Omnikey PCB and Fullsize Customs (Round 2 opening soon)

[Polecat]

Oh dang, that’s disappointing! This summer I was planning on putting it together for my gold label. I’ll be sure to post pics if/when I run into trouble.

Indeed this appears to be a generation thing. My crude measurements topside using a steel rule with 1/64 inch graduations shows center to center between F2 and esc or ~ to be approximately 1-1/8" on Gen1, 1-9/64" on Gen2, and 1-1/4" on Gen3 Omnikey 102 boards. Digital caliper is a POS and worse than useless for this. Sorry I've been mostly out of the loop here lately, too much overtime at work.

[Depeche]

I have an ultra, I'll try and see if it fits, hopefully get around to it soon.

[BlindAssassin111]

Welp, haven't gotten to finish editing the board as the person I bought the omnikey from still hasn't dropped it off at the post office, and hasn't given a reason why or even contacted me over the past 10 days, so I may not ever get it at this rate. So the updated board is on hold until I can get the needed measurements firsthand to makes sure I fix it once and for all.

[BlindAssassin111]

Update:

I received the Omnikey Plus(not 102, not sure why I said that...) and I was able to verify the different function key spacing. So with that I have edited the board to reflect the new information.

What I changed was:
1) added 2 more footprint per left function switch to allow between 0.5in and 0.55in for the 2 recently measured variants. Along with the current spacing that works with the Ultra T and similar spaced boards.
2) Brought the top row function keys, the lower ones, closer to the alpha cluster as it was slightly too high by 0.05in.
3) Brought the lower LEDs down with the top row function keys to fix the spacing.
4) Moved all solder pad mounting holes to what I have measured to be the correct position, which may be ever so slightly off but shouldn't need any filing to actually work.
5) Brought the board down to 483mm X 148.5mm from the previous 486mm X 151mm. Which allows better fitment on all variants.
6) Changed the break away holes to include more so it was easier to actually cut off, and it should still be strong enough for those who won't be cutting it off.
7) Update the silkscreen to include the revision change and the logo above the LEDs is gone now(both because I regret ever putting it on and because I accidentally removed it and it can't be recovered...)

With that said, Does anyone have suggestions they would like to see added? And any recommendations of when you would like to see the new GB run? Pricing would be the same as the board size decrease doesn't change enough to save money(only a 2.26% decrease in area)

[//gainsborough]

Update:

I received the Omnikey Plus(not 102, not sure why I said that...) and I was able to verify the different function key spacing. So with that I have edited the board to reflect the new information.

What I changed was:
1) added 2 more footprint per left function switch to allow between 0.5in and 0.55in for the 2 recently measured variants. Along with the current spacing that works with the Ultra T and similar spaced boards.
2) Brought the top row function keys, the lower ones, closer to the alpha cluster as it was slightly too high by 0.05in.
3) Brought the lower LEDs down with the top row function keys to fix the spacing.
4) Moved all solder pad mounting holes to what I have measured to be the correct position, which may be ever so slightly off but shouldn't need any filing to actually work.
5) Brought the board down to 483mm X 148.5mm from the previous 486mm X 151mm. Which allows better fitment on all variants.
6) Changed the break away holes to include more so it was easier to actually cut off, and it should still be strong enough for those who won't be cutting it off.
7) Update the silkscreen to include the revision change and the logo above the LEDs is gone now(both because I regret ever putting it on and because I accidentally removed it and it can't be recovered...)

With that said, Does anyone have suggestions they would like to see added? And any recommendations of when you would like to see the new GB run? Pricing would be the same as the board size decrease doesn't change enough to save money(only a 2.26% decrease in area)

So is there anyway to fix the issue with the first run PCBs so that they fit older 102 boards?

[BlindAssassin111]

So is there anyway to fix the issue with the first run PCBs so that they fit older 102 boards?

I know you can fix the issue with the function keys to the left, but I don't know if the top function row can fit without issue(including F11 and F12 in the left F keys), but I haven't desoldered my Plus to check fitment as my soldering iron is down and I only received the Plus yesterday. So I would need someone else to check until I can afford to get a new iron(will be a while as I need to focus on fixing my car more than getting a soldering iron atm). From just looking at my PCB and putting a switch in, the holes for the switch pins seem to allow them to mount but not 100% sure.

