Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[CPTBadAss]

Could someone elaborate on the reasoning behind non standard stems positions?

Seems like that was Cherry's "standard". Cherry does what Cherry wants

[noisyturtle]

What's the best way t ship a Realforce box(with board) internationally? What I mean is do I use an extra box, fill it with Polystyrene balls(?), then tape it up like a maniac, or just like how it came to me, a dense foam sheet wrapped around the box(laterally), the whole thing packed in that postal plastic bag thing?

How do I maximize protection while minimizing packaging costs?

Just wrapping stuff around the box and taping it up like a madman always works for me. It's the Int. tracking that always bends me over the table

[ideus]

Could someone elaborate on the reasoning behind non standard stems positions?

Seems like that was Cherry's "standard". Cherry does what Cherry wants

cherry logic

I think its something to do with 7x bars and using the same pcbs, sorta like g81 bottom row

That explanation makes sense, to get a warrant for it someone should compare the PCBs on various models with different space bar's lengths and check the stems positions between them.

I did that, some parts match up, some don't. Its so weird

Could someone elaborate on the reasoning behind non standard stems positions?

Seems like that was Cherry's "standard". Cherry does what Cherry wants

They certainly do. However I think there should be some sort of cost saving of design practice that make those design decisions sounding.

[gustavQ]

Hey guys.

Can you please clarify me if the IBM Model M2 is a better Keyboard than the IBM Model M1. I have the opportunity to buy one by 40$, but I do not know if it's worth.

[BlueBär]

Can you please clarify me if the IBM Model M2 is a better Keyboard than the IBM Model M1. I have the opportunity to buy one by 40$, but I do not know if it's worth.

First off, better is subjective. But many people think the M2 is worse in terms of build quality and it is known for broken capacitors. It is a lot smaller than a Model M though.

If you buy one make sure it's a buckling spring first as there's a rubberdome version of it.

[Rafen]

Might be a dumb questions but I want to build a custom board using the phantom PCB. I know I need switches and a case, but I'm not sure about what else is need to complete the build? Is there a thread somewhere on what to get (I coudn't find one) ?

[CPTBadAss]

Might be a dumb questions but I want to build a custom board using the phantom PCB. I know I need switches and a case, but I'm not sure about what else is need to complete the build? Is there a thread somewhere on what to get (I coudn't find one) ?

Try this instruction guide on DT.

[Photekq]

On Cherry PS2 cables what's the pinout colours? I need to know :

+5V/VCC
DATA
CLK
GND

[OnTheBrink]

So I am about to pull the trigger on a Type-S since I fell in love with Topre. I am using a proxy.

The reason why my question is here is because I CANNOT decide whether I should get it with legends or not with legends! Since I am getting a nice discount by using a proxy I am also splurging for a spare set of black blank keys so I can change the FN arrow keys to black. I love the look of it being blank but I am afraid I am not going to learn my way around fast enough. I plan on keeping a printed image of the legends until I memorize everything.

What do you guys think?

[CPTBadAss]

So I am about to pull the trigger on a Type-S since I fell in love with Topre. I am using a proxy. The reason why my question is here is because I CANNOT decide whether I should get it with legends or not with legends!

I don't like the look of blank caps. I prefer printed caps even though I can touch type. They look better to me. If you like blank, get blank. And it will force you to learn to touch type.

[Photekq]

So I am about to pull the trigger on a Type-S since I fell in love with Topre. I am using a proxy.

The reason why my question is here is because I CANNOT decide whether I should get it with legends or not with legends! Since I am getting a nice discount by using a proxy I am also splurging for a spare set of black blank keys so I can change the FN arrow keys to black. I love the look of it being blank but I am afraid I am not going to learn my way around fast enough. I plan on keeping a printed image of the legends until I memorize everything.

What do you guys think?

You'll learn a new layout faster if the keycaps are blank, since you'll be forced to memorise it.

[OnTheBrink]

So I am about to pull the trigger on a Type-S since I fell in love with Topre. I am using a proxy. The reason why my question is here is because I CANNOT decide whether I should get it with legends or not with legends!

I don't like the look of blank caps. I prefer printed caps even though I can touch type. They look better to me. If you like blank, get blank. And it will force you to learn to touch type.

I like the look of legends as well. I even like the legends on the HHKB but the top and side legends look a little "meh" to me. However, I have not seen them in person. How do they look up close and personal?

[CPTBadAss]

I like the look of legends as well. I even like the legends on the HHKB but the top and side legends look a little "meh" to me. However, I have not seen them in person. How do they look up close and personal?

I don't own an HHKB. When I saw one in person, I said "WOW, those are legends. They're not blank!"  )

[intelli78]

Space bar from a g80 HUBUS, does it have normal stem spacing or funky Cherry spacing?

Hmm, appreciate the link but didn't see the model listed. It's g80 8113 HUBUS. I searched around GH and I believe it has a standard spacebar,  but if anyone can confirm, that would be great.

If it's a 6.25 then it should have an off centre middle stem, just like all other Cherry 6.25s..

