Phantom Custom Keyboard Group Buy (CLOSED)

[7bit]

Litster is doing an acrylic case for TKL. It's not really specific to this.

Probably I'll edit the usb_keyboard.c file then...

Also @Litster: I don't want to cut up your nice case for 7bit = (

You should not do that.

Your keyboard spits out key codes and you map them to whatever you need.

[riffautae]

Has anyone looked into writing the firmware for a keyboard with media keys? I'm having troubles figuring out how to implement Pause/Play, Next Track and Prev. Track. They aren't simple keys with keycodes defined in the USB HID standard. There are values for Vol. Up and Vol. Down tho.

The tmk code can do this. I was working on it but then my tool chain suddenly stopped working so it is delayed.

[hazeluff]

Demik. Im not quite sure. There is a bandwidth limit. But i dont eecall off the top of my jead. Im out for a couple hours atm. Ill get back with it when im back and someone cant answer.

Litster: i see. Ill just map those keys to like f13 onward and remap on my pc.

[Zehkul]

Has anyone looked into writing the firmware for a keyboard with media keys? I'm having troubles figuring out how to implement Pause/Play, Next Track and Prev. Track. They aren't simple keys with keycodes defined in the USB HID standard. There are values for Vol. Up and Vol. Down tho.

AFAIK it's mandatory that the board operates as a second USB device for the PC to sends the media signals (don't ask me why though, I've got no idea )... So probably not all that easy to do.

[dorkvader]

This will be my first adventure in soldering, too.  I went to my local thrift store and grabbed some cheap stuff to practice on.  Even radio/alarm clocks have PBCs inside.  Its good to note as you practice what condition you leave the bored in during soldering/desoldering since that is what you are worried about.  If you don't have enough heat in about 2 seconds, let it cool and start over because you could damage the board.  That is what I've been told.

Yes, you can damage the PCB, and lifting traces is common. Really, soldering/time only becomes an issue if you are soldering to a huge ground plane, which will absorb a lot of heat. If you have temperature control, heat up the iron more, and go quick.

I managed to lift a trace on an ALPS RK27 (potentiometer) breakout board, but I ended up just soldering directly to the pin anyway on that one.

Anyway, I'd recommend getting some sort of copper braid / solder sucker for mistakes, it really helps. There are some really good tutorials online for soldering. I liked the tangentsoft ones a lot:
http://tangentsoft.net/elec/movies/

[mkawa]

speaking of tangent, the DIY audio community has a wealth of information for electronics hobbyist supplies and techniques. this is also how i got my start

[litster]

Any objection if we start a separate thread on firmware mods and building the kit?  I think we will have a lot of posts about ordering, paying, shipping and such.  Separate threads for ordering/shipping and modding and building could be helpful.  Thoughts?

[TheProfosist]

Any objection if we start a separate thread on firmware mods and building the kit?  I think we will have a lot of posts about ordering, paying, shipping and such.  Separate threads for ordering/shipping and modding and building could be helpful.  Thoughts?

Sounds good to me stick it in the mods section or your welcome to make as many threads as you like in my subforum.

[maoiste]

Hey, i am still thinking about buying a phantom but i need to know if it is possible to have the FN keys to toggle between different layers with the teensy. I would be willing to tinker around with the firmware myself to make those changes but i would need to know if it is possible before i buy everything.

[TheProfosist]

Hey, i am still thinking about buying a phantom but i need to know if it is possible to have the FN keys to toggle between different layers with the teensy. I would be willing to tinker around with the firmware myself to make those changes but i would need to know if it is possible before i buy everything.

It should be possible but it hasnt been done. I am currently going to use a locking switch to bypass this.

[mkawa]

looking at the teensy code, it looks like it's possible; easy even. no guarantees though.

[mkawa]

Any objection if we start a separate thread on firmware mods and building the kit?  I think we will have a lot of posts about ordering, paying, shipping and such.  Separate threads for ordering/shipping and modding and building could be helpful.  Thoughts?

