Successfully made a left-handed Ergodox...

[sakai4eva]

I promised I would document the journey, and so I will.

Introduction and Acknowledgements:
Much thanks to Dorkvader, who suffered my ignorance.
Soarer, who came up with the firmware for me to get started. 

So... what's the big deal about the left-handed ergo? For starters, I wanted to get an orbweaver for a long time, but never got round to it because I don't merely game on it but Dota 2 requires a significant amount of typing, like "Stay in the trees!" or "Don't cross the River F@g!" (the river's name is f@g), and so on.

With the Ergodox, however, I can make it what I want it to be, and so I am going to make it what I want it to be.

My interest was initially piqued when I saw that it is possible to invert the design being printed on the PCB. I thought to myself, I can just wire everything in reverse and hope for the best. Reality, however wasn't so kind and I had to go through quite the number of speed bumps before it is finished.

The physical aspect:
1. Diodes should be soldered the right way in (line on diode to square pad). Doing it the other way around is possible, and you'll just have to use the other keymap file. I find the best way to do this is to have a small blob on the square pad to start, then putting the SMD diode on while melting that small patch and finally soldering the other side on as normal.
2. No LED support yet. I don't plan on adding LED support any time soon, so you don't have to solder the LEDs. It's easily done later.
3. Desolder the teensy board from the pinouts, and then solder it on in reverse. Make sure you have enough clearance to be able to press the teensy button.
4. My USB type-B plug came with a broken pin. In my haste to get the keyboard running, I just used a direct connection to the teensy board.
5. Scroll down or click this link for help on how to load up the firmware: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=59068.msg1353525#msg1353525
6. Solder everything else on according to the massdrop instructions and you should be fine.

[Findecanor]

Ah. I know the official ErgoDox firmware will lock up if it isn't able to talk with the other half. Maybe the other ones won't either.

I haven't tried it, but I think you could get Hasu's "TMK" firmware and modify the source code so that it doesn't try to talk to the other half.
Then you would also need to remap it, as the Teensy thinks it is on the right side and not the left.

[dorkvader]

So I have a working one where I did pretty much the same thing.

I also ran into the same issue.

What you need to do is just load up soarer's KB controller firmware or Hasu's TMK firmware. I prefer soarer's, and will happily send you the layout / config file.

soarer's kb controller firmware download:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50437.0

Incidentally, I've been in e-mail conversation with a GHer who wants to make one as well. They make great gamepads!

anyway, the massdrop firmware and ergodox original firmware won't work.

What issues are you having with soarer's? It took me a few tries to get it, but once I figured it out, it worked well. I can tell you what command to run, etc. to load the layout once you have the firmware on the teensy. With Hasu's, I believe you have to rebuild it from source, which I don't really want to do every time.

[sakai4eva]

Ah. I know the official ErgoDox firmware will lock up if it isn't able to talk with the other half. Maybe the other ones won't either.

I haven't tried it, but I think you could get Hasu's "TMK" firmware and modify the source code so that it doesn't try to talk to the other half.
Then you would also need to remap it, as the Teensy thinks it is on the right side and not the left.

Well, I am reading both the TMK and soarer's threads, but as usual I have no idea where to start, and I don't even know what to put on the teensy loader anymore.

A step by step guide treating me as a deranged idiot with a solder gun is much appreciated.

So I have a working one where I did pretty much the same thing.

I also ran into the same issue.

What you need to do is just load up soarer's KB controller firmware or Hasu's TMK firmware. I prefer soarer's, and will happily send you the layout / config file.

soarer's kb controller firmware download:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50437.0

Incidentally, I've been in e-mail conversation with a GHer who wants to make one as well. They make great gamepads!

anyway, the massdrop firmware and ergodox original firmware won't work.

What issues are you having with soarer's? It took me a few tries to get it, but once I figured it out, it worked well. I can tell you what command to run, etc. to load the layout once you have the firmware on the teensy. With Hasu's, I believe you have to rebuild it from source, which I don't really want to do every time.

dork, it is me

Like, I said, I have done all the physical steps. Now it's just the software. A copy of your config files would be a great place to start.

My issue with soarer's firmware is that I have no idea what to do and where to start. His documentations are  extensive but sorely lacking in step-by-step guidance (click here, press that next, do this now, etc.), so I have no idea where to start at all.

[dorkvader]

Oh it is you!

hi there!

<3

---
what platform are you using? Windows?

So flash the fw to the teensy using the teensy loader. Once it's on, you're ready to begin.

