[Orders Closed] Phantom PCB R2

[bavman]

I know the filco and plu87 cases are compatible. WFD said that his new plate design will allow the QFR to also be compatible

[inteli722]

I'm likely gonna order one today, so LAST MINUTE FTW

[takaki]

Should I get one spare teensy ( Just in case?) ?

[Saviant]

Can I got my phantom sent to WFD please for assembly?

[kmiller8]

I'm likely gonna order one today, so LAST MINUTE FTW

Thanks for reminding me when this closed

I was thinking I had longer to decide, BUT TOO LATE NOW, order placed!

[inteli722]

I'm likely gonna order one today, so LAST MINUTE FTW

Thanks for reminding me when this closed

I was thinking I had longer to decide, BUT TOO LATE NOW, order placed!

Any idea when this closes? Like what time zone defines "January Second"? Because where I am, it's 1:16 PM January 1st.

[kmiller8]

Any idea when this closes? Like what time zone defines "January Second"? Because where I am, it's 1:16 PM January 1st.

Since time zones weren't specified, it's probably a 'soft' January 2nd, meaning if it's Jan 6th for you, don't try to place an order

Why not just place an order? It's not like you have to pay at this exact moment

[bavman]

Orders close NOW!








jk. I'll probably keep up the order form a day or so extra while I work out some technical details, but try to have your order in soon.

[inteli722]

Orders close NOW!








jk. I'll probably keep up the order form a day or so extra while I work out some technical details, but try to have your order in soon.

Just placed my order a few minutes ago. I was really nervous about having waited too long.

[SmallFry]

Hope you guys don't forget to get a plate too...

[reverkiller]

Any idea when payments will be due?

[inteli722]

Hope you guys don't forget to get a plate too...

I won't, but I'm not getting anything other than time-crucial stuff until Summer. Don't have time regularly to build a keyboard (even though it only takes a few hours), so I'm gonna build it over the summer, which will be just before my birthday. So unless the plates are time-crucial, then I'm gonna wait until the summer.

[SmallFry]

Hope you guys don't forget to get a plate too...

I won't, but I'm not getting anything other than time-crucial stuff until Summer. Don't have time regularly to build a keyboard (even though it only takes a few hours), so I'm gonna build it over the summer, which will be just before my birthday. So unless the plates are time-crucial, then I'm gonna wait until the summer.

WFD has a group buy going now, but you can always get your own cut.

[TheProfosist]

Hope you guys don't forget to get a plate too...

I won't, but I'm not getting anything other than time-crucial stuff until Summer. Don't have time regularly to build a keyboard (even though it only takes a few hours), so I'm gonna build it over the summer, which will be just before my birthday. So unless the plates are time-crucial, then I'm gonna wait until the summer.

WFD has a group buy going now, but you can always get your own cut.

hes got a IC going. and Their probably going to be run though my GB with the rest of the parts.

[dorkvader]

I know the filco and plu87 cases are compatible. WFD said that his new plate design will allow the QFR to also be compatible

But this PCB will not have the extra mounting holes for QFR case compatibility, right?
---

Also, everyone should get 5 extra teensys. You can never have too many of those.

[Rendom]

I want to buy 2 extra teensy can you please update for me bavman? =D

[akuJIWA]

Bavman bro, I had just filled the form again, can I have my PCB + teensy sent to WFD? Thanks.

[Rendom]

I want to buy 2 extra teensy can you please update for me bavman? =D

Sorry to spam but can you please send it to WFD as well? So I can save the shipping for pcb and plates.

[bavman]

Bavman bro, I had just filled the form again, can I have my PCB + teensy sent to WFD? Thanks.

So do you want to cancel your last order and keep the new one, or keep both and send the second to WFD?

I know the filco and plu87 cases are compatible. WFD said that his new plate design will allow the QFR to also be compatible

But this PCB will not have the extra mounting holes for QFR case compatibility, right?
---

Also, everyone should get 5 extra teensys. You can never have too many of those.

I believe bpiphany is talking with WFD because we would need to modify the PCB to make it compatible. Hopefully it will be possible, we'll see what happens but it shouldn't interfere with our schedule

---

Also the google doc containing everyones order is updated once again. Please check that you order #s are correct and if your getting your order shipping to WDF or TP it says so by your name. I've been doing a lot of deleting and modifying orders and I hope I didn't screw anything up. Let me know if I did.