Yeah that's exactly my thought process. I've never seen a standard stem spacing on OG Cherry caps. But I'll definitely double check later.

Show Image

The answer, according to this G80-8113 spacebar, is no. The stem spacing is *not* standard.

Thanks  :thumb:

[Lain1911]

What is the average time it takes an admin to address a concern?

[CPTBadAss]

What is the average time it takes an admin to address a concern?

36.65 minutes. )  I have no idea.

If you wait two days and don't get a reply, I'd say there's an issue. I'd PM another admin then.

[intelli78]

Can someone explain the layer push/pop/switching functions on the Ergodox?

[OnTheBrink]

I like the look of legends as well. I even like the legends on the HHKB but the top and side legends look a little "meh" to me. However, I have not seen them in person. How do they look up close and personal?

I don't own an HHKB. When I saw one in person, I said "WOW, those are legends. They're not blank!"  )

Haha, I guess a lot of peeps do go with the blank don't they.

[CPTBadAss]

Haha, I guess a lot of peeps do go with the blank don't they.

What I was trying to say is that if you want a blank HHKB, get it. I'm sure no one knows what you want better than you  .

[OnTheBrink]

Haha, I guess a lot of peeps do go with the blank don't they.

What I was trying to say is that if you want a blank HHKB, get it. I'm sure no one knows what you want better than you  .

But I never know what I want! 

[Photekq]

On Cherry PS2 cables what's the pinout colours? I need to know :

+5V/VCC
DATA
CLK
GND

Show Image

Anyone? Could really do with knowing this ASAP, but can't find anything on it..

[fohat.digs]

Could really do with knowing this ASAP, but can't find anything on it.

Never trust colors. If you have a multi-meter, trace back from the cable pins themselves.

[Photekq]

Ah, good idea! Thanks! I'll see if I can dig out a multimeter..

[Photekq]

Just tested it with a multimeter.. Here's what I got :

green - gnd
black - vcc
white - data
yellow - clock

Might be worth putting that in the OP CPT ^ (pinout for old Cherry G81/G80 PS2/DIN cables)

[CPTBadAss]

Just tested it with a multimeter.. Here's what I got :

green - gnd
black - vcc
white - data
yellow - clock

Might be worth putting that in the OP CPT ^ (pinout for old Cherry G81/G80 PS2/DIN cables)

YOU CAN'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO, YOU'RE NOT MY REAL DAD

I'll add it soon, thanks photekq.

[fohat.digs]

green  - gnd
black   - vcc
white  - data
yellow - clock

(pinout for old Cherry G81/G80 PS2/DIN cables)

ha ha ha ha ha

Trust this information at your own peril!

[Puddsy]

How do I turn on alt codes?

[nubbinator]

Anyone know the pinout on a Dolch PAC 61?  I want to convert it to PS/2, but have no clue on where to start.  I can provide pics later if necessary.

[CPTBadAss]

Anyone know the pinout on a Dolch PAC 61?  I want to convert it to PS/2, but have no clue on where to start.  I can provide pics later if necessary.

Does this post or this thread help at all?

[nubbinator]

Anyone know the pinout on a Dolch PAC 61?  I want to convert it to PS/2, but have no clue on where to start.  I can provide pics later if necessary.

Does this post or this thread help at all?

Thanks man for digging up those links for me.  I'll dive into them and see.  The lack of pictures may make things hard.  I know I couldn't find anything in the Soarer's thread. 

[CPTBadAss]

Thanks man for digging up those links for me.  I'll dive into them and see.  The lack of pictures may make things hard.  I know I couldn't find anything in the Soarer's thread.

I couldn't find any pictures but if you can't figure it out, let me know.

[dorkvader]

Anyone know the pinout on a Dolch PAC 61?  I want to convert it to PS/2, but have no clue on where to start.  I can provide pics later if necessary.

Does this post or this thread help at all?

Thanks man for digging up those links for me.  I'll dive into them and see.  The lack of pictures may make things hard.  I know I couldn't find anything in the Soarer's thread. 

Just don't get 5V and Gnd mixed up. After that, try both combinations of data pins until it works.

[Photekq]

Just tested it with a multimeter.. Here's what I got :

green - gnd
black - vcc
white - data
yellow - clock

Might be worth putting that in the OP CPT ^ (pinout for old Cherry G81/G80 PS2/DIN cables)

After checking again.. This isn't correct. The Cherry cables I have are a bit funny. There isn't a cable that goes to the CLK pin, instead there are ones going to the 'unused' ones.

[fohat.digs]

After checking again.. This isn't correct. The Cherry cables I have are a bit funny. There isn't a cable that goes to the CLK pin, instead there are ones going to the 'unused' ones.

I wasn't laughing at your results, I was laughing at the idea that colors would be consistent from cable to cable, brand to brand, model to model. Even IBM was never consistent at all, as I would have hoped.

They are always wildly random, and also, I have found that "Ground" is sometimes the braided sheathing layer that you were expecting was just there for shielding.

