The PCB supports
ALPS SKCM/SKCL and compatible switches and various layouts including old vintage keyboards. You can to use switches keycaps, stabilizers and mounting plate of those keyboards with this PCB.(You'll need to cut down plate.) And this PCB can be screwed down in de facto
Poker compatible cases.
You can make 60% keyboard from your favorite old ALPS keyboard with this PCB.
Original and technical discussion thread:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69666.0
The latest revision PCB color is green now. See below.
9th Run 2017/MayPlease
email to
hasu@tmk-kbd.com with "Alps64 GB" in subject to place order and just let me know number of PCB(1 or 2). Paypal Invoice will be sent to your email, you'll be able to make a payment with credit card on Palpal even if you don't have Paypal account. Your shipping address should be supplied in Paypal form when payment.
PM may not work for this GB, use email instead.
If you are in a hurry you can get leftover from previous round, pcb revision is identical to 9th one. See below.
Schedule:2017/05/31 close
2017/06/19 start shipping
Cost:Price: $42USD
Shipping: $10USD(add $4 per extra PCB) for world-wide shipping
It costs $52 for a PCB and $98 for two.
You will get:PCB: Components are already soldered
except for diodesDiodes: 65-70pcs 1N4148(through hole device)
The latest revision PCB color is green now.
Thanks
Leftover sale from 8th Run 2017/JanYou can get a pcb from leftover form 8th run, pcbs are available. I have to charge 2USD extra for handling of the leftover. It costs 54USD(42+10+2) in the end. The pcb can be shipped in a few bussiness days. Email me( hasu@tmk-kbd.com ) with "Alps64 Leftover" in subject to place order.
It is still available. You don't need to email me to ask its availability, I'll update this once it is out of stock.(2017/05/05)
Update:2015More
03/23 Placed order ten PCBs
03/24 My order was accepted by PCB fab(In production)
03/24 Changed assembly fee $10 to $12
03/24 Sent Invoices to top nine of the list
03/25 Paid for all of nine slots!
04/05 Confimed AEK layout and Poker case work
04/05 Wrote firmware
04/16 invoiced for the rest of costs
05/25 Started second run
05/27
Found defect with ISO enter on Rev.A. Fixed on
Rev.B.
06/02 Closed second run
06/16 Rev.B PCB arrived
06/25 Confirmed Infinity layout
06/26 Attached compiled binary of firmware
10/14 Rev.C PCB: adds support for Cherry stepped Capslock and moves some SMT diodes
11/08 TMK keymap editor for Alps64
More
01/05 Update Assembly and add Check your PCB section
04/24 4th run
06/15 USB wakeup fix
06/06 5th run open
06/25 5th run close
07/15 6th run open
10/01 7th run open
11/17 7th run close
201701/07 8th run open
TODO-
Fix USB connector position a bit?(pending)-
Get feedback from revision A/B users and fix if needed-
Confirm case fitness-
Confirmed LayoutsSupported LayoutsAEK:
103:
104:
ISO:
Infinity:
BigAss:
More
- Top right
- Backspace(2)
OK - HHKB like Split Backspace(1+1)
OK- Bottom row
- AEK(1.5+1.25+1.5 spc6.5 1.5+1.25+1.5)
OK - 101/103(1.5+1+1.5 spc7 1.5+1+1.5)
OK - 104(1.25+1.25+1.25 spc6.25 1.25+1.25+1.25+1.25)
OK OK(Dell AT101W)
- Infinity(1.5+1+1.5 spc 1.5+1+1+1.5)
OK -
Split/Erase Eaze Not supported
-
JIS Not supported
- Enter
- US
OK OK - ISO
NG with Matias Fixed on Rev.B OK(Rev.B) - Bigass
OK- Left Shift
- US(2.25)
OK - ISO(1.25+1)
OK- Right Shift
- US(2.75)
OK - HHKB like Shift + Fn(1.75+1)
OK OK -
JIS Shift(1+1.75) Not supported
- Caps Lock
- Non Stepped
OK - Stepped(Alps 1.5)
OK - Stepped(Cherry or 1.25u)
ISO Enter Support: ISO Enter key can be used in Rev.B and later revision. The PCB supports three mount positions, 1u, 1.25u and 1.5u. See pictures and figure below. Matias has 1.25u mount, Dell and Alps have 1.5u mount and ISO Enter with 1u mount is not confirmed its existence yet. By the way, Cherry ISO key is also located in middle of 1.25u as Matias does.
