IMB trackpoint stem DIY

[araif]

I'm searching a way to make a stem for recovered ibm trackpoints that we put on custom keyboards, I was trying to put glue some plastic and add a metallic stem that a pen contained (surely a really diy method, and horrible), the trackpoint is this one https://imgur.com/a/ih2L5 and is 3x3x2.5mm .

Do you have some clever idea to build something that snap on that trackpoint plastic part and has 1.5/2mm diameter max and is height enough to reach the keyboard caps?

[scottc]

I believe that suka has made 3d printed stems that work as you describe. I've also seen metal ones in lowpoly's posts. I'd be very interested in any developments too.

[araif]

if you don't laugh I'll show you what I was putting together https://imgur.com/oJk2odx the base is squared and fight tightly the trackpoint plastic part.

[scottc]

Looks a bit long to me! Does it work well?

In case you don't know, you can salvage trackpoints with long stems from a certain buckling rubber sleeve IBM board, the IBM Space Saver 2. I'd probably still prefer an extension like this on a newer model, though.

By the way, here are the posts I mentioned before (but didn't post because my laptop was about to die!):
Suka: http://deskthority.net/post150334.html#p150334
Lowpoly: http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/mini ... t7545.html

I was wrong about Lowpoly's pointing stick, it seems like it's an entirely separate project instead of just an adapter. Sorry!

[Halvar]

Looks good to me! I wonder if suka's plastic solution is rigid enough, I don't want my trackpoint to move.

Edit: grammar...

[araif]

yes that's too long, only because I should still put keycaps and know the correct height, but that's the minor problem, the real deal is the base.

[scottc]

Oh, I somehow forgot about CeeSA's excellent solutions for this (that kbdfr just mentioned in another thread):

CeeSA is the specialist for that kind of mods:
http://deskthority.net/photos-f62/mod-a ... ml#p102984

[suka]

I wonder if suka's plastic solution is rigid enough, I don't want my trackpoint to move...

The extensions I recently build for the HyperMicro work fine here: even without an internal metal pin the slight dampening can be overcome easily with fine-tuned trackpoint firmware settings.

It's more a matter of how much space there is between switch cases and/or how large the cutoffs at the keycap corners are.

[araif]

so the solutions there are cnc or 3d print, right?

[suka]

This extension for the HyperMicro is the most recent design I was referring to - the other one mentioned above still is my daily driver and also works, but isn't as beautiful or comfortable for the masses I guess.

[Halvar]

The extensions I recently build for the HyperMicro work fine here: even without an internal metal pin the slight dampening can be overcome easily with fine-tuned trackpoint firmware settings.

It's more a matter of how much space there is between switch cases and/or how large the cutoffs at the keycap corners are.
...
This extension for the HyperMicro is the most recent design I was referring to - the other one mentioned above still is my daily driver and also works, but isn't as beautiful or comfortable for the masses I guess.

Yes, I meant the one in that picture. That sounds good! I'd like to try one...

[scottc]

I'd like to try one too!

[araif]

I would like to try those too, but determining a right height could be really difficult for the general usage.. what could be the cost of 3d-printing one of those piece? If we could agree on a set of standard measures those could be mass printed, and hope the cost could drop

[araif]

In case you don't know, you can salvage trackpoints with long stems from a certain buckling rubber sleeve IBM board, the IBM Space Saver 2. I'd probably still prefer an extension like this on a newer model, though.

I forgot to mention that I looked at those keyboard from ebay and they were a lot more expensive than buying an used thinkpad keyboard with integrated trackpoint (I bought one for 5$). So maybe buying trackpoint keyboard + 3dprinting a stem could still be cheaper than buying one of those used space saver 2

[scottc]

In case you don't know, you can salvage trackpoints with long stems from a certain buckling rubber sleeve IBM board, the IBM Space Saver 2. I'd probably still prefer an extension like this on a newer model, though.

I forgot to mention that I looked at those keyboard from ebay and they were a lot more expensive than buying an used thinkpad keyboard with integrated trackpoint (I bought one for 5$). So maybe buying trackpoint keyboard + 3dprinting a stem could still be cheaper than buying one of those used space saver 2

Yep, I agree with you there. I got one for free but I was lucky. Need more!

[suka]

Since the extensions are really low volume parts shipping will probably be more expensive then having a few printed. I'll try to come up with a sane set of lengths and diameters for the HyperMicro case and upload the models real soon.
In any case, the designs with a hollow stem can easily be shortened or extended further by inserted a metal pin.

[wlhlm]

I'd too be interested in the Trackpoint stem.

[Redmaus]

Trackpoint stem sounds really interesting.

Would like to put one on my SSK if it happens.

[jou]

I'm currently of building an Atreus with a trackpoint and I extended the stem by drilling a hole and putting a nail into it.

resized-IMG_0397.jpg (195.62 KiB) Viewed 7454 times

The cap even fits the head of the nail exactly.

resized-IMG_0398.jpg (299.75 KiB) Viewed 7454 times

Now I'm thinking about where to put the mouse buttons…

[araif]

I'm currently of building an Atreus with a trackpoint and I extended the stem by drilling a hole and putting a nail into it.

resized-IMG_0397.jpg

The cap even fits the head of the nail exactly.

resized-IMG_0398.jpg

Now I'm thinking about where to put the mouse buttons…

you nailed it ! (sorry I had to say that..)

[Redmaus]

you nailed it ! (sorry I had to say that..)

[jonlorusso]

Now I'm thinking about where to put the mouse buttons…

Is it possible to reuse keyboard buttons as mouse buttons (via a separate layer)?

[jou]

Now I'm thinking about where to put the mouse buttons…

Is it possible to reuse keyboard buttons as mouse buttons (via a separate layer)?

In principle yes, but TMK keyboard which I'm currently using doesn't seem to support that. It doesn't send mouse presses from a keyboard layer if PS/2 mouse support is active. Plus from what I see, press-to-scroll can't be triggered from the keyboard side, only from a actual mouse button press.