Search found 75 matches

by rootwyrm
12 Nov 2016, 21:59
Forum: Workshop
Topic: Making the Costar CST104 Suck Less
Replies: 9
Views: 2783

Inconsistend desoldering times are usually caused by differenced in the thermal mass neas a soldering joint. Pins only connected by a thin PCB trace desolder nice and fast but if they are part of a larger ground plane, desoldering can take forever. This is of course amplified by thick, multi layer ...
by rootwyrm
12 Nov 2016, 02:53
Forum: Workshop
Topic: Making the Costar CST104 Suck Less
Replies: 9
Views: 2783

After quite some time wasted trying to find the heisenbug in the compiler, I finally threw in the towel for the moment on the controller. I'll get back to it when I have a keyboard I'm comfortable on that, as an added bonus, actually works. Something that can't be said for this Rosewill RK9000v2. (G...
by rootwyrm
09 Oct 2016, 21:26
Forum: Workshop
Topic: Making the Costar CST104 Suck Less
Replies: 9
Views: 2783

Well, that presumes I can get the code working. TMK clearly has some issues that frankly, I am stumped on. Every single time, even with a cleansheet, it has one stuck key. Every. Single. Time. Then the Teensy crashes. That's with DEBOUNCE at 5. Turn off debounce, and nothing works at all. No output ...
by rootwyrm
07 Oct 2016, 20:57
Forum: Workshop
Topic: Making the Costar CST104 Suck Less
Replies: 9
Views: 2783

So, a first pass at things has resulted in an interesting failure mode. One that doesn't seem to be explained anywhere else I've found. TMK builds just fine after a little hammering. However, upon connection, it repeats one key and has one key held. The held key is usually R_CTRL, so you'd think it'...
by rootwyrm
06 Oct 2016, 00:35
Forum: Workshop
Topic: Making the Costar CST104 Suck Less
Replies: 9
Views: 2783

Miscellaneous Notes on working with the CST104 PCB Attention: this is for ANSI layouts, but is convertible to ISO The CST104 uses a common PCB for both ANSI and ISO layouts. This configuration is my preference - ANSI. ISO requires implementing two additional keys already in the matrix. WARNING! Bad...
by rootwyrm
05 Oct 2016, 23:44
Forum: Workshop
Topic: Making the Costar CST104 Suck Less
Replies: 9
Views: 2783

RESERVED FOR MATRIX STUFF (gimme a sec damnit.)
key_matrix_colored.png
key_matrix_colored.png (29.62 KiB) Viewed 2693 times
KLE - annotated layout
by rootwyrm
05 Oct 2016, 23:44
Forum: Workshop
Topic: Making the Costar CST104 Suck Less
Replies: 9
Views: 2783

RESERVED FOR PINOUT DIAGRAMS (gimme a sec damnit.)
PCB side pinout
PCB side pinout
pcb_pinout.png (11.28 KiB) Viewed 2766 times
Teensy wiring
Teensy wiring
teensy_wiring.png (13.49 KiB) Viewed 2694 times
by rootwyrm
05 Oct 2016, 23:42
Forum: Workshop
Topic: Making the Costar CST104 Suck Less
Replies: 9
Views: 2783

Making the Costar CST104 Suck Less

You've seen these boards. You've probably talked trash about them too. Know how I know? Because the CST104 is the original mechanical Das (the non-total-garbage one), the Thermaltake Meka G1, and the Steelseries 7G to name just three. It's actually a lot more than those, but they all have two common...
by rootwyrm
22 Sep 2016, 14:33
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: HAL KB-2100 / HAL CT-2100 Communications Terminal
Replies: 22
Views: 7927

What I find the most interesting about these keycaps is how sharp the molding is. Usually double shots are nowhere near that clean, even with fresh tooling. It's a natural consequence of the process since you're melting plastic a second time. Normally there's gonna be bleeding and rough edges. Not s...
by rootwyrm
21 Sep 2016, 22:56
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: HAL KB-2100 / HAL CT-2100 Communications Terminal
Replies: 22
Views: 7927