AEK ISO layout is not supported, which is different size from standard ISO layout.
keycap from Matias
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69740.msg1760105#msg1760105 http://i.imgur.com/tiPWImU.png keycap from NEC Rakuraku keyboard(Alps)
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69740.msg1760805#msg1760805 http://i.imgur.com/YKIbKlrl.jpg keycap from Dell AT102W
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69740.msg1761095#msg1761095 https://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=69740.0;attach=101849;image
------- -------
| | |
| + | + | 1u
| | | |
------- -------
| | |
| +| | 1.25u
| || |
`---------'
| || |
| +|| | 1.5u
| ||| |
`-----------'
.-----------, 1.5u
| ||| |
| ||| |
` +++ |
| |
| |
`---------' 1.25u
Caveat:
AEK ISO layout is not supported, which is different size from standard ISO layout.
Supported CasesKBC Poker compatible casesMore
- Poker X original plastic case
OK OK - Pure CNC metal
OK - Poker II
OK - Pok3r
OK? OK -
KBP V60(
Not supported)
OK NG NG PCB tab under USB connector interferes More
- Other custome cases
- Hammer Alu
OK - TEX aluminum case
OK OK but some diodes may interfere with thick PCB supports of the case, perhaps you need
this trick in that case.
- TEX acrylic case
OK - IQUNIX LAMBO
OK but it may make short circuit.
Open source CAD files of plate are available here.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=82916.msg2201282#msg2201282You can order a plate using these CAD file instead you cut down plate of vintage keyboard. Plate thickness for Alps switch is 1.0-1.2mm in spec.
Seems that many use lasergist.com recently but any other laser cut service will work.
FirmwareTMK keymap editor for Alps64You can edit keymap and download firmware without compiling here.
http://www.tmk-kbd.com/tmk_keyboard/editor/unimap/?alps64
Source codeYou can also build firmware yourself from souce code, of course.
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/tree/master/keyboard/alps64To comipile your firmware consult with TMK documentations and resources. See this for building firmware from source code first.
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/wiki#build-firmwareCheck your PCBTest your PCB before you start assembling. If you assemble it without this test and it doesn't work it could be very difficult to discrimitate between PCB's fault and yours.
More
1. Plug into USB portYou will see LED on bottom side flashes at startup. And it will be enumerated as a keyboard device by your OS.
In
Windows you will find a entry like 'HID Keyboard Device' whose hardware id is like
'VID_FEED&PID_6464' in Device Manager.
In
Linux you will find a line like below in output of
'lsusb'
$ lsusb
...
Bus 001 Device 050: ID feed:6464
...
and lines like below in log file such as
/var/log/kern.log(ubuntu).
