So, it's update time again and it's a pretty good one.
This is one of the proto PCBs I previously had produced, though you'll notice I've a fair deal of jank wiring hanging out on top of it now.
Through the assistance of the awesome @xyz over on the QMK wiki and their marvelous help with QMK encoder code, essentially every problem that previously existed with the encoder wiring is gone. No more ghosting when using multiple at once, and no more having an entire row/column locked because one is stuck between detents. And I was fortunate enough to be able to test for myself one a current PCB instead of needing to run a batch.
So what now?
Step 1: Redo my schematic to account for the new wiring layout needed for the updated encoder handling functionality.
This I've already got down and done.
Step 2: Embrace Kicad 5.99 and sick themes
Obviously having a stylish theme is crucial to the process. Also new features are so worth it. Also I've just noticed my PCB isn't centered in my sheet, I will need to fix that immediately.
Step 3: Finish PCB design for next proto orders.
I'm hoping to have this done soon as I'd like to have protos on hand to gather feedback at an upcoming (vaccinated)meetup or two. Right now the main thing that I'll need to test for with the proto PCBs will be new case fitment and getting the breakaway portions to, well, breakaway in a nice manner. Also some nifty silkscreen to take up some of that empty space is probably on the todo.
Step 4: Feature finalization then setup component sources
Yeah that's it, we're that close. Just to recap on features as they sit right now:
- ProMicro or ProMicro-Compatible controller.
If you have a particular ProMicro replacement you like to use, it'll work for this so long as it's pin-compatible/drop-in replacement.
Controller choice affects firmware compatibility. Some available ProMicro replacements don't run QMK because of the chips used.
- 3D printed case and knobs/wheels.
Right now the plan is still FDM PLA for both of these as that's what I have access to.
Case design will be similar to the proto in my earlier pics and the renders I've posted, wheel/knob design will have a few custom options including what you see in my earlier pics.
SLA isn't *completely* out of the question, but as I don't have access to a machine currently it'd take a lot of interest and effort to make it available.
- Up to 9x EC11 rotary encoders.
The plan is to use Bourns PEC11R series encoders in the kit, exact variant to be determined
Default layout is a 3x3 matrix, but the PCB will be snappable in two steps to move to either a 3x2 or 2x2 config.
Case variants will be available for "snapdown" configurations.
- Breakout headers for SPI, I2C, and digital RGB connections.
Feeling adventurous and can't leave well enough alone? I made it easy to throw even more features on here if you so choose.
Part of the RGB connection is a solder jumper for power selection. This allows using the RAW pin for 5v access if you're using a 3.3Vout controller. I'll probably also add one each for SPI/I2C.
- QMK firmware compatible
Yes this is basically the free space on the keeb featureset bingo card, but still worth saying. You use a QMK compatible controller and it'll run QMK, funny how that works.
The encoder matrix code is still experimental and not part of main, but the plan right now is I want to make it compile the modded code at the board/keymap level in case it doesn't get pulled to main before the board is available.
Right now I still have a smidge more feedback I'd like to get:
- Board color prefs: Green PCBs are plain, what does popular opinion say the best color is?
- SLA case option: How many would actually be interested in this over FDM? Note that the super clear rendition above is likely super unrealistic without a super fancy process to go with it.
- ProMicro option for the kit: If there's enough interest I could see about hitting up a vendor that regularly has them about some bulk pricing for the GB, but tbh I expect that a lot of people would already have some on hand or be using a replacement.
- Case/knob/wheel ideas: Thanks to the procedural nature of printing, there's a lot of room for customization and fancification in designs. Have any ideas you'd like to see integrated in the parts for this board?
Bit of a side note, I'm also doing some experimenting concerning socketing options for dev boards, and whatever tidbits I pull away from that is likely to be at least partially applied to this board. If you've got any feelings/info on that topic, just throw it my way.
As usual, always happy to get feedback and info from anyone willing to share.
