Simple Questions, Simple Answers (FAQ in the OP)

[xondat]

SketchUp file to either STEP, IGS or PARASOLID?

STEP

I meant to ask a slightly different question: how to get a SketchUp file to either STEP, IGS or PARASOLID?

Oh, haha. Couldn't tell ya, sorry.

I don't think there is any, well not that I found a while ago.  This was the biggest reason why I quit using that program.

What did you move to? I want to keep designing but don't want to pay for anything.

[CPTBadAss]

What did you move to? I want to keep designing but don't want to pay for anything.

FreeCad seems to be a popular option here. I highly suggest trying to get something like AutoCAD or Inventor from Autodesk which are free.

[Blaise170]

If you are a student you can also get AutoDesk software for free for three years.

[CPTBadAss]

If you are a student you can also get AutoDesk software for free for three years.

They don't check for an .edu account so you can get it if you tell them you're a student. Which....in a non-traditional way, you are in this case.

[Jixr]

I do cad work for a living, if people need help with things just shoot me a pm, i'd be happy to look over peoples models, and I Have quite a few designs myself for things, just the stupid process of getting them made is what kills me.

[Melvang]

SketchUp file to either STEP, IGS or PARASOLID?

STEP

I meant to ask a slightly different question: how to get a SketchUp file to either STEP, IGS or PARASOLID?

Oh, haha. Couldn't tell ya, sorry.

I don't think there is any, well not that I found a while ago.  This was the biggest reason why I quit using that program.

What did you move to? I want to keep designing but don't want to pay for anything.

I personally moved to the student version of SolidWorks, but I am part of a loophole that can get it for $20 with veterans discount.  With that I have to email them a copy of my discharge paperwork, so that process takes a couple extra days.  But I get a physical CD in the mail, which I prefer.  But it doesn't come with any tech support, updates, is only a one year license, there are some features blocked, and technically you can't use it for commercial work.  Though I think the standard rate for the student version is either $100 or $150.  The other thing to consider, the current SolidWorks student edition will not even install on Win 10.  That won't happen until SP5, my version is 2.0 and I got it a couple months ago.

[swimmingbird]

GMK do a key that has a "JOKER" legend on it - where would this key have come from and what sort of purpose would it serve on a keyboard?

[jdcarpe]

SketchUp file to either STEP, IGS or PARASOLID?

STEP

I meant to ask a slightly different question: how to get a SketchUp file to either STEP, IGS or PARASOLID?

Oh, haha. Couldn't tell ya, sorry.

I don't think there is any, well not that I found a while ago.  This was the biggest reason why I quit using that program.

What did you move to? I want to keep designing but don't want to pay for anything.

I personally moved to the student version of SolidWorks, but I am part of a loophole that can get it for $20 with veterans discount.  With that I have to email them a copy of my discharge paperwork, so that process takes a couple extra days.  But I get a physical CD in the mail, which I prefer.  But it doesn't come with any tech support, updates, is only a one year license, there are some features blocked, and technically you can't use it for commercial work.  Though I think the standard rate for the student version is either $100 or $150.  The other thing to consider, the current SolidWorks student edition will not even install on Win 10.  That won't happen until SP5, my version is 2.0 and I got it a couple months ago.

I just ordered my veteran's student edition today. I really hope it installs on Windows 10, as I don't have anything else. I didn't know the regular student edition sold for $150; I thought they were always $20.

I'm looking forward to learning Solidworks, but damn are they proud of their software. Autodesk gives their stuff to students for free. And they are the industry standard.

I looked into getting Solidworks to replace AutoCAD at work, and the quote for a single seat license was in the thousands. Just wow. Now the sales guy won't leave me alone.

[Melvang]

SketchUp file to either STEP, IGS or PARASOLID?

STEP

I meant to ask a slightly different question: how to get a SketchUp file to either STEP, IGS or PARASOLID?

Oh, haha. Couldn't tell ya, sorry.

I don't think there is any, well not that I found a while ago.  This was the biggest reason why I quit using that program.

What did you move to? I want to keep designing but don't want to pay for anything.

I personally moved to the student version of SolidWorks, but I am part of a loophole that can get it for $20 with veterans discount.  With that I have to email them a copy of my discharge paperwork, so that process takes a couple extra days.  But I get a physical CD in the mail, which I prefer.  But it doesn't come with any tech support, updates, is only a one year license, there are some features blocked, and technically you can't use it for commercial work.  Though I think the standard rate for the student version is either $100 or $150.  The other thing to consider, the current SolidWorks student edition will not even install on Win 10.  That won't happen until SP5, my version is 2.0 and I got it a couple months ago.

I just ordered my veteran's student edition today. I really hope it installs on Windows 10, as I don't have anything else. I didn't know the regular student edition sold for $150; I thought they were always $20.

I'm looking forward to learning Solidworks, but damn are they proud of their software. Autodesk gives their stuff to students for free. And they are the industry standard.

I looked into getting Solidworks to replace AutoCAD at work, and the quote for a single seat license was in the thousands. Just wow. Now the sales guy won't leave me alone.