Jan 4 23:05:28 desk kernel: [305237.996043] usb 1-1.3.1: new full-speed USB device number 52 using ehci-pci
Jan 4 23:05:28 desk kernel: [305238.090594] usb 1-1.3.1: New USB device found, idVendor=feed, idProduct=6464
Jan 4 23:05:28 desk kernel: [305238.090607] usb 1-1.3.1: New USB device strings: Mfr=1, Product=2, SerialNumber=0
Jan 4 23:05:28 desk kernel: [305238.090613] usb 1-1.3.1: Product: Alps64
Jan 4 23:05:28 desk kernel: [305238.090619] usb 1-1.3.1: Manufacturer: TMK
Jan 4 23:05:28 desk kernel: [305238.093405] input: TMK Alps64 as /devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:02.1/usb1/1-1/1-1.3/1-1.3.1/1-1.3.1:1.0/0003:FEED:6464.008F/input/input121
Jan 4 23:05:28 desk kernel: [305238.148208] hid-generic 0003:FEED:6464.008F: input,hidraw0: USB HID v1.11 Keyboard [TMK Alps64] on usb-0000:00:02.1-1.3.1/input0
Jan 4 23:05:28 desk kernel: [305238.150044] input: TMK Alps64 as /devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:02.1/usb1/1-1/1-1.3/1-1.3.1/1-1.3.1:1.1/0003:FEED:6464.0090/input/input122
Jan 4 23:05:28 desk kernel: [305238.204289] hid-generic 0003:FEED:6464.0090: input,hidraw1: USB HID v1.11 Mouse [TMK Alps64] on usb-0000:00:02.1-1.3.1/input1
Jan 4 23:05:28 desk kernel: [305238.206226] input: TMK Alps64 as /devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:02.1/usb1/1-1/1-1.3/1-1.3.1/1-1.3.1:1.2/0003:FEED:6464.0091/input/input123
Jan 4 23:05:28 desk kernel: [305238.260781] hid-generic 0003:FEED:6464.0091: input,hidraw2: USB HID v1.11 Device [TMK Alps64] on usb-0000:00:02.1-1.3.1/input2
Jan 4 23:05:28 desk kernel: [305238.263008] hid-generic 0003:FEED:6464.0092: hiddev0,hidraw3: USBHID v1.11 Device [TMK Alps64] on usb-0000:00:02.1-1.3.1/input3
2. Open Notepad and make short circuit on a keyConnect pads of K01 and D01 with tweezer or papler clip like pic below. You will see 'm' is registered on Notepad. This indicates your PCB is likely to work well.
If your PCB doesn't work as described above it may have fault, post your problem in this thread. AssemblyMore
See BlueNalgene's this post also.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=75491.msg1991884#msg19918841. Diode polarityDiode has polarity and won't work if you solder it reversely. Diode has two leads,
cathode and
anode, you can discrimitate them by cathode mark on it.
Black marking side of diode is cathode lead and cathode should be soldered on square land while anode on round land.
2. Soldering diodesDon't solder diodes all at once, you should assemble some and test them at first to avoid losing your time in vain.
Solder just
a few diodes and check if they work correctly by short circuit like pic below. You will see the key only is registered on your OS, use Notepad, or tools like AquaKeyTest, EK SwitchHitter or xev.
AquaKeyTest:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=34670.msg641440#msg641440EK SwitchHitter:
https://elitekeyboards.com/switchhitter.phpxev:
http://www.x.org/archive/X11R7.7/doc/man/man1/xev.1.xhtml
Of course, you should plug off PCB before soldering
SMT diodeYou can use SMT(SMD) diodes instead of through hole(TH) devices. Its footprint is
SOD123, I tested PCB with DIODES inc. 1N4148W.
Some cases have thick PCB supports(standoffs and beams?) which interfere with some of TH diodes and make short circuit. To avoid this you can use SMT diodes for them(D00, D10, D20, D22, D23, D24, D25, D26, D27, D30, D31, D36, D55, D63, D65, D70, D73). And you will have to tape on TH pads to prevent from shortcircuit.
3. Soldering switchesAgain, don't solder switches all at once, you should test them occasionally during assembly. At this point testing is easy, just plug in, press a switch and see with one of softwares above.
4. Test all swtichesAfter assembly is completed check if all switches work correctly
with default firmware.
Don't program controller with your firmware and don't change keymap until this test is finished. Your own firmware or keymap will make test/debug process difficult.
More
You can program(flash) firmware into controller via
USB DFU protocol.
1. Program modeTo enter program mode(start DFU bootloader) hook up to USB port and
press tiny push button on bottom side of PCB.
2. Software toolThen you can program controller using your favorite software tool. Controller(MCU) of the PCB is
ATmega32u2, you will have to designate it in your tool like
FLIP or
dfu-programmer.
