(Model MF) Remodeling the Model M (aka.. the Mara)

[drevyek]

So as an explanation for my vote: I voted black simply for the reason that I'm going for a FEXT, and I would prefer to have slightly different colours for the PCBs. I'm a bit surprised that we even have a choice in the matter, but I think that the more colours the better. I had originally voted for the purple for that reason.

With the main PCBs being black, white and green, I don't see much agreement here. Sometimes it is better to have less choice.

[Techno Trousers]

Well, I think that black, white, and green can be combined to give some variety without too much of a clash, so I voted for the green xwhatsit. Traditionalists could then go all green, and the more adventurous could go with black and green or white and green. I was slightly nervous about the possibility of a green PCB and purple xwhatsit, though!

[Techno Trousers]

For some reason I woke up this morning with a ton of anticipation for this project bouncing around in my mind. In no particular order, I can't wait to hear about and see pictures of:

• Latest (final?) plates
• Double foam layer testing and expected longevity
• Testing of the M/F screw-on wire stabilizer points
• Testing of a plug-in Xwhatsit with daughter card
• Testing of fitted port blank(s)
• Result of custom shipping/storage boxes quote and feasibility

Please don't take this as impatience or pressure, lizard, I'm just on pins and needles over this project! To me it's the most exciting project for custom keyboards since... Ever!

[lot_lizard]

I got the screws tapped and countersunk on the plates, but need to salvage the foam from the previous prototype since I am still waiting for the die to be produced for the foam. Couple more weeks for the die I would expect.

Once I polish the stainless steel a bit, we'll assemble everything for both the SSK and full-size. I will be tied up for most of the weekend yet, but should have something either tomorrow evening, or Monday morning. Daughter boards look good. Few small tweaks to the dimensions, but very serviceable as-is. Well done WCass

I'm anxious to get it together as well. Long time coming (or seems that way to me)...

[Techno Trousers]

It's actually moving along at a good clip! I just need to do some meditation exercises while I wait.

[andrewjoy]

I voted for green, as if i cannot have a white full sized then i want it all to match

[micrex22]

I have a question actually... how difficult would it be to tool in the extra barrels needed for the JP layout? In particular the split spacebar:


It would be awesome to use those keycaps on a MF and assign the others to extra macros (thus allowing even more keys to be had). But, I assume it wouldn't be practical to re-tool everything. And i$'s PCBs would have to be modified, too.

[E TwentyNine]

I have a question actually... how difficult would it be to tool in the extra barrels needed for the JP layout? In particular the split spacebar:

You'd have to have the extra pads on the pcb, which would require amending that. I don't think that's a huge technical hurdle, as the windows keys were added at one point, but wonder if it's too late in the game for it. The demand may not be there to justify the expense.

[Techno Trousers]

Speaking only for myself, the size of that spacebar would be fine, but the placement is awful. I'd be hitting right between it and the key to the right.

[micrex22]

You'd have to have the extra pads on the pcb, which would require amending that. I don't think that's a huge technical hurdle, as the windows keys were added at one point, but wonder if it's too late in the game for it. The demand may not be there to justify the expense.

It's 99.9% too late at this point. Too bad, wish I thought about it sooner. Although... as you've said the demand is most likely going to be just me :p

What I could do is redesign the PCB and then use the 5576-C01 barrel plate to go on top.

Speaking only for myself, the size of that spacebar would be fine, but the placement is awful. I'd be hitting right between it and the key to the right.

I have this odd habit of using my left thumb for the spacebar, so it works perfectly for me :p

[lot_lizard]

I have a question actually... how difficult would it be to tool in the extra barrels needed for the JP layout?

The left key on a split spacebar needs to be a 1u spacing, otherwise it would require a different PCB altogether. The only alternative configuration I have ever found that would technically work well for what we have now (requiring 3 extra pads/barrel cutouts) would be this. It is a right shift from an M and the "Code" key from a Wheelwriter. I am still debating about adding it. Unicomp would carry the blank right shift and ctrl/alt, but the Code key would require some Wheelwriters become useless (my two keys are from unsavable typewriters). It would be a good layout for myself.

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[fohat]

It looks to me like it would take pads and cutouts for 2 Codes and a standard Control or Alt-sized key on the right.

The active barrels look like they would both need to be on the left rather than the right as on the Shift key.

[lot_lizard]

It looks to me like it would take pads and cutouts for 2 Codes and a standard Control or Alt-sized key on the right.

The active barrels look like they would both need to be on the left rather than the right as on the Shift key.

Size wise... I agree, the problem is the "Code" key is not a 1u on the left side, so it couldn't support the standard spacebar stabilizer barrel. I am traveling again already, but do have this in the cloud luckily to post. Right shift on top, Code key on bottom.


Not suggesting I tried EVERY configuration possible, but attempted many. This was the only layout I could find that honored the old, but provided an alternative. In theory, it would handle right or left-hand spacebar usage well. I have found that most people always space with the same hand, so most would gain two keys. If you count the winkeys, that would be 4 extra using Model M, plus 1 Wheelwriter, originals. Note though that the "Code" key is rounded vs slightly concaved for the surface (I actually like that)

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[Techno Trousers]

I like having a rounded spacebar too. It feels nice when constantly banging on it with the side of my thumb.

[Touch_It]

Most of us following the thread actively would likely agree it's the best layout ever produced (at least for a bucking spring)

So what layout would be an improvement over an M or SSK, buckling spring or not?

Nothing imo. M is the perfect layout. Sometimes Windows keys are useful. Eg 103 key unicomp m.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Wodan]

LOL when did this turn into the Model MotherFucker?