+1

[tsangan]

Just placed in my order for the 5th time, man this is one expensive GB :E

I shouldn't bother with these GB till the end, I always end up changing it like 5-6 times

[maoiste]

I am for dedicated threads for the firmware, so ppl can post modifications for their setups and ppl won't have to scroll through this thread for suggestions/questions regarding the stock phantom firmware.

[alaricljs]

Be a good idea to use Profosists' forum so he can help moderate the threads.  Off-topic and banter can get shunted over after the sub-thread dies down to keep the main thread easier to follow.

[hazeluff]

Hey, i am still thinking about buying a phantom but i need to know if it is possible to have the FN keys to toggle between different layers with the teensy. I would be willing to tinker around with the firmware myself to make those changes but i would need to know if it is possible before i buy everything.

Should be possible. Since FN keys don't actually send anything to the computer. You just use this key to change a variable/state in your keyboard. I'm doing that with some of my keys.

Yes, I agree with custom firmware thread in TheProfosist forum. I'll be lurking there helping out and asking questions = D

[tsangan]

I will be there getting help :rofl:

[TheProfosist]

Should be possible. Since FN keys don't actually send anything to the computer. You just use this key to change a variable/state in your keyboard. I'm doing that with some of my keys.

Yes, I agree with custom firmware thread in TheProfosist forum. I'll be lurking there helping out and asking questions = D

Well who ever is going to create it go for it and ill sticky it.

[hazeluff]

http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?26730-Teensy-Keyboard-Firmware-Discussion&p=502738

Go TheProfosist, Sticky it.

And for everyone else who has firmware questions, Pop in there instead of posting here (there's like 10-20 pages of just firmware discussion here already)

[TheProfosist]

http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?26730-Teensy-Keyboard-Firmware-Discussion&p=502738

Go TheProfosist, Sticky it.

And for everyone else who has firmware questions, Pop in there instead of posting here (there's like 10-20 pages of just firmware discussion here already)

done!

[litster]

I started a new wiki/mod post here: Building Phantom Hardware and Firmware Mods

I have put in a bunch of relevant information there, and a link to the Phantom soldering instruction.  Please use the discussion area to discussion phantom soldering, phantom firmware mod, ask questions, and help each other out.  

Please continue to use the thread on order and parts related topics.  Thanks.

[trax]

Do we have to add the shipping to the order?

[7bit]

Do we have to add the shipping to the order?

I will add the shipping costs based on your locations. No need to add something on your own.

2 days left for the Phantom and just a few more days for switches!!!

BTW: blue switches get now the lower volume price ($0.6 instead of $0..


http://deskthority.net/wiki/Phantom_Group_Buy#Pricelist

[Saviant]

I have been on the fences about ordering one of these kits, but at the moment I am waiting on some money for work I have done. Is there going to be another group run later down the track?

[dorkvader]

just to make sure I have enough... how many switches are on the 7bit layout?

[7bit]

just to make sure I have enough... how many switches are on the 7bit layout?

[size=12]

101[/b][/size]

[litster]

I have been on the fences about ordering one of these kits, but at the moment I am waiting on some money for work I have done. Is there going to be another group run later down the track?

There is a possibility for another round.  But if there is ever another one, it will be at least 6 months to a year from now.  If we do another one, I don't think it will be the same design.  So it will take quite a bit of time to do another one using the experience we learned so far and will learn later throughout the building process.

[hazeluff]

There is a possibility for another round.  But if there is ever another one, it will be at least 6 months to a year from now.  If we do another one, I don't think it will be the same design.  So it will take quite a bit of time to do another one using the experience we learned so far and will learn later throughout the building process.

Full sized/Dox like keyboard next? Or maybe a design so that we can use more pins for LEDs/Backlighting (I love lights).

^_^I love this forum and all the **** we do here.

[alaricljs]

If you would like to help me out... I have a Filco replacement design with full backlighting (using a couple extra chips).  Biggest stall for me has been not having time to work out how to do the LED control so I can finalize the design.  I have an LED test board, but haven't done any attempt at firmware.  Wouldn't be able to go crazy with the options like the current design because of all the extra traces, but I think ISO and stepped Caps may be possible.  Currently it's plain vanilla ANSIWIN layout.

