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geekhack Marketplace => Interest Checks => Topic started by: hineybush on Thu, 03 May 2018, 14:37:52

Title: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: hineybush on Thu, 03 May 2018, 14:37:52: yo

I've had prototypes made for a replacement PCB for the Leopold FC980M. The goals for this were to 1. allow more layouts and 2. allow full programming (QMK). My proto only has 1.5-1.5-7-1.5-1.5 bottom row, but others can be added. I did this because this started out as a personal project so I could use my OEM Dolch PAC caps with the board.

On the electronics side, it's a direct drop-in. The OEM FC980M has three PCBs: 1. main (switches, controller, etc) 2. middleman (DIP switches, pass through from USB port to main PCB) and 3. the USB port. This PCB bypasses the middleman and plugs directly into the OEM USB port PCB, allowing super easy installation. The difficult part of this is having to modify the plate to accommodate other layouts - I had to cut some switch spots into it with my Dremel tool. It was pretty straightforward but I know some people don't like the idea of that. I'd be interested in looking into getting some replacement plates made if there's interest.

Things I could probably add for a "production version":
-More layouts
-In switch LED (nice feature since Leopold doesn't offer this on their stuff)
-SIP sockets for the indicator LEDs
-ISO Support? idk
-A cooler color than green (it's cheap so I used it for protos idc)
-A smaller JST connector on the main PCB (probably SH or something, I'll look into them some more bc I forget what the codes/sizes are)

Google Form link: https://goo.gl/forms/JAl61c6gfoX1cuO73

pics:

(https://i.imgur.com/HW4yOoU.png)

(https://i.imgur.com/UpuSuTf.png)

In the above picture my jumper cable is soldered to the USB board - I didn't feel like waiting for those JST connectors in the mail :D

(https://i.imgur.com/fa5inAw.png)

Here's an idea of the modding I had to do the plate, I didn't feel like spraying it so don't tell me I should have, I know but idc enough (prototype). The stabs didn't need any work, except for the spacebar one (had to cut areas for them since the plate initially blocked em) so it's all just easy straight cuts to make room for the switches

(https://i.imgur.com/RCBuKJd.png)

I'm just trying to gauge interest, there's no concrete plans to run this as a fully-fledged GB as of yet.
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: merlin64 on Thu, 03 May 2018, 14:46:02: I want!!! But I guess I need a FC980m first
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: random0987 on Thu, 03 May 2018, 15:31:33: Great idea. I’ve always had trouble with the limited dip switch options for the bottom row keys and the (for me) useless insert key. Would be great to add some more functionality to this board.
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: wholypantalones on Thu, 03 May 2018, 16:17:41: Yes please.

Any plans to post on /r/mk? I'm sure there would be a big response.
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: hineybush on Thu, 03 May 2018, 17:12:05: Quote from: wholypantalones on Thu, 03 May 2018, 16:17:41
Any plans to post on /r/mk? I'm sure there would be a big response.

https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/8gu9ol/ic_replacement_pcb_for_leopold_fc980m/
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: hineybush on Thu, 03 May 2018, 18:30:01: Updated to include a Google Form, please fill it out.
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: goldworms on Thu, 03 May 2018, 18:53:59: That is really cool! Once I buy 980m and wait for your PCB :thumb:
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: get_weird on Fri, 04 May 2018, 00:54:36: is it compatible with the FC980C?
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: threedawg on Fri, 04 May 2018, 01:22:02: +1 for this, been using FC980M for several month and while I'm absolutely love this board thanks to the layout, the lack of programmable function beside the dip switch is kinda turn me down
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: shower_king on Fri, 04 May 2018, 02:16:34: interested.
BTW, any chance other size PCB?
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: hineybush on Fri, 04 May 2018, 08:19:16: Quote from: get_weird on Fri, 04 May 2018, 00:54:36
is it compatible with the FC980C?

No, Topre boards are completely different.

Quote from: shower_king on Fri, 04 May 2018, 02:16:34
interested.
BTW, any chance other size PCB?

what size are you looking for? I have a few other projects in the pipeline atm.
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: KeyBoulE on Wed, 15 April 2020, 15:13:45: Still have any of these PCbs?
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: hineybush on Wed, 15 April 2020, 18:28:26: Quote from: KeyBoulE on Wed, 15 April 2020, 15:13:45
Still have any of these PCbs?