To fix the left F keys you have to cut off the F key section of the PCB and sand it back to allow it to sit closer to the rest of the PCB and then add jumpers from the diodes to the vias with the corresponding row column. The vias are actually on the line for the cut and can be seen fairly easily with light. I can try and make a more detailed guide later on.

[Hak Foo]

Update:
the logo above the LEDs is gone now(both because I regret ever putting it on and because I accidentally removed it and it can't be recovered...)

I liked the logo. It had personality.

[BlindAssassin111]

Update:
the logo above the LEDs is gone now(both because I regret ever putting it on and because I accidentally removed it and it can't be recovered...)

I liked the logo. It had personality.

I liked it originally but over time was thinking maybe it didn't fit the project, idk I was also worried people thought it was stupid tbh...

I just managed to find the footprint for the image hidden in my component libraries, so I can bring it back...and I could even make it gold(remove the soldermask) instead of making it on the silkscreen layer, if that is desired.

[Hak Foo]

Bear in mind I'm not your target market. The Round 1 PCB worked fine for me, and I don't have any extra spare Northgates to cut up.

Now, someone should do a replacement PCB for AT101Ws. They're cheap and available-- so you can legitimately say "drop $50 on one for the case and plate" and aren't nearly as appealing out of the box (no NKRO, no programmability/swappability) so there's more room to improve them with a better PCB.

[Elrick]

Now, someone should do a replacement PCB for AT101Ws.

AGREED.

They're cheap and available-- so you can legitimately say "drop $50 on one for the case and plate" and aren't nearly as appealing out of the box (no NKRO, no programmability/swappability) so there's more room to improve them with a better PCB.

Looking forward to that ever happening, unless "them on Flebay" suddenly think all AT101W's would then be worth $200 or $300 each (never underestimate outright greed).

[BlindAssassin111]

Now, someone should do a replacement PCB for AT101Ws.

AGREED.

I have started an IC for this exact project now. group-buys-f50/at101-at101w-programable-pcb-t19110.html



Updating the omnikey title to reflect another round. Not sure when I will be opening it up though...maybe in a week or two? Idk if there will be enough interest if I start that soon.

[Elrick]

Updating the omnikey title to reflect another round. Not sure when I will be opening it up though...maybe in a week or two? Idk if there will be enough interest if I start that soon.

I missed out on getting the first round of OmniKey PCBs so if you're running a second round I shall be on it.

Now I have to find someone to solder on all the diodes and have it working (my fingers can not even begin to do this) .

[codemonkeymike]

Updating the omnikey title to reflect another round. Not sure when I will be opening it up though...maybe in a week or two? Idk if there will be enough interest if I start that soon.

I missed out on getting the first round of OmniKey PCBs so if you're running a second round I shall be on it.

Now I have to find someone to solder on all the diodes and have it working (my fingers can not even begin to do this) .

Isn't that what the children are for?

[Elrick]

Isn't that what the children are for?

You mean "Child Abuse" which would be the correct phrase here.

The Mrs wasn't happy when the youngest burnt herself using the solder, wasn't my most smartest decision in letting her near that soldering iron.

The days of underage labour are now over at my house.

[Hak Foo]

Isn't that what the children are for?

You mean "Child Abuse" which would be the correct phrase here.

You're toughening the kid up and giving him a skill that will always be in demand. I'd call that quality parenting.

[BlindAssassin111]

Just wanted to give an update on round 2. The current plan is to run all of the PCBs I worked on, or currently working on, in the same GB in order to consolidate everything. Reason being it will make all information available in one place and I will only have to manage a single GB instead of 3(there is another board in the works) and then if people want to buy more than one, it can easily be done on a single order/invoice.

I don't have a date for when that GB will launch but it will have to be after the third board is finished, and that will hopefully wrap up this week. And then I need to get quotes to update pricing as I wasn't 100% happy with the 1st round boards and I would like to get them made by a better manu, so prices will change a bit.

[andrewjoy]

Can we go with something other than shiny black solder mask this time please?

It makes it hard to trace the board out if you need to diagnose anything later down the line, it also shows dirt flux and marks more.

A nice classic olive green ( rarther than the modern green) would be good.

[BlindAssassin111]

Can we go with something other than shiny black solder mask this time please?

