[TMK] HHKB Alt Controller with Mini-B/Type-C connector

[hasu]

This Alt controller board replaces stock controller and makes your HHKB full programmable. The controller is fully assembled and you can install it into your HHKB only with screw driver.

For more technical information see also this thread. https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=12047.0

Bluetooth and USB controller look like these.


Note: In current revision pcb color is green. Battery is not included.

HHKB Pro1(PD-KB300*), HHKB Pro2(PD-KB400*) and HHKB ProJP(PD-KB420*) including Type-S are supported.

Note that HHKB ProBT(PD-KB600/620), HHKB Pro Classic(PD-KB401), HHKB Pro Hybrid(PD-KB800/820) and HKKB Lite(PD-KB200/220) are NOT supported.



CONTROLLER VARIANTS:
Bluetooth controllers are out of stock due to scarcity of bluetooth module in the market since March 2022. Only USB controllers are available at this time. 2022-09-26

Bluetooth controllers are available. The controller is assembled after your payment and it takes a week or two to be shipped.  2023-05-30

 - Mini-B USB Controller for Pro1 [42USD]
 - Mini-B USB Controller for Pro2 [44USD]
 - Mini-B USB Controller for ProJP [46USD]
 - Mini-B Bluetooth Controller for Pro2 [77 81USD]
 - Mini-B Bluetooth Controller for ProJP [79 83USD] (Check CAVEAT below before ordering this variant)
NOTE: Mini-B controllers have reliable Hirose USB connector as Topre original controller does.

 - Type-C USB Controller for Pro1 [44USD]  New!(2023-11-28)
 - Type-C USB Controller for Pro2 [46USD]
 - Type-C USB Controller for ProJP [48USD]
 - Type-C Bluetooth Controller for Pro2 [79 83USD]
 - Type-C Bluetooth Controller for ProJP [81 85USD] (Check CAVEAT below before ordering this variant)
NOTE: The Type-C connector comes cheap from obscure Chinese manufacturer, not from established manufacturers like Molex, TE, Hirose or etc. It is unclear about long-time reliablility and durability. But it has worked as expected and got no serious trouble report from users so far.  I mean, you can take Type-C controller if you prefer. It doesn't seem to be too risky now.

Pro1 controller supports all PD-KB300* modles.
Pro2 controller supports all PD-KB400* models including Type-S.
ProJP controller supports all PD-KB420* models including Type-S.
Note that HHKB ProBT(PD-KB600/620), HHKB Pro Classic(PD-KB401), HHKB Pro Hybrid(PD-KB800/820) and HKKB Lite(PD-KB200/220) are NOT supported.

NOTE: Bluetooth controller has all functions of USB controller including USB connection.
NOTE: Bluetooth controller doesn't include battery. See 'Bluetooth Battery' in 'MANUAL' section below for suitable Lipo battery spec.

CAVEAT for Bluetooth Controller for ProJP

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1. Case problem with Bluetooth Controller for ProJP
See this photo, black one is ProJP model and white is Pro2. As you can see ProJP bottom case has no hole for switch and LEDs.



To install Bluetooth controller into HHKB ProJP:
1) you need to drill bottom case to make holes or
2) you can use Pro2 bottom half with ProJP top half as the photo indicates.

2. Japanese specific keys cannot be sent via Bluetooth.
You can remap them to other normal keys. This won't be critical to other language users. See also LIMITATION section below.

STATUS & STOCK:
All variants of the controller are virtually always in stock. (2023-11-28)

Lead time: Can be shipped usually in a few bussiness days for express shipping or a week for usual postal shipping.



ORDER
Check this notes for current shipping situation and cost under COVID-2019 pandemic before placing an order. 2022-04-12

0. Read this post carefully and feel free to ask me if you have any question before placing an order.
1. Email me with subject "HHKB Alt" and let me variant of controller and your location in mail body. My email is:hasu@tmk-kbd.com
2. PayPal Invoice will be emailed to you usually in a day.
3. Make sure you supply correct shipping address and recipient name(in English form) on PayPal when its payment. Email me your shipping info if not possible.
4. You will receive an email with tracking number from Japan Post or me after shipping. Let me know if you don't get tracking number in a week after payment.

Payment:
    With PayPal Invoice you can make a payment with credit card even if you don't have PayPal account.

Shipping:
    Check this notes for current shipping situation and cost

    You can trace postal packet here or your country's postal service like USPS.
    https://trackings.post.japanpost.jp/services/srv/search/input?locale=en (Japan Post)
    https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction_input (USPS)




AFTER RECEIVING YOUR CONTROLLER
PLEASE TEST IT BEFORE FLASHING YOUR OWN FIRMWARE.
Just install it and check if you can type on your keyboad normally.
(For Bluetooth controller user, you can check both USB and Bluetooth function safely even without battery.)

