Ergodox Custom Layout

[newergouser7]

Hi All -

I'm a new user here. Since I'm not great at soldering (but still want to use a cool ergo keyboard), I ordered a pre-made ergodox off of ebay. It works great; however, I don't love the layout. I'm not sure how to change the keyboard layout. I've created the hex file with my custom keymap using MassDrop's Ergodox Configurator but I'm not sure what to do with the hex file.

The ergodox worked out of the box and I didn't need to boot the firmware or do anything using the Teensy software. I don't have phsyical access to the Teensy reset button either. Can someone please help me? I wasn't able to follow Massdrop's instructions.

Thanks!!

[davkol]

Welcome to GH.

I wasn't able to follow Massdrop's instructions.

This is where you should describe what steps you've tried and what specific problems you're facing.

Most likely, you just need to open the HEX file with Teensy loader (the app has to be running with necessary rights!), enable the "Auto" mode in the app, and put the ErgoDox into "Teensy mode" (either the current layout has it assigned to some key/combination, or you have to access the button on the Teensy, which usually involves opening keyboard case).

[newergouser7]

Thanks!

I downloaded the Teensy Loader Application (but not the Ergodox Firmware) as outlined in Step 10 of the instructions (https://keyboard-configurator.massdrop.com/ext/ergodox/assembly.php)

I downloaded the .hex file for the keyboard layout from the layout configurator.

I connected the keyboard to my computer and fired up Teensy. But because I don't have access to the push button, my next step was Step 18: Load firmware hex file (keyboard layout hex file) and press the auto button. But nothing happens.

Because the ergodox was shipped to me built and functional, I'm unsure what steps I can skip.

Thank You!!

[toidbb]

Thanks!

I downloaded the Teensy Loader Application (but not the Ergodox Firmware) as outlined in Step 10 of the instructions (https://keyboard-configurator.massdrop.com/ext/ergodox/assembly.php)

I downloaded the .hex file for the keyboard layout from the layout configurator.

I connected the keyboard to my computer and fired up Teensy. But because I don't have access to the push button, my next step was Step 18: Load firmware hex file (keyboard layout hex file) and press the auto button. But nothing happens.

Because the ergodox was shipped to me built and functional, I'm unsure what steps I can skip.

Thank You!!

Depending on what layout the folks that prebuilt your Ergodox used, they could have set up a key combination that when pressed during connection to the pc would put it into bootloader mode. But this is only if they added that to the layout.

If they did not or you cannot find it, you will have it take off the case and press the button....

Good luck

[newergouser7]

Thanks! I contacted the manufacturer but haven't heard back yet. I've mapped out each key but none seem to be the Teensy button. I've taken the case off but still can't access the button. I asked the manufacturer whether I could replace the case and this was his response:

"No. It is NOT possible to replace the case without desoldering the keys. You need those keys off to remove the existing case. Even if you manage to get the case removed without desoldering, by means of breaking the case, you still need to remove the keys to put the acrylic case. For acrylic case, one of the layers is sandwiched between the PCB and the keys. For both the acrylic case and our injection modled case, they are used to keep the keys in place before soldering so the keys are perfectly aligned. I hope this makes sense to you. Our customers are satisfied with the ABS case and no one wanted to replace the case after getting the keyboard so far."

So once I open the bottom of the case, I can't pull the PCB from the top case because of what the manufcaturer said above. Am I out of luck?

[davkol]

I connected the keyboard to my computer and fired up Teensy. But because I don't have access to the push button, my next step was Step 18: Load firmware hex file (keyboard layout hex file) and press the auto button. But nothing happens.

Obviously, because if the controller isn't in flashing mode, it cannot be flashed.

You have to either get physical access to the button on the Teensy, or check the default keymap. The default layout of Ben's firmware (also used by Massdrop, although in an old version) assigns the bootloader-mode switch to the combination of (1) the key to the left of 6 on the number row toggle + (2) key to the left of 1 on the number row, i.e., on the numpad layer.

[ArchieTect]

My man, i have the solution for you if you happened to have got the ergodox with the black injection molded case.

There is a pin hole in the upper right corner of the right hand, on the top side. You really have to look for it. Stick a pin down and the teensy pushbutton reset is right below that hole. I had to wait for windows update to search the new blank device. The loader discovered the teensy soon after. Proceed with the hex upload, and use the icons in the loader to seal your new layout.