ABS yellowing is due to the chemical composition changes that were made to comply with environmental regulations. It's the same as with automotive paint peel. It is a statement of fact that these cannot be PBT due to the age. PBT was invented at DuPont in the early 1930's, but the first real commerc...
by rootwyrm
14 Sep 2016, 16:57
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Father passed and I came across an old keyboard
Replies: 24
Views: 4565

seebart wrote: What you linked is a AT DIN-5 Male PS/2 PS2 6 Pin Female Keyboard Converter Adapter Cable rootwyrm! That's not going to work, he needs a Female DIN to male PS/2 adapter.
Wups, so I did. Long fucking day yesterday. Here's the CORRECT part. Sorry 'bout that.
by rootwyrm
14 Sep 2016, 16:43
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Father passed and I came across an old keyboard
Replies: 24
Views: 4565

Not even that much, to tell you the truth. In fact, all you need to get it working can be purchased from Amazon for a few bucks. No, seriously. First you'll need this kind of cable adapter. Then you'll need this SPECIFIC PS/2 to USB adapter from Monoprice . That's the one I use and it works with all...
by rootwyrm
13 Sep 2016, 22:26
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: IDENTIFY THE KEYBOARD thread
Replies: 5301
Views: 1525676

Did nobody notice the PC3270 M on the bottom shelf?
by rootwyrm
13 Sep 2016, 22:22
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: KEYTRONICS KB3270 PLUS PROFESSIONAL SERIES MICRO-TO-MAINFRAME KEYBOARD
Replies: 11
Views: 3446

Wodan wrote: There's always a 1% change it has blue Alps!
Not this model. Look at the topmost row and numlock LED. Double-wides and the indicator's top-right. Plus the stepped Ctrl row; presence of Alt and AltGr means it was definitely for PC-as-terminal.
by rootwyrm
13 Sep 2016, 15:23
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: KEYTRONICS KB3270 PLUS PROFESSIONAL SERIES MICRO-TO-MAINFRAME KEYBOARD
Replies: 11
Views: 3446

One, that's a PC keyboard. It requires a special driver for the additional scan codes. That's it. It was specifically made so a PC could be used as a mainframe terminal, the end. Some of them are serial to ease the driver stuff, but it's not common in Keytronics. But it's a foam-and-fail board, and ...
by rootwyrm
06 Sep 2016, 19:43
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: Soldering iron / solder / sucker recommendations
Replies: 6
Views: 1966

I dropped the cash on a ZD-985. It's basically the upgraded/updated ZD-915. It's performed admirably, though the newer gun design is very disappointing. The spring clogs easily and badly, the catch plate just floats around making reinstallation a bitch, and it is extremely difficult to remove the gl...
by rootwyrm
24 Aug 2016, 20:52
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: What is the oldest keyboard in your collection?
Replies: 45
Views: 9461

zslane wrote:
rootwyrm wrote: Keyboards are for typing on, not for putting under glass.
I feel the same way. I'd only make one exception...
You still can't have my one-owner IBM M13. I type on that too! ;)
by rootwyrm
24 Aug 2016, 16:32
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: What is the oldest keyboard in your collection?
Replies: 45
Views: 9461

Although I believe 2 computers were built before I was born, so maybe I am mistaken. ENIAC used punched cards for input though, not a keyboard. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ENIAC No fohat, I don't think I am younger than you are. Apparently there were a number of electronic computers built in the ...
by rootwyrm
24 Aug 2016, 13:45
Forum: News
Topic: Das Keyboard 5Q: cloud-connected, open API RGB - Gamma Zulu switches
Replies: 38
Views: 16869

Well shit, if you want "Cloud connected open API" that isn't 100% bullshit? Steelseries Apex 500 and Engine 3. Engine 3 has GameSense (open API and SDK) for controlling just about anything in Engine 3, and all your profiles are backed up to somebody else's computer - I mean saved in the cloud.
by rootwyrm
24 Aug 2016, 13:36
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: What is the oldest keyboard in your collection?
Replies: 45
Views: 9461