WARN: PLEASE MAKE SURE BATTERY POLARITY BEFORE CONNECTING. Some batteries in the market has reverse polarity at connector and it will fry and break battery charger chip. With the broken charger chip you cannot charge battery fully anymore or controller may stop working completely. I can offer free repair service for faulty charger chip but you have to pay postage for both ways. No RMA service is provided for this, sorry.
Positive(+) side or red wire should be on left as the pic shows.

See "Bluetooth Battery" section below for more info. Get battery from reliable srouces like sparkfun or adafruit if you are not sure.



KEYMAP EDITOR:
You can remap keys and download firmwre using TMK keymap editor on web browser. Please use Chrome if you have any problem on other browser. See 'MANUAL' section below for how to flash firmware onto controller.


NOTE: Use proper link to download firmware for your controller. There are four diffrent variants and they are incompatible each other.

USB for Pro1/Pro2 | Bluetooth for Pro2 | USB for ProJP | Bluetooth for ProJP



FIRMWARE SOURCE CODE:
Use KEYMAP EDITOR to download compiled firmware unless you have specific need.

Firmware source code is available under GNU General Public License. To build firmware from source code consult documentation there.

https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/tree/master/keyboard/hhkb



CAPABILITY
- Fully Prorammable keyboard functions(USB and Bluetooth)
    TMK firmware offers various features including key mapping, mouse keys and USB NKRO.
    See https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard
- Switching between USB and Bluetooth(Bluetooth)
    You can switch the two connections with slide switch or key combination.
- RN42 config mode(Bluetooth)
    You can change power/connection configuration of the module if needed.
- Low battery alert(Bluetooth)
    Red LED turns on when low voltage.
- RN42 status indicator(Bluetooth)
    LED indicates status of Bluetooth connection.
- Pairing(Bluetooth)
    The module stores up to 8 connections.
- Auto connect(Bluetooth)
    The module connects the last connected device automatically.
- iOS support(USB and Bluetooth)
    works as keyboard with iPhone5. No tested completely. Note that iOS doesn't accept mouse device.
- Android support(USB and Bluetooth)
    works as keyboard and mouse with Nexus5. No tested completely.
- Battery charging(Bluetooth)
    You can charge from USB port or power adapter which has USB outlet.



LIMITATION & CAVEAT
- Class 2 Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR(Bluetooth controller only)
    Bluetooth module which Bluetooth controller uses is RN42 of Mcirochip:   
    http://www.microchip.com/wwwproducts/Devices.aspx?product=RN42

- Bluetooth module RN42 limitations(Bluetooth controller only)
  See this for detail. https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/issues/322#issuecomment-204133554
  = Japanese and Korean specific keys are not supported
        Bluetooth module RN42 cannot send HID keyboard usage more than 0x65. This won't affect most of latin language users. On USB connection all keyboard usages can be sent.
  = Mouse button 4,5(BTN4, BTN5) and horizontal wheel not supported
        Mouse button1,2,3(left, right, middle) and vertical wheel are supported. https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/issues/322
  = NKRO does not work on Bluetooth
        Bluetooth is 6KRO like normal keyboards. https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/issues/169
  = System control is not supported
        It can't send Power, Wake and Sleep keys.

- No USB Hub(USB and Bluetooth controller)
    Controller has no USB Hub fucntion, you lose two USB downstream ports and they turn into just two empty holes on HHKB Pro2.

- Short battery life(Bluetooth controller only)
    Around 12 hours with 850mAh.
    Around 30 hours with 2600mAh.
    BT Controller needs to use battery power to scan HHKB key matrix and get minimum latency on Bluetooth. If you don't mind slow scan rate and latency you can make battery life a little longer but not so much, HHKB and the module is power hog in the end.

- Lipo Battery is not included(Bluetooth controller only)
    Lipo battery is not included. And it cannot be shipped from Japan due to regulations.
    You have to purchase battery for BT controller, see Bluetooth Battery section below for the detail.

- LIPO BATTERY IS VERY DANGEROUS(Bluetooth controller only)
    TAKE EXTRA CARE OF YOUR SAFETY AND PROPERTY. You can learn here.

- Karabiner doen't recognize Bluetooth inputs on Mac(Bluetooth controller only)
    Key strokes from Bluetooth are ignored by default. To make Karabiner recognize them enable option 'Allow devices which Vendor ID and Product ID are zero.'.
    See this issue. https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/issues/213#issuecomment-102579416




DISCLAIMER:
USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. I can not be liable for any damage.
NO FRIENDLY CUSTOMER SUPPORT. You are required to teach yourself first.
NOT PROFESSIONAL JOB. I'm not a professional.
NOT LEAD FREE. I use leaded solder to assemble.



NOTE:
- how to change Bluetooth name

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https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=71517.msg2478134#msg2478134
The name 'TmkBT-XXXX' is stored actually in Bluetooth module RN42 and you can change 'TmkBT' part while '-XXXX' part is not configurable and it is last 4digits of bluetooth address.
You can change this line, build and upload firmware.