[hazeluff]

If you would like to help me out... I have a Filco replacement design with full backlighting (using a couple extra chips).  Biggest stall for me has been not having time to work out how to do the LED control so I can finalize the design.  I have an LED test board, but haven't done any attempt at firmware.  Wouldn't be able to go crazy with the options like the current design because of all the extra traces, but I think ISO and stepped Caps may be possible.  Currently it's plain vanilla ANSIWIN layout.

Depends on what you want to do with your LEDs. Are you maybe just going to keep them all on? Trying to make it give people with epilepsy seizures?

[digitalleftovers]

Not to go too far off topic, but I had an idea to mod one of those matrix cherry POS boards so that the each key would light as you typed (as computers do in most cinematic representations of the future).  It should also make random blinky patterns when you aren't using it and it is "working."  So, yes, a controller that could handle a ton of lights, layers and behaviors is a win for me!

[alaricljs]

Depends on what you want to do with your LEDs. Are you maybe just going to keep them all on? Trying to make it give people with epilepsy seizures?

LOL.... the hardware is setup so that it's fully programmable and controllable.  Full individual LED control w/ teensy managed single LED PWM brightness.  I did the design back in July/August, so it's not fresh in my mind, but the LED chips are 2x CAT4016 (Mouser) shift registers cascaded off of the teensy's MOSI/MISO pins.  I need to get some sort of firmware working on it so I can validate my design and transistor/resistor choices.

[hazeluff]

Not to go too far off topic, but I had an idea to mod one of those matrix cherry POS boards so that the each key would light as you typed (as computers do in most cinematic representations of the future).  It should also make random blinky patterns when you aren't using it and it is "working."  So, yes, a controller that could handle a ton of lights, layers and behaviors is a win for me!

There was a discussion somewhere about getting a LED per switch and having them light up as  you type on them.  Something like the first 10 seconds of this video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_hEQT1aziQ

The one problem I have with this, is that when you type, you're fingers are gonna be over that key that lights up...But anyway the concept is really cool.

I think it could be implemented with medium/hard difficulty. The thing is that there will be a lot of wires flying around underneath the PCB (There is almost no way to get so many lines on a PCB).

[alaricljs]

There was a discussion somewhere about getting a LED per switch and having them light up as  you type on them.  Something like the first 10 seconds of this video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_hEQT1aziQ

The one problem I have with this, is that when you type, you're fingers are gonna be over that key that lights up...But anyway the concept is really cool.

I think it could be implemented with medium/hard difficulty. The thing is that there will be a lot of wires flying around underneath the PCB (There is almost no way to get so many lines on a PCB).

That's the PCB design I put together. Fully individual controlled LEDs, no extra layers or wires.  All it would take is the programming to manage the LEDs, I haven't gotten that far yet.

Here's another project using these parts.  Vid included in the page.

[jil_jil32]

Like this... -> http://www.rewiredgear.net/modImages/thermal.mp4

[alaricljs]

Here's another project using these parts.  Vid included in the page.

And I just got back in touch with the fine gentleman that did that mod and he is working toward open-sourcing the project.  Soooo, enjoy the vid it could be a reality for the next round.

[mkawa]

There was a discussion somewhere about getting a LED per switch and having them light up as  you type on them.  

you don't need a controller to do this. all you need is to wire the switches so that closing them triggers current through the diode

[hazeluff]

That's the PCB design I put together. Fully individual controlled LEDs, no extra layers or wires.  All it would take is the programming to manage the LEDs, I haven't gotten that far yet.

Here's another project using these parts.  Vid included in the page.

I'm a bit confused about the no extra layers/wires. Since in the link the guys flies a ton of wires across the back of the board.

I'd love to write something using the teensy, but I have to wait for my phantom order to come with my 2 teensys.

Start another thread about lighting controller in the mod section to discuss this. I feel like I've derailed this thread too much.

you don't need a controller to do this. all you need  is to wire the switches so that closing them triggers current through  the diode

I'm not 100% sure about this. (need to have a look, but I'll take your word for this for now). But this doesn't allow the flexibility of doing crazy cool stuff like a Wave of lights going across your keyboard when you idle.