It often surprises folks, but I don't really have many "old" pieces. Keyboards are for typing on, not for putting under glass. I'm weird like that I guess. Probably the oldest is my 1394540 at 1990, but I do have a complete provenance on it.
by rootwyrm
18 Aug 2016, 15:48
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Magicforce 68 Key Fake Cherry MX Brown?
Replies: 20
Views: 6222

Their blogpost was also referring specifically to Cherry Yellows. Not saying that it's not the case, but just that the Cherry post was referring to a specific problem. Read the other blog I linked. Manufacturers do NOT publicly go into detail on other known counterfeits for a whole variety of reaso...
by rootwyrm
17 Aug 2016, 16:05
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Magicforce 68 Key Fake Cherry MX Brown?
Replies: 20
Views: 6222

Well their blogpost is about fake stems in original Cherry housings. Which is something different than the OP reported. As for the ones in this thread, yes, we are quick to suspect fakes on a less reputable manufacturer such as Magicforce. But I have seen a batch of those same switches in my Whitef...
by rootwyrm
17 Aug 2016, 03:01
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Magicforce 68 Key Fake Cherry MX Brown?
Replies: 20
Views: 6222

They're not bad, but not too similar to MX Browns, if you're expecting that. Gaterons are labeled clones but sound and feel very different to Cherry. While the stems are smoother, and the tactile bump is bigger which most people find agreeable, some dislike the sound and the tactile feel of Gateron...
by rootwyrm
11 Aug 2016, 15:02
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: IDENTIFY THE KEYBOARD thread
Replies: 5301
Views: 1525676

seebart wrote: Hmm "Tecmar" was an American manufacturer of PC enhancement products based in Solon, OH.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tecmar

There was also a TecMa Inc. 2918 Scott Blvd. Santa Clara, CA 95050.
It's not Tecmar (not their logo, I was a local.) I'm pretty sure it's a Tecma Group keyboard.
by rootwyrm
08 Aug 2016, 14:37
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Gaterons
Replies: 42
Views: 12023

... least in terms of quality and consistency. ... There's no debate about the crap QC and consistency of Gateron. Of five Gateron keyboards that I either built or bought, I got three totally different looking switches (milky,, clear top, full clear ...) and two out of these five keyboards gave me ...
by rootwyrm
08 Aug 2016, 00:08
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Gaterons
Replies: 42
Views: 12023

@rootwyrm: have you tried the blue ones ? No, but I would expect them to be no different from greens at least in terms of quality and consistency. All that's required to make a green a blue is swapping the spring (stem's cosmetic). Cherry blues I've had issues identical to the issues with greens, a...
by rootwyrm
06 Aug 2016, 00:33
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Gaterons
Replies: 42
Views: 12023

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/gateron-switches I just got my 240 greens, and they are definitely superior in both consistency and quality to Cherry greens. Haven't installed them yet. Don't need to to tell you that though. They are absolutely consistent and all click, and Cherry can't even manage THA...
by rootwyrm
03 Aug 2016, 16:17
Forum: Off-topic
Topic: A new US Republican thread 2016
Replies: 1690
Views: 374369

fohat wrote: http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/arc ... mp/480771/

Most memorable quote:

“an existence unmolested by the rumbling of a soul.”
... without the burden of a troublesome conscience, and freed of the fetters of even the suggestion of intelligence.
by rootwyrm
03 Aug 2016, 01:29
Forum: Keyboards
Topic: Ducky One TKL vs Coolmaster masterkeys pro S
Replies: 2
Views: 2125

The Ducky One has some crazy rattle going on in the stabilizers. Seems like Ducky is going downhill. Uh, the One is the "cheap" Ducky. So it's louder and has more of an 'echo' quality to it. But if there's rattle in the stabilizers, it probably got damaged in shipping after QA. They're still Cherry...
by rootwyrm
02 Aug 2016, 04:07
Forum: Workshop
Topic: Help! Good sources for odds and ends parts in the US?
Replies: 2
Views: 891

Post on Want To Buy and see who will help you out. I've gotten most of the above items from the odd group buy here and there, or maybe spares from some random key set. You'd be surprised how far even a tiny amount of Krytox oil or grease will go. Oh, believe me, I know how far it will go. That's wh...

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