[Saviant]

Just checked my order and listing TP and not WFD as for sending it to, can I get that fixed please?

Thanks

[bavman]

Fixed that for you

[korne]

I can't wait to get those PCB's yayaya

[WhiteFireDragon]

Ok I just finished talking to bpiphany. All that needs to be done for compatibility with a CM quickfire case is to drill one hole in the PCB. It doesn't hit any switches or diodes, however the problem is that there are a few traces that run through that exact location. If a hole is drilled there, those few traces needs to be slightly rerouted. Rerouting is a large enough change to warrant prototyping again just to be safe, and this will delay the GB. So in the end, there won't be any changes to the PCB at all. In summary, the plate design itself is fully compatible with a CM case, but the PCB can't be a straight drop-in.

These pics shows what I'm talking about. The small red dot is what needs to be drilled out so the last standoff in the CM case can go through the PCB.



Here are some PCBs on top of each other. You can see Phantom and Filco have the same hole position, and the CM has the hole slightly offset. That offset location is the only difference.
blue = Filco
Green = CM quickfire
black = phantom





WORKAROUND

Since the PCB won't be changed, all you have to do is file down a few millimeters of the standoff until it's level with the bottom of the PCB. It's plastic so this should only take like 5 minutes. Here's a pic of the other side of a desoldered CM quickfire PCB mounted inside the case to help show where the standoff is and how much you'll have to shave off.



Carter said a replacement cases can probably be purchased separately so mod and replacement case might save you from buying a $150 Filco to use the case.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=38102.msg736993#msg736993

[bavman]

Thanks for the update whitefiredragon

[Matt3o]

tremendously late, but I placed my order I'll try to build a bluetooth keyboard at last

[alaricljs]

Carter said a replacement cases can probably be purchased separately so mod and replacement case might save you from buying a $150 Filco to use the case.

I feel it's necessary to point out that Carter's original statement was about un-branded *top* frames, not complete cases. 

Still working hard on getting the brandless topcovers. Finished packaging this week, and will be ordering soon.

[Leewei]

Hi bavman, sorry could you update my order =) I would like it delivered to me instead as I want to build it myself.

[inteli722]

I can say my order looks good! Thanks for giving me an opportunity because I missed out on the original! Great product to delve deeper into a hobby!

[The_Beast]

Dammit, caved and in for one

[iArson]

Same

[KuhnTang]

Are you going to start collecting money today?

[sleepy916]

I couldn't resist any longer...

[akuJIWA]

I couldn't resist any longer...

Calm down, they will not be sending you straight away after you pay anyway.

[inteli722]

Ok I just finished talking to bpiphany. All that needs to be done for compatibility with a CM quickfire case is to drill one hole in the PCB. It doesn't hit any switches or diodes, however the problem is that there are a few traces that run through that exact location. If a hole is drilled there, those few traces needs to be slightly rerouted. Rerouting is a large enough change to warrant prototyping again just to be safe, and this will delay the GB. So in the end, there won't be any changes to the PCB at all. In summary, the plate design itself is fully compatible with a CM case, but the PCB can't be a straight drop-in.

These pics shows what I'm talking about. The small red dot is what needs to be drilled out so the last standoff in the CM case can go through the PCB.

Show Image

Here are some PCBs on top of each other. You can see Phantom and Filco have the same hole position, and the CM has the hole slightly offset. That offset location is the only difference.
blue = Filco
Green = CM quickfire
black = phantom

Show Image

WORKAROUND

Since the PCB won't be changed, all you have to do is file down a few millimeters of the standoff until it's level with the bottom of the PCB. It's plastic so this should only take like 5 minutes. Here's a pic of the other side of a desoldered CM quickfire PCB mounted inside the case to help show where the standoff is and how much you'll have to shave off.

Show Image

Show Image

Carter said a replacement cases can probably be purchased separately so mod and replacement case might save you from buying a $150 Filco to use the case.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=38102.msg736993#msg736993

That would probably be the best option for someone on a budget, and for me would serve as a nice temporary case while I save up for an Aluminum case

[sleepy916]

I couldn't resist any longer...

