[Interest Check] FK-5001/9000 calculator replacement

Engicoder

14 Nov 2019, 16:47

Background
Some time ago, I developed a replacement for the stock, failure prone calculator module in the Focus FK-9000. This project was essentially a "two" off that I made for myself and Chyros. You can see the module on Chyros' youtube channel in his "Project F" at around the 10:30 mark. In the time since the video was posted several people contacted me expressing interest. I am finally looking at do a small run of these for those who are interested.

Details
The replacement will be a plug in replacement for the stock module and include a OLED monochrome graphic display. (Some minor modification of the the upper case is require for the display to fit). The module functionality will include:
* Identical functionality to stock calculator including memory
* Selectable RPN input mode
* Persistent clock with date
* Multiple configurable settings for clock format and style
* Eliminates need for stock battery
* Compatible with FK-5001 and FK-9000 that use the single KB/CAL key

Questions for those interested
1. Offline availability: The prototype included a rechargeable Li-on battery in order to support using the calculator when the keyboard is not plugged in and/or the pc is not turned on. For packaging simplicity and cost savings, I am thinking about removing the offline capability and using a simple coin cell to retain clock/date information.
Question: Do you consider offline availability essential even at higher cost/complexity?
Update 12/6/19: Moving forward without offline availability

2. Case modification The display used on the prototype requires that the plastic ridge that locates the stock display be removed. This modification is simple to perform and does not change external appearance. I have made some inquiries in hopes of finding a display that would not require any modifications and would have a higher resolution.
Question: Does having to modify the case turn you off from this solution? Would you be willing to pay more (~$20) for a display that does not require case modifications and has higher resolution?
Update 12/6/19: Ordered display sample that may not require case modification. Will confirm once the display arrives.

3. Older FK-5001 and FK-8000 support: Older FK-5001 models used separate KB and CAL buttons to switch modes and the FK-8000 has a different mounting method and pin header. The module does not currently support these keyboards. If you have one of these keyboards and are interested, let me know. I will investigate adding support.

Pricing
I do not have final pricing yet. Pricing is on the conservative side to avoid surprises. Depending on final configuration, I estimate the cost to be:
Base module ~ $50-60
Offline availability ~ +$15
No mod display ~ +$20

If you are interested please respond or send me a PM with the answers to the questions. Also let me know what you think about pricing.
Last edited by Engicoder on 06 Dec 2019, 16:44, edited 2 times in total.

parkerlreed

14 Nov 2019, 16:53

Thanks a ton for the post!

1. My 5001 variant 2 has a coin cell for battery that I tend to leave out anyways. So I'm not terribly concerned about having offline availability as I don't use it to start with.

2. As long as it doesn't affect using the stock display later on (mine still works), I wouldn't mind either way. Case has already been apart and one of the snap gone, so I'm not too worried about keeping it unmodified.

3. My 5001 has the single KB/CAL so no worries from me there.

So yeah definitely count me interested!

User avatar
just_add_coffee

14 Nov 2019, 17:11

AWESOME!
1. I kinda do like the offline availability, but it's not a dealbreaker.

2. Whichever you deem as looking the best. I'm willing to pay more for a high-resolution display and/or modifying the case.

3. Whatever you decide. I'm mostly interested in the 5001 and 9000 models.

Can't wait!

User avatar
XMIT
[ XMIT ]

14 Nov 2019, 17:57

I'm so glad to see that this is moving forward!

1. I'm cheap and a simple coin cell works well enough.
2. I have no qualms about modifying my case.
3. I have all of FK-5001, FK-8000 and FK-9000 available, in various states. Support would be welcomed if it did not add cost.

Pricing is what it is: appropriate for a tiny run or a few one offs.

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wadeak78

15 Nov 2019, 00:18

I don't need offline support, and I'm fine with nodding my case.

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adamcobabe

15 Nov 2019, 00:46

No offline, not a deal breaker.
Would pay more to avoid modding the case.
I only own the newer fk-5001 and an fk-9000.

headphone_jack

17 Nov 2019, 01:33

Offline doesn't matter that much to me, so whatever works best for you.
Same with the case mod, it would be nice not to but i don't care either way.
I use one of the older 5001 variants with the separate toggle buttons, having support for that is a must for me to buy it.