FLIP:
http://www.atmel.com/tools/FLIP.aspxdfu-programmer:
http://dfu-programmer.github.io/With dfu-programmer you can run it like below in command line
dfu-programmer atmega32u2 erase --force
dfu-programmer atmega32u2 flash <your_firmware.hex>
dfu-programmer atmega32u2 reset
You may need to prepend 'sudo' to these in Linux and Mac OSX.
As for how to use FLIP see BlueNalgene's this post, consult with its help files or search on net.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=75491.msg1993990#msg1993990Also see this.
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/blob/master/tmk_core/doc/build.md#program-controllerTroubleshootFLIP: AtLibUsbDfu.dll not foundRemove current driver and re-install one FLIP provides from DeviceManager of WIndows.
http://imgur.com/a/bnwzy (Thanks, a-c)
PCB is designed by KiCad. Design files are available here, you can check them before payment. Let me know if you find my mistake.
https://github.com/tmk/alps64Past RoundsMore
First Run: DoneMore
Price:Raw PCB: $10
Components(optional): $8
Assembly fee(optional):
$10 $12(03/24)
Shipping: $8
Components include micro controller, USB connector, x'tal, resistors, capacitors and diodes.
Assembly service solders components on PCB excluding diodes, the axial diodes unsoldered are sent. You have to solder diodes yourself.
Procedure:0. I'll order
10 PCBs to manufacturer in a few week.[DONE 03/23]
1. You pay $10 just for PCB(before I receive PCB)[DONE 03/25]
2. I check if the PCB works once I get them.[DONE 04/05]
3a. if it works you pay for shipping, components(optional) and assembly fee(optional).
3b. if it doesn't work you have to give up your $10.4. Solder components[DONE]
4.9 You pay the rest of costs[DONE]
5. I ship out PCBs.[DONE 04/22]
Your risk: If produced PCB doesn't work you have to ditch you money($10). (I can still send the unusable PCB to you.)Free free to ask your question.
First Run Risktakers:Thanks a lot!
Paid
-------------
Name Order Invoiced PCB Rest Shipped delivered
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
nubbinator 1 assembled 03/24 03/24 04/16 04/17 04/23
Applet 1 assembled 03/24 03/24 04/17 04/17 04/22
CPTBaddAss 1 assembled 03/24 03/25 04/18 04/20 04/27
jdcarpe 1 assembled 03/24 03/24 04/17 04/17 04/25
BunnyLake 1 assembled 03/24 03/24 04/21 04/22
FrostyToast 1 assembled 03/24 03/24 04/16 04/17 04/27
DanielT 1 assembled 03/24 03/24 04/16 04/17
mashby 1 assembled 03/24 03/24 04/17 04/17 04/22
lishi 1 assembled 03/24 03/24 04/16 04/17 04/27
Second Run: DoneMore
To order PM me and let me know number of PCB you will take. Later I will send you PM about payment.
Please check the first post of the thread again before you order, in particular 'Caveat' section.
PriceAssembled PCB: $35
includes unsoldered diodes(through hole device). You have to solder the diodes(and switches, of course) yourself.
All SMT components except for the diodes are soldered on PCB by me.
UnAssembled PCB: $22
This includes blank/empty PCB and compoenents including diodes. You have to solder all components yourself.
Raw PCB: $12
Just blank/empty PCB only.
Shipping: $10 $8.5 + $1.5 * (# of PCB)
Registered air mail with insurance. It takes 7-10 days to most of countries
If you order two PCBs add $2. Add $1.5 per PCB to base cost $8.5.
Note that shipping cost for a PCB is $10, not $8.5. For example,
One Assembled PCB: 35+10=45
Two Assembled PCB:
35*2+10+2=82 35*2 + 8.5 + 1.5*2 = 81.5
What you will get:
Caveat-
PCB design is not changed, quite same as first run(Rev.A). Changed to
fix ISO enter problem and PCB is Rev.B now.
