![First Project: 70% Model M 44861-0](https://geekhack.org/index.php?PHPSESSID=734i2jiu01gmr2vrvksgqae6d0as0r5b&action=dlattach;topic=50916.0;attach=44862;image)
Fastened a few washer/nut combo, I hooked the controller up and tested using AquaKeyTest. To my surprise, nothing went wrong and all the keys registered.
I had to wedge a sheet of paper between the excess trace sheets to prevent unintentional keypresses.
![First Project: 70% Model M 44863-1](https://geekhack.org/index.php?PHPSESSID=734i2jiu01gmr2vrvksgqae6d0as0r5b&action=dlattach;topic=50916.0;attach=44864;image)
Finally, fastened couple more bolts making sure not to deaden the pinging sound too much(I fastened too hard at first and that completely changed the sound and feel).
I had some trouble folding the trace sheets behind the backplate, they were stiff and due to the curvature of the backplate, they did not want to fold easily.
I was afraid of accidentally severing a trace so I didn't force it in too much. Hence the ugly bulge.
Functionality-wise, the project is done! All the keys register(I am actually writing this up on this keyboard) and I wrote up a simple AutoHotKey script to mimic HHKB arrows, Home, End, PgUp and PgDn keys.
![First Project: 70% Model M 44865-2](https://geekhack.org/index.php?PHPSESSID=734i2jiu01gmr2vrvksgqae6d0as0r5b&action=dlattach;topic=50916.0;attach=44866;image)
The final piece remains: putting the top plate together. I took fohat.digs suggestion of using acetone and shavings from the case cutting to make "ABS cememt". What I didn't realize was that the shell of this particular Model M is not made of ABS. I soaked those shavings in a vat of acetone for 2 days and it just sits there unimpressed.
I might try JB Weld Epoxy (as fohat.digs suggested as well) but I am unwilling to paint this so I will give it some more thought and time as I research ahead.
Easter egg: I am sure some of the readers caught it. I removed the stabilizer slot thing from the backspace key to make it 2 keys. Even before the project started, I was wondering if this could be done. When I opened up the backplate, I was pleased to find the matrix actually had a contact point under the stabilizer barrel.(I guess I could have glanced at Unicomp's membrane assembly picture). I use HHKB2 for my macbook so this will keep in line with the layout(Backspace right above Enter key, RControl + ; ' [ / for arrows, RControl + L . K , for PgUp, PgDn, Home, End). I figured this will reduce finger confusion while switching between the two.
The * key to the right of +/= key sends Bios Key Code 125(0x7D) or Windoes Key Code 255(0xFF). I haven't figured out what to map it to.
I could completely copy HHKB layout and have Esc key spot open for something else.
I deem this project 95% done. I like the fact that I can change the feel of the keys by tightening or loosening the nuts in the back anytime I want.
I was in a rush to finish this project since I was typing on a backup membrane board and I missed the bucking spring feel.
Now, I am going to take my time researching ways to glue the top shell pieces.