[Parak]

And I just got back in touch with the fine gentleman that did that mod and he is working toward open-sourcing the project.  Soooo, enjoy the vid it could be a reality for the next round.

Yeah, I'd do some rather questionable deeds to see those schematics and firmware source. I'd probably totally put in the time to build a pcb based on such schematics, considering I need such a controller for my project as well.

[mkawa]

I will add the shipping costs based on your locations. No need to add something on your own.

2 days left for the Phantom and just a few more days for switches!!!

BTW: blue switches get now the lower volume price ($0.6 instead of $0..


http://deskthority.net/wiki/Phantom_Group_Buy#Pricelist

GUH? 25 shipping for CONUS? what th-?! why?

[alaricljs]

I'm a bit confused about the no extra layers/wires. Since in the link the guys flies a ton of wires across the back of the board.

Start another thread about lighting controller in the mod section to discuss this. I feel like I've derailed this thread too much.

Yeah, I'd do some rather questionable deeds to see those schematics and firmware source.

His project was a mod to an existing backlit KB.  I was trying to take it to the next level with a complete PCB replacement for the Filco 87key and did the PCB schematic for it.  If my transistor choices are correct then it's fab ready, but I wanted to test my design and component choices before committing to a full board.  I did a mini-board with just LEDs and the shift register and transistors for testing, but never made it to the coding stage.

I'll dupe this info into a new thread in our good friend TheProfosist's forum.

[hazeluff]

His project was a mod to an existing backlit KB.  I was trying to take it to the next level with a complete PCB replacement for the Filco 87key and did the PCB schematic for it.  If my transistor choices are correct then it's fab ready, but I wanted to test my design and component choices before committing to a full board.  I did a mini-board with just LEDs and the shift register and transistors for testing, but never made it to the coding stage.

I'll dupe this info into a new thread in our good friend TheProfosist's forum.

I will enjoy the discussion there. = ) Cos for Phantom v2 I would love to see some awesome LED features ; p

GUH? 25 shipping for CONUS? what th-?! why?

Omg Shipping to EU is 22. For once something cheaper for us EU people ><

[mkawa]

and yet shipping to DE is 9. HMMM I THINK I SEE WHERE THIS IS GOING

[trax]

I will add the shipping costs based on your locations. No need to add something on your own.

2 days left for the Phantom and just a few more days for switches!!!

BTW: blue switches get now the lower volume price ($0.6 instead of $0..


http://deskthority.net/wiki/Phantom_Group_Buy#Pricelist

I live in EU but need shipping to US (alaricljs     )

y0

[kps]

you don't need a controller to do this. all you need is to wire the switches so that closing them triggers current through the diode

You need to ensure that the diode voltage drop is not so high that it prevents the keypress being recognized. Red LEDs might work; others probably won't.

[litster]

GUH? 25 shipping for CONUS? what th-?! why?

We also need to pay for boxes (if not using USPS priority mail boxes), packaging, and shipping cost to get the items shipped to the distributors in EU and USA.  We also will be ordering items in EU and ship half of them to the US for distribution, and ordering items in the USA and ship half of them to EU for distribution there.

[7bit]

I live in EU but need shipping to US (alaricljs     )

y0

I will add the GIFT option.

Should it be wrapped in some specific paper etc?

[7bit]

We also need to pay for boxes (if not using USPS priority mail boxes), packaging, and shipping cost to get the items shipped to the distributors in EU and USA.  We also will be ordering items in EU and ship half of them to the US for distribution, and ordering items in the USA and ship half of them to EU for distribution there.

I might get boxes from Ascaii (the ones from the scary cellar). Also, I've got some boxes myself, so I don't think I need to buy anything.

[7bit]

GUH? 25 shipping for CONUS? what th-?! why?

I'm not responsible for the shipping costs. I'm quite sure it is insured shipping.

[demik]

Quick question, in the email we got for shipping address do we put ours or where we want it shipped?