You can change the name by editing this line then build and upload firmware.
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/blob/master/keyboard/hhkb/rn42/rn42_task.c#L160

And you have to initialize RN42 module with LShift+RShift+ScrollLock(Fn+O). The intialization is nedeed just once after firmware is updated.  Refer to 'MANUAL of Bluetooth Controller' below.

REVISIONS:

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ALL REVISIONS HAS NO ERRATA FOR USB CONTROLLER
Rev.A: 2013/06
Rev.B: 2014/03
Rev.C: 2014/08
Rev.D: 2014/10  Fix for Bluetooth https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.msg1541485#msg1541485
Rev.E: 2014/11  Fix for Bluetooth https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.msg1556749#msg1556749

NO ERRATA found for following revisions
Rev.F: 2014/12
Rev.F(batch2): 2015/01
Rev.G: 2015/03 https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.msg1675635#msg1675635
Rev.H: 2015/07 Fix thermal releif spokes for reset/program button
Rev.I: 2015/12 Changed USB mini-B connector SMT to TH
Rev.J 2016/01 Removed C13 and added logo on silk layer

RESOURCES:
TMK firmware supports the controller and provides various features for the keyboard. You can use the features fully by building your own firmware from source codes. See following links for the detail.

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https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=41989.0

Design files, source codes and the detail of the controller are available.

More

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=12047.0
https://github.com/tmk/HHKB_controller
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/tree/master/keyboard/hhkb

OTHER INFO:
Old GB thread: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.0
Cover for USB Hub hole by alienman82: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=12047.msg1754098#msg1754098
Cover for USB Hub hole and Qi charger by manisteinn: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=12047.msg1558708#msg1558708
Cover by RavenIl: reddit post



TROUBLESHOOT:
First of all, Use default firmware to test your hardware.
Note that there are four variants of controller fimware. Dowload proper firmware from Keymap Editor without editing keymap and flash it when you are in trouble.
USB for Pro1/Pro2 | Bluetooth for Pro2 | USB for ProJP | Bluetooth for ProJP


Bluetooth:
Check 'Bluetooth controller' of MANUAL section below, first.

Flash default firmware if you have problem after flashed firmware yourself.
Download firmware from Keymap Editor without editing keymap: Bluetooth for Pro2 | Bluetooth for ProJP

Controller can connect but doesn't register at all on Bluetooth while does on USB?
You are using firmware for *USB* controller(not Bluetooth) perhaps. With the wrong firmware Bluetooth controller works completely on USB while it doesn't register any keys on Bluetooth but it can still connect with computer. Use proper Bluetooth firmware for your controller, download from Keymap Editor you can find above.


How to connect
Try following steps when you are in trouble.

1. Turn on blueooth on keyboard by slide switch on controller.
2. Turn on blueooth on your computer, and remove/disconnect keyboard if it is already paired/connected.
3. Press Left Shift, Right Shift and P on keyboard to remove pairing infos. You should see red BT LED blinking at this time and it indicates that your keyboard is discoverable from computer now.
4. Add keyboard on computer. These may help:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/15290/windows-connect-bluetooth-device
https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/connect-a-bluetooth-device-blth1004/mac
 
Computer cannot find/connect bluetooth controller?
Try 'How to connect' above.

Have repeated or random key intput?
Try 'How to connect' above.
If you are using developer preview vesion of Windows or MacOS you may have weird problem on bleutooth. Some people had to update drivers, fix/remove OS configuration files or etc. Stay on stable realse or you will have to search solution yourself on the net.

Have bluetooth trouble in MacOS?
First, make sure you have correct firmware for Bluetooth controller, see entry above. Try removing '~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.Bluetooth.plist', '/Library/Preferences/com.apple.Bluetooth.plist' or both then reboot your Mac. You will have to do pairing process with all your devices again after this. This seems to be common solution for bluetooth trouble on MacOS. Refer to following links as well.
https://macpaw.com/how-to/fix-macos-mojave-problems#part4
https://www.macrumors.com/how-to/reset-mac-bluetooth-module/


Still have problem and heed help?
Post your problem on this thread to share with the community!



MANUAL:
Firmware/Keymap

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Keymap Editor
You can try HHKB keymap editor first. You can download pre-build firmware after editing your keymap. Some features are not available but it is easy to use.

http://www.tmk-kbd.com/tmk_keyboard/editor/index.html



Build firmware
If Keymap Editor is not enough it is time to edit source codes and build firmware yourself.

https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/wiki#build-firmware
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/tree/master/keyboard/hhkb

In short,

Code: [Select]

$ cd keyboard/hhkb

and

Code: [Select]

make -f Makefilefor USB controller

Code: [Select]

$ make -f Makefile.rn42for Bluetooth controller

Flash Firmware

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You can use dfu-programmer or Atmel FLIP to program microcontroller on the board. To get controller into bootloader(program) mode you can push red button on back or press key combo "LShift+RShift+Fn+P(Pause)" with default keymap. Microcontroller of board is Atmel ATMega32u4.

https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/wiki#flash-firmware

Installation

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There is good instruciton video. Thank you Tech Intake!