First, I make a /kb directory in my root directory, and put all the tools I need there. Then I put the config file in the same folder as the tools.

so I have it as C:\kb\tools\lhergodox.sc

Then I fire up the command prompt (cmd) and navigate to the folder

Code: [Select]

cd c:\kb\tools(actually on mine it's c:\kb\soarer_controller\tools\ since I have several keyboard tools in there)
Then I run the following to flash the file

Code: [Select]

scaswr lhergodox.sc
Below is my keymap

Code: [Select]

matrix
    blocking 0

    sense PF0 PF1 PF4 PF5 PF6 PF7

    strobe  PB0 FN1 FN2 UNASSIGNED FN3 UNASSIGNED END
    strobe  PB1 5 T G B UNASSIGNED HOME
    strobe  PB2 4 R F V RIGHT PAGE_UP
    strobe  PB3 3 E D C DOWN SPACE
    strobe  PD2 2 W S X UP ENTER
    strobe  PD3 1 Q A Z LEFT PAGE_DOWN
    strobe  PC6 ESC TAB CAPS_LOCK LSHIFT LCTRL UNASSIGNED
END
I left all the function keys unassigned for now, but they are the three keys on the inside edge. I plan to use them later for making a 1h keyboard like the matias or xkcd one.

Another GHer had an issue with the blocking 0 line (that makes it nkro). not sure what's up with that. I am using version 1.20+ and it works for me (just tested)


now it's working! yay!

here's a flickr gallery of the finished kb
https://www.flickr.com/photos/dork_vader/sets/72157644268864709/

---

Here's some commented out lines that helped me make the config file. Maybe the'll help you!

Code: [Select]

#teensy pin
#F0 ---> 5:x
#F1 ---> 4:X
#F4 ---> 3:X
#F5 ---> 2:X
#F6 ---> 1:X
#F7 ---> 0:X
##
##
#B0 ---> x:7
#B1 ---> X:8
#B2 ---> X:9
#B3 ---> X:10
#D2 ---> X:11
#D3 ---> X:12
#C6 ---> X:13
#
#matrix
#    blocking 0
#
#    sense PB0 PB1 PB2 PB3 PD2 PD3 PC6         
#
#    strobe  PF0 5:7 5:8 5:9 5:10 5:11 5:12 5:13       
#    strobe  PF1 4:7 4:8 4:9 4:10 4:11 4:12 4:13
#    strobe  PF4 UNASSIGNED 3:8 3:9 3:10 3:11 3:12 3:13
#    strobe  PF5 2:7 2:8 2:9 2:10 2:11 2:12 2:13
#    strobe  PF6 UNASSIGNED UNASSIGNED 1:9 1:10 1:11 1:12 1:13
#    strobe  PF7 0:7 0:8 0:9 0:10 0:11 0:12 UNASSIGNED
#END



#Reverse Diodes Matrix
#matrix
#    blocking 0
#
#    sense PB0 PB1 PB2 PB3 PD2 PD3 PC6         
#
#    strobe  PF0 UNASSIGNED 5 4 3 2 1 ESC       
#    strobe  PF1 UNASSIGNED T R E W Q TAB
#    strobe  PF4 UNASSIGNED G F D S A CAPS_LOCK
#    strobe  PF5 UNASSIGNED B V C X Z LSHIFT
#    strobe  PF6 UNASSIGNED UNASSIGNED RIGHT DOWN UP LEFT LCTRL
#    strobe  PF7 END HOME PAGE_UP SPACE ENTER PAGE_DOWN UNASSIGNED
#END

[sakai4eva]

At work now. Gonna try this and see if it works. If it does, then I'm all set, but if it doesn't... well...

[sakai4eva]

Not sure if I should edit my post or make a new one.... but it works!

OMG THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN SO EASY :|

 

[sakai4eva]

Well, now that I've managed to get it to work on one hand, I wonder how hard would it be to get the other hand in?

[dorkvader]

Well, now that I've managed to get it to work on one hand, I wonder how hard would it be to get the other hand in?

Soarer's code doesn't support I2C, so you'll have to use either the TMK firmware for ergodox or the original ergodox firmware, or some other interface, which may be hard.

[sakai4eva]

Dangit! Back to the drawing board then... Any links for TMK's ergodox firmware?

EDIT: Also, would it still be possible to use soarer's firmware if hardwire the other PCB directly to the teensy?

[dorkvader]

Dangit! Back to the drawing board then... Any links for TMK's ergodox firmware?

