[GB] Zlant 40% QMK Keyboard GROUP BUY OPEN (for extras), SHIPPING

[ziptyze]

This group buy will be for the Zlant, a uniform-stagger 4x12 QMK powered keyboard.

I have some extra kits still available from unpaid invoices. I will keep the form open as long as I still have some available.

Group Buy Link:

Available layouts are as follows:


Full grid


2U Space


1.25U/1.5U/1.25U Middle

I have tried to keep costs for these kits down as much as possible. The kit will include the pcb, a top plate, and a bottom plate all made of FR4 pcb material. Additionally kits include a GMK 2u screw in stabilizer, 7mm spacers, m2 screws, and bumpons.

Kits are $65 for one kit, $64 each for two kits, $63 each for three kits and so forth. If you wish to purchase more than 10, please contact me directly. Price includes first-class shipping to the CONUS. International first-class shipping will be $15 extra for up to two boards, larger orders will be calculated on a case by case basis.

There is no option in this group buy for an unsoldered PCB. As of right now I don't have plans for assembly, but if you're interested you may message me and we can talk about some options.

Here are some pictures of my functional prototypes:







And some pictures of an assembled board:





UPDATE 08/09/19 - PCBs have been ordered. All other components are already on their way to me. Group buy still open for extra kits.

UPDATE 09/20/18 - I'm more than halfway through shipping. Once I've completed shipping I will create a detailed assembly video for anyone that wants to use it.

[ziptyze]

For the current kits, you will receive a bag of parts including anti-skid bumpons, a GMK screw in 2u stabilizer, 2 4mm m2 screws (for the stabilizer), 6 5mm m2 screws (for the bottom of the board, and attaching standoffs), 6 3mm m2 hex head screws (for attaching the plate to the standoffs), 6 m2 7mm standoffs, and a hex wrench for the hex head screws.



Info follows for previous group buy:

If you ordered an un-soldered board, you will receive with your pcb a packet containing all of the components:

1. 1 x 32u4 microcontroller
2. 1 x crystal
3. 1 x 10uf capacitor (big orange one, polarized)
4. 1 x 1uf capacitor (thicker of the small white caps)
5. 2 x 22pf capacitors (thinner of the small white caps)
6. 2 x 10k ohm resistors
7. 2 x 22 ohm resistors
8. 1 x reset switch
9. 1 x usb jack
10. 50 x diodes

Here is a picture of the placement and polarity of all of the components. All diodes not pictured follow the same polarity.



Default json is attached for use at kbfirmware.com

Below is a picture of the 3d printed case



And this is the case file on Thingiverse: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3021803. I was going to offer it for sale on Shapeways as well, but it's stupid expensive. Find a friend, or buy a printer. They're fun.

[ArchDill]

It is just so dang interesting...

[Daellin]

So cheap! Wish there was a hi-profile case but the cost reflects that. In for one!

[ziptyze]

So cheap! Wish there was a hi-profile case but the cost reflects that. In for one!

There will be



I’ll need to secure some manufacturing for it, or you could get someone to print it. If you get one of these kits you’ll be able to use it in the future though because they’ll be completely drop-in.

[W00gala]

Definitely in for at least one of the solder yourself kits, will be following this!

[MikeTheTiger]

Hmmm...I'm in.

[ziptyze]

Edited the first post because I realized I forgot an order form.

[MikeTheTiger]

Edited the first post because I realized I forgot an order form.

The soldered kit uses smd compotnents?

[ziptyze]

Edited the first post because I realized I forgot an order form.

The soldered kit uses smd compotnents?

Yes, no through hole other than the little bit on the USB port

[MikeTheTiger]

Edited the first post because I realized I forgot an order form.

The soldered kit uses smd compotnents?

Yes, no through hole other than the little bit on the USB port

Cool

[Daellin]

So cheap! Wish there was a hi-profile case but the cost reflects that. In for one!

There will be

Show Image

I’ll need to secure some manufacturing for it, or you could get someone to print it. If you get one of these kits you’ll be able to use it in the future though because they’ll be completely drop-in.

Yes I remember seeing that - I figured there might have been an acrylic hi-profile option in the works, I'd prefer that as 3D printing looks a bit too "choppy" for me.

[MatchstickMan]

So if I understand this correctly, the DIY kit ($35) comes with all the SMD parts (diodes, controller, etc.) and also the sandwich case bits (standoffs, plates, etc.)? I would just need to solder the SMD components, find switches, and keycaps?

[ziptyze]

So if I understand this correctly, the DIY kit ($35) comes with all the SMD parts (diodes, controller, etc.) and also the sandwich case bits (standoffs, plates, etc.)? I would just need to solder the SMD components, find switches, and keycaps?

That is correct

[ziptyze]

So cheap! Wish there was a hi-profile case but the cost reflects that. In for one!

There will be

Show Image

I’ll need to secure some manufacturing for it, or you could get someone to print it. If you get one of these kits you’ll be able to use it in the future though because they’ll be completely drop-in.

