Trackpoint step by step guide

[alonswartz]

Recently I integrated a trackpoint in my custom split board. It took quite a lot of research and planning, so in an effort to help others who want to do the same (or similar), I put together a step by step guide.

It's hosted on GitHub, as the repository also includes datasheets and all the pinouts I could find, as well as cross-referencing with commits to my fork of TMK.

I hope someone finds this useful...

Code: Select all

Table of contents from the guide

- Target audience
- FAQ
    - Q: What should I use for the trackpoint stem/stick?
    - Q: How do I identify the trackpoint pinout?
    - Q: Should I use busywait, interrupt or usart in TMK?
- What you need
- Steps
    1. Solder leads to trackpoint
    2. Create the reset circuit (RC)
    3. Solder leads to reset circuit (RC)
    4. Testing on a breadboard
    5. Make trackpoint stem hole in case
    6. Make space for trackpoint in keyboard
    7. Test trackpoint clearance and stem length, glue stem
    8. Solder reset circuit (RC) to teensy
    9. Finish up
    10. Update tmk_keyboard firmware and flash
- TMK firmware changes and tweaks

collage-final.jpg (250.36 KiB) Viewed 4891 times

[Kurplop]

Thanks for doing this. Your instructions look complete and easy to follow. Great job on your keyboard too!

[Menuhin]

The stick from labia piercing...?!!

[alonswartz]

Thanks for doing this. Your instructions look complete and easy to follow. Great job on your keyboard too!

My pleasure and thanks! I really wished I had a central resource that described what I needed and answered all my questions when I initially set out on this project, so hopefully it will be of use to others.

The stick from labia piercing...?!!

Yeah, I know it's weird, but it works great and has all the properties I was looking for in a stem. I have lots of left over stems of different lengths and diameters. If anyone would like me to mail them some, just hit me up.

[DarKou]

Thanks for doing this. Your instructions look complete and easy to follow. Great job on your keyboard too!

+1

I'm really interested to do the same on my keyboard!

[Engicoder]

What was the donor for your trackpoint module?

[alonswartz]

What was the donor for your trackpoint module?

Most likely a Thinkpad X200 keyboard replacement unit according to the model sticker (attached).

[DarKou]

What was the donor for your trackpoint module?

Most likely a Thinkpad X200 keyboard replacement unit according to the model sticker (attached).

Ho?

Excellent, I've recently get a X200 keyboard for parts

[pfoff]

Wow great post! If I find the time I can add some things I learnt on the way!-)
In my next project, I am gonna give it a try. I did some test with different keycaps so mine had to be adjustable!;-) Did you find a way to put rubber caps on it?
And after some problems, it works like a charm now. Only problem remaining is my much to high scrolling speed, when using the middle button to scroll. I did some investigations in mtl's firmware how I solved it. But either he never finished it, or I just don't get how and where he handles it... There's also no trackpoint command to manipulate this, so I use mousewheel buttons for now!;-) Any hint for that would be highly appreciated!

[ohaimark]

The stick from labia piercing...?!!

I thought it was a lego piece.