1. Unscrew three bolts on bottom and open case carefully not to damage cables.


2. Unscrew bolt at top right on board first and then unmate connector to remove original board.
Note that you don't need any tool to unmate. See this.


3. Mate with connector of Alt board firmly and screw.
For Bluetooth: Also connect Lipo battery to board. Battery should be fixed with double sided adhesive tape or something but too strong stickyness may deform and damage battery when you remove it.


4. Close case and scew bolts.
Make sure ferrite core on cables are placed right position like pic above beore screwing, otherwise It won't close decently.

Bluetooth Controller

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BT Switch
This turn on Bluetooth function of controller and switch keyboard into Bluetooth mode. When this switch is off keyboard works in USB mode.

BT LED
It lights red when Bluetooth is connected to host, blinks red(once per second) when waiting for connection and blinks red(10 times per second) when Bluetooth module is config mode.

BAT LED
When keyboard are powered with USB it lights green if battery is fully charged or ligths red if charging. And it lights red to alarm for low battery when not powered with USB.

Charging with USB
Lipo battery can be charged when keyboard is powered with USB cable. You can power it with USB port on PC and 5V USB power adapter. Charging battery with low voltage takes long time or can't charge full. Note that cheap or unpowered USB hub may not be able to supply enough power.

Pairing
You can connect keyboard with OS specific method during red BT LED is blinking. You can make up to eight pairing with different hosts, according to manual of RN42.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth#Pairing_and_bonding

You cannot pair with new host during keyboard is connected to a host. To pair with new host you have to disconnect by turning off the host's Bluetooth radio, removing pairing info from the host, keeping away enough to make its radio unreachable or use magic command 'p' to remove pairing info from keyboard.


Auto Connect
Keyboard is automatically connected to host once pairing process is done. Keyboard is always connected host to which keyboard connected last time.
This means you can't connect keyboad to other hosts when the last host are in reachable range. In this case you will have to make keyboard into pairing mode forcibly using magic command 'p' and redo pairing process.

Also see this post.

Magic commands
Prefix of magic command are LShift + RShift.

- i displays Bluetooth information on hid_listen console.
- b displays battery voltage on console.
- Delete enter/exits Bluetoot module RN42 config mode on console. See RN42 manual.
- Scroll Lock initializes module with TMK default configuration.
- p put keyboard into pairing mode focibly.  Note that this removes all pairing infos.
- u switches between USB and Bluetooth mode.


RN42 initialize
This is not needed in most cases. You can initialize module as a last resort when you are in trouble and any other method doesn't help. You should follow steps below with special care to prevent the module from being cofigured incompletely or wrongly.

0. Turn BT swich off and unplug USB cable.
1. open hid_listen. You can do without it but I recommend strongly.
2. Plug USB cable and wait for keyboard to startup for 5 seconds.
3. Press key combo of LShift+RShift+ScrollLock(Fn+O).
4. Turn BT switch on. You will see output below on hid_listen.
5. Do not touch keyobard until the command completes or for 20 seconds.

Now module is configured with default setting and in pairing mode. You may need extra power cycle for pairing, try BT switch off and on.

Output on hid_listen from initialize command.

Entering config mode ...
CMD
Ver 6.15 04/26/2013
(c) Roving Networks
ECHO ON
SF,1
AOK
S-,TmkBT
AOK
SS,Keyboard/Mouse
AOK
SM,4
AOK
SW,8000
AOK
S~,6
AOK
SH,003C
AOK
SY,FFF4
AOK
R,1
Reboot!
Exiting config mode ...

RN42 config mode
You need hid_listen to access this mode. You can change configuration of Bluetooth module with this. Don't change baud rate! Never! Firmware will lose access to the modlue and you need to communicate to the module with 3.3V UART adapter hardware to fix this problem.
This may brick your Bluetooth module. Read all documents of RN42 before do this. DO NOT USE IF YOU ARE NOT SURE.

See this for configuration commands.
http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/bluetooth_cr_UG-v1.0r.pdf
And for other documents.
http://www.microchip.com/wwwproducts/Devices.aspx?product=RN42


RN42 Factory Reset
When you make a mess of the module configuration you can do Factory Reset. This resets the module factory default settings.
Quote from manual.

To reset the module to the factory defaults, GPIO4 should be high on
power-up and then toggle low, high, low, high with a 1 second wait between the transitions.

You can toggle GPIO4 with two pads labeled as "F.RST" in pic below. You can turn it high(ON) by closing the pads with tweezer, paper clip, or screwdriver and low(OFF) by keeping open.
http://i.imgur.com/4FxeD1H.jpg
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=71517.msg2131887#msg2131887

After reset you have to initialize the module to use it as Bluetooth keyboard.

Bluetooth Battery

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Bluetooth Controller doesn't include battery. I confirmed Sparkfun Lipo battery(850mA and 1000mA) but you will be able to find proper batteries at many sites on the net.

