually a pretty frequent contributor to QMK. The commits are out there, same user name.

Sent a PM -- happy to loan out my PCB for the cause.

Arrangements have been made. Not promising anything, but there's framework code in QMK that I believe can be adapted to support the Abel, based on my Hex edit of the stock firmware - it should be similar to the Infinity 60 and the White Fox.

I'll keep everyone updated.

I am monitoring this thread.

I am monitoring your monitoring of this thread.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: TerryMathews on Thu, 01 June 2017, 15:19:37
Keyboard has arrived. Already hit a roadblock and have reached out to Jack Humbert for advice - evidently Matrix decided to tie two rows together and current limit one of them with a 2k ohm resistor. That means at least those two rows will have to be read analog in order to sense their voltage level.

****s.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: hkf on Thu, 01 June 2017, 17:29:11
Keyboard has arrived. Already hit a roadblock and have reached out to Jack Humbert for advice - evidently Matrix decided to tie two rows together and current limit one of them with a 2k ohm resistor. That means at least those two rows will have to be read analog in order to sense their voltage level.

****s.

I figured it was more of a '**** everyone else' kind of move than a question of accidental/ineptitude

do you happen to have an a.87 pcb to compare whether it's close enough in dimensions?
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: TerryMathews on Thu, 01 June 2017, 23:12:34
Keyboard has arrived. Already hit a roadblock and have reached out to Jack Humbert for advice - evidently Matrix decided to tie two rows together and current limit one of them with a 2k ohm resistor. That means at least those two rows will have to be read analog in order to sense their voltage level.

****s.

I figured it was more of a '**** everyone else' kind of move than a question of accidental/ineptitude

do you happen to have an a.87 pcb to compare whether it's close enough in dimensions?

I do not have an a.87 to compare to.

Don't worry, I haven't given up yet. A few of the contributors from QMK have given me some examples to borrow code from.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: futurecrime on Sun, 11 June 2017, 17:21:37
Might as well ask here about this problem I'm having with my Abel. It keeps disconnecting and reconnecting when I'm typing. I've tried different cables, different USB ports... tried disabling USB selective suspend. Anyone have any ideas to help me troubleshoot?

Also, another question: The key between right windows key and right control doesn't register. I assumed this was AltGr so it won't register on something like keyboardtester.com, but it doesn't seem to work with any keys to give me alternative characters... it just does nothing as far as I can tell. Is there a way for me to test if it's working at all?  I'm using the English (United Kingdom) setting in Windows 10.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: Auxo on Mon, 12 June 2017, 01:11:10
Might as well ask here about this problem I'm having with my Abel. It keeps disconnecting and reconnecting when I'm typing. I've tried different cables, different USB ports... tried disabling USB selective suspend. Anyone have any ideas to help me troubleshoot?

Also, another question: The key between right windows key and right control doesn't register. I assumed this was AltGr so it won't register on something like keyboardtester.com, but it doesn't seem to work with any keys to give me alternative characters... it just does nothing as far as I can tell. Is there a way for me to test if it's working at all?  I'm using the English (United Kingdom) setting in Windows 10.

on your 2nd question: could be the Fn, or function, key if it isnt anything else.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: futurecrime on Mon, 12 June 2017, 05:55:45
Might as well ask here about this problem I'm having with my Abel. It keeps disconnecting and reconnecting when I'm typing. I've tried different cables, different USB ports... tried disabling USB selective suspend. Anyone have any ideas to help me troubleshoot?

Also, another question: The key between right windows key and right control doesn't register. I assumed this was AltGr so it won't register on something like keyboardtester.com, but it doesn't seem to work with any keys to give me alternative characters... it just does nothing as far as I can tell. Is there a way for me to test if it's working at all?  I'm using the English (United Kingdom) setting in Windows 10.

on your 2nd question: could be the Fn, or function, key if it isnt anything else.

Yeah I've been wondering that. How can I test it on a TKL though? Is it just seeing if the F row has some media functions? I'll give it another shot when I get home tonight...
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: hkf on Sun, 13 August 2017, 20:15:22
Keyboard has arrived. Already hit a roadblock and have reached out to Jack Humbert for advice - evidently Matrix decided to tie two rows together and current limit one of them with a 2k ohm resistor. That means at least those two rows will have to be read analog in order to sense their voltage level.

****s.

I figured it was more of a '**** everyone else' kind of move than a question of accidental/ineptitude

do you happen to have an a.87 pcb to compare whether it's close enough in dimensions?

I do not have an a.87 to compare to.

Don't worry, I haven't given up yet. A few of the contributors from QMK have given me some examples to borrow code from.

No updates on this, I presume? _ABANDONS HOPE_
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: futurecrime on Wed, 16 August 2017, 08:25:11
Keyboard has arrived. Already hit a roadblock and have reached out to Jack Humbert for advice - evidently Matrix decided to tie two rows together and current limit one of them with a 2k ohm resistor. That means at least those two rows will have to be read analog in order to sense their voltage level.

