New and Need help

[Ichy]

Do to circumstances I find my self wanting to make my own GamePad (think g13/Nostromo), but i'm posting here because the wealth of information.

Since I'm new to the DIY keyboard scene, a few searches eventually led me to this web sight. While here last week sometime I had found a wonderful thread guide. Had a nice list of places to get PCB's made (managed to find  4pcb.com), places to buy switches and what types of switches there are, and other things. Can't seem to find it any more, but I'll keep searching on that.

What I do need help with is the whole connecting the switch to the PCB portion of the process. I've tried searching google using strings like "DIY Keyboard: connecting switches to PCB's" & "how to connect (insert popular switch here) to a pcb" and so forth with no luck, even tried youtube. The youtube one kind of came up with something on a "micro" keyboard... but didn't really show enough of the connection portion .  I would be greatly appreciated if some one knew of a guide link, had one them selves, or new of a good video I could watch to understand the whole process.

Just a note Not worried about the programing aspect of the controller as I'm familiar with C, and not afraid to use linux (seems W7 has issues on this regard from some posts I've seen here on the keyboard section), or the case fabrication(at this time).

[Ichy]

Updating: After digging I found a couple videos of people soldering different types of components to pcbs. Also took a look at what seemed to be a gentlemen work blog of creating a programmer keyboard (the white one).  From what I could gather (in this case) I'll be pushing the switches into the pcb & on back side connecting the leads of the switches to the actual board via solder. That is the basics for getting the switches in right, I'm sure their are some finner details i'm looking it- like a support plate and the switches moving while being soldered- but I can tackle those later on I hope.

[Tym]

Just so you don't feel alone, I imagine some people here could help you but it is also quite a hard thing you are trying to acomplish, therefore you would be looking for someone with direct knowledge of the subject.

Good Luck!

[Ichy]

Yeah, I fully understand that what i'm about to undertake is not easy, especially from a low understanding of the hardware to design aspects. I'm lucky enough to have a fairly good talent in picking things up and running with it. Like I said, i'm not so worried about the software issue, its just making sure I do the hardware right.

Getting the pcb layout to match how I want the keycaps to be.
Getting the switches attached and working with the pcb.
and finally the controller chip/rom and connection.-> This is were i'm most concerned now that I have a basic understanding of the top. Most of the controllers I see have a female usb connection on them, but I'd really like to do what I infer most manufactures to do and hard wire the cable onto the board.

I gave thought too using a PS/2 connection, but decided against it. I gained a lot of information from http://www.overclock.net/t/491752/mechanical-keyboard-guide#post_6026727, which lead to me learning that the PS/2 connection is reserved on the bus for the keyboard and allows for complete n-roll(over?) and I didn't wan to take from that, especially when I think most gamers using a mechanical keyboard will be using this port for their Ducky's or other preferred device.

As for the software, I'm seeing a lot of the chips coming pre-programmed which is nice- but because of the layout and desired number of keys, I know I'll have to edit. I"m not too concerned with this part as I will just need to see how ti was done and what language. Hopefully over the coming days I can at least throw up a 3d model (done in maya) for every one to look at, as well as maybe some concepts on the PCB layout.

[Ichy]

Hey all, Just updating to add some new sources for those in the same boat as me:

Good general source (so far): http://deskthority.net/wiki/Phantom_instruction_guide
Soldering Is EASY!!: http://mightyohm.com/blog/2011/04/soldering-is-easy-comic-book/

==EDIT==

Found a great graphical source for how matrix's work in regards to keyboards: http://pcbheaven.com/wikipages/How_Key_Matrices_Works/
Its helping me get a firm grasp of the concept of keyboards on a whole and how to tackle this project. Pictures and Layout still being worked on.

==Edit==

Found a good PCB making video:

feature=endscreen&NR=1

Most of the ones I'm coming across that are really good DIY options are done by "Indian" sounding individuals, so at times it gets hard to hear what their saying. However, the videos are all well done and even though I had to play some of them over and over again to make sure I heard correctly, their explanations are very thorough.

[tricheboars]

sweet resources.

I am not sure how you are coming along on your project but make sure your PCB manufacturer can solder your SMD (Surface Mounted Devices), like Teensy, to your PCB for you.  Doing that small type of soldering looks like a nightmare.

Thanks again for the links. I like you have been scouring youtube and el goog for DIY Keyboard resources with little success. 

[Ichy]

sweet resources.

I am not sure how you are coming along on your project but make sure your PCB manufacturer can solder your SMD (Surface Mounted Devices), like Teensy, to your PCB for you.  Doing that small type of soldering looks like a nightmare.

I was looking into that, and I feel I'll need to completely dissemble a old Mechanical keyboard and see how it was done. Though I think I would rather prefer to do something like a "PCI slot" and just "plug" the SMD's in.

Though I am looking for opinions on what USB SMD to get. I've seen the Teensy and another one I can't remember (can only remember teensy atm as its in your post and I have the Manufactures webpage open), but I only need one that can handle say no more than 40 keys and provide them power... I might MIGHT do backlighting, but at this stage I'm more worried about getting a working product up and running.