Calm down, they will not be sending you straight away after you pay anyway.

I thought I was calm.

[WhiteFireDragon]

While taking some PCB/case compatibility pics for bpiphany, I also took some Phantom PCB action shots while I'm at it. This is the highest quality keyboard PCB I've worked with. Either on par or a tad higher than KMACs. It's simply a beautiful work of art, and even has some simi-hidden phrases and phantom mask. Here are some PCB pr0n shots of what you'll be receiving:

[kmiller8]

While taking some PCB/case compatibility pics for bpiphany, I also took some Phantom PCB action shots while I'm at it. This is the highest quality keyboard PCB I've worked with. Either on par or a tad higher than KMACs. It's simply a beautiful work of art, and even has some simi-hidden phrases and phantom mask. Here are some PCB pr0n shots of what you'll be receiving:

As someone who is trying to design his first PCB, what makes is so high quality :x

[Glod]

While taking some PCB/case compatibility pics for bpiphany, I also took some Phantom PCB action shots while I'm at it. This is the highest quality keyboard PCB I've worked with. Either on par or a tad higher than KMACs. It's simply a beautiful work of art, and even has some simi-hidden phrases and phantom mask. Here are some PCB pr0n shots of what you'll be receiving:

i am getting pretty excited now, man....I'm trying to learn to be patient but its really really hard.........

[oluf]

While taking some PCB/case compatibility pics for bpiphany, I also took some Phantom PCB action shots while I'm at it. This is the highest quality keyboard PCB I've worked with. Either on par or a tad higher than KMACs. It's simply a beautiful work of art, and even has some simi-hidden phrases and phantom mask. Here are some PCB pr0n shots of what you'll be receiving:

Great pics! Thanks!

[inteli722]

"Blessed be thee who double shot perty plastics"

OK PCB! Time to come to daddy!

[theultrazord]

Either on par or a tad higher than KMACs.

It makes me sad that we are doing a GB for such a nice PCB but there is no high quality case to go with it to compete with other custom boards. Though thank you guys for working hard on the PCB GB, plates, services etc. I'm looking forward to pictures of everyone's customs.

[jdcarpe]

Either on par or a tad higher than KMACs.

It makes me sad that we are doing a GB for such a nice PCB but there is no high quality case to go with it to compete with other custom boards. Though thank you guys for working hard on the PCB GB, plates, services etc. I'm looking forward to pictures of everyone's customs.

Don't worry. It's in the works...

[jdcarpe]

... even has some simi-hidden phrases and phantom mask.

Ahh, yes. But bpiphany told me that I was the first to email him at the address screen printed on the PCB, before it was released even.

[KuhnTang]

Either on par or a tad higher than KMACs.

It makes me sad that we are doing a GB for such a nice PCB but there is no high quality case to go with it to compete with other custom boards. Though thank you guys for working hard on the PCB GB, plates, services etc. I'm looking forward to pictures of everyone's customs.

Don't worry. It's in the works...

Can you see if there is a stainless steel option for a case?  I'll pay extra.

[KuhnTang]

While taking some PCB/case compatibility pics for bpiphany, I also took some Phantom PCB action shots while I'm at it. This is the highest quality keyboard PCB I've worked with. Either on par or a tad higher than KMACs. It's simply a beautiful work of art, and even has some simi-hidden phrases and phantom mask. Here are some PCB pr0n shots of what you'll be receiving:

As someone who is trying to design his first PCB, what makes is so high quality :x

When I was in school I had to design a few PCB's for senior projects.  I learned using this free software.  You'll likely have to make all your own custom footprints.
free software: http://www.freepcb.com/

The good thing about free PCB is that you can have them produce your design.  I'll warn you though.  No ones first PCB comes out working.  At least if you're trying to make anything with even a little complexity.  With a keyboard you don't have to worry about angles in the trace or width or anything (high speed problems), so it should be relatively easy, but I could be wrong. 

You can make them higher quality by the material you use.  General is FR4, standard in a lot of circuits, but if you have money you can upgrade the material.  Shouldn't be necessary for a keyboard though.

