[IC] Phaethon - Solar powered through-hole PCB Kit. Prototype final!

[mrninhvn]

Impressed by the beauty of the Lumberjack keyboard, I wanted to make a wireless version for myself, it's called Phaethon.


Specs:
* 5x12 (split Preonic) layout, full grid or 2x2u spacebars.
* Fit in 60% tray mount case.
* Wireless USB receiver and Bluetooth 5.2 from receiver.
* Built-in solar battery charger, works with artificial light
* Ultra low energy consumption: ~1 year without any light or doesn't need to plug in the charger in a bright room.
* Switch footprint: Cherry MX, Cherry low profile, TTC low profile (KS32).
* Supported stabilizer: Cherry PCB Screw-in, Costar Plate mount for low profile.
* Assembled MCU + Solar board and USB receiver.
* All through hole components for keyboard PCB.

Firmware:
* ZMK

Price:
* 149$

Production number: ≤100.

IC Form: https://forms.gle/ZUm72Ac8P2t9jBvB8

[07/08/2022] Due to the PCB seeming too complicated for mass production and global chip shortage, I regret it will stop at prototype for now.

Design photos:


Layout:


Receiver:


Solar and MCU PCB compatible with arduino pro micro and atmega32a pinout.

[thuc]

let's go

[d3adc3II]

Awesome idea, hope it comes into life.

[missylo]

So neat!!!

[Darth_munkee]

I love this. 2 questions about it.

1. Will there be a way to store the wireless receiver on the board?

2. What is that component that sits just north of the resistors?

Impressed by the beauty of the Lumberjack keyboard, I wanted to make a wireless version for myself, it's called Phaethon.
(Attachment Link)

Specs:
* 5x12 (split Preonic) layout, full grid or 2x2u spacebars.
* Fit in 60% tray mount case.
* Wireless USB receiver and Bluetooth 5.2 from receiver.
* Built-in solar battery charger, works with artificial light
* Ultra low energy consumption: ~1 year without any light or doesn't need to plug in the charger in a bright room.
* Switch footprint: Cherry MX, Cherry low profile, TTC low profile (KS32).
* Supported stabilizer: Cherry PCB Screw-in, Costar Plate mount for low profile.
* Assembled MCU + Solar board and USB receiver.
* All through hole components for keyboard PCB.

Firmware:
* ZMK

Price:
* 149$

Production number: ≤100.

IC Form: https://forms.gle/ZUm72Ac8P2t9jBvB8

Design photos:
(Attachment Link)

Layout:
(Attachment Link)

Receiver:
(Attachment Link)

Solar PCB test, solar charger works as expected:
(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

[mrninhvn]

I love this. 2 questions about it.

1. Will there be a way to store the wireless receiver on the board?

2. What is that component that sits just north of the resistors?

Impressed by the beauty of the Lumberjack keyboard, I wanted to make a wireless version for myself, it's called Phaethon.
(Attachment Link)

Specs:
* 5x12 (split Preonic) layout, full grid or 2x2u spacebars.
* Fit in 60% tray mount case.
* Wireless USB receiver and Bluetooth 5.2 from receiver.
* Built-in solar battery charger, works with artificial light
* Ultra low energy consumption: ~1 year without any light or doesn't need to plug in the charger in a bright room.
* Switch footprint: Cherry MX, Cherry low profile, TTC low profile (KS32).
* Supported stabilizer: Cherry PCB Screw-in, Costar Plate mount for low profile.
* Assembled MCU + Solar board and USB receiver.
* All through hole components for keyboard PCB.

Firmware:
* ZMK

Price:
* 149$

Production number: ≤100.

IC Form: https://forms.gle/ZUm72Ac8P2t9jBvB8

Design photos:
(Attachment Link)

Layout:
(Attachment Link)

Receiver:
(Attachment Link)

Solar PCB test, solar charger works as expected:
(Attachment Link)

(Attachment Link)

Thank you for your praise.

1. I haven't thought of it at the moment because it will fit 60% normal cases, i will also open source receiver so people can design cases for it. Also, I'm also planning for a smaller usb-c receiver.

2. That is toggle switch for on off power.

[mrninhvn]

Updated answer some questions.

1. What’s the case going to be like?
* Any 60% tray mount case, aluminum case is ok because of antenna is placed above PCB.

2. 2.4ghz instead of bluetooth?
* Both, 2.4ghz from keyboard to receiver, and bluetooth from receiver to other device.

3. Will you have an UK vendor?
* I'm afraid not, direct shipping from Vietnam.

[Arch4Life]

nice design, glwic!!!

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[lingoc]

Nice

[kaznai]

Well this is freakin rad. Is that a supercap? Those scare me...

[mrninhvn]

Solar PCB has arrived, pinout compatible with pro micro and atmega32a 

[mrninhvn]

PCB Prototype:

[learntoletgo]

looks good so far

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

[mrninhvn]

Assembled in the sun.

[AllieMaxwell]

The Phaethon solar-powered through-hole PCB kit looks fantastic! It’s super cool that you’ve got the prototype all set. Solar power is an intelligent way to go, especially with everything around energy. I mean, who wouldn’t want to harness the sun’s energy? Plus, it’s great to see more DIY projects like this that can inspire others to get into solar tech. If you’re looking for tips or ideas, maybe check out solar panels ireland for inspiration. They have tons of resources that could help you refine your project. I can't wait to see how it all turns out! Keep us posted on your progress, and if you need a sounding board for ideas, I’m here for it!