Ergo Dox PCB Only Sale on Massdrop?

[tricheboars]

So if i purchased 2 PCBs for the ergo dox would it be nearly impossible to find a case and remaining parts to build it?  It seems that Ergo Dox case requests in classifieds often go unanswered.  I am sure the diodes and teensy are easy enough, and i already have switches.  What do you guys think?

[linziyi]

So basically what we (I want to buy one too) need is switches, diodes, controller and case?

I believe that you can 3d print a case, if anyone are willing to do it for you :S

[gnubag]

So if i purchased 2 PCBs for the ergo dox would it be nearly impossible to find a case and remaining parts to build it?  It seems that Ergo Dox case requests in classifieds often go unanswered.  I am sure the diodes and teensy are easy enough, and i already have switches.  What do you guys think?

well, the files for acrylic cases are public and there are also the dimensions for 3d printed cases.

[tricheboars]

So if i purchased 2 PCBs for the ergo dox would it be nearly impossible to find a case and remaining parts to build it?  It seems that Ergo Dox case requests in classifieds often go unanswered.  I am sure the diodes and teensy are easy enough, and i already have switches.  What do you guys think?

well, the files for acrylic cases are public and there are also the dimensions for 3d printed cases.

where can you get the acryllic cases made though? does it need to be local or are there cheap online shops out there? can you get the case in different colors this way?

[MOZ]

With the acrylic designs on ergodox.org, I just got my case layers made with different thickness from what the MassDrop had and with the option of having any color I want (Although I dig the clear look so got them in clear).

I did however get some extra layers because of a goof up and I have already utilized them in making a ErgoDox roof.

Joined the Massdrop PCB only sale, got the case and fasteners (Nut, bolt, washers), got feet and cables-connectors and other assembly related tools, the Teensy has been ordered along with the electronic components.

Thanks to low availability of some things here in India, everything will take around a month to get to my place .

[Tarzan]

Just to confirm; the Massdrop PCB is for both Left and Right PCB's?  Or do I need to order two pieces, and they'll send me one of each?

The example picture shows a Left Hand version, which prompted my question.  Anyone know?

[gnubag]

So if i purchased 2 PCBs for the ergo dox would it be nearly impossible to find a case and remaining parts to build it?  It seems that Ergo Dox case requests in classifieds often go unanswered.  I am sure the diodes and teensy are easy enough, and i already have switches.  What do you guys think?

well, the files for acrylic cases are public and there are also the dimensions for 3d printed cases.

where can you get the acryllic cases made though? does it need to be local or are there cheap online shops out there? can you get the case in different colors this way?

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45377.0 laser cutting service right here.
I think there are quite a few online laser cutting services (I think I bookmarked one at home)
sometimes local laser cutters are cheaper because they might have scraps of material which you could use (ergodox cases are not very big) and also you don't have to pay for shipping. if there are some around your area just ask them.

[Findecanor]

Just to confirm; the Massdrop PCB is for both Left and Right PCB's?  Or do I need to order two pieces, and they'll send me one of each?

You need to buy two. The PCB is symmetric: The same PCB is used for both left and right hand. You will have to  solder a couple of jumpers to complete the circuit.
I think that a reason why they are not sold in pairs is that a few people are planning to build one-handed gaming keyboards based on the ErgoDox.

The required electronics components are listed on http://ergodox.org/Hardware.aspx
I found that the exact type of TRRS socket and I/O expander are not available everywhere, though. I found a TRRS socket that was pretty close that I could nip a couple of legs off.
Pexon PCs (has a vendor forum here) sells a sleeved cable kit for the ErgoDox.

One thing that bummed me out when I had got my PCBs is that MassDrop had declared the value of the shipment on the customs form to higher than what I had paid. From what I had gathered, the full kits that people had bought had been declared the same value also... So I had to pay more in customs fees, and the people who had bought the full kit paid less.. 

[dorkvader]

I am going in for one: it's going to be a sweet gaming keypad. I plan to put it on some cardboard.

[oneproduct]

Don't forget, Lego is surprisingly versatile if you need to make a case!

I guess you still have to do those inverse instructions from the normal build steps to make the game pad, right? With the teensy on the backside and such.

[dorkvader]

I really just want to buy a thick steel (or aluminium) plate and drill and tap holes in it, that's my second favorite keyboard case (after a platecase)

If I get good machine screws, can I just screw those into the aluminium without tapping it first?

The teensy would be mounted on the front but upside down (one downlide of this is the reset button is not accessible, but you can jumper it). Diodes will be sorta weird though.

[Findecanor]

If I get good machine screws, can I just screw those into the aluminium without tapping it first?

No. I would advice you to tap the threads. A tap is inexpensive and tapping is not difficult to do with a steady hand.

I have not got around to building my case yet. I got wooden window blinds from a dumpster that I intend to use as the material for my case. Cut with exacto knife and glue together.

[meiosis]

Are these worth picking up? How much of a pain would it be to acquire the rest of the materials to build a similar one to the AIO kit?

[MOZ]

Depending on your location, only the electronic components (Mainly the exact same TRRS female connectors and the I/O extender) might be a bit hard to acquire, rest of the stuff should be easy enough.

[oTurtlez]

I might go for this as my first "Build-a-Board" project. I'm gonna need a nice iron while I'm at it though.

EDIT: It seems that the overall price of everything but a case (I chose clear switches) comes to roughly $134 USD which isn't god awful.

[tricheboars]

if anyone knows an online components store that has the TRRS female connectors and the I/O extender please post it here. it would be very very helpful and may increase the likelihood that i join this group buy. thanks!

[Tarzan]

I've taken the plunge, put my name down for two PCBs.  I've got spare switches and caps, now I need to source all the rest of the set.

[oTurtlez]

if anyone knows an online components store that has the TRRS female connectors and the I/O extender please post it here. it would be very very helpful and may increase the likelihood that i join this group buy. thanks!

Go here http://ergodox.org/Hardware.aspx

It has all the links to all of the hardware you need and the quantities. For example, 1x of the I/O Expander linked here http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/MCP23018-E%2FSP/MCP23018-E%2FSP-ND/1999505

[MOZ]

Mouser has most of the electronics that are required.

[dorkvader]

Mouser has most of the electronics that are required.

Last time I checked, mouser did NOT have the TRRS connector (sadly)

[oTurtlez]

Mouser has most of the electronics that are required.

Last time I checked, mouser did NOT have the TRRS connector (sadly)

Digikey does

[WhiteFireDragon]

I'm going to grab 2. Not sure if I want to build two separate left hand gaming pad to give a few friends, or to make a complete ergodox.