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Controller Mod Hack: Electrical Tape Cablestop
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SunshineRag_DT
- Location: United States
Maybe this is a known thing but thought I would share a quick hack I have started doing when converting a controller board in a legacy keyboard. Since I usually want to have a reversible conversion I dont want to modify the case to change the connection going out the case. In these cases I usually run the cable out and use some windings of electrical tape to act as a press fit cable stop by using the compression of the case out of the existing cable port.
Although you can run a straight cable out connected directly to the controller and maintain a legacy look, I like using a USB female adapter which lets me switch keyboards easily.
Then you can wind the electrical tape to even make a little strain relief by unevenly winding it back while making it larger, creating a little cone of tape in the front. There is some trial and error in the winding you dont want it too thick where it cause strain on the case and not too thin where the cable and still wiggle and cause strain in the interior connections. I usually wind the tape to where I can push fit it into the case opening with a little pressure. I actually looks pretty good and an could be mistaken for an actual cable stop. And once press fit there is no movement in the case.
Once I figured out how to use QMK with VIA and the Design tab I no longer have to reflash the controller to change the layout so there is no need to open the keyboard again. Using the USB female adapter gives the keyboard a little pigtail but honestly it is very useful for me. Hopefully this is useful for others.
Although you can run a straight cable out connected directly to the controller and maintain a legacy look, I like using a USB female adapter which lets me switch keyboards easily.
Then you can wind the electrical tape to even make a little strain relief by unevenly winding it back while making it larger, creating a little cone of tape in the front. There is some trial and error in the winding you dont want it too thick where it cause strain on the case and not too thin where the cable and still wiggle and cause strain in the interior connections. I usually wind the tape to where I can push fit it into the case opening with a little pressure. I actually looks pretty good and an could be mistaken for an actual cable stop. And once press fit there is no movement in the case.
Once I figured out how to use QMK with VIA and the Design tab I no longer have to reflash the controller to change the layout so there is no need to open the keyboard again. Using the USB female adapter gives the keyboard a little pigtail but honestly it is very useful for me. Hopefully this is useful for others.