You need to use 3.7V Lithium Ion Polymer battery with JST PH 2pin connector and battery protection circuit. Battery space inside HHKB is around 54mm x 50mm and its height is 7mm(or 8mm).

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.msg1597883#msg1597883

Confirmed batteries:
- Adafruit 2000mAh recommended - http://www.adafruit.com/products/2011
    https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=71517.msg1857704#msg1857704
    https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=71517.msg1948894#msg1948894

- Current 2000mAh battery on canadarobotix.com doesn't fit into the cavity. (2020-02-19)
   2000mAh 60 x 50 x 5 mm (±1 mm) - http://www.canadarobotix.com/battery-chargers/battery-lithium-2000mah
    https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=71517.msg2203382#msg2203382

- Sparkfun 850mAh - https://www.sparkfun.com/products/341                         
- Sparkfun 1000mAh - https://www.sparkfun.com/products/339
    https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.msg1597883#msg1597883
- Sparkfun 2000mAh - https://www.sparkfun.com/products/8483 Not fits.
    https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=71517.msg2203449#msg2203449

- Adafruit 2500mAh - http://www.adafruit.com/products/328
    It does not fit in the space basically.
    https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=71517.msg1948894#msg1948894
    You need case modification
    https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=12047.msg2167066#msg2167066    http://imgur.com/a/vN3Xl
    or bending battery
    https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=12047.msg2168816#msg2168816    https://imgur.com/a/hQV2Y
    Warn: either way, do it at your own risk, of course.

- ebay 2600mAh - http://www.ebay.com/itm/261625368941?afsrc=1&rmvSB=true
    Note that you will need to rewire and crimp JST PH connector yourself.
    https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=12047.msg1946831#msg1946831


Note that some battery connector has reverse polarity. It will fry battery charger chip. Left side should be red wire or positive(+) of battery when plugged as this pic shows.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=71517.msg2130903#msg2130903

LIPO BATTERY IS VERY DANGEROUS, TAKE EXTRA CARE OF YOUR SAFETY AND PROPERTY. For your safety check this.
https://learn.adafruit.com/li-ion-and-lipoly-batteries
https://www.sparkfun.com/tutorials/241

UPDATE:
2014/05/01 GB was closed  and moved to artisan service.
2015/08/22 components for next batch were ordered, it will take a few weeks to be delivered.
2015/09/10 waiting for PCB 7-10days
2015/10/07 All components are stocked for all variants now.
2015/11/09 Keymap editor was updated
2016/01/11 Updated keymap editor
2016/04/16 Revised price of USB controller
2016/08/31 New keymap editor: also finally available for ProJP
2016/10/01 out of stock
2016/10/07 back in stock
2017/04/28 All variants are virtually always in stock.
2017/06/06 Added note for shipping to Canada.
2018/09/08 Shipping to Canada is no problem now. Removed caveat.
2019/11/21  Type-C controller is tetatively available.
2021/03/29  Revised shipping rate
2021/04/12 Revised price of controller
2022/01/01 Bluetooth controller is available again.
2022/03/09 Revised price of controller
2022/04/12 Change ORDER instruction

[FoC_Tow]

Wow I feel honored to be the first one to post here...
First of all, much Congratz on your well deserved artisan thread hasu! 

I'm super interested in one of your boards, since Im about to pull the trigger on my first hhkb an knew I would pretty much have to get your controller once I do so... 

Does this still work in a 'waiting list style'? (So basically boards get made once a certain number of orders is reached?)

Im still considering weather to go bluetooth or not honestly (tending towards yes), but I would very much be down for one, so if there is a waiting list I would love to be on it! =)

[hasu]

Thanks for your interest, FoC_Tow.

No waiting list anymore. Basically I'll make some boards if I have time and retain some extra preassembled controllers for immediate shipment.

Currently two USB controllers and one BT controller are in stock with preassembled and tested. They can be shipped in a few days.

I have also components for 10+ USB and 4 BT controllers so that those can be assembled to meet further orders. Probably lead time will be less than a week.

[rsadek]

I just ordered my HHKB. And Hasu's board. Chose USB for now, bc I'm hoping the BT stuff will improve over time and that (maybe) I can help:)

I think with some work we can get power saving and battery good enough to last weeks. Switching hosts would be nice too. These sound like they might take a while. So I figured if I really need the BT, maybe just use an external for a while.

Fwiw since FoC_Tow was debating options.

-R

[duq]

Hasu!

Thanks again! The bluetooth module works flawlessly.

If anyone is interested in buying a USB only PCB please let me know! PM me or check out the post I just posted in the for sale section of Geekhack.

Thank you again Hasu!

[Frizer]

Do you have an alternative to MHV AVR for the compiler? The link appears to be dead. There are versions out there but the one I tried gave me errors when I  tried to compile my hex file.

[hasu]

You can download GCC compiler from Atmel site.
http://www.atmel.com/tools/atmelavrtoolchainforwindows.aspx

I'll update that link and description of how to install on WIndows later, thank you.

