geekhack

geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: Chann3l on Sun, 11 March 2018, 10:55:03

Title: First of two builds
Post by: Chann3l on Sun, 11 March 2018, 10:55:03
I have been using mechanical keyboards for many years but recently decided to do a couple DIY builds. I've never soldered before but did some research and went into it with confidence. This is the first of two boards and is now completely short of the custom cable that I am waiting on.

Satan GH60 PCB
Gateron Browns
Aluminum case from KBDFans
Standard stabilizers
DSA PBT blanks from SP

Pics of in progress and completed board:

(http://i.imgur.com/dqYFB3c.jpg)
Soldered

(http://i.imgur.com/yNMVnEC.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/28h2HYW.jpg)
In the case and ready for caps

(http://i.imgur.com/9PLiNK2.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/xFC75W8.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/0vvctHj.jpg)

I haven't had a chance to program it yet as I am also in the middle of a new PC build but I tested the default layout on my Mac and all the keys function properly so I am declaring this a success. Stay tuned for the dz60 build.
Title: Re: First of two builds
Post by: suicidal_orange on Sun, 11 March 2018, 11:10:38
I have to be honest and say that's not the best soldering job (quite a few pins could do with more solder as the pads aren't covered) but if it works and you're happy to get the iron out when/if problems arise it's a good first try. 

Most importantly the finished build looks great - enjoy :thumb:
Title: Re: First of two builds
Post by: xondat on Sun, 11 March 2018, 11:58:32
I have to be honest and say that's not the best soldering job (quite a few pins could do with more solder as the pads aren't covered) but if it works and you're happy to get the iron out when/if problems arise it's a good first try. 

Most importantly the finished build looks great - enjoy :thumb:

It's not often we recommend to add more solder, usually there are small mountains there! For reference, this is about right.

(https://www.keychatter.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/keychatter_2015-08-12_00-20-24.jpg)

Anyway, this looks like the first build I should've done, so enjoy it :p

Title: Re: First of two builds
Post by: Chann3l on Sun, 11 March 2018, 12:23:22
I have to be honest and say that's not the best soldering job (quite a few pins could do with more solder as the pads aren't covered) but if it works and you're happy to get the iron out when/if problems arise it's a good first try. 

Most importantly the finished build looks great - enjoy :thumb:



It's not often we recommend to add more solder, usually there are small mountains there! For reference, this is about right.

Show Image
(https://www.keychatter.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/keychatter_2015-08-12_00-20-24.jpg)


Anyway, this looks like the first build I should've done, so enjoy it :p



Haha, I agree, I didn't do the best job, started to get better as it went on but I also don't mind resoldering if necessary. Second board should look a lot nicer.

I will definitely add more solder with the second board. Didn't want to overdo it and it was secure but it's good to have a reference image for what the joints should look like, cheers :)
Title: Re: First of two builds
Post by: Rob27shred on Sun, 11 March 2018, 12:30:43
I have to be honest and say that's not the best soldering job (quite a few pins could do with more solder as the pads aren't covered) but if it works and you're happy to get the iron out when/if problems arise it's a good first try. 

Most importantly the finished build looks great - enjoy :thumb:



It's not often we recommend to add more solder, usually there are small mountains there! For reference, this is about right.

Show Image
(https://www.keychatter.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/keychatter_2015-08-12_00-20-24.jpg)


Anyway, this looks like the first build I should've done, so enjoy it :p



Haha, I agree, I didn't do the best job, started to get better as it went on but I also don't mind resoldering if necessary. Second board should look a lot nicer.

I will definitely add more solder with the second board.

The build does look really good OP & honestly not using enough solder is the lesser of two evils VS using too much solder. If you run into any issues in the future with this build most likely all that'll need done to fix it, is to touch up & add some solder to the joints you went light on. Overall you did a good job on it though, all the switches look properly aligned so no caps are askew, & most importantly it is working. Just remeber to be less stingy with the solder on your next build & your golden! :)
Title: Re: First of two builds
Post by: Chann3l on Sun, 11 March 2018, 13:38:39
I have to be honest and say that's not the best soldering job (quite a few pins could do with more solder as the pads aren't covered) but if it works and you're happy to get the iron out when/if problems arise it's a good first try. 

Most importantly the finished build looks great - enjoy :thumb:



It's not often we recommend to add more solder, usually there are small mountains there! For reference, this is about right.

Show Image
(https://www.keychatter.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/keychatter_2015-08-12_00-20-24.jpg)


Anyway, this looks like the first build I should've done, so enjoy it :p



Haha, I agree, I didn't do the best job, started to get better as it went on but I also don't mind resoldering if necessary. Second board should look a lot nicer.

I will definitely add more solder with the second board.

The build does look really good OP & honestly not using enough solder is the lesser of two evils VS using too much solder. If you run into any issues in the future with this build most likely all that'll need done to fix it, is to touch up & add some solder to the joints you went light on. Overall you did a good job on it though, all the switches look properly aligned so no caps are askew, & most importantly it is working. Just remeber to be less stingy with the solder on your next build & your golden! :)

Thanks a lot! I was very careful about ensuring that the switches were straight. I've seen pictures of some builds with slightly crooked switches and it's incredibly obvious. Actually, one of the alt keys was slightly off and I had to reheat the solder and twist the switch ever so slightly. Would have kept me up at night lol.