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Jesseg

29 Nov 2019, 03:07

I own a newer FK5001 and would love this!

Engicoder

06 Dec 2019, 16:40

A quick status update:

From the responses, I plan to move forward without offline availability to simplify both design and installation. I have located a display that I think may work without modifying the case and have ordered a few samples. I will update this thread after they arrive and I test them.

listofoptions

16 Dec 2019, 04:13

count me in! waht kind of unit cost are we looking at?

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ZedTheMan

16 Dec 2019, 04:50

Gotta admit, I'm really considering getting an FK5001 I found on ebay alongside one of these, but that's really a project for once I sell a lot of stuff in my upcoming winter sale.

Engicoder

06 Feb 2020, 18:26

Time for a long overdue update. Take a look and please share any questions, concerns or feedback you have.

"No mod" display
I received the display that is a candidate for use with out modification of the case. The good news is that with a bit of light sanding, the display does fit in the existing opening in the case. The bad news is that due to the display area not being centered on the the display glass, there will be a portion of the opening that cannot be used. Here is a picture of the display in the case
no-mod-display.jpg
no-mod-display.jpg (120.97 KiB) Viewed 14627 times
Note: I added the red line to indicate the edge of the active display area, it does not appear on the display. The silver portion could be covered/ colored so that it is not as conspicuous.
To summarize, the pros and cons of the "no-mod" display are:
Pros:
  • No modification of case required
  • Higher resolution (256x64 vs 128x32)
  • No depth gap between case and display
Cons:
  • Does not utilize entire display area, as seen in picture above.
  • Slightly higher cost ~$2 per unit
What are your thoughts on this display?


Interface Board
This project uses two pcbs, one to interface the keyboard and the other to perform the calculator/clock functions and drive the display. The two boards are connected by a 5 wire cable over which keystroke and status information are exchanged. I completed the pcb for the interface board. Here is a pic of the board mocked up in an FK-9000.
interface_board.jpg
interface_board.jpg (180.25 KiB) Viewed 14627 times
I will be building this board this week and testing the software.

Please share any questions, concerns or feedback you have.

Ben

parkerlreed

06 Feb 2020, 23:26

Thanks for the update!

I feel like the offset display would bug me, although with a color matched piece of plastic or the like, that could be severely reduced. The extra resolution of the no mod I feel like wouldn't come in as useful since it appears there no PC interface? Static logo/time/calculator I would assume would look fine either way.

Originally I was indifferent to case modding, so I think I would be fine either way. Is the sanding that is mentioned still applied towards the case?

PCB looks fine. Whatever works for you there :D

So I think in the end, I'm still leaning towards the case mod display. Looks nicer overall with minimal tradeoff.

User avatar
XMIT
[ XMIT ]

06 Feb 2020, 23:39

The display in Chyros's video looks good to me. The off center display would be unfortunate.

Higher resolution would make it even harder to read the text in the menus, unless you selected a larger font, in which case there is no point.

Engicoder

07 Feb 2020, 00:00

parkerlreed wrote:
06 Feb 2020, 23:26
I feel like the offset display would bug me, although with a color matched piece of plastic or the like, that could be severely reduced. The extra resolution of the no mod I feel like wouldn't come in as useful since it appears there no PC interface? Static logo/time/calculator I would assume would look fine either way.
XMIT wrote:
06 Feb 2020, 23:39
The display in Chyros's video looks good to me. The off center display would be unfortunate.
Higher resolution would make it even harder to read the text in the menus, unless you selected a larger font, in which case there is no point.
The increased resolution would be used for better clarity of the text, the size would remain the same.
At this point I am leaning towards the original display as it does the job, is cheaper, and for me requires less work :D

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adamcobabe

07 Feb 2020, 15:16

The edge showing on the side would really bother me. I want it to look good from the outside even if that mean I have to mod the case inside. Thanks for the effort either way. :)

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ZedTheMan

28 Feb 2020, 18:40

Hey, do we have an update? I may have a 5001 old style coming in, are there any possible mods that can be done to make this work?