- Assembled PCB are soldered all electric components except for diodes and swtiches.
- You'll get unsoldered diodes(around 70) if you order 'Assembled PCB'. Diodes are for Through Hole, not for Surface Mount.
- Raw PCB($12) is available
but components are not. Please buy them from digikey, mouser or etc. and you can take components for $10.
- Confirmed the PCB fits into Poker X, Poker II, Hammer Alu and Pure CNC case, but unclear about other cases including Pok3r and V60 at this time. See TODO section below.
- Most of layouts are confirmed but 'Infinity bottom row' and 'bigass enter' are not tried yet. See TODO section below.
- Order will be prioritized depending on the list.
Time line2015/05/End Order PCB 2015/06/04 Ordered PCB
2015/06/Mid Assembly 06/16 PCB arrived and start assembly process
2015/06/End Shipping 06/25 Shipped all orders
Order ListSecond run:
Name Order Paid Addr Shipped Delivered
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
ninjadoc 2 05/25 Ass 05/30 Y 06/22 06/30
spoonypirate 1 05/25 Ass 06/01 Y 06/22 06/26
U47 1* 05/28 UnAss 06/01 y 06/25 07/06
jevvix 3* 05/26 Raw 05/31 Y 06/25 07/02
Karura 1 05/25 Ass 06/01 Y 06/25 06/29
njbair 1 05/26 Ass 06/01 Y 06/22 06/30
ctm 1 05/25 Ass 05/30 Y 06/25 07/07
Hzza 2 05/25 Ass 05/30 Y 06/22 OK
jou 2* 05/26 UnAss 05/30 Y 06/25 06/30
henz 1 05/25 Ass 05/31 Y 06/25 07/02
echo0 2 05/25 Ass 05/30 Y 06/22 06/29
rsadek 4* 05/26 2Ass+2UnAss 05/31 Y 06/22 OK
CommonCurt 1 05/26 Ass 05/31 Y 06/25 07/01
a-c 2 05/26 Ass 05/30 Y 06/22 06/25
lishi 1 05/26 Ass 05/30 Y 06/25 07/27
badboybry9000 1 05/26 Ass 06/01 Y 06/25 07/01
wakko 1 05/26 Ass 05/31 Y 06/22 06/27
limster 1 05/27 Ass 06/01 Y 06/25 06/30
sprit 2* 05/27 Raw 05/30 y 06/25 07/03
Pyrelink 1 05/27 Ass 05/30 Y 06/22 06/30
BlueBär 1 05/28 Ass 06/02 Y 06/25 OK
jdcarpe 1 05/28 Ass 06/02 y 06/25 07/01
wazup 1 05/29 Ass 05/31 Y 06/22 07/07
RickyJ 1 05/29 Ass 05/30 Y 06/22 07/07
trizkut 2 05/31 Ass 05/31 Y 06/22 07/01
cheddarbek 1 06/02 Ass 06/02 Y 06/25 07/09
cuirc 1 06/04 Ass 06/04 Y 06/25 07/01
Frizer 1 06/07 Ass 06/07 Y 06/25 06/30
Synjin 2 06/08 Ass 06/08 Y 06/25 07/02
SJHL 1 06/12 Ass 06/12 Y 06/25 07/03
apathy3cs 1 06/15 Raw 06/15 y 06/25 07/03
----
Total 31 orders, 44 PCB(ASSY: 33 UNASSY: 5 RAW: 6)
Leftover sale:
Name Order Paid Addr Shipped Delivered
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
kennardsmith 07/23 07/23 Y 07/24
AKmalamute 07/23 07/24 Y 07/24
punkpc 07/23 invoced 07/23 07/24 Y 07/27
sean 07/24 07/25 Y 07/27
BlueNalgene's GBMore
At this moment I don't know when next round starts but I made Google form for interest check.