****s.

I figured it was more of a '**** everyone else' kind of move than a question of accidental/ineptitude

do you happen to have an a.87 pcb to compare whether it's close enough in dimensions?

I do not have an a.87 to compare to.

Don't worry, I haven't given up yet. A few of the contributors from QMK have given me some examples to borrow code from.

No updates on this, I presume? _ABANDONS HOPE_

I can't even get my board to work 100% perfectly, it keeps disconnecting momentarily. I've just received a new PCB in the mail though and will try poking my current one around with more vigour. But I'll probably just sell it all on anyway if there's ultimately no way to program it. It's a beautiful board though, and I don't wanna abandon hope just yet... I put my faith in Terry to save us all.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: Jkush463 on Thu, 26 July 2018, 19:48:39
can anyone help me with a question i have on my abel i just got?
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: xondat on Thu, 26 July 2018, 20:10:28
can anyone help me with a question i have on my abel i just got?

Would help if you posted the question ;)
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: Jkush463 on Thu, 26 July 2018, 20:35:02
i was just wondering in keyboard tester the bottom 3 keys on either side of the space bar do not register and are the only keys that are not labeled, what are these keys function? every other key on my board works. 
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: Puddsy on Sat, 28 July 2018, 09:54:32
i was just wondering in keyboard tester the bottom 3 keys on either side of the space bar do not register and are the only keys that are not labeled, what are these keys function? every other key on my board works.

i know the right alt isn't mapped to anything on the abel pcb, but which keys in particular are you talking about
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: Jkush463 on Sat, 28 July 2018, 22:15:13
well i figured out that they key that wasn't working is the FN key? i installed sips on this board and cant get the leds to come on though is there a way to turn them on and off via fn key or is there something else i need to do? I also have the random disconnection issue... i dont know what it is this is my first board. its very random.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: Puddsy on Sun, 29 July 2018, 00:30:08
well i figured out that they key that wasn't working is the FN key? i installed sips on this board and cant get the leds to come on though is there a way to turn them on and off via fn key or is there something else i need to do? I also have the random disconnection issue... i dont know what it is this is my first board. its very random.

matrix pcbs are notoriously bizarre with issues

it might be SIPs that are causing the LED issue, i've heard of something like that before
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: Jkush463 on Sun, 29 July 2018, 00:52:51
yeah this is a weird pcb, i got the leds working, and apparently the dc issue is something in the firmware and has ben patched in newer versions the maker of the board has contacted me and is helping.
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: futurecrime on Mon, 30 July 2018, 14:01:18
JKush I know you PM'd me but I'm gonna post this here in the thread cos I've been asked for it before, so hopefully future Abel owners won't have to search so hard for an answer. This is the firmware update frostylove sent me which sorted out all my disconnection issues (the right alt is still unmapped btw!).

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5V32pe9tZhzdDUwb2tLLS1UakU/view?usp=sharing
To update firmware, follow the steps below
1 unplug the keyboard
2 Hold the esc and then plug in the keyboard
3 In the mobile disk shows up(then you could release esc), replace the AbelXXX.bin with new firmware binary file
4 unplug and plug in again to enjoy the new firmware

In some rare cases, keyboard is unrecognizable.
Follow the steps to format the internal disk
1 Format the internal disk WITHOUT "fast format" option
2 Copy Ctodo.bin into the internal disk then copy the firmware into it
3 Unplug to restart the MCU

Hope it could save you from randomly disconnect issue
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: Puddsy on Mon, 30 July 2018, 22:28:00
JKush I know you PM'd me but I'm gonna post this here in the thread cos I've been asked for it before, so hopefully future Abel owners won't have to search so hard for an answer. This is the firmware update frostylove sent me which sorted out all my disconnection issues (the right alt is still unmapped btw!).

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5V32pe9tZhzdDUwb2tLLS1UakU/view?usp=sharing
To update firmware, follow the steps below
1 unplug the keyboard
2 Hold the esc and then plug in the keyboard
3 In the mobile disk shows up(then you could release esc), replace the AbelXXX.bin with new firmware binary file
4 unplug and plug in again to enjoy the new firmware

In some rare cases, keyboard is unrecognizable.
Follow the steps to format the internal disk
1 Format the internal disk WITHOUT "fast format" option
2 Copy Ctodo.bin into the internal disk then copy the firmware into it
3 Unplug to restart the MCU

Hope it could save you from randomly disconnect issue

nice

thanks
Title: Re: [GB] Matrix - Abel (received, shipping soon)
Post by: gideon on Fri, 11 January 2019, 22:15:20
I recently got my hands on a Matrix Abel. I was wondering if anyone knows the instructions to toggle the necessary lights or any other key maps.