EDIT: Also, would it still be possible to use soarer's firmware if hardwire the other PCB directly to the teensy?

Hasu's discussion topic for his TMK firmware is located in this very subforum!
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=41989.0

Melvang needed some help getting it running and generated a sweet guide in the process:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56751.msg1283532#msg1283532

[exitfire401]

Dorkvader saves the day again! Glad to hear you got it up and running!

[sakai4eva]

Dorkvader saves the day again! Glad to hear you got it up and running!

He's a great guy <3

Dangit! Back to the drawing board then... Any links for TMK's ergodox firmware?

EDIT: Also, would it still be possible to use soarer's firmware if hardwire the other PCB directly to the teensy?

Hasu's discussion topic for his TMK firmware is located in this very subforum!
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=41989.0

Melvang needed some help getting it running and generated a sweet guide in the process:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56751.msg1283532#msg1283532

Hmmm... I'm actually thinking of something else.... Hear me out to see if I'm crazy.

I want to retain using soarer's firmware (it's easy to use, features real-time updating of keymaps, not difficult for beginners, and I know how to use it, did I mention it's easy to use? It's easy to use) so I'm thinking of making physical mods instead of trying to learn how to program, thereby bypassing the IO expander completely.

So, I'm gonna connect the left handed board directly to the right handed board like this:

LH.ergo PCB <-> Teensy <-> ribbon cables <->  RH.ergo PCB

Of course, I could upgrade the cables to something more... elegant instead, but I think I can install a pinout on the ribbon cables (or use something like a cut up IDE cable) to make the cable detachable (a very important point for me).

p/s; was reading through Melvang's thread. Suffice to say that I'm daunted by the prospect of installing linux + dependencies just to mod my keyboard.

[dorkvader]

So you could solder a big ribbon cable to it and use that, but you'll run into an issue: there's not enough pins on the teensy.

The ergodox matrix isn't very "efficient", so it takes up more pins than many/most keyboards. you could solve this with a teensy++ 2.0 but maybe there's another solution

Matrix scans can include 'classic' matrix (direct connections to rows and columns), multiplexed (strobes are driven through a decoder), and unstrobed (where individual keys are connected to pins).

Soarer says it supports multiplexed output, and it does seem to be using this (looking at his sample layout map config file) with the IBM Chinese / Japanese keyboards. Maybe you could get something like that and wire it up where the IO expander is on the PCB or something.

Unfortunately, I don't know how to do that or even how to get started. But if you figured it out, it'd be awesome.

---
Technically speaking, you don't need to install linux and all that to build. You can put it on a USB drive, or use Windows and Cygwin or other. It's just that building things on linux is often the easiest / best way to do it.

[sakai4eva]

Wouldn't it be possible to use the same sense lines and expand the strobe lines?

Theoretically this would work exactly as an expanded matrix of sorts.

I'm not looking to remap the whole right hand to exclusively new pins, but to remap it partially only.

I'm still at work now, so I can't really draw out what I'm thinking...

[dorkvader]

Wouldn't it be possible to use the same sense lines and expand the strobe lines?

Theoretically this would work exactly as an expanded matrix of sorts.

I'm not looking to remap the whole right hand to exclusively new pins, but to remap it partially only.

I'm still at work now, so I can't really draw out what I'm thinking...

I think that would work, but I still don't think there's enough pins. I'll have to take a good look at it and do some adding. Deleting the I2C chip only frees up 2 pins.

so the matrix is 6*7 now (6+7 = 13 pins)
Expanding it out would make it a 12*7 or 6*14 (19 or 21 pins) so it could work. I'll take a look at what pins are/are not usable. You may have to cut some traces.

[sakai4eva]

OK, I tried very quickly to wire the RHergo to existing pins. Either I'm doing it wrong or what, but no keys are registering on HID_listen despite me soldering the wires to the exact same pins on the teensy PCB.

Basically I soldered a wire from PF0 and PC6 respectively to the RHergo PCB on the same slots.

Am I doing it wrong?

p/s: starting to have this weird feeling that I will have to get another teensy board to put on the other hand for independent ergos.

[dorkvader]

OK, I tried very quickly to wire the RHergo to existing pins. Either I'm doing it wrong or what, but no keys are registering on HID_listen despite me soldering the wires to the exact same pins on the teensy PCB.

Basically I soldered a wire from PF0 and PC6 respectively to the RHergo PCB on the same slots.

Am I doing it wrong?