Love this project, Model F mechanics are SO much better than Model M. Will there be a new thread where we can start throwing money at you once there is something to order?

I want to order the shit out of this project.

[lot_lizard]

LOL when did this turn into the Model MotherFucker?

There have been references in the past:

• Mentioned in casual passing
• Ran with by Muirium

It was just a short tribute to Muirium if he's out there... Letting him know he's missed (kind of like the Bat Signal). It may pop up from time to time

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[lot_lizard]

WCass has made some updates to the mini xWhatsit for us. A reminder, this will be using the FFC (Flexible Flat Connector) to slip directly onto the PCB without cables or soldering. No 30 pin connector exists, so it will use an 11 and 19 (identical to the format many of us have soldered the xWhatsit on if using two cables). I will order right away so we can test it out. The only remaining electronic tasks, aside from testing, would be the connector changes to the PCB itself.

WCass is doing some great work for us here. It's highly appreciated

Controller Top

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Controller Bottom

miniXWhatsitBottom.png (456.85 KiB) Viewed 5727 times

[Techno Trousers]

Here goes a dumb question... Shouldn't there be a notch in the PCB between the 11 and 19 pin connection points? I'm assuming this based on the picture of the FF connector that you linked, which looks like it's closed on the ends.

BTW, I really like that it's split into two connectors. That makes it impossible for a buffoon like me to insert it ass backwards. ;P

Oh, also, the shot of the PCB from the bottom should have the connectors on the opposite sides, but if it's just a mock up for us that shouldn't matter.

[Ratfink]

Oh, also, the shot of the PCB from the bottom should have the connectors on the opposite sides, but if it's just a mock up for us that shouldn't matter.

It's pretty standard for EDA software to show the bottom of the board mirrored, as though you're looking through the top. That's what's going on here; notice the xwhatsit logo is mirrored as well.

[lot_lizard]

Shouldn't there be a notch in the PCB between the 11 and 19 pin connection points? I'm assuming this based on the picture of the FF connector that you linked, which looks like it's closed on the ends.

Right... the PCB will be altered to look more like the beam spring connector.

Oh, also, the shot of the PCB from the bottom should have the connectors on the opposite sides, but if it's just a mock up for us that shouldn't matter.

It's pretty standard for EDA software to show the bottom of the board mirrored, as though you're looking through the top. That's what's going on here; notice the xwhatsit logo is mirrored as well.

Exactly... I flipped the image in DipTrace to make it out better

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[Techno Trousers]

Oh, also, the shot of the PCB from the bottom should have the connectors on the opposite sides, but if it's just a mock up for us that shouldn't matter.

It's pretty standard for EDA software to show the bottom of the board mirrored, as though you're looking through the top. That's what's going on here; notice the xwhatsit logo is mirrored as well.

Ah, okay. So it's more like a bottom layer rather than a view from the bottom. Thanks!

[lot_lizard]

Going to let this poll run until tomorrow midday, but would like to see more votes. Again, this is for the xWhatsit controller and USB daughter board color. I would really like to see one color become a clear favorite (juggling multiple PCB colors is the extent I want to mess with). The PCB's will be available in white/green for the SSK, and black/green for the full-size. At noonish tomorrow I'll make an executive decision. If you voted white, please pick either black or green. 5-10 more votes would be comforting. If you really don't have a preference, but ultimately think something is a more "generic" and aesthetically pleasing... Vote away.

[andrewjoy]

If we do go green can we go for the old school olive green not that horrible modern cheap ebay green ?

[Khers]

Mmm, old school!

[Techno Trousers]

If we do go green can we go for the old school olive green not that horrible modern cheap ebay green ?

Are there any comparison pictures of what you mean? I might switch to black if the green looks bad.

[tentator]

I'd like to have both split spacebar AND window keys..

[lot_lizard]

I'd like to have both split spacebar AND window keys..

I THINK I am going to add the capability in the top plate for the following configuration. It is three extra barrels that we will just cap (so an impact to the bottom line of about 12 cents). I don't want to impact the schedule with PCB changes though (unless someone wants to take that). The plates are the expensive part about all of this. If in the future you decide to make it work, you will only need to have a new PCB created... and with the new xWhatsit connector, no soldering will be necessary.


I believe it is the only configuration that honors the standard layout, but would allow you to also get creative. If someone dreams up another, let me know.

[fohat]

It is three extra barrels that we will just cap

I believe it is the only configuration that honors the standard layout, but would allow you to also get creative.

So for what you show, the stabilizer sleeve for Right Shift is going into the current empty barrel at the left end of the space bar, a new barrel will be added for the active leg of Right Shift, the active leg of Code goes in the current space bar barrel, and new barrels are added for the stabilizer leg of Code and the new 1.5u Alt to the left of existing Alt?

And if you wanted the conventional space bar, you simply ignore those 3 holes as if they didn't exist?

That would be pretty cool. I'm glad I have 2 Code keys, even if I map the pieces to space bar, anyway.

[lot_lizard]

So for what you show, the stabilizer sleeve for Right Shift is going into the current empty barrel at the left end of the space bar, a new barrel will be added for the active leg of Right Shift, the active leg of Code goes in the current space bar barrel, and new barrels are added for the stabilizer leg of Code and the new 1.5u Alt to the left of existing Alt?

And if you wanted the conventional space bar, you simply ignore those 3 holes as if they didn't exist?

Exactly... well worded. We will just use sheet metal plugs to guard against debris. I have some pictures of the assembled SSK (traveling still), but will try to put a post together of all the happenings. It will show the plugs where the winkey locations are. We would use the same for these three (sit nice and flush)