Novatouch project

[keshley]

Figured I would make a thread about my current project...

I bought a Novatouch a while ago that was missing half the case. Many of the sliders were transplanted, allowing my HHKB and my other Novatouch to utilize MX keysets.

Since the cannibalized Novatouch still functions, I put the Topre sliders from my HHKB in, and this is how it sat:
 


Yes, I am aware one of the keycaps is placed wrong

A bit of a mutt right now. I plan on getting some of the JTK sliders when they become available to rectify the mismatching of the keycaps.

Next, I need a case. Yesterday, this came in the mail, with a mostly complete Phantom inside. I'll just set that aside for another project...
I took the Phantom out, took apart the Novatouch, and came across issue one: the Novatouch plate is too big. So I detached the PCB to see if it fits:



Success! Barely. Scrapes on the sides, but it goes in.

So, I have to hack off a portion of the plate, and grind the sides of the plate slightly. Hoping to get that done later today. I will update the thread once i have done just that.

[raymogi]

Interested to see where this goes. I wanna get a Novatouch for the sliders as well and maybe I can do something fun like this to what remains of it

[Bromono]

While I much prefer a RealForce with a Digilog case, I am excited to see where this goes!

This would most definitely be a cheaper alternative!

[keshley]

Success!



OK, not really. The plate is too high up, so the top row keys rub, or get stuck altogether, against the top of the case. It also doesn't sit flush. So, more modifications in order!

I hacked off about 2 MM off the top, then sanded it down to deburr and whatnot. Then I had to take off about .5mm on each side to get the plate to fit. Then problem #2 became immediately obvious: the PCB in the back sits on the ledge, so the board isn't flush inside the case.

First order of business: grind/sand off about .5+ millimeters from the front of the plate. If that's not enough, I'll likely grind a tenth or three off the front inside of the case. Hoping that's not required.
Then, I need to figure out if I can get the PCB off the ledge. May need to deepen the ledge, not sure. I have some other ideas however.

[Bromono]

Success!

Show Image

OK, not really. The plate is too high up, so the top row keys rub, or get stuck altogether, against the top of the case. It also doesn't sit flush. So, more modifications in order!

I hacked off about 2 MM off the top, then sanded it down to deburr and whatnot. Then I had to take off about .5mm on each side to get the plate to fit. Then problem #2 became immediately obvious: the PCB in the back sits on the ledge, so the board isn't flush inside the case.

First order of business: grind/sand off about .5+ millimeters from the front of the plate. If that's not enough, I'll likely grind a tenth or three off the front inside of the case. Hoping that's not required.
Then, I need to figure out if I can get the PCB off the ledge. May need to deepen the ledge, not sure. I have some other ideas however.

You could probably shave off a little of the pcb aswell if you are carefull

[keshley]

Did slightly more grinding. Plate drops in quite nicely now.



I still need to grind off more from the bottom lip of the plate. Keys aren't rubbing as badly, but still rubs.

The difference in height isn't so bad now that I've ground a bit more off the plate - must have been snagging on the edge of the case somewhere. So that problem won't be as annoying to fix as I had originally thought. Hopefully it sits a little nicer once I have it centered vertically better.

For reference, here's how much it sticks up in the back:



If I had to do it again, I'd likely cut off a bit from the top and bottom, instead of just the top. But I can still make it work

[jaffers]

I like what you are doing with the board, but I really think you need to fix up those novelty keys, they really clash with the black

[keshley]

I like what you are doing with the board, but I really think you need to fix up those novelty keys, they really clash with the black

Not high priority - want to get the thing together first. Also have to wait until CtrlAlt starts stocking the sliders.