Ergodox - some trouble, need a bit help

[rethus]

I have assembled and solderd my ErgoDox. Than I have insert the firmware.
 
The Promlem is, that the Left-Hand didn't work the whole time.

If i plugin my ergodox, i got this:
If Fujitsi appeat in the Logs this is my other external usb-keyboard on this laptop (which is also pluged in)

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Mar 21 16:41:37 secondone kernel: [ 3918.420838] usb 3-1: new full-speed USB device number 18 using xhci_hcd
Mar 21 16:41:37 secondone kernel: [ 3918.438476] usb 3-1: New USB device found, idVendor=1d50, idProduct=6028
Mar 21 16:41:37 secondone kernel: [ 3918.438484] usb 3-1: New USB device strings: Mfr=1, Product=2, SerialNumber=0
Mar 21 16:41:37 secondone kernel: [ 3918.438488] usb 3-1: Product: ErgoDox ergonomic keyboard
Mar 21 16:41:37 secondone kernel: [ 3918.438491] usb 3-1: Manufacturer: unspecified
Mar 21 16:41:37 secondone kernel: [ 3918.439729] input: unspecified ErgoDox ergonomic keyboard as /devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:14.0/usb3/3-1/3-1:1.0/input/input32
Mar 21 16:41:37 secondone kernel: [ 3918.439983] hid-generic 0003:1D50:6028.001C: input,hidraw4: USB HID v1.11 Keyboard [unspecified ErgoDox ergonomic keyboard] on usb-0000:00:14.0-1/input0
Mar 21 16:41:37 secondone mtp-probe: checking bus 3, device 18: "/sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:14.0/usb3/3-1"
Mar 21 16:41:37 secondone mtp-probe: bus: 3, device: 18 was not an MTP device


Strange is this: Left-Hand sometimes work, and sometimes not. If it not work, i have to replugin several times (mostly two times) so that it work.
Even if Left-Hand worked… if i replugin the usb of the board, Left-Hand didn't work anymore. So again, I've to replugin several times the TRRS-Connection Cable on the Left-Hand.

So I've looked into the logs while I'm replugin usb and Left-Hand. Here is the complete Process:

If I unplug USB i got:

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Mar 21 17:44:34 secondone kernel: [ 7693.641647] usb 3-1: USB disconnect, device number 119
If I replugin usb:

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Mar 21 17:45:10 secondone kernel: [ 7730.437585] usb 3-1: new full-speed USB device number 120 using xhci_hcd
Mar 21 17:45:10 secondone kernel: [ 7730.455125] usb 3-1: New USB device found, idVendor=1d50, idProduct=6028
Mar 21 17:45:10 secondone kernel: [ 7730.455135] usb 3-1: New USB device strings: Mfr=1, Product=2, SerialNumber=0
Mar 21 17:45:10 secondone kernel: [ 7730.455141] usb 3-1: Product: ErgoDox ergonomic keyboard
Mar 21 17:45:10 secondone kernel: [ 7730.455144] usb 3-1: Manufacturer: unspecified
Mar 21 17:45:10 secondone kernel: [ 7730.456226] input: unspecified ErgoDox ergonomic keyboard as /devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:14.0/usb3/3-1/3-1:1.0/input/input178
Mar 21 17:45:10 secondone kernel: [ 7730.456537] hid-generic 0003:1D50:6028.00B1: input,hidraw4: USB HID v1.11 Keyboard [unspecified ErgoDox ergonomic keyboard] on usb-0000:00:14.0-1/input0
Mar 21 17:45:10 secondone mtp-probe: checking bus 3, device 120: "/sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:14.0/usb3/3-1"
Mar 21 17:45:11 secondone mtp-probe: bus: 3, device: 120 was not an MTP device
So now, Left-Hand not working and I have to replugin TRRS Cable

Unplug:

Code: [Select]