Unless they updated to a newer service pack since I ordered mine, it won't even install.  It has to do with the .NET framework iirc.  Could setup a dual boot.  For this school year version, support for Win 10 won't begin until SP5.  But next years version is slated for full support.

Also, if I remember correct, unlimited installs enterprise version of SolidWorks was in the realm of $43,000 as of about 3 years ago.  Yeah they are proud of their work, but it is very nice software.

[UsualSuspectXXX]

GMK do a key that has a "JOKER" legend on it - where would this key have come from and what sort of purpose would it serve on a keyboard?

To my knowledge GMK does not do any custom legends. If this is GMK it might have been a proof of concept..?

[CPTBadAss]

GMK do a key that has a "JOKER" legend on it - where would this key have come from and what sort of purpose would it serve on a keyboard?

To my knowledge GMK does not do any custom legends. If this is GMK it might have been a proof of concept..?

It's a legend they have molds for. Not sure of the history of the key but I know Ivan first introduced it as a surprise for his GMK Dolch buy.

[ideus]

Any link for a picture of the Joker key?

[CPTBadAss]

Any link for a picture of the Joker key?

Literally on the same page as I linked in the previous reply is a picture. Scroll up slightly.

[ideus]

Any link for a picture of the Joker key?

Literally on the same page as I linked in the previous reply is a picture. Scroll up slightly.

I found it, thank you, it is a row 1 one, isn't it?

[CPTBadAss]

Any link for a picture of the Joker key?

Literally on the same page as I linked in the previous reply is a picture. Scroll up slightly.

I found it, thank you, it is a row 1 one, isn't it?

I think so yeah.

[ideus]

Anyone has had experience with the Cherry silencers?

[alienman82]

removed.

[CPTBadAss]

Anyone has had experience with the Cherry silencers?

mason has them

Is mason a user or a vendor or something? A little cryptic there...

[infiniti]

Anyone has had experience with the Cherry silencers?

mason has them

Is mason a user or a vendor or something? A little cryptic there...

A member.

He posted a typing video: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=55910.msg1947675#msg1947675

Unless those masons

[mashby]

To be clear, those are the QMX switch tops and not the silenced Cherry switches that only Corsair keyboards will be featuring.

[alienman82]

removed.

[CPTBadAss]

sPoOky!

I'm scared hold me.

[ctm]

Are all IBM Model M/F keycaps PBT?

[CPTBadAss]

Are all IBM Model M/F keycaps PBT?

Yes

[Solo]

Do Topre switch blockers exist?

[CPTBadAss]

Do Topre switch blockers exist?

Not that I'm aware of

[xondat]

Can someone good with CAD finish my model for me? I think it'll take less than 10 minutes.

[ideus]

Can someone good with CAD finish my model for me? I think it'll take less than 10 minutes.

You may post at the making stuff together sub-forum, with what you already have, and let interested people that can help to join the thread.

[xondat]

Can someone good with CAD finish my model for me? I think it'll take less than 10 minutes.

You may post at the making stuff together sub-forum, with what you already have, and let interested people that can help to join the thread.

Shameless plug

[ideus]

Can someone good with CAD finish my model for me? I think it'll take less than 10 minutes.

You may post at the making stuff together sub-forum, with what you already have, and let interested people that can help to join the thread.

Shameless plug

Ah that is the acrylic case, well you already have the thread, but with no reference there was not clear that was you.

[mason]

Is there a way to switch \| and ~` on the HHKB? I've looked in Karabiner, but didn't find anything.

[cryptokey]

I'm on my phone and trying to find threads for help in making a mould and casting a keycap but I'm not having much luck. Would anybody be able to send a link or two my way?

[xondat]

I'm on my phone and trying to find threads for help in making a mould and casting a keycap but I'm not having much luck. Would anybody be able to send a link or two my way?

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=67898
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=67744
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=62696
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=46284
http://imgur.com/a/nPuMY

These are the links I have saved when I eventually invest.

[cryptokey]

Perfect! Thanks the help.

[cryptokey]

For keyset GBs, are you pretty much stuck with a manufacturer that already has the keyset moulds such as SP and GMK?  Or are there any freely available designs that can be used with any manufacturer that does plastic moulding?

[Melvang]

For keyset GBs, are you pretty much stuck with a manufacturer that already has the keyset moulds such as SP and GMK?  Or are there any freely available designs that can be used with any manufacturer that does plastic moulding?

The manufacturer has to have the molds for the caps for the injection molding process.  There have been group buys to fund specific size and shape molds that manufacturers didn't have.  But those molds are north of $3000 per cap size and row profile.  This quote iirc came from SP.  They do seem to be much more willing to do custom stuff like that along with custom colors for much lower MOQs than GMK.  In fact GMK just cut their MOQ for custom key sets not to long ago by half.  It used to be 500 sets iirc here.