[Frizer]

Thanks! I got it working. On the cygwin install, which packages are needed?

[hasu]

Probably you need 'make'(under Devel category). I think other general commands are already installed from the begining, like 'sh', 'cp', 'rm' and 'rmdir'.

[MarkRobbo]

Just installed my controller but have a slight bulge in my case despite screwing it back in and clips being seemingly engaged. There is a plastic Ring around the ribbon cable, where abouts should this sit when folding the cable up against the PCB, the middle?

Edit: seem to have fixed this by pushing it right the way up to the controller like the picture in the top of the OP

[shrubkeys]

Still waiting until I move into my new place before I play with the BT Controller. Quick question for Hasu: will it still work in USB mode without a battery, or should I make sure I have the battery already when it comes time to install?

[hasu]

Yes you can use BT Controller safely without battery. USB mode works of course and also BT mode works during you give it power with USB cable.

[AndreaLe]

Dear hasu
thanks for your project. i'm a newbie with hhkb. i will receive my hhkbpro2 direcly from pfu-direct. my friends told me to see your post for modding my hhkb.
i just have some questions, your board helps a default firmware and you says that it can be remap easily.
my question is when i remap it on the sites, i download the firmware, how can i loaded it to the board ?

[hasu]

Hi,
You can use dfu-programmer or Atmel FLIP to flash(program) the cotroller. The former is command line tool while the latter is GUI application runs on Windows.

See this.
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/blob/master/doc/build.md#download-and-install

[IonutZ]

Hey man, any idea how I can get the rn42 to autoconnect to client? I can pair it just fine, but it won't autoconnect...

[hasu]

what's your os?
When shipped I configured RN-42 to auctoconnect. It should autoconnect if host OS allows.

[IonutZ]

what's your os?
When shipped I configured RN-42 to auctoconnect. It should autoconnect if host OS allows.

Mac OS X. The last board I had from you autoconnected just fine. How would I go about configuring it? I saw the rn42 doc but I don't think anything happens when I hit Left Shift + Right Shift. Also, the whole debugging menu and stuff, how are you supposed to access that? I thought I would just open a notepad, and it would start typing the prompt... no?

[hasu]

No, Notepad is not useful to TMK, you have to use PJRC hid_listen command.
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard#debugging

To get help message press LShift+RShift+h.
You can initialize the module with default setting by pressing LShift+RShift+Scroll Lock. You may have to do this twice.

You can also enter config mode of RN-42 with LShift+RShift+Del but I don't recommend this unless you read its data sheet carefully. You can brick the module accicentaly.


You can't autoconnect, but can you connect it by hand? how do you connect it?

[IonutZ]

It works when I initiate connection from the laptop to the keyboard.

This is the output when I turn the BT on:

Code: [Select]

Entering config mode ...
CMD
Ver 6.15 04/26/2013
(c) Roving Networks
ECHO ON
SR,Z
AOK
R,1
Reboot!
Exiting config mode ...
However, in docs,

Code: [Select]

SR,Z                // removes all remote addresses for reconnecting.
                    // can be used to connect another host
Maybe I have to turn on SM,6?

Although when I do info:

Code: [Select]

----- RN-42 info -----
protocol: LUFA
force_usb: 0
rn42: OFF
rn42_autoconnecting(): 1
config_mode: 0
USB State: Configured
battery: CHARG
RemoteWakeupEnabled: 1
VBUS: 1
uptime: 00 00:00:16
USB mode

[IonutZ]

SM,6 did the trick. It is now autoconnecting!!!

EDIT: So after I fixed everything, I figured why not give it a shot reconfiguring from scratch. Got everything to look good, however, about every 5-6 seconds or so, the keyboard disconnects/reconnects to bluetooth.

Any idea which configuration that might be?

EDIT2: Main difference is HID Class 0000 (keyboard) instead of (003C) because I don't plan on using mouse functions.

[hasu]

Are you tring to optimize module configuration yourself, just for fun?
Or even with default configuration do you have any problem?

[IonutZ]

This was with rn42 turned to default and changed the settings mentioned above. Should it be SM,4 or SM,6 by the way?

[hasu]

OK. First, you should revert to TMK default configuration.
1. Open 'hid_listen' in Terminal.app
2. plug-in your HHKB to USB port(keep BT turned off)
3. Press LShift+RShift+h to get Help message on 'hid_listen'(can you see the message?)
4. Press LShift+RShift+Scloll Lock(in fact, LShift+RShift+Fn+o) to initialize the module to default setting.
5. Turn the BT switch on.
6. Just see output on hid_listen. This takes several seconds, don't touch any keys till all commands settles.

You should get exact same following output. If you see corrupt output do above procedure again.