Mar 21 17:46:21 secondone kernel: [ 7801.330001] usb 3-1: USB disconnect, device number 120
Mar 21 17:46:22 secondone kernel: [ 7801.705067] usb 3-2: USB disconnect, device number 117
Mar 21 17:46:22 secondone kernel: [ 7802.064807] usb 3-2: new low-speed USB device number 121 using xhci_hcd
Mar 21 17:46:22 secondone kernel: [ 7802.089246] usb 3-2: New USB device found, idVendor=0bf8, idProduct=100c
Mar 21 17:46:22 secondone kernel: [ 7802.089255] usb 3-2: New USB device strings: Mfr=1, Product=4, SerialNumber=0
Mar 21 17:46:22 secondone kernel: [ 7802.089259] usb 3-2: Product: FSC KBPC PX
Mar 21 17:46:22 secondone kernel: [ 7802.089262] usb 3-2: Manufacturer: Fujitsu Siemens Computers GmbH
Mar 21 17:46:22 secondone kernel: [ 7802.089513] usb 3-2: ep 0x81 - rounding interval to 64 microframes, ep desc says 80 microframes
Mar 21 17:46:22 secondone kernel: [ 7802.089523] usb 3-2: ep 0x82 - rounding interval to 1024 microframes, ep desc says 1280 microframes
Mar 21 17:46:22 secondone kernel: [ 7802.099574] input: Fujitsu Siemens Computers GmbH FSC KBPC PX  as /devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:14.0/usb3/3-2/3-2:1.0/input/input179
Mar 21 17:46:22 secondone kernel: [ 7802.100008] hid-generic 0003:0BF8:100C.00B2: input,hidraw0: USB HID v1.10 Keyboard [Fujitsu Siemens Computers GmbH FSC KBPC PX ] on usb-0000:00:14.0-2/input0
Mar 21 17:46:22 secondone kernel: [ 7802.107489] input: Fujitsu Siemens Computers GmbH FSC KBPC PX  as /devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:14.0/usb3/3-2/3-2:1.1/input/input180
Mar 21 17:46:22 secondone kernel: [ 7802.107917] hid-generic 0003:0BF8:100C.00B3: input,hidraw1: USB HID v1.10 Device [Fujitsu Siemens Computers GmbH FSC KBPC PX ] on usb-0000:00:14.0-2/input1
Mar 21 17:46:23 secondone kernel: [ 7802.552634] usb 3-1: new full-speed USB device number 122 using xhci_hcd
Mar 21 17:46:23 secondone kernel: [ 7802.569994] usb 3-1: New USB device found, idVendor=1d50, idProduct=6028
Mar 21 17:46:23 secondone kernel: [ 7802.570004] usb 3-1: New USB device strings: Mfr=1, Product=2, SerialNumber=0
Mar 21 17:46:23 secondone kernel: [ 7802.570010] usb 3-1: Product: ErgoDox ergonomic keyboard
Mar 21 17:46:23 secondone kernel: [ 7802.570015] usb 3-1: Manufacturer: unspecified
Mar 21 17:46:23 secondone kernel: [ 7802.571093] input: unspecified ErgoDox ergonomic keyboard as /devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:14.0/usb3/3-1/3-1:1.0/input/input181
Mar 21 17:46:23 secondone kernel: [ 7802.571299] hid-generic 0003:1D50:6028.00B4: input,hidraw4: USB HID v1.11 Keyboard [unspecified ErgoDox ergonomic keyboard] on usb-0000:00:14.0-1/input0
Mar 21 17:46:23 secondone mtp-probe: checking bus 3, device 121: "/sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:14.0/usb3/3-2"
Mar 21 17:46:23 secondone mtp-probe: bus: 3, device: 121 was not an MTP device
Mar 21 17:46:23 secondone mtp-probe: checking bus 3, device 122: "/sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:14.0/usb3/3-1"
Mar 21 17:46:23 secondone mtp-probe: bus: 3, device: 122 was not an MTP device

Replugin 1st (still not working):

Code: [Select]