Fill in the form if you are interested in next round of this PCB and don't want to check this thread periodically. I'll let you know via PM when it starts. You don't necessarily have to fill the form to get PCB, use it if you need notice from me.
http://goo.gl/forms/8f8RcZICukAlso check this IC by BlueNalgene.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=74524.0BlueNalgene's GB starts now. 2015/09/25
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=75491.0Thanks
4th Run: Donehttps://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69740.msg2150471#msg21504715th Run(2016/06/06)More
19 PCBs are available from this run. PCBs and all components are already stocked and assembly will start in a few days.
Please email to hasu@tmk-kbd.com to place order, let me know number of PCB and your paypal account if different from your email. Paypal Invoice will be sent to your email. You'll be able to make a payment with credit card on Palpal even if you don't have Paypal account.
Pirce: $38USD per PCB
World wide shipping and Paypal fee: $10(add $2.5 per extra PCB)
It will be shipped within two weeks after payment.
06/18 8 boards are still available.
06/23 3 boards are still available.
06/25 all board's gone. Thank you.
6th Run More
Please email to hasu@tmk-kbd.com to place order, let me know number of PCB and your paypal account if different from your email. Paypal Invoice will be sent to your email. You'll be able to make a payment with credit card on Palpal even if you don't have Paypal account.
It will be shipped in a week or two after payment.
Thanks,
Alps64 PCB:You can get a PCB or two.
Price: $40USD
Shipping: $10USD(add $2.5 per extra PCB) for world-wide shipping
AEK plates: Only 10 plates are available.
This plate is made with 1.2mm thick PCB/FR-4, not metal. It is not as firm as steel plate but it works. Its color is black. These are made by cheap PCB house in China, every plate has scratches, burrs or slight cosmetic imperfections. I think PCB plate works in the end but this idea is sitll experimental and not established nor reviewed in the community yet. Get a metal plate somehow if you want to avoid unexpected defect.
You can add this plate to your order for $10 optionally. So PCB and plate cost $60USD(40+10+10) in total. At this time you cannot order only this plate without Alps64 PCB, sorry.
See links below for pics and info.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=82916.msg2218108#msg2218108http://imgur.com/a/ZEg96/all
7th Run 2016/OctMore
Please email to hasu@tmk-kbd.com to place order, let me know number of PCB and your paypal account if different from your email. Paypal Invoice will be sent to your email. You'll be able to make a payment with credit card on Palpal even if you don't have Paypal account.
batch.1 will start shipping around Oct 14.batch.2 will start shipping around Oct 31.Update:
Oct 11: All PCBs from batch.1 were claimed.
Oct 11: Started shipping PCBs from batch.1.
Nov 01: Closed batch.2 and leftover sale starts. Price is revised.
Nov 17: All leftovers had gone.
And PCB color is now green.
Alps64 PCB: Price: $45USD
Shipping: $10USD(add $4 per extra PCB) for world-wide shipping
For example, it costs $55 for a PCB and $104 for two.
Thanks,
8th Run 2017/JanMore
Please
email to
hasu@tmk-kbd.com to place order, let me know number of PCB and your paypal account if different from your email. Paypal Invoice will be sent to your email. You'll be able to make a payment with credit card on Palpal even if you don't have Paypal account. PM may not work for this GB, use email instead.
Schedule:
Batch.1: will be shipped until end fo January.(All gone as of 01/17)
Batch.2: will be shipped until mid of Feb.(Gone as of 02/06)
Leftovers: will be available later.
Thanks
Update:Jan 7: Opened
Jan 17: Update for second batch
Jan 20: Shipping of Batch.2 was started.
Feb 6: Closed Batch.2
Feb 9: Shipped all orders of Batch.2
More
All orders were shipped as of Feb 10, if you don't receive tracking number email me.https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69740.msg2359471#msg2359471 Feb 20: Leftover sale
Alps64 PCB: Price: $42USD
Shipping: $10USD(add $4 per extra PCB) for world-wide shipping
For example, it costs $52 for a PCB and $98 for two.
You will get:PCB: Components are already soldered
except for diodesDiodes: 65-70pcs 1N4148(through hole device)
The latest revision PCB color is green now.
