TMK Alps64 - 60% PCB with AEK and old Alps keyboard layout support

[hasu]

This PCB supports various Alps keyboard layouts including Apple Extended Keyboard, Omnikey, Dell, V60MTS and Infinity and fits into Poker comptible cases.




Assembled PCB is available here: [TMK] Alps64 - 60% PCB for Alps 2022-01-09


Update
2015/03      PCB Rev.A
2015/04/05 Finished my AEK mod
2015/05      PCB Rev.B ISO Enter fix
2015/10      PCB Rev.C Silk fix: position of K70, K40 and value of resistor:10K -> 1K / Capslock for Cherry Stepped 1.25u
2016/04      PCB Rev.D Fix Xtal foot print and value of R and C

See github repository below for the latest updates.


PCB Design Files
PCB is designed by KiCad and design files are available here.
https://github.com/tmk/alps64



BOM - Components
Controller: ATmega32U2
Connector: MiniB Hirose UX60SC-MB-5S8
Diode: SOD123 or Axial lead diodes(1N4148, for example)
Switch: ALPS SKCM/SKCL



Firmware
TMK keymap editor for Alps64:
You can edit keymap and download firmware from Keymap Editor, you don't have to build from source code yourself.
http://www.tmk-kbd.com/tmk_keyboard/editor/unimap/?alps64

   
Source code:
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/tree/master/keyboard/alps64
See this wiki to build.
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/wiki#build-firmware



Program Controller
To enter programming mode(start DFU bootloader) hook up to USB port and press tiny push button on bottom side of PCB.
Consult with this wiki page to flash firmware.
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/wiki#flash-firmware



Supported Layouts
AEK:  103:
104:  ISO:
Infinity:  BigAss:
Caveat: AEK ISO layout is not supported, it is different from standard ISO layout.

Check GB thread for the laest and detail infos.


Supported Cases
KBC Poker compatible cases

Check GB thread for the laest and detail infos.



My AEK 60% mod log

More

Problem/Motivation
When I planed on my own 60% ALPS keyboard my primary problem was source of keycaps, stablizers, mouning plate and case. I don't have access to  CNC machine nor 3D printer to make case and plate and can't afford for it. My crude solutions are making good ol' AEK a victim for keycaps, stabilizers and plate, and ripping off its case from my unused Poker X. Cutting plate is no easy task in particular with hand saw, it took half a day for me to cut AEK plate down to 60%. It was ridiculously time consuming job. Now only missing peice is PCB to accomodate my favorite ALPS switches, lowpoly's hand wiring matrix is not good option to place them into the case unfortunately, I need a PCB in the end.

photos
I desoldered orange switches from AEK and cut its plate into 60% part.


Soldered switcheds on PCB


Plate cutout for screw


60% AEK with Poker X case


2015/04/05 Done!
Album: http://imgur.com/a/XKcnH#10

[jacobolus]

Fun project. How well does the chopped-down plate work with those Poker compatible cases?

[hasu]

I think it will work anyhow, I can file and hotglue if needed. I have Poker

It needs to be drilled holes and cutout to screw down, both side cutouts may break stabilizer holes a bit. Other concer is that space bar stab holes is on very edge of plate and bottom rim is only 0.7mm.



I'm using Infinity PCB to test temporarily.

[ramnes]

Awesome! I'd really like to get one: I started a 60% AEKII monthes ago, and since I didn't got much time and have zero knowledge on PCB creation, it just layed around like this :

[hasu]

Looks nice. You should finish your mod

Unfortunately my PCB doesn't support AEK ISO, whose keys are is shifted differently from normal keyboard

[ramnes]

Yeah, I wondered if you could make it work with ISO AEK... 

[Applet]

Wow, this looks great! I recently made a plate with the ISO-supported layout (from an old alps-copy board) but I'm planing to wire the matrix by hand. I'd like to make one of these PCB's to try out. I have the machinery for basic PCB-prototyping at my university and I need to be there anyways. How far along are you at this point? I could maybe beta test it. The 10 mil traces are a bit tough with our basic equipment, but it should be manageable (with some effort).

[mashby]

[nubbinator]

If it works, I'm all for a mini-GB.  I needs more Alps in my life.