Mar 21 17:47:11 secondone kernel: [ 7851.279223] usb 3-1: USB disconnect, device number 122
Mar 21 17:47:12 secondone kernel: [ 7851.551431] usb 3-1: new full-speed USB device number 123 using xhci_hcd
Mar 21 17:47:12 secondone kernel: [ 7851.569079] usb 3-1: New USB device found, idVendor=1d50, idProduct=6028
Mar 21 17:47:12 secondone kernel: [ 7851.569087] usb 3-1: New USB device strings: Mfr=1, Product=2, SerialNumber=0
Mar 21 17:47:12 secondone kernel: [ 7851.569091] usb 3-1: Product: ErgoDox ergonomic keyboard
Mar 21 17:47:12 secondone kernel: [ 7851.569094] usb 3-1: Manufacturer: unspecified
Mar 21 17:47:12 secondone kernel: [ 7851.570084] input: unspecified ErgoDox ergonomic keyboard as /devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:14.0/usb3/3-1/3-1:1.0/input/input182
Mar 21 17:47:12 secondone kernel: [ 7851.570375] hid-generic 0003:1D50:6028.00B5: input,hidraw4: USB HID v1.11 Keyboard [unspecified ErgoDox ergonomic keyboard] on usb-0000:00:14.0-1/input0
Mar 21 17:47:12 secondone mtp-probe: checking bus 3, device 123: "/sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:14.0/usb3/3-1"
Mar 21 17:47:12 secondone mtp-probe: bus: 3, device: 123 was not an MTP device

Uplug 2nd:

Code: [Select]

Mar 21 17:49:11 secondone kernel: [ 7970.946584] usb 3-1: USB disconnect, device number 123
Mar 21 17:49:11 secondone kernel: [ 7971.306054] hub 3-0:1.0: over-current condition on port 2
Mar 21 17:49:11 secondone kernel: [ 7971.306067] usb 3-2: USB disconnect, device number 121
Mar 21 17:49:12 secondone kernel: [ 7972.189572] usb 3-2: new low-speed USB device number 124 using xhci_hcd
Mar 21 17:49:12 secondone kernel: [ 7972.214203] usb 3-2: New USB device found, idVendor=0bf8, idProduct=100c
Mar 21 17:49:12 secondone kernel: [ 7972.214213] usb 3-2: New USB device strings: Mfr=1, Product=4, SerialNumber=0
Mar 21 17:49:12 secondone kernel: [ 7972.214219] usb 3-2: Product: FSC KBPC PX
Mar 21 17:49:12 secondone kernel: [ 7972.214223] usb 3-2: Manufacturer: Fujitsu Siemens Computers GmbH
Mar 21 17:49:12 secondone kernel: [ 7972.214506] usb 3-2: ep 0x81 - rounding interval to 64 microframes, ep desc says 80 microframes
Mar 21 17:49:12 secondone kernel: [ 7972.214516] usb 3-2: ep 0x82 - rounding interval to 1024 microframes, ep desc says 1280 microframes
Mar 21 17:49:12 secondone kernel: [ 7972.224846] input: Fujitsu Siemens Computers GmbH FSC KBPC PX  as /devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:14.0/usb3/3-2/3-2:1.0/input/input183
Mar 21 17:49:12 secondone kernel: [ 7972.225277] hid-generic 0003:0BF8:100C.00B6: input,hidraw0: USB HID v1.10 Keyboard [Fujitsu Siemens Computers GmbH FSC KBPC PX ] on usb-0000:00:14.0-2/input0
Mar 21 17:49:12 secondone kernel: [ 7972.232807] input: Fujitsu Siemens Computers GmbH FSC KBPC PX  as /devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:14.0/usb3/3-2/3-2:1.1/input/input184
Mar 21 17:49:12 secondone kernel: [ 7972.233238] hid-generic 0003:0BF8:100C.00B7: input,hidraw1: USB HID v1.10 Device [Fujitsu Siemens Computers GmbH FSC KBPC PX ] on usb-0000:00:14.0-2/input1
Mar 21 17:49:12 secondone mtp-probe: checking bus 3, device 124: "/sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:14.0/usb3/3-2"
Mar 21 17:49:12 secondone mtp-probe: bus: 3, device: 124 was not an MTP device
Mar 21 17:49:13 secondone kernel: [ 7972.885267] usb 3-1: new full-speed USB device number 125 using xhci_hcd
Mar 21 17:49:13 secondone kernel: [ 7972.902844] usb 3-1: New USB device found, idVendor=1d50, idProduct=6028
Mar 21 17:49:13 secondone kernel: [ 7972.902852] usb 3-1: New USB device strings: Mfr=1, Product=2, SerialNumber=0
Mar 21 17:49:13 secondone kernel: [ 7972.902856] usb 3-1: Product: ErgoDox ergonomic keyboard
Mar 21 17:49:13 secondone kernel: [ 7972.902859] usb 3-1: Manufacturer: unspecified
Mar 21 17:49:13 secondone kernel: [ 7972.903754] input: unspecified ErgoDox ergonomic keyboard as /devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:14.0/usb3/3-1/3-1:1.0/input/input185
Mar 21 17:49:13 secondone kernel: [ 7972.903987] hid-generic 0003:1D50:6028.00B8: input,hidraw4: USB HID v1.11 Keyboard [unspecified ErgoDox ergonomic keyboard] on usb-0000:00:14.0-1/input0
Mar 21 17:49:13 secondone mtp-probe: checking bus 3, device 125: "/sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:14.0/usb3/3-1"
Mar 21 17:49:13 secondone mtp-probe: bus: 3, device: 125 was not an MTP device