If you do it this way, you have to have the diodes all facing the same direction, instead of opposite directions like they usually are on the ergodox.

can you post a picture?

Also you will need to add the pins / keys to the soarer layout file so it knows what to do with them.

p/s: starting to have this weird feeling that I will have to get another teensy board to put on the other hand for independent ergos.

That would probably work too.

[sakai4eva]

http://imgur.com/a/Umeke

This is how the soldering is done on both sides.

Should I have soldered the resistors?

[sakai4eva]

Talking to myself mostly... but I can get it to work partially.

The pinouts from the leftie seem to work fine, but so far my soldering is not up to snuff to keep the pins from shorting each other out.

[vivalarevolución]

I know this is an old thread, but it seems relevant for my inquiry.  So when people make a left-hand ergodox, do the electrical components and Teensy have to be on the bottom of the PCB instead of the top?  Is it possible to put the components on the top of the PCB?

Also, I had a different experience with Massdrop Ergodox firmware for a one-handed use than the predicament that some described in this thread.  I was able to use it with the right-hand side only without being connected to the left-hand side.  No problems.

[dorkvader]

I know this is an old thread, but it seems relevant for my inquiry.  So when people make a left-hand ergodox, do the electrical components and Teensy have to be on the bottom of the PCB instead of the top?  Is it possible to put the components on the top of the PCB?

Also, I had a different experience with Massdrop Ergodox firmware for a one-handed use than the predicament that some described in this thread.  I was able to use it with the right-hand side only without being connected to the left-hand side.  No problems.

Teensy can be flipped easily. so it can be on the top in the "upside down" configuration. The only issue is that you can't access the button easily and will have to use either a tweezers or paperclip or do what I do and just jumper it. Either way works.

The IO expander MCP23018 (I think I remember that right) canoot be flipped easily. I recommend puttingit on the bottom and accepting a slightly thicker case. Other option would be to bend all the legs 180 degrees (ugh!) or making use of some sort of DIY chip carrier (sodlering a clipped LED lead onto every leg would work too.)

[vivalarevolución]

I know this is an old thread, but it seems relevant for my inquiry.  So when people make a left-hand ergodox, do the electrical components and Teensy have to be on the bottom of the PCB instead of the top?  Is it possible to put the components on the top of the PCB?

Also, I had a different experience with Massdrop Ergodox firmware for a one-handed use than the predicament that some described in this thread.  I was able to use it with the right-hand side only without being connected to the left-hand side.  No problems.

Teensy can be flipped easily. so it can be on the top in the "upside down" configuration. The only issue is that you can't access the button easily and will have to use either a tweezers or paperclip or do what I do and just jumper it. Either way works.

The IO expander MCP23018 (I think I remember that right) canoot be flipped easily. I recommend puttingit on the bottom and accepting a slightly thicker case. Other option would be to bend all the legs 180 degrees (ugh!) or making use of some sort of DIY chip carrier (sodlering a clipped LED lead onto every leg would work too.)

Ok thanks for the response.  I have been playing around, and I will put everything on the bottom side for the left side.  Will make it easier and I can use spacers with the case if I need more clearance.  I got AKmuklauate (sp?) metal case, and I requested two right hand cases, so we will see how that works.

[sakai4eva]

I know this is an old thread, but it seems relevant for my inquiry.  So when people make a left-hand ergodox, do the electrical components and Teensy have to be on the bottom of the PCB instead of the top?  Is it possible to put the components on the top of the PCB?

Also, I had a different experience with Massdrop Ergodox firmware for a one-handed use than the predicament that some described in this thread.  I was able to use it with the right-hand side only without being connected to the left-hand side.  No problems.

No, the Teensy was mounted on the top, but reversed. You might be able to mount it in the proper direction, but that will take some spaghetti wiring and a lot of figuring things out on the pins. Diodes are soldered on the same direction as per massdrop instructions.

Nonetheless, you can't make a LEFT-handed unit if you follow MD instructions.

[vivalarevolución]

I know this is an old thread, but it seems relevant for my inquiry.  So when people make a left-hand ergodox, do the electrical components and Teensy have to be on the bottom of the PCB instead of the top?  Is it possible to put the components on the top of the PCB?

Also, I had a different experience with Massdrop Ergodox firmware for a one-handed use than the predicament that some described in this thread.  I was able to use it with the right-hand side only without being connected to the left-hand side.  No problems.

No, the Teensy was mounted on the top, but reversed. You might be able to mount it in the proper direction, but that will take some spaghetti wiring and a lot of figuring things out on the pins. Diodes are soldered on the same direction as per massdrop instructions.

