Questions about hand-wiring

[phishy]

I've really only got one question since no one seems to ever mention it in write-ups, what gauge/type of wire do you guys use to hand wire your keyboards?  I've almost got everything I need to finish up my project but need to go pick up some wire.

Thanks ahead of time for your response.

[CPTBadAss]

I've got 24 AWG hookup wire that I use for everything keyboard related.

[phishy]

I've got 24 AWG hookup wire that I use for everything keyboard related.

Solid core or stranded?

[neverused]

Use solid core, it's easier to shape and solder to. Stranded is ok but is more for flexible applications. Since the wire won't/shouldn't be moving, solid core would be easiest to work with.

[vvp]

30 AWG single wire without insulation.
http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/katy-keyboard-or-k80cs-key80-contoured-split-t8524.html#p181273

[CPTBadAss]

I've got 24 AWG hookup wire that I use for everything keyboard related.

Solid core or stranded?

Mine's solid core.

[phishy]

I've got 24 AWG hookup wire that I use for everything keyboard related.

Solid core or stranded?

Mine's solid core.

Alright thanks.  I'll have to run out sometime this week and buy some before the rest of my stuff gets here.

[phishy]

New question, when wiring up diodes, im assuming the diodes need to go between the switch and where the solder joint going to/coming from the neighbor switches?

[jacobolus]

Inre your original question, the best/easiest is probably magnet wire. The kind with a very thin insulating polyurethane coating designed to melt off when you solder it. Just wrap the wire around your leads and solder. Much easier than wire you need to use wire strippers on, but still insulated in case wires end up crossing.

[vicibz]

I'm going to use the wires from a network cable (rj45).

[phishy]

I'm going to use the wires from a network cable (rj45).

That seems way too thin to work with.  I've ran alot of cat5 and cat6 in my days and i feel like it wouldnt get the job done.  looking for something more durable.

[suicidal_orange]

New question, when wiring up diodes, im assuming the diodes need to go between the switch and where the solder joint going to/coming from the neighbor switches?

It doesn't translate into words well but should look like this (there are only switches, diodes and wire in this diagram)

s_d_|
s_d_|
s_d_|

As to wire cat5 is about as thick as you want to go - you'll have a lot of it to route to the controller and the pins aren't massively spaced out so you don't want thicker.  It doesn't need to be very durable as it will be protected by the case.