Code: [Select]

    Entering config mode ...
    CMD
    Ver 6.15 04/26/2013
    (c) Roving Networks
    ECHO ON
    SF,1
    AOK
    S-,TmkBT
    AOK
    SS,Keyboard/Mouse
    AOK
    SM,4
    AOK
    SW,8000
    AOK
    S~,6
    AOK
    SH,003C
    AOK
    SY,FFF4
    AOK
    R,1
    Reboot!
    Exiting config mode ...

Then, do pairing on your host again from the begining.


With Google search I found some people are saying PRAM clear and SMC reset cured their Bluetooth problems for some reason.
Did you try those yet?

[hasu]

This was with rn42 turned to default and changed the settings mentioned above. Should it be SM,4 or SM,6 by the way?

It should be 'SM,4' .
I don't remember how 'SM,6' works, to be honest.

[IonutZ]

Compiled the latest, and threw it onto the board.

Did a lot of testing. This is what I found out. If you use SH,0000 (HID for Keyboard), it will do this 5s reconnect cycle. The only way to avoid this is to use 003C for Keyboard and Mouse. I would consider this a bug. Not anything critical, however, SH,0000 should work because with SH,0000 the BT Host's operating system has specific functionality for dealing with just keyboards.

If you can find a way to fix this, I would be very very grateful <3

Also can you elaborate on SY,FFF4 vs SY,0004 ? Which transmit power is higher? I'd like a lower one that consumes less power (longer battery life).

[hasu]

I read module documentation again and found some clues.

As you said 'SH,0000' will work with some mode(SM,6?) but TMK expects the module is working with 'Auto-conect with DTR' mode(SM,4) and use this to disconnect Bluetooth link to host in some situations.

I think you should use 'SH,000c' for keyboard only device with TMK, according to doc "bit 2..0 Indicates number of
paired devices to which the module can recon-nect." and "bit 3 Send output reports over UART.".
The bit 3 is required to control capslock LED on board but not ciritical, but I guess bit 2..0 causes your auto-connect problem.

Use FFF4 for low transmit power.

I think you already download and read this but just for others interested.
http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/bluetooth_cr_UG-v1.0r.pdf

[IonutZ]

I didn't know how to format the HID. Works great with 0003 though! OS recognizes it as keyboard and everything :D:D

Beautiful !!!!



Thank you sir.

[Overside]

Hey Hasu, because your controller doesn't have the USB hubs like the stock controller does, would it work when plugged in an ipad via the camera adapter? Have you tested it?

[hasu]

I think so but not confirmed with Apple camera adapter and the latest iOS. I don't have a genuine cable to test.
I tested my controller with cheap adapter clone and old iOS and it works as keyboard. But the clone cable became unusable sometime ago after iOS update.

You have to use USB controller, BT controller will not work due to battery charger.

Hey Hasu, because your controller doesn't have the USB hubs like the stock controller does, would it work when plugged in an ipad via the camera adapter? Have you tested it?

[shrubkeys]

I think so but not confirmed with Apple camera adapter and the latest iOS. I don't have a genuine cable to test.
I tested my controller with cheap adapter clone and old iOS and it works as keyboard. But the clone cable became unusable sometime ago after iOS update.

You have to use USB controller, BT controller will not work due to battery charger.

Hey Hasu, because your controller doesn't have the USB hubs like the stock controller does, would it work when plugged in an ipad via the camera adapter? Have you tested it?

Maybe this is obvious to those who have iPads - but what do you mean about the battery charger preventing BT under iOS? Also, any luck in knocking out that Windows guide? I found the compile relatively straightforward under Linux, but keep getting errors with cygwin+Win64. And regardless, let me repeat my many thanks for all your time and hard work - this controller rocks.

[hasu]

Of course BT controller can be used with iOS via Bluetooth without problem because bluetooth module RN-42 supports the OS. But I'm not sure BT controller works as an USB keybaord with iPad/iPhone when connected using 'Apple USB Camera Adapter'. Seems like whether it works or not depends on its power consumption. So I think BT controller may not work particularly when it is charging.
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD821ZM/A/lightning-to-usb-camera-adapter?fnode=3a


Are you using Cygwin64? I'm not sure this is importnat but I still use 32bit Cygwin and Atmel Toolchain(win32) on WIndows7 64bit.

[Overside]

I think so but not confirmed with Apple camera adapter and the latest iOS. I don't have a genuine cable to test.
I tested my controller with cheap adapter clone and old iOS and it works as keyboard. But the clone cable became unusable sometime ago after iOS update.

You have to use USB controller, BT controller will not work due to battery charger.

Hey Hasu, because your controller doesn't have the USB hubs like the stock controller does, would it work when plugged in an ipad via the camera adapter? Have you tested it?

I would test it myself but the controller you sent me is still stuck in customs after a week
I ordered the BT controller tho, are you saying that it won't work at all when plugging into ipads? Can you not "disable" BT mode and have it in USB mode?

[yomammary]

But I'm not sure BT controller works as an USB keybaord with iPad/iPhone when connected using 'Apple USB Camera Adapter'. Seems like whether it works or not depends on its power consumption. So I think BT controller may not work particularly when it is charging.
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD821ZM/A/lightning-to-usb-camera-adapter?fnode=3a

Confirmed, it works.
You get an error that the device is not supported, but it works!