PS - remember that the diagrams show the female socket that the the cable plugs into - mirror image of your male plug.

[intelli78]

Are brown and clear MX switches identical except for the springs and stems?

[jdcarpe]

Are brown and clear MX switches identical except for the springs and stems?

All Cherry-brand MX switches are identical in their top and bottom housings (well, except for MX Lock), which are the only other parts besides the stems and springs.

[intelli78]

Can someone explain the layer push/pop/switching functions on the Ergodox?

To answer my own question for future reference,

Pushing the chosen layer puts it "on top" of the current layer. All keys will change except for any that are marked as transparent. Popping removes a layer that has been pushed on top.

[intelli78]

Are brown and clear MX switches identical except for the springs and stems?

All Cherry-brand MX switches are identical in their top and bottom housings (well, except for MX Lock), which are the only other parts besides the stems and springs.

Excellent, thank you sir 

[Photekq]

After checking again.. This isn't correct. The Cherry cables I have are a bit funny. There isn't a cable that goes to the CLK pin, instead there are ones going to the 'unused' ones.

I wasn't laughing at your results, I was laughing at the idea that colors would be consistent from cable to cable, brand to brand, model to model. Even IBM was never consistent at all, as I would have hoped.

They are always wildly random, and also, I have found that "Ground" is sometimes the braided sheathing layer that you were expecting was just there for shielding.

PS - remember that the diagrams show the female socket that the the cable plugs into - mirror image of your male plug.

Oh! The diagrams are the female socket! No wonder it was wrong..

Here's the correct pinout :

gnd -- white
vcc -- black
clock -- green
data -- yellow

[nubbinator]

Alright, so I'm still confused, so I posted my question about the Dolch Pac 61 in the making things together sub to try and get some help instead of cluttering up simple questions, simple answers.

[Doesntknowwhattosay]

Do you gain anything from putting diodes in the switches of an g80-3000 pcb instead of the wires?

[fohat.digs]

Oh! The diagrams are the female socket! No wonder it was wrong..

EVERYBODY gets that wrong. The wording/syntax/presentation at the bottom of the diagrams is very odd, obviously not an "English as a native language" speaker wrote them.

I would have said something like: "This is a view of the female computer socket that your male cable end will plug into." even though a preposition is a bad thing to end a sentence with.

[SpAmRaY]

Do you gain anything from putting diodes in the switches of an g80-3000 pcb instead of the wires?

It won't work with diodes, or at least mine didn't.

[minho]

Does anyone know of a trusted Korean proxy? I am specifically trying to purchase a KMAC from kbdmod.com, but cannot figure out how to create an account for the life of me (or even if they will ship to USA), so proxy seems to be my only option for buying a KMAC.

[Photekq]

Does anyone know of a trusted Korean proxy? I am specifically trying to purchase a KMAC from kbdmod.com, but cannot figure out how to create an account for the life of me (or even if they will ship to USA), so proxy seems to be my only option for buying a KMAC.

You could try asking one of our Korean members nicely. I'm sure they'd be willing to help.

[minho]

Does anyone know of a trusted Korean proxy? I am specifically trying to purchase a KMAC from kbdmod.com, but cannot figure out how to create an account for the life of me (or even if they will ship to USA), so proxy seems to be my only option for buying a KMAC.

You could try asking one of our Korean members nicely. I'm sure they'd be willing to help.

Er... how do I go about finding said members? (Just browse forum posts? Can anyone think of any nice Korean members off the top of their head?)

[rowdy]

Does anyone know of a trusted Korean proxy? I am specifically trying to purchase a KMAC from kbdmod.com, but cannot figure out how to create an account for the life of me (or even if they will ship to USA), so proxy seems to be my only option for buying a KMAC.

You could try asking one of our Korean members nicely. I'm sure they'd be willing to help.

Er... how do I go about finding said members? (Just browse forum posts? Can anyone think of any nice Korean members off the top of their head?)

You could start a new thread, or perhaps have a look here: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=57258.msg1299375#msg1299375

[ajx]

http://www.ebay.fr/itm/Pure-60-Programmable-Mechanical-Keyboard-Red-MX-Switch-/331057414849?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d148f42c1

Stock-on Keycaps: ABS (OEM profile)

Does it mean lettering could be an issue with wearing off?
Not particular true, in my case, i got Poker X and Pure, and on both, some letters wore off quite quickly

[dorkvader]

http://www.ebay.fr/itm/Pure-60-Programmable-Mechanical-Keyboard-Red-MX-Switch-/331057414849?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d148f42c1

Stock-on Keycaps: ABS (OEM profile)

Does it mean lettering could be an issue with wearing off?
Not particular true, in my case, i got Poker X and Pure, and on both, some letters wore off quite quickly

Those stock keycaps are pad-printed and may-or-may-not have as issue with the legends wearing depending on a number of factors.

[combataran]

Is there enough clearance for a foam sheet under the Filco pcb, and do I have to desolder everything if I wanted to lube, respring and sticker the switches(of the Filco)?