Replugin 2nd (works now):

Code: [Select]

Mar 21 17:49:52 secondone kernel: [ 8011.691363] usb 3-1: USB disconnect, device number 125
Mar 21 17:49:52 secondone kernel: [ 8011.977218] usb 3-1: new full-speed USB device number 126 using xhci_hcd
Mar 21 17:49:52 secondone kernel: [ 8011.994553] usb 3-1: New USB device found, idVendor=1d50, idProduct=6028
Mar 21 17:49:52 secondone kernel: [ 8011.994563] usb 3-1: New USB device strings: Mfr=1, Product=2, SerialNumber=0
Mar 21 17:49:52 secondone kernel: [ 8011.994569] usb 3-1: Product: ErgoDox ergonomic keyboard
Mar 21 17:49:52 secondone kernel: [ 8011.994575] usb 3-1: Manufacturer: unspecified
Mar 21 17:49:52 secondone kernel: [ 8011.995707] input: unspecified ErgoDox ergonomic keyboard as /devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:14.0/usb3/3-1/3-1:1.0/input/input186
Mar 21 17:49:52 secondone kernel: [ 8011.996664] hid-generic 0003:1D50:6028.00B9: input,hidraw4: USB HID v1.11 Keyboard [unspecified ErgoDox ergonomic keyboard] on usb-0000:00:14.0-1/input0
Mar 21 17:49:52 secondone mtp-probe: checking bus 3, device 126: "/sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:14.0/usb3/3-1"
Mar 21 17:49:52 secondone mtp-probe: bus: 3, device: 126 was not an MTP device

So why have I allways to replugin the TRRS two times?

[AKmalamute]

Kernel messages notwithstanding, it sounds like the issue is communication between the left hand and the right -- not the right hand (where the microcontroller is; the part that calls itself the keyboard so far as the computer is concerned) and the computer.

TRRS troubles are far from uncommon. But the fact that you can make it work by trying harder (IE, plugging it in repeatedly) says to me, that the problem is probably the TRRS connector itself -- a bad cable, or a bent pin inside the connector.

 You might consider using a different connection system. A few have experimented with RJ-11 (phone jacks) or the more popular method is to just solder wires to both ends, potentially with a custom disconnect in the middle.

I've not got a lot of experience with the ergodox in particular, nor soldering, but I've followed these threads for awhile now because I'm trying to build one, myself. and the TRRS is definitely the weak point in the design given how many of these kinds of threads get started. Good luck, and sorry I can't offer much more support than that.

[rethus]

You told me exactly what I think: TRRS are a real bad choice for connecting cable. I also would prefer RJ-11.
Do you have a link to a Thread where somebody has post his experiences with replacing the TRRS with an RJ-11?