[lumogas]

Great news! ...I've sent a PM.

[Overside]

OK so I found out that the keyboard works with IPads when plugged in with usb camera adapter if the battery is not attached, might as well use it wirelessly lol.
BTW what is the red button for under the dip switch cover?

[btctopre]

Any solution for the delay in toggling the L1 layer? Was going to push delete to that layer, but as soon as I did the delay became infinitely more bothersome. Tried reflashing firmware on a different computer using Flip and the problem is still there.

[hasu]

It is program button to upload firmware to keyboard.

BTW what is the red button for under the dip switch cover?

[hasu]

Any solution for the delay in toggling the L1 layer? Was going to push delete to that layer, but as soon as I did the delay became infinitely more bothersome. Tried reflashing firmware on a different computer using Flip and the problem is still there.

I don't know what you are saying without your keymap.
Post your keymap code or URL if you are using keymap editor.

[btctopre]

click for keymap

[hasu]

Hmm, your keymapping is simple and plain it seems to work well without delay.
"toggling"? L1 is for momentary layer switching. If you want to toggle layer you have to use T1 in TMK keymap editor.


"Was going to push delete to that layer, but as soon as I did the delay became infinitely more bothersome."
I can't sitll under stand your problem, maybe due to my poor Engrish skill. Can you explain it again with plain English?

[btctopre]

(your english is fine, you're just using very specific words to describe certain actions. so while L1 is, as you describe it, a momentary layer, by pressing L1 you're technically toggling the layer i don't know what else to say besides toggle/switch/trigger.)

this is the same problem i described in the old thread (hoffman had it too). basically when you press the key to switch to momentary layer 1, and then press a key with an assigned layer 1 action immediately after (example: [;'/ assigned to arrow keys), there's a ~50ms delay in the key input being recognized by the OS (windows 7 64 bit in my case). if you maintain your press on the momentary layer 1 key, but then continue to press other keys on the layer (so you keep Fn held down and press [ repeatedly to move left), there is no further delay in the recognition of the presses after that. so it just seems like there is a delay in the initial switch to L1.

[hasu]

Ah, thanks for reminding me,    I couldn't remember that problem at all for some reason   dumb, my short memories!
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.msg1715297#msg1715297

I filed the problem in github issue tracker and fixed it at this commit of Apr 23. If you build firmware from the latest sources you don't suffer from this problem anymore. But I didn't update Keymap Editor and default firmware used when shipping yet.
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/issues/201
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard/commit/1f4a22ee81ec1986d1ca190c78c66231d37b50e2

I'll update those later.

[btctopre]

good stuff  . i'll try and figure out how to build firmware without using the keymap editor hex sometime today and let you know the results. thanks much for your work hasu!

[btctopre]

that took entirely too long to figure out (only really need mhr avr tools it seems like, my problem was getting cgwin/mingw to recognize avr-gcc), but i finally got the hex file compiled and flashed to my keyboard and... fixed! thank you very much for your help, now i can say i'm 100% satisfied with the controller 

[rsadek]

Hasu, I love the controller! It's great. I miss the USB hub: it was very useful for connecting second keyboard,  trackball or numpad while keeping wires tidy.


Would you consider adding USB hub in the next version? Or maybe a second board as an add-on unit?


-R

[hasu]

Thank you.

Not sure I can design controller with USB hub, but I know some people need it certainly.
I for one don't use keyboard hub function and don't have motivation to develop the feature unfortunately.
But I'll look into USB hub design when I have time.

[rsadek]

I don't quite understand how to use the Boot Magic / Virtual DIP switches correctly.
Is there a site that explains in detail what to do? For example, I would like to use this to program my controller instead of using the button, but my attempts are unsuccessful. Any tips?


-R

[hasu]

You can find it here.
https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard#boot-magic-configuration---virtual-dip-switch

Just press space and b key during pluging in to start bootloader.
BootMagic works only if your firmware is sane and built with enabling BootMagic option. When you have trouble with firmware use hardware program(reset) button.

[Glissant]

I'm sorry to ask, but has anybody got the full list of fixes and how to complete them so I can make my rev D's bluetooth  module work?

[hasu]

Old GB thread has PCB revision history and info fof BT fixes. I'll add those infos in the first post fot this thead too.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.0

PCB REVISIONS
ALL REVISIONS HAS NO ERRATA FOR USB CONTROLLER
Rev.A: 2013/06
Rev.B: 2014/03
Rev.C: 2014/08
Rev.D: 2014/10  Fix for Bluetooth https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.msg1541485#msg1541485
Rev.E: 2014/11  Fix for Bluetooth https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.msg1556749#msg1556749
Rev.F: 2014/12
Rev.F(batch2): 2015/01
Rev.G: 2015/03 https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=56494.msg1675635#msg1675635