[hasu]

Yeah, I also want some if it works. We need some risk takers

EDIT: The cheapest 100mmx300mm PCB production costs $63/5pcs or $74/10pcs and around $22 for shipping.
This makes me think about drilling Infinity PCB and patch with wire, it must be cheap.

[nubbinator]

So, without components, it would be $17 each + shipping for 5 or $10 each + shipping for 10?  Figure, what, another $20-30 for controller, diodes, and whatnot, I don't think it would be that hard to find 5-10 people to beta test.

[heedpantsnow]

This is way cool guys!

[Applet]

I'd be in for a beta run of cards, just for fun, if you decide to order some (only need the bare PCB). To modify the infinity PCB is probably not very difficult (and it's cheap).

[vivalarevolución]

Some vintage purists would not be happy with such butchering of a piece of keyboarding history.

[CPTBadAss]

Registering my interest for a PCB if we're thinking of doing a GB. Be fun to cut down a board . I've got a few AT101Ws I could try this on. Or pickup another AEK.

Otherwise, This is a cool project and I'm posting here to keep up with it .

[jacobolus]

Some vintage purists would not be happy with such butchering of a piece of keyboarding history.

There were millions of AEK IIs made. No one should be crying about a few (or even a few dozen) getting hacked up.

[hasu]

OK. I'll setup group buy thread for this and order 10 PCBs. Price of raw PCB is $10, components is $8 and assemble fee is $10. Shipping costs $8 including insurance.
You can take only raw PCB, raw PCB with components, or assembled PCB(excluding diodes).

I'll post here once the GB thread is created.

[vivalarevolución]

Some vintage purists would not be happy with such butchering of a piece of keyboarding history.

There were millions of AEK IIs made. No one should be crying about a few (or even a few dozen) getting hacked up.

I cry myself to sleep every night with the thought of vintage keyboards being shredded.

[jacobolus]

It’s not exactly “shredded” if they go from being unused on a shelf somewhere to being actively incorporated in a new well-loved hobbyist keyboard.

[nubbinator]

I cry myself to sleep every night with the thought of vintage keyboards being shredded.

Dude, they're only Dells.



...and AEKs.  The only really sad ones are the Omnikeys and Silicone Graphics boards.

[Badwrench]

And of course, I just tossed the plate from the AT101w that I pulled all the switches from 

[hasu]

I created GB thread for this.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69740.0

[vivalarevolución]

I cry myself to sleep every night with the thought of vintage keyboards being shredded.

Dude, they're only Dells.



...and AEKs.  The only really sad ones are the Omnikeys and Silicone Graphics boards.

It�s not exactly �shredded� if they go from being unused on a shelf somewhere to being actively incorporated in a new well-loved hobbyist keyboard.

Apparently, my Internet sarcasm needs work.

[jacobolus]

Apparently, my Internet sarcasm needs work.

No, we got it. I’m just saying... :-)

[vivalarevolución]

Apparently, my Internet sarcasm needs work.

No, we got it. I’m just saying... :-)

I'll consider this project to be similar to a Phoenix rising from the ashes.

[Findecanor]

Yeah, I wondered if you could make it work with ISO AEK... 

Hmm.. How about making ISO AEK builders users shift the PCB a bit to the right?

Trim some off the right side of the PCB, and add alternative switch positions for the keys at the bottom, left and right edges. Also, screw holes would have to be elongated.

ISO AEK builders would have to modify a Poker case somewhat to make the shifted USB socket fit but that is a small mod that would be worth it.

[hasu]

Thanks guys for your interest. I'll go to produce my PCB soon.


FYI:
You may check similar samwisekoi's 60% project which supports both ALPS and Cherry switch and backlighting, and his PCB can be assembled only with through hole soldering by using Teensy as controller. (I think most of you already checked it and know more than me )
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=67815.0

I also checked his project when I was planing on AEK mod and I though it doesn't support AEK layout and doesn't fit to my stock plastic Poker X case without removing its ribs.  Then I started designing my own PCB which goes straight to my need.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40501.msg1627582#msg1627582

[hasu]

Got PCBs and solder MCU on  a board and  it works regarding USB connection at least. I can wrote code for it and flash firmware now.