Nonetheless, you can't make a LEFT-handed unit if you follow MD instructions.

What is different than what Massdrop instructs?  Sorry if this has been covered in the thread before.

[sakai4eva]

I know this is an old thread, but it seems relevant for my inquiry.  So when people make a left-hand ergodox, do the electrical components and Teensy have to be on the bottom of the PCB instead of the top?  Is it possible to put the components on the top of the PCB?

Also, I had a different experience with Massdrop Ergodox firmware for a one-handed use than the predicament that some described in this thread.  I was able to use it with the right-hand side only without being connected to the left-hand side.  No problems.

No, the Teensy was mounted on the top, but reversed. You might be able to mount it in the proper direction, but that will take some spaghetti wiring and a lot of figuring things out on the pins. Diodes are soldered on the same direction as per massdrop instructions.

Nonetheless, you can't make a LEFT-handed unit if you follow MD instructions.

What is different than what Massdrop instructs?  Sorry if this has been covered in the thread before.

First of all, I flip over the Teensy and the USB is attached directly. Secondly I don't use a TRSS connector to get to the right hand unit but I do so with some spaghetti wiring (hence upgraded to RJ45 connectors over CAT5, but the principal is the same).

[vivalarevolución]

Ok, thanks.  I will read this thread a little more thoroughly, and then play around with some things and report back.

[sakai4eva]

I actually have a much more detailed album in imgur, but it's blocked at work. Just search for my username in imgur and you'll probably find it.

[dorkvader]

I actually have a much more detailed album in imgur, but it's blocked at work. Just search for my username in imgur and you'll probably find it.

I got you covered:
http://sakai4eva.imgur.com/

see also:
http://imgur.com/a/Umeke
http://imgur.com/a/TQfgJ
http://imgur.com/a/WClqH (especially this one)

[sakai4eva]

I actually have a much more detailed album in imgur, but it's blocked at work. Just search for my username in imgur and you'll probably find it.

I got you covered:
http://sakai4eva.imgur.com/

see also:
http://imgur.com/a/Umeke
http://imgur.com/a/TQfgJ
http://imgur.com/a/WClqH (especially this one)

Thanks. In hindsight, I would like to credit the fappening for the imgur block. Now I can't get any images done during downtime at work.

[vivalarevolución]

ok, I wanted to report back with left hand ergodox situation.  I soldered all the same components that are on the top of the right-hand PCB onto the bottom of the left-hand PCB.  The switches on the left-hand PCB are on the on the top (of course).  I downloaded the firmware onto the Teensy and everything works as expected.

Here is the funny part.  The keyboard thinks that left-hand side is the right-hand side.  So if I want to make a one-handed, left-handed layout with the Massdrop Ergodox configurator, I would have to make the configuration on the right-hand side.  I don't mind this, but it is a minor inconvenience. 

I might play with some of the other Ergodox firmwares out there, as long as they allow me to have lots of layers.

[sakai4eva]

Try using the soarer firmware. Pretty easy to use and powerful

[dorkvader]

Try using the soarer firmware. Pretty easy to use and powerful

Won't work with I2S because of stupid licensing reasons.

so its great if you just want a left hand (which is what I have and use on my 1/2 ergodox gamepad) but if you want a LH controller RH IO expander then it's a no-go.

[Zer0_Blue]

Hi, im new in the forum. Im doing an only left hand ergodox. PCB is from falbatech. I have mount all the components in the PCB but i need to program teensy. First i tried with some hex generators in the web like massdrop, etc but the kb doesn´t work, i start to read and I saw 'classic' fw doestn work. Ive been trying with the dorkvader method but when i use scaswr i obtanin a new .sc.scb and an error like soares converter not found.
My hardware is made with a pcb from falbatech as i said, cherry mx blue mounted like a left hand ergodox, i use TH diodes with the polarity like marked in the cherry bottom package, i e, soldered in top layer and the  cathode looking right, mcp soldered top side and teensy soldered bottom side without inverting the headers.

Can somebody help me to configure it? or upload some hex to prove if my hardware is working?

Thank!!!

[Zer0_Blue]

Hi guys, i´ve resolved the problem. The adaptor dont found by scaswr.bat is the keyboard with soarer´s fw so I flash fw to the teensy and then did the stuff with scaswr.bat as dorkvoder explain. I needed to desolder MCP for the kb works property.

Thanks for everything