Yes I remember seeing that - I figured there might have been an acrylic hi-profile option in the works, I'd prefer that as 3D printing looks a bit too "choppy" for me.

Oh sorry, yeah I don’t intend on selling the printed ones, it would take me waaaaaaay too long to produce them since I could only make one or two a day. That’s just the design that I would like to have milled, or eventually sls printed which is a very different printing process with no discernible print lines. I intend at some point in the future to do a group buy when I finalize how I will have the cases produced.

[dwarflemur]

Where are the bypass caps on that PCB? I don't see any... Does it have ESD protection?

[MatchstickMan]

Another question: What's the timeline on this GB? Specifically for the DIY kits.

Might be good to add to the OP as well.

[ziptyze]

Another question: What's the timeline on this GB? Specifically for the DIY kits.

Might be good to add to the OP as well.

Sorry, I’ll add this in the main post as well. Once most of the invoices clear and I know how many PCBs I need (people want quite a few bare kits), I’ll submit the order for more PCBs. They generally take about 7-10 days from the time I submit payment. My other components should arrive before the PCBs because digikey ships pretty quickly. I will ship bare kits first, because I’ll be able to prepare the components and everything else but the PCBs before they arrive and have the shipping labels ready to go. Then I’ll solder the other boards and ship in order of the invoices. I’ll update as that’s moving along, but I can do one or two boards a night depending on how the soldering is cooperating with me on any given evening.

[ziptyze]

Where are the bypass caps on that PCB? I don't see any... Does it have ESD protection?

Per the specs for the controller, there is one large cap on the VCC instead of the multiple that some PCBs use that are based on the tutorial on github. If you look at the controllers and components for the gon nerd60 and wkl b.face you’ll see they use the same basic design. The wkl has a little more going on for the leds and PS2, but the main part is the same.

[dwarflemur]

Where are the bypass caps on that PCB? I don't see any... Does it have ESD protection?

Per the specs for the controller, there is one large cap on the VCC instead of the multiple that some PCBs use that are based on the tutorial on github. If you look at the controllers and components for the gon nerd60 and wkl b.face you’ll see they use the same basic design. The wkl has a little more going on for the leds and PS2, but the main part is the same.

Sure, but where is it physically on your pcb? For it to do what it's supposed to do it should be as close to the MCU as possible, and it doesn't look like there is a cap anywhere near that chip unless it's on the other side.

[ziptyze]

Where are the bypass caps on that PCB? I don't see any... Does it have ESD protection?

Per the specs for the controller, there is one large cap on the VCC instead of the multiple that some PCBs use that are based on the tutorial on github. If you look at the controllers and components for the gon nerd60 and wkl b.face you’ll see they use the same basic design. The wkl has a little more going on for the leds and PS2, but the main part is the same.

Sure, but where is it physically on your pcb? For it to do what it's supposed to do it should be as close to the MCU as possible, and it doesn't look like there is a cap anywhere near that chip unless it's on the other side.

WKL b.face for reference



Zlant pcb



Perhaps it could be closer and I’m not perfect from an engineering perspective. But, that’s where I put it, and it works. These micro controllers aren’t quite so sensitive as all of the “best practices” would lead you to believe. I accidentally swapped a resistor and the USB cap once, and it still worked just fine.

[ziptyze]

update in the first post

[MatchstickMan]

I'm ok with a thicker board.

Take a look at McMaster-Carr for some of your hardware. You might be able to get some more consistent shipping times vs Aliexpress.

[ziptyze]

I'm ok with a thicker board.

Take a look at McMaster-Carr for some of your hardware. You might be able to get some more consistent shipping times vs Aliexpress.

McMaster Carr is amazing. I use them for everything I can. They have delivered things to me before the money was out of my account. However, they do not have the standoffs I want in the thread size I want unfortunately. There’s tons of stuff in m2.5, but I need m2. That’s significantly harder to find for whatever reason.

[MatchstickMan]

How's this coming along? Did the standoffs make it in?

[W00gala]

How's this coming along? Did the standoffs make it in?

He's been updating regularly through email if you participated in the group buy, i believe the order was supposed to arrive friday last week?

[ziptyze]

How's this coming along? Did the standoffs make it in?

He's been updating regularly through email if you participated in the group buy, i believe the order was supposed to arrive friday last week?

Supposed to, yes, but unfortunately that was an estimate and not based on actual tracking since it’s coming from China. They did not come over the weekend. Fingers crossed that they’ll be there when I get home and I can square things up while I’m off tomorrow.

[Daellin]

Was it announced if there were stabs to come with the kit?

[ziptyze]

Was it announced if there were stabs to come with the kit?

Not for this kit, no

[ziptyze]

Standoffs are here, everything will be shipping in the next few days

[MatchstickMan]

Standoffs are here, everything will be shipping in the next few days

Woop woop! Can't wait to try my hand at some SMD soldering!

[ziptyze]

Standoffs are here, everything will be shipping in the next few days

Woop woop! Can't wait to try my hand at some SMD soldering!