[bavman]

I really wish I knew how to design PCBs. I really liked teaching myself about ICs and logic gates and all that stuff but its all theoretical, I have no idea how to implement it into real work solutions. I don't even know what diodes/capacitors do

To the people asking about payments, I will close the order form in about 24 hours, after that I'll start sending invoices out, and I hope everyone will have paid theirs within 7 days of receiving it (preferably sooner). The google doc in post 2 isn't 100% up to date so if you pm'd me recently it might not be reflected there. I'll update it before invoices go out. Please make sure you double-check your order is correct so we can catch any mistakes that were made.

Thanks everyone!

[akuJIWA]

I really wish I knew how to design PCBs. I really liked teaching myself about ICs and logic gates and all that stuff but its all theoretical, I have no idea how to implement it into real work solutions. I don't even know what diodes/capacitors do

To the people asking about payments, I will close the order form in about 24 hours, after that I'll start sending invoices out, and I hope everyone will have paid theirs within 7 days of receiving it (preferably sooner). The google doc in post 2 isn't 100% up to date so if you pm'd me recently it might not be reflected there. I'll update it before invoices go out. Please make sure you double-check your order is correct so we can catch any mistakes that were made.

Thanks everyone!

Thank you for your great work, sir!

[KuhnTang]

I really wish I knew how to design PCBs. I really liked teaching myself about ICs and logic gates and all that stuff but its all theoretical, I have no idea how to implement it into real work solutions. I don't even know what diodes/capacitors do

To the people asking about payments, I will close the order form in about 24 hours, after that I'll start sending invoices out, and I hope everyone will have paid theirs within 7 days of receiving it (preferably sooner). The google doc in post 2 isn't 100% up to date so if you pm'd me recently it might not be reflected there. I'll update it before invoices go out. Please make sure you double-check your order is correct so we can catch any mistakes that were made.

Thanks everyone!

To design a PCB for a keyboard you don't have to know much about circuit design.  I'm willing to bet your lack of knowledge about circuit components wouldn't prevent you from success.  Take this keyboard for instance, all the stuff you REALLY need to worry about is in the controller, and that is already designed.  All this PCB seems to do is house the controller and the switches, and rout the trace from all the switches to the controller.  After that you just have to get the dimensions correct for through holes and such. 

If you played around with that software and watched the videos I'm pretty sure it wouldn't take longer than a couple days to learn what you're doing.

[dorkvader]

There is another major difference with the Phantom/QFR PCB, the screw hole appears to be centered on the phantom, and is offset on the QFR to account for the USB inlet. This can be seen from the pictures, below.

Fortunately, it seems like it won't adversely affect anything here 'cause it looks to be pretty well exactly level with where the PCB will sit. You won't be able to screw the case together, but anyone who's taken apart a QFR case will know it holds itself together pretty well with all the clips.


(Phantom and QFR PCB's)



Phantom next to QFR Case



Upside-up next to QFR Case. Note the hole location.




Bytheway, the phantom PCB is really excellent. I especially like the words printed on the ground plane. Here's a crummy picture to hilight this.

Sweet printing on the phantom PCB. (Taken at angle with flash 'cause the letters are slightly sunk in)

(Reason I took the QFR Apart again: To get a closer look at that left alt. Still no idea why it's not working. Gonna grab the DMM and look at it tomorrow)
http://i.imm.io/Ru3d.jpeg


----

Bavman, I learned a ton about transistors and suchlike in my nanotechnology class. It really made me want to DIY an E-beam lithographer (Out of a CRT was the plan) to make my own MOSFETs, but then I got busy with keyboards.

Also, I wish I could buy 2 (or 10) but I recently needed to pour money into my bike for some much-needed maintenance.

[fl0w3n]

Man I really wanted two, but a recent registration fee to the DMV and a ticket made it so I could barely grab one. :/ if I've got 24 hours though I'll see if I can sell some computer parts real quick and grab a second board+teensy. At least I've got a week? to get the money for the plates

Very excited for my first phantom, and thanks to everyone involved! Greatly appreciated.

Edit: Just thought of this...I've got a set of PBT Engraved key caps, full 104, hardly used.  If anyone wants to buy me a PCB and Teensy I'll send it to them