It makes it hard to trace the board out if you need to diagnose anything later down the line, it also shows dirt flux and marks more.

A nice classic olive green ( rarther than the modern green) would be good.

I wasn't a fan of the gloss black either, but they didn't offer matte black...

I am not a fan of green PCBs either...and it defeats the purpose of the name "Black Heart" when the board is not black. And custom solder mask is out...that costs quite a bit more money and most likely a much larger quantity as well.

I would prefer to use matte black or maybe gloss blue, if something different is desired.

[andrewjoy]

If matte is an option go matte

If its not i would say you would be better off with blue then out of your list of preferences

[BlindAssassin111]

Okay so I have the new pricing for the Omnikey boards, Pricing has gone up as I will be using a better manufacturer this go around due to the first round not really being that great of quality, this is reflected in the pricing increase.

Pricing:

• 10 - $66
  15 - $53
  20 - $46
  30 - $36
  40 - $33

To note something that will be different this round compared to last:

• 1) Quantity minimum is 10 and any number above that is orderable, as the new manu allows me to order any number I want. So the pricing reflects price breaks more rather than just order number cutoffs, if that makes sense.
  
  2) International shipping will have to be different as I no longer have access to the DHL account I used for the last round, so pricing will change and the speed will be much slower as I have to use USPS first class package, which takes a few weeks. This isn't ideal but I have no other way of doing this economically for those abroad.
  
  3) The GB will be run along with other board options to consolidate everything and because I need to run this on GH as well and I am limited to 2 concurrent GBs and I have an open GB still. So the ordering options include the AT101/AT101W PCB, A Zenith Z-150 Teensy++ PCB, Diodes and spacebar stab inserts for those that wish to run Tai-Hao or SP alps cap sets.

I need help with the Z-150 as I need someone to measure a SKCL switch, with an LED, because I can't find any info on the footprint of the switch with LEDs and that board has 3 switches that require those LEDs. So the faster I can get that information, the faster the GB can open.

I will try and launch this around the 25th, if possible, as I need to get the final quote for the AT101 assembly and then get everything setup for the GB.

[andrewjoy]

When my z150 arrives i will take a look for you

[Anakey]

I need help with the Z-150 as I need someone to measure a SKCL switch, with an LED, because I can't find any info on the footprint of the switch with LEDs and that board has 3 switches that require those LEDs. So the faster I can get that information, the faster the GB can open.

Ok so the legs of the LED are 5.5mm in from the short sides (6.2mm from the side ears), 1.6mm from the long side directly opposite the switchplate legs and the LED legs are 2.2mm appart. The actual switch has the same footprint as other SKCL/SKCM alps. Hopefully that is what you were asking for.

[BlindAssassin111]

Ok so the legs of the LED are 5.5mm in from the short sides (6.2mm from the side ears), 1.6mm from the long side directly opposite the switchplate legs and the LED legs are 2.2mm appart. The actual switch has the same footprint as other SKCL/SKCM alps. Hopefully that is what you were asking for.

Okay, I made a drawing to make sure I am understanding you correctly, the light blue dimensions are the only ones that matter, I ignored the other dimensions as it should be centered.

ALPS_LED.png (346.99 KiB) Viewed 6106 times

Only question I have is, are you sure it is 2.2mm instead of 2.54mm? Standard spacing is 0.1in(2.54mm) to pin centerline. So I just want to make sure before I do the footprint that I have everything setup correctly.

[Anakey]

using my fairly cheap calipers, yes i make it to be 2.2mm but feel free to ask orihalcon as he sold me the 3 switches i have i assume he would have one he could send to you so that you can confirm yourself.

[BlindAssassin111]

Okay, so I ran into cost issues with the AT101 PCB and will have to redesign for a Teensy2.0, which will take a week as I have to reroute a large portion of the board to make it work.

So the GB is looking to launch on 7/2 most likely.

[Elrick]

So the GB is looking to launch on 7/2 most likely.

Wallet is ready for the this GB so have faith the others will be there as well.

Decent quality NEW full sized Alps PCBs are very rare and it'll be a very worth while purchase.

[BlindAssassin111]

GB is now live!!!

GB Thread:
group-buys-f50/programmable-vintage-boa ... 19325.html

Form:
https://goo.gl/forms/Ayiuc56LBBcvK2sS2