Get some flux. Flux is your friend. Also, have some thin gauge stranded wire. It works much better for fixing bridges on the controller than wick and doesn’t leave as much of a mess.

[MatchstickMan]

Get some flux. Flux is your friend. Also, have some thin gauge stranded wire. It works much better for fixing bridges on the controller than wick and doesn’t leave as much of a mess.

Thanks for the tip, I'll be sure to pick some up.

[ziptyze]

All boards are packed, labeled, and ready to be dropped off at the post office.

For anyone that missed out on this round, I'll be starting the factory soldered buy soon!

[historium]

If you ordered an un-soldered board, you will receive with your pcb a packet containing all of the components:

1. 1 x 32u4 microcontroller
2. 1 x crystal
3. 1 x 10uf capacitor (big orange one, polarized)
4. 1 x 1uf capacitor (thicker of the small white caps)
5. 2 x 22pf capacitors (thinner of the small white caps)
6. 2 x 10k ohm resistors
7. 2 x 22 ohm resistors
8. 1 x reset switch
9. 1 x usb jack
10. 50 x diodes

Here is a picture of the placement and polarity of all of the components. All diodes not pictured follow the same polarity.

(picture incoming, saved so I don't lose what I wrote)

I received mine today, could you upload that picture? Thanks

[ziptyze]

If you ordered an un-soldered board, you will receive with your pcb a packet containing all of the components:

1. 1 x 32u4 microcontroller
2. 1 x crystal
3. 1 x 10uf capacitor (big orange one, polarized)
4. 1 x 1uf capacitor (thicker of the small white caps)
5. 2 x 22pf capacitors (thinner of the small white caps)
6. 2 x 10k ohm resistors
7. 2 x 22 ohm resistors
8. 1 x reset switch
9. 1 x usb jack
10. 50 x diodes

Here is a picture of the placement and polarity of all of the components. All diodes not pictured follow the same polarity.

(picture incoming, saved so I don't lose what I wrote)

I received mine today, could you upload that picture? Thanks

I will get it when I get home tonight.

[historium]

If you ordered an un-soldered board, you will receive with your pcb a packet containing all of the components:

1. 1 x 32u4 microcontroller
2. 1 x crystal
3. 1 x 10uf capacitor (big orange one, polarized)
4. 1 x 1uf capacitor (thicker of the small white caps)
5. 2 x 22pf capacitors (thinner of the small white caps)
6. 2 x 10k ohm resistors
7. 2 x 22 ohm resistors
8. 1 x reset switch
9. 1 x usb jack
10. 50 x diodes

Here is a picture of the placement and polarity of all of the components. All diodes not pictured follow the same polarity.

(picture incoming, saved so I don't lose what I wrote)

I received mine today, could you upload that picture? Thanks

I will get it when I get home tonight.

lol

good thing that month long wait for the standoffs gave you time to prepare

[chuckdee]

The entitlement is strong in this one.

[ziptyze]

If you ordered an un-soldered board, you will receive with your pcb a packet containing all of the components:

1. 1 x 32u4 microcontroller
2. 1 x crystal
3. 1 x 10uf capacitor (big orange one, polarized)
4. 1 x 1uf capacitor (thicker of the small white caps)
5. 2 x 22pf capacitors (thinner of the small white caps)
6. 2 x 10k ohm resistors
7. 2 x 22 ohm resistors
8. 1 x reset switch
9. 1 x usb jack
10. 50 x diodes

Here is a picture of the placement and polarity of all of the components. All diodes not pictured follow the same polarity.

(picture incoming, saved so I don't lose what I wrote)

I received mine today, could you upload that picture? Thanks

I will get it when I get home tonight.

lol

good thing that month long wait for the standoffs gave you time to prepare

Uploaded

[ziptyze]

Updated the second post in the thread to include the default json for the Zlant for use at kbfirmware.com, in case you want to modify the layout. Default layout is the same as a Planck.

[sako]

Could you also upload the case 3d model? So I can place the print order while I wait for the kit to arrive!

[ziptyze]

Could you also upload the case 3d model? So I can place the print order while I wait for the kit to arrive!

What color are you looking for? I need to run a few test prints, and if I have the color you want, I'll send you one.

[chuckdee]

I'd like black or gray if yku have any extra

[MatchstickMan]

I'd be in for any color if you're doing test prints!

[W00gala]

I'd be in for any color if you're doing test prints!

+1
willing to pay shipping and print costs if you are.

[ziptyze]

Group buy is now open!!!

[Rumblehotep]

Oh man that hipro case looks dope, hope they exist soon. 
In for a kit in the meantime!

[ygecko]

Dumb question, but what is the rgb LED part number to pick up for this board?

[ziptyze]

Dumb question, but what is the rgb LED part number to pick up for this board?

They're WS2812's. However, if you use the plate that comes with the kit, they won't shine through much. They're really not going to be useful until I can get some translucent acrylic plates cut which is why I haven't really advertised them as a feature.

[ygecko]

I did mine with tealios with clear housings and the rgb turned out awesome.