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dcopellino

02 Mar 2020, 17:21

Hi Engicoder, I found your post very interesting as new focus fk 5001 owner. To say it all, I am still waiting mine to be delivered, since I bought it on eBay from a USA fellow who declares in his listing that "A new battery was installed and the LCD calculator tested fine; see photos for details. Note: The battery shipping tab will need to be removed before the LCD calculator will function." Being said that, I am aware of shipping troubles may occur and focus electronics is not so much reliable. So, consider my interest in your project even though the incoming keyboard belongs to early models, being a 5001 variant A. Anyway, I'd like to involve you on another project to which I am fond of and I am sure it's within your reach. If you have time and will, I'd like to have your opinion about this fantasy of mine... Transforming an old IBM M3 numpad in a standalone calculator. Major details here viewtopic.php?f=2&t=23408&p=459537&hili ... lc#p459537

headphone_jack

26 Mar 2020, 02:20

Any updates? Hoping to get my hands on a module before the borders close!

RiverDax

15 May 2020, 07:03

I am interested in this!

Engicoder

05 Jun 2020, 05:37

Apologies for the lack of updates. May was unexpectedly busy. I am still moving forward on this when time allows. I will be building the new pcb revision this weekend and have made the majority of the code updates that will be required. Hopefully I will have a working demonstrator soon.

RiverDax

12 Aug 2020, 11:20

Engicoder wrote:
05 Jun 2020, 05:37
Apologies for the lack of updates. May was unexpectedly busy. I am still moving forward on this when time allows. I will be building the new pcb revision this weekend and have made the majority of the code updates that will be required. Hopefully I will have a working demonstrator soon.
I can't wait!

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LessthanZero

13 Aug 2020, 01:46

Been a while, but I am def interested in this. Tried a version of this myself but just haven't really had the time to devote.

1. I don't mind if it's not offline and from reading the later posts it seems that this was the choice that you also made.
2. Don't mind.
3. I have both older and new FK's so it doesn't really matter to me but I do prefer my older model the Alps in it feel buttery. But I don't mind whatever is easier on the engineer.

Your price point seems good. I'm excited.

KanjiBiology

30 Nov 2020, 06:26

Hi,

I recently acquired a FK-8000 and the LCD display is dead.

I would really be interested in this for my model, if you could investigate the pin header I would really be grateful.

kelvinhall05

30 Nov 2020, 13:15

KanjiBiology wrote:
30 Nov 2020, 06:26
Hi,

I recently acquired a FK-8000 and the LCD display is dead.

I would really be interested in this for my model, if you could investigate the pin header I would really be grateful.
It's coming, don't worry.
Spoiler:
IMG_20201124_164633.jpg
IMG_20201124_164633.jpg (280.43 KiB) Viewed 11990 times

mikerm

30 Nov 2020, 19:03

Hello everyone, just joined as I wanted to post my interest in a 9000 calc replacement too, it looks awesome. I'm personally ok with modding the keyboard, and price is fine.

kelvinhall05

04 Dec 2020, 23:10

Sorry I got impatient and took matters into my own hands.
Spoiler:
IMG_20201204_162227.jpg
IMG_20201204_162227.jpg (1.39 MiB) Viewed 11872 times

headphone_jack

04 Dec 2020, 23:15

kelvinhall05 wrote:
04 Dec 2020, 23:10
Sorry I got impatient and took matters into my own hands.
Spoiler:
IMG_20201204_162227.jpg
Not buying unless you make the dick bigger.

In all seriousness though, fantastic work. Will cock functionality be included in the final package?

kelvinhall05

04 Dec 2020, 23:22

headphone_jack wrote:
04 Dec 2020, 23:15
kelvinhall05 wrote:
04 Dec 2020, 23:10
Sorry I got impatient and took matters into my own hands.
Spoiler:
IMG_20201204_162227.jpg
Not buying unless you make the dick bigger.

In all seriousness though, fantastic work. Will cock functionality be included in the final package?
For you I'd have to make it smaller, sorry. But it'll be open source so you can fantasize all you want and add any feature you want.

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Mandarbmax

20 Feb 2021, 00:22

Dead thread?

If this is still happening I'd be interested in one with offline capability for the older F5001 with separate buttons. I'm good either way with the screen.

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