sadly not right now!
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: manaorme on Wed, 15 April 2020, 20:49:15: Wish I can have one
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: gecruz on Sat, 25 April 2020, 23:02:53: This is cool. There aren't too many CP keyboards and top row was always a deal breaker for me to get a FC980M.
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: ray160 on Wed, 24 June 2020, 00:49:21: Interested in this too
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: neutralstate on Wed, 24 June 2020, 02:32:44: Would u consider a pcb for FC750 too?
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: RedRhyno on Wed, 24 June 2020, 03:22:31: This gets my hopes up everytime it is bumped. :'(
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: Maniac on Sat, 29 August 2020, 03:56:42: OP any chance we might get this GB up & running?
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: hineybush on Thu, 10 September 2020, 20:52:28: Quote from: Maniac on Sat, 29 August 2020, 03:56:42
OP any chance we might get this GB up & running?

haven't been focused on this sort of project in a long while, but perhaps some day
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: pixelpusher on Thu, 10 September 2020, 21:55:27: I somehow missed this thread before, but it’s an interesting project. Even more interesting with Norbauer’s Heavy-9 case confirmed to work with the FC980m
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: Maniac on Mon, 14 September 2020, 14:27:36: Yeah I really hope we get a custom PCB for FC980M, it deserves it :) I mean, both the G80-1800 & G80-11800 have them, and those keebs are almost 30 years old :D
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: tnk on Sun, 11 October 2020, 17:07:10: Could I get a copy of the gerber files? My pcb has taken a turn for the worst and was hoping that I could find a project like this one.
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: brainbowroll on Mon, 30 November 2020, 18:17:00: Oooh any chance you'll continue with this to make it happen? I was recently looking for 1800 layout kit with plastic case. Leopold 980M looked pretty nice but I want to put in my modded switches and desoldering Leopold board is risky as the stock pcb is not that great from my experience with FC750R.
This replacement PCB would be awesome. Hotswap would be even better.
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: hineybush on Tue, 01 December 2020, 01:58:02: I've had a lot of requests for this lately! When I can I will work on a new revision with expanded layout options.
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: retoid on Tue, 01 December 2020, 12:02:44: Quote from: hineybush on Tue, 01 December 2020, 01:58:02
I've had a lot of requests for this lately! When I can I will work on a new revision with expanded layout options.

Awesome! Count me in for one as well. I appreciate you willing to take this on. :)
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: Henrythewound on Tue, 01 December 2020, 12:04:51: exciting! I would be interested in an updated PCB if you do another round. I think these are good value boards and I don't mind the plastic case.
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: whykayallday on Tue, 01 December 2020, 20:36:57: yes please!
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: Crooks on Wed, 02 December 2020, 00:44:33: I'd be down for one!
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: colonelpanic on Wed, 02 December 2020, 02:48:44: Would definitely be interested in a few myself.
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: PizzaForce on Wed, 02 December 2020, 08:34:06: This is awesome! What an excellent offering for the community. Would be cool to see the a compatible plate file created in the future to go along with this if it doesn't already exist.

Additionally, giving the same treatment to the other Leopold popular prebuilt boards would be HOT.

Hiney you rock.
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: Foxmonsieur on Wed, 02 December 2020, 09:27:37: I need one, mine had a liquid accident 2 weeks after receiving it, freshly modded and lubbed by one of our gods.

Lockdown took a toll on us...

Count me in mate!
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: Neodeus on Wed, 02 December 2020, 15:58:17: Would buy. Gotta get those Cherry switches OOOUUUTTAAHEERRREEEE!!
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: RedRhyno on Sat, 05 December 2020, 16:10:16: Quote from: hineybush on Tue, 01 December 2020, 01:58:02
I've had a lot of requests for this lately! When I can I will work on a new revision with expanded layout options.

Oh heck yes! Will instabuy a few of these. Would love the option of keeping the standard 980m layout.
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: neutralstate on Sun, 06 December 2020, 12:47:56: Quote from: PizzaForce on Wed, 02 December 2020, 08:34:06
Additionally, giving the same treatment to the other Leopold popular prebuilt boards would be HOT.

yes i second this !
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: AdrianMan on Fri, 11 December 2020, 08:20:48: Also interested in one !
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: mustardgreens on Fri, 11 December 2020, 09:15:38: would buy
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: Æther on Fri, 25 December 2020, 09:02:26: Also interested in this!
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: Jhambone9160 on Fri, 25 December 2020, 16:32:34: Also in for this. :)
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: pepo2181 on Fri, 25 December 2020, 17:40:03: I'm down for this!!!! Minimum for 2 PCB!!!!
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: v683 on Sat, 26 December 2020, 02:31:01: You have my full attention
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: 3wisemonkeyfist on Fri, 08 January 2021, 00:13:04: I'm in the market for a Leopold so this would be so good to have. Count me in if it goes to gb.
Title: Re: [IC] Replacement PCB for Leopold FC980M
Post by: endless_steve on Thu, 04 August 2022, 18:01:45: Late to the party, but I'm very interested in this for my Norbauer Heavy case