Ergodox build

[RadicalRAM]

Hello,

I've recently been trying to learn how to type the proper way, but I've been impaired by the pain it's causing in my right wrist.

For this reason I'm interested in purchasing an Ergodox, but I wanted to ask a few questions.

1) Are there plans for the PCB board available?
2) Can you purchase it, next massdrop, without key switches?

Thanks!

[lcs]

1) You can get just the PCB from http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/

2) I don't remember, but I don't think so.

You could PM czarek, he is building Edox and you could get one without the switches.

[daerid]

The ErgoDox is open source, including all schematics. They can be found at http://ergodox.org/

[Sniping]

Yeah, you can buy from Massdrop without switches, but keep in mind that you'll be waiting for months for your parts if you order from Massdrop, usually around 3 months or so. I skipped Massdrop and ordered everything separately. Switches from 7bit, PCB from mechanicalkeyboards.com, electronics from czarek and a Teensy from the place that Massdrop sources from. I still need a case but there are a lot of ways you can get a case.

[SonOfSonOfSpock]

The last couple GBs from Massdrop they've given you the option to not get switches. The last one had a better selection than the two previous, however. The biggest omission was that they couldn't source any red switches. They had blue, black, clear, brown, and green as options. The green and brown were an extra charge since they had limited quantities. That might also mean that they won't offer brown and green next time since they aren't available in such large quantities at the moment.

[dorkvader]

I have been using my 0.5 ergodox LH without a case for some time now and it's fine. Eventually I might have a wedge made of acrylic of wood and bolt it to that, but for now it's been great.

[SonOfSonOfSpock]

If you end up going through MassDrop, I'd recommend getting a cheaper ergo board to help alleviate your wrist issues while you wait for the next group buy. Or see a doctor or something.

[RadicalRAM]

The ErgoDox is open source, including all schematics. They can be found at http://ergodox.org/

I downloaded it, but it came as a zipfile. I don't mean .zip, I mean .zipfile

"ErgoDOX20130208.zipfile".

How would I go about opening this?

I know how to make PCB's, I could make one if I had the designs. Unfortunately I don't know how to design them.

I have been using my 0.5 ergodox LH without a case for some time now and it's fine. Eventually I might have a wedge made of acrylic of wood and bolt it to that, but for now it's been great.

Doesn't that scratch up your desk, or do you just have something else underneath?

I don't have much cash atm, so I'm trying to reduce the price as much as possible.

I have blue MX switches, a soldering iron, solder. I also have key caps from a Razer black widow, but I imagine since they are different sizes going up, it may now work. I might just sand down the big pieces to size.

Now I have to source the electronics, so I'll see if czarek would be as kind as to help me out.

Thanks!

[RadicalRAM]

Hmm, I just realised I could build all of this on a bread board. But I haven't done that in years, has anyone built an ergodox via breadboard and wire wrapping?

[Findecanor]

Hmm, I just realised I could build all of this on a bread board.

Cherry MX switches won't fit on a breadboard or perfboard. They need a hole through the substrate for a plastic cylinder which is as long as the pins and the pin spacing is wrong.
Alps switches sort of fit, but somewhat rotated, and you won't be able to put them in a straight line with the correct spacing.

BTW, wire wrapping is something completely different than putting short pieces of wire into a breadboard.

[RadicalRAM]

Hmm, I just realised I could build all of this on a bread board.

Cherry MX switches won't fit on a breadboard or perfboard. They need a hole through the substrate for a plastic cylinder which is as long as the pins.
Alps switches sort of fit, but somewhat rotated, and you won't be able to put them in a straight line with the correct spacing.

BTW, wire wrapping is something completely different than putting short pieces of wire into a breadboard.

Yeah in hindsight the switches will be a problem.

I know what wire wrapping is, I prefer it over soldering. I was hoping to be able to the all of this in a solderless breadboard.

[davkol]

Have you seen this post? You can get some of the ergodox-specific parts from mechanicalkeyboards.com.

I believe the ED design can be found on GitHub, or at least some revisions of it.

Also, there's the czarek's GB.