PHANTOM Plates (Shipped)

[chzel]

Just a clarification, the postal addresses from Paypal will be ignored, don't worry if they are wrong.
I'll ship to the ones you sent me over PM.

If anyone neglects to pay for their ansi in ss or alu and your left holding the bag, lemme know as I'd be happy to jump in.

There will be extras, but not before the rest of orders go out. I'll let you know when they are available!

[meow a cat]

Thanks! I really appreciate the fast payments guys!

No problem! Thank you for your hard work making this GB possible!

[Sayso]

Just made the payment, thank you Chzel for the GB

[Nuum]

Paid! Now I just need a cheap case and I'll have all parts I need for my Phantom soon.

[scottc]

Paid! Now I just need a cheap case and I'll have all parts I need for my Phantom soon.

Where do you plan to salvage a case from? I was thinking of trying to cut up a G80 case since I have 2-3 spares, but I'm not sure how that will work.

I actually still need a PCB...

[meow a cat]

Paid! Now I just need a cheap case and I'll have all parts I need for my Phantom soon.

Where do you plan to salvage a case from? I was thinking of trying to cut up a G80 case since I have 2-3 spares, but I'm not sure how that will work.

I actually still need a PCB...

QFR case is probably the cheapest new case. It just needs one post cut to fit the Phantom plate. Maybe you can find a used case or board? I've seen used QFRs go for $50-60USD. Could also salvage switches and costar stabs from a full board.

I have a Phantom in a Filco case, and a QFR. Planning on putting a uTKL in the QFR though, and probably swapping from costar to Cherry.

For my second Phantom, I have a blue Vortex aluminum case I'm going to use. It'll be tricky but I've figured out how to get it in there mostly properly.

[Nuum]

I've been thinking of a Filco case or similar. A G80 case wouldn't fit because the distance from the F keys to the numbers is too big.

[meow a cat]

I've been thinking of a Filco case or similar. A G80 case wouldn't fit because the distance from the F keys to the numbers is too big.

A QFR case seems like a good option to me, although the Filco cases are way higher quality. It's a bit of a shame to hack up a brand new Filco..

You can order extra top cases from Coolermaster, so you can experiment with the numpad area of the Phantom too.

[scottc]

Meh, I'd rather not pay that much for a boring plastic case to be honest. Plus, $50-60 would be a total steal in Europe. It's more like double that around here.

I'd love one of those Vortex alu cases. I thought that Phantom plates didn't fit in them, though? Something about requiring the curved original Filco plate.

[chzel]

I'll be using a Filco case, the Filco was my daily driver until very recently.
Also a good cheap option is the HPE87 (if you can find one). The case is identical to the Filco.

[scottc]

I have one! I just don't want to cannibalise it (or anything similar!) for its case.

[chzel]

I know, a white one right?
No cannibalism required, drops right in. Whenever you want you can reinstall the original guts.

[scottc]

Right! Yeah, good point though. I'd like to be able to use both keyboards though, ideally. I'm sure I'll think of something eventually.

[meow a cat]

Meh, I'd rather not pay that much for a boring plastic case to be honest. Plus, $50-60 would be a total steal in Europe. It's more like double that around here.

I'd love one of those Vortex alu cases. I thought that Phantom plates didn't fit in them, though? Something about requiring the curved original Filco plate.

I have a set of special adapters that go between the plate and the PCB and allow the board to sit in the case properly. They're nigh impossible to get now though. Sugru works too, you can make standoffs on the back of the PCB.

The second issue is the Teensy touching the case, but if you put electrical tape on the bottom of the Teensy you can push it right up to the PCB. The Teensy slightly touches the case still, so you put paper or electrical tape on the bottom of the case too. Then, you just don't tighten the bolts on the case all the way. Just enough to close the gap, and voila. A few others have put Phantoms in the Vortex case before, and according to them it works great. I'd give you some links and a more detailed description, but I'm on my phone and it's 38c out here.

[scottc]

Very interesting. Thanks for the insight, meow. That sounds great. I'll need to put that case back on my wish list!

Where did you get the adapters, out of interest?

[meow a cat]

Very interesting. Thanks for the insight, meow. That sounds great. I'll need to put that case back on my wish list!

Where did you get the adapters, out of interest?

Try googling 'site:geekhack.org vortex phantom adapters' or something like that. They were 3D printed by a user named Leslieann I think?

You can try sending a PM, but responses were slow. I don't think they go on the forums much anymore. I PM'd and a got a response a month later, then the adapters in the mail like two or three months later. They were only $15 though, and it was really kind of them to make me a set!

Sugru will work though, and is readily available. Look up Glods posts in the Post Your Phantom thread on GH for some examples.

Metalliqaz (I think) has a Vortex adapted Phantom, using the 3D printed adapters, and Glod has done a couple with Sugru.

No problem, happy to share the results of my hours of research and PMing.

[MichaelBrock]

A QFR case seems like a good option to me, although the Filco cases are way higher quality. It's a bit of a shame to hack up a brand new Filco..

You can order extra top cases from Coolermaster, so you can experiment with the numpad area of the Phantom too.

I asked Cooler Master about this a few weeks ago and was told that they no longer sell the top case.

[chzel]

mechanicalkeyboards.com have the top for the KUL ES-87 in a couple of colours for 29$, could that be an option with a custom (wood?) backplate?

[strafe]

Payment sent, thanks chzel.

[quochung1989]

I'm too. Thanks

[pokoloko]

Payment Sent !! Efxaristo

[dR.Ugz]

paid!

any update to an eta of when these will be ready to send out?

[chzel]

All payments are in, I really want to thank you for being so fast about payment!
The plates should be ready by Thursday or Friday next week, so hopefully packing over that weekend, and shipping Monday the 22nd.

[meow a cat]

All payments are in, I really want to thank you for being so fast about payment!
The plates should be ready by Thursday or Friday next week, so hopefully packing over that weekend, and shipping Monday the 22nd.

Sounds great, that's pretty fast. Time to find a PCB and stuff!

Thanks for all your hard work! I'm sure this GB will be a smooth experience.

[MichaelBrock]

I bought a used G80-8100 from ebay and it came in this morning. I already have most of the switches removed (mx clear)...I probably should have paced myself. I'm going to have to wait without anything to do.

[chzel]

You need more keyboards... You should always have an ongoing project!

[chzel]

Quick update:
I have all the steel plates with me, the aluminium ones had a bit of a problem with warping so they will take a bit more time until the shop figures out the best paths and material to get them right. They should be ready within the week.
Unfortunately I got tangled up with some family obligations and couldn't pack all orders in the weekend.
I'll have some ready to drop off at the Post office tomorrow afternoon and the rest probably Tuesday!

[pokoloko]

Great job m8 thanks for organising the group buy

[MichaelBrock]

Thank you indeed! I have been checking in more than a few times a day...waiting. Getting closer!

[dR.Ugz]

hey chzel, just wondering how the shipping of the plates are going? are there tracking numbers being emailed to us?