The reason molds are so expensive is tolerances needed for a quality product.  Tolerances are what cost money.  For example here is a quote from Sherlines FAQ.  "The tools we make are as accurate as you can build them without expensive grinding and heat treating. We have well over a million dollars invested in state-of-the-art CNC machine tools and tooling to mass produce accurate parts. To increase the accuracy less than 1% would increase the cost by a factor of 10."

Another image showing some more numbers. 

[UsualSuspectXXX]

I'm on my phone and trying to find threads for help in making a mould and casting a keycap but I'm not having much luck. Would anybody be able to send a link or two my way?

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=67898
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=67744
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=62696
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=46284
http://imgur.com/a/nPuMY

These are the links I have saved when I eventually invest.

Thanks for the links. I'll be looking at these as well.

[Bucake]

Is there a way to switch \| and ~` on the HHKB? I've looked in Karabiner, but didn't find anything.

i thought AutoHotKey could do that kind of stuff?
(sorry if i'm wrong, never used it myself.)

[mason]

Is there a way to switch \| and ~` on the HHKB? I've looked in Karabiner, but didn't find anything.

i thought AutoHotKey could do that kind of stuff?
(sorry if i'm wrong, never used it myself.)

Looks like that's windows only :\

[alienman82]

removed.

[CPTBadAss]

Would it be possible to due some blank hhkb caps to match ctrl alts toxic?  Have a special artisan on the way

To due? I don't think there's any caps that are out on the market to buy right now with that color but you could see if one of the many cap makers would make you a custom set. You could also try and find the Topre MX stems.

[Sifo]

He meant dye yo

answer is yea but you'll have some trouble color matching dyes

[CPTBadAss]

He meant dye yo

answer is yea but you'll have some trouble color matching dyes

Ugh my autocorrect detector is off. Going off to the market to replace my faulty module.

[HoffmanMyster]

He meant dye yo

answer is yea but you'll have some trouble color matching dyes

Ugh my autocorrect detector is off. Going off to the market to replace my faulty module.

Don't worry, I thought the same thing. 

And yeah it'll be almost impossible to get an exact color match, but you could probably get something you're happy with.  Not sure how well the neon-ish green/yellow would turn out though.

[E3E]

Would it be possible to due some blank hhkb caps to match ctrl alts toxic?  Have a special artisan on the way

If you find the right dye or can find a good mix of colors, I think you could. Likely need a high ratio of yellow to blue and then you'll get that toxic green!

[nickheller]

I recieved a GMK purple modifier set today, and I can faintly see the "backspace" text on the key, but it is an icon only legend. Is this normal?

here is an album I made trying to show this the best I can. I also noticed the "Fn" key legend is a bit more grey than the rest of them.

[CPTBadAss]

I recieved a GMK purple modifier set today, and I can faintly see the "backspace" text on the key, but it is an icon only legend. Is this normal?

here is an album I made trying to show this the best I can. I also noticed the "Fn" key legend is a bit more grey than the rest of them.

That cap is a mistake aka ****ed up. Get a replacement.

[nickheller]

I recieved a GMK purple modifier set today, and I can faintly see the "backspace" text on the key, but it is an icon only legend. Is this normal?

here is an album I made trying to show this the best I can. I also noticed the "Fn" key legend is a bit more grey than the rest of them.

That cap is a mistake aka ****ed up. Get a replacement.

Contacted vendor, can't get individual cap replaced, can only return set as a whole and buy again once re stocked (out of stock now). Kind of bummed since I really wanted the mods, but I do not want to have them with a defective / screwed up cap. Thanks for the quick answer CPTBadAss.

Vendor is now letting me return the defective keys and I will receive new ones once they are in stock

[HoffmanMyster]

I recieved a GMK purple modifier set today, and I can faintly see the "backspace" text on the key, but it is an icon only legend. Is this normal?

here is an album I made trying to show this the best I can. I also noticed the "Fn" key legend is a bit more grey than the rest of them.

That cap is a mistake aka ****ed up. Get a replacement.

Contacted vendor, can't get individual cap replaced, can only return set as a whole and buy again once re stocked (out of stock now). Kind of bummed since I really wanted the mods, but I do not want to have them with a defective / screwed up cap. Thanks for the quick answer CPTBadAss.

Vendor is now letting me return the defective keys and I will receive new ones once they are in stock

Kinda tangential, but did someone re-run the Purple Mod set?  O.o

[SpAmRaY]

I recieved a GMK purple modifier set today, and I can faintly see the "backspace" text on the key, but it is an icon only legend. Is this normal?

here is an album I made trying to show this the best I can. I also noticed the "Fn" key legend is a bit more grey than the rest of them.

That cap is a mistake aka ****ed up. Get a replacement.

Contacted vendor, can't get individual cap replaced, can only return set as a whole and buy again once re stocked (out of stock now). Kind of bummed since I really wanted the mods, but I do not want to have them with a defective / screwed up cap. Thanks for the quick answer CPTBadAss.

Vendor is now letting me return the defective keys and I will receive new ones once they are in stock

Kinda tangential, but did someone re-run the Purple Mod set?  O.o

Feng was selling them.