[AKmalamute]

It was plainbriny that posted pictures of having done it, while hacking his thumb-clusters at the same time.
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=55043.0

But in my case, I found an old RJ11 jack that had wires coming out, and I stripped them and soldered it into the board (and unlike plainbriny's custom phone cord, I swapped the cords going into the PCB so I could use any phone cord which are a dime a dozen at my workplace)

Also, MOZ, in the main/stickied Ergodox thread mentions trying to modify the PCB to allow for mini-USB for that interconnect, although I don't believe he's finished that particular adjustment.
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=22780.msg1216430#msg1216430

[rethus]

But the fact that you can make it work by trying harder (IE, plugging it in repeatedly) says to me, that the problem is probably the TRRS connector itself -- a bad cable, or a bent pin inside the connector.

So I don't belive anymore that TRRS is the Problem. Cause if I shutdown the PC and reboot it, Left-Hand didn't work anymore (so I'm not touched the cable). Than I replugin it on the left hand, and it starts working again.
I realy wonder what may be the reason for this failure.

[hasu]

It doesn't seems to get enough voltage  to intialize the left part correctly. Your keyboard have enough bypass capacitors? Without enough cpacitors you may suffers a power problem unless you are lucky.

I don't know ErgoDox at all, though.

[plainbriny]

But the fact that you can make it work by trying harder (IE, plugging it in repeatedly) says to me, that the problem is probably the TRRS connector itself -- a bad cable, or a bent pin inside the connector.

So I don't belive anymore that TRRS is the Problem. Cause if I shutdown the PC and reboot it, Left-Hand didn't work anymore (so I'm not touched the cable). Than I replugin it on the left hand, and it starts working again.
I realy wonder what may be the reason for this failure.

I think TRRS might be the cause. In my first ErgoDox, in which I used TRRS connector, I have exactly the same problem: the keyboard will not respond and I have to re-plug the cable several times, but it did not work always. The problem worsen after I make some space between the acrylic plates for the connectors.

I found that different cables yield different results. Most TRRS cables available are too thin, and for some reasons they fail after some time.

In my case, I believe it is caused by both the cable and the connector. In the end I ordered a custom cable, and put some pressure on the connector to improve contacts between the cable and the connector. It never failed ever since.

BTW, my second ergodox with RJ11 never failed in this way.

[tricheboars]

But the fact that you can make it work by trying harder (IE, plugging it in repeatedly) says to me, that the problem is probably the TRRS connector itself -- a bad cable, or a bent pin inside the connector.

So I don't belive anymore that TRRS is the Problem. Cause if I shutdown the PC and reboot it, Left-Hand didn't work anymore (so I'm not touched the cable). Than I replugin it on the left hand, and it starts working again.
I realy wonder what may be the reason for this failure.

I think TRRS might be the cause. In my first ErgoDox, in which I used TRRS connector, I have exactly the same problem: the keyboard will not respond and I have to re-plug the cable several times, but it did not work always. The problem worsen after I make some space between the acrylic plates for the connectors.

I found that different cables yield different results. Most TRRS cables available are too thin, and for some reasons they fail after some time.

In my case, I believe it is caused by both the cable and the connector. In the end I ordered a custom cable, and put some pressure on the connector to improve contacts between the cable and the connector. It never failed ever since.

BTW, my second ergodox with RJ11 never failed in this way.

i want to replace the trrs with rj11 coiled cable.  do you have a build guide you can share? PM me if you can otherwise jut post it here.  you rock thanks.

[plainbriny]

i want to replace the trrs with rj11 coiled cable.  do you have a build guide you can share? PM me if you can otherwise jut post it here.  you rock thanks.

I am afraid that I am not using standard parts/methods, don't know whether it would be helpful to you.

Do you want a detachable cable, or a fixed one?
If you want to use a detachable cable, it will involve more work. The RJ11 socket is too high to fit in the layered case.
In my case, I didn't use a case, since my thumb cluster won't fit. Thus one should be prepared to cut the case and make space for the socket.

Another issue to consider is what kind of RJ11 socket you get. I got mine from a phone jacket box, cut a hole in the PCB and glued it there.

The RJ11 socket I used


Cutting a hole to fit in the RJ11 socket






If fixed coiled cable is acceptable, you can desolder the TRRS connector, and solder the wire to the PCB directly. This is much simpler than cutting the PCB/case.
 


If you need further details, I would be glad to answer.