Let's stencil it.


A scoop of solder paste and scraper.


herd of ATMega32u2.


placed components.


I bought this wide toaster for 60% PCB, it can accommodate a board yay


toast it until golden.


smells tasty, inspect it with cheep magnifier.

[CPTBadAss]

Yummy toasty pcb!

* CPTBadAss drools

[jdcarpe]

We all want toasters now.

[fohat.digs]

We all want toasters now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI7tWd7B3iI

[jdcarpe]

We all want toasters now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI7tWd7B3iI

OMG at the end. I was rolling.

[CPTBadAss]

Best. ****ing. Video.

[Yoe]

This is an awesome project! I'm so getting one of these if there's a second run. Too bad the ISO AEK won't fit, but I'll make it work with swedish layout somehow.

[Applet]

Nice, looks very promising

[hasu]

Finished my mod!

AEK in Poker case.

[nubbinator]

Finished my mod!

AEK in Poker case.

Show Image

It's working? I am so stoked to get mine.  Now to decide what switches to go with.

[Yoe]

Finished my mod!

AEK in Poker case.

Show Image

I love/want this!! A bit of oxy action and uv light on that space bar, and this will be as fresh as cherry blossoms in spring!  :cool:

[Yoe]

I've been pondering my options on making this work for us Swedes. If I use the plate from an ANSI board, and modify it to take two keys instead of the backspace key, and modyfy the stem on the backspace key from a M0118s to put in the place of the backslash key.. this could work with the PCB, am I right?



Edit: I just realized some other keys ends up in the wrong row too.. Have to see if I can do something about that.

Edit 2: This is a bit better.. but the '/* key will need an extended stem.

[CPTBadAss]

Finished my mod!

AEK in Poker case.

Show Image

Awwww yeeeeeeee. Typing test video?

[hasu]

Yoe, right. The PCB works with those layout.

CPTBadAss, I'm typing but it feel like it need to be lub'd with RO-59 before shoot, hehe.

[Yoe]

Yoe, right. The PCB works with those layout.

Thanks!

[hasu]

If you have a problem on wakeup computer from sleep. see this post and github issue for detail.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69740.msg2197576#msg2197576
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/issues/361

[scotprice]

I am trying to use the TMK Keymap editor you have posted, and have a question.  If I want to just use the 104 layout, what do I need to do with the extra keys located in the Keymap Editor?  Do I set them to none, or do I set both keys to backspace, left shift, right shift?

[hasu]

You can leave alone those keys you are not interested, but  setting any key code including NO won't harm anything.

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

[pr0ximity]

Random question from someone with essentially 0 circuit or keyboard design experience: how feasible would it be to move the USB port on the PCB to be centered at the top? Maybe flip the 7 numkey switch to move the pins for the switch out of the way, like this?

[hasu]

Random question from someone with essentially 0 circuit or keyboard design experience: how feasible would it be to move the USB port on the PCB to be centered at the top? Maybe flip the 7 numkey switch to move the pins for the switch out of the way, like this?

Show Image

I think you are right. You need to flip 7-key switch to fit a connector there. And flipping Alps switch at 180deg is no problem like Cherry.

[Username?]

I hope the AEK ISO photos will be of some help Hasu!
Don't hesitate if you need something more!

/mynameis

[hasu]

I hope the AEK ISO photos will be of some help Hasu!
Don't hesitate if you need something more!

/mynameis

Thank you for the photos of AEK-ISO. I just examined the photos and found fact that we cannot use upper two screw mounts with the keyboard due to its 0.25u shift. This perhaps makes negative difference in typing feel and I think many don't  accept this flaw.

Unfortunately I have to say that AEK ISO support won't happen after all




EDIT: for reference, AEK-ISO layout is shifted 1/4 key to right, compare to ANSI layout.

[merlin64]

Random question from someone with essentially 0 circuit or keyboard design experience: how feasible would it be to move the USB port on the PCB to be centered at the top? Maybe flip the 7 numkey switch to move the pins for the switch out of the way, like this?

Show Image

Looking to put this in your Duck 60% or any of the other cool 60% customs out there?