xwhatsit vs. tensey

[Tbernstein2368]

When converting a model F122 any thoughts on which controller is best? I’m a newbie who’s been using model M for years but would like a 122 with the solenoid and also if possible caps lock and number lock LEDs.

Thank you in advance for any replies

[zzxx53]

You should be able to get number/caps LEDs with both Xwhatsit and soarer. If you want a working solenoid it has to be xwhatsit.
Xwhatsit requires a lot more soldering to build (and a custom PCB, also removing the old ibm controller) than soarer, but if you're comfortable soldering it shouldn't be too bad.

[zzxx53]

This thread shows how to build a xwhatsit :
viewtopic.php?f=7&t=23406
Or you can order one from ellipse:
https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/product ... ontroller/

[Twst]

While Soarers work fine, it's kind of dated. It's possible to convert the terminal keyboard to QMK with all its features with a teensy or a pro micro without the need to replace the controller.
https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/tre ... m_terminal

That beeing said, I like to tinker so I am still going to build an xwhatsit to my F122. But easiest would be the QMK/TMK converter.

[kmnov2017]

Plus with QMK you can also use a solenoid...

[zzxx53]

Plus with QMK you can also use a solenoid...

Never knew qmk on teensy could drive a solenoid. Any documentation?

[kmnov2017]

Plus with QMK you can also use a solenoid...

Never knew qmk on teensy could drive a solenoid. Any documentation?

The promicro or teesy will only provide the "fire" signal to activate the solenoid. To drive the solenoid you'll still need to wire up a transistor (or relay) -
https://core-electronics.com.au/tutoria ... duino.html

QMK documentation on Haptic Feedback - https://beta.docs.qmk.fm/using-qmk/hard ... c_feedback

[zzxx53]

Plus with QMK you can also use a solenoid...

Never knew qmk on teensy could drive a solenoid. Any documentation?

The promicro or teesy will only provide the "fire" signal to activate the solenoid. To drive the solenoid you'll still need to wire up a transistor (or relay) -
https://core-electronics.com.au/tutoria ... duino.html

QMK documentation on Haptic Feedback - https://beta.docs.qmk.fm/using-qmk/hard ... c_feedback

Interesting, thanks

[Coeus]

So if the QMK firmware only applicable to the terminal keyboard so the PC and XT model F would still be better with the Soarer Firmware? (The XT Model F has the controller on the same board as the pads so not so easy to use the xwhatsit).

[kmnov2017]

Qmk firmware can be used on any type (not just terminal - but xt, at or usb as well)

[Coeus]

Qmk firmware can be used on any type (not just terminal - but xt, at or usb as well)

Ok, so I tried the XT converter from QMK firmware with my Model F and it was unreliable, missing both downstrokes (so nothing happens when pressing a key) and upstrokes (so the key repeats forever even when released) and sometimes produced the wrong character for a key.

This is running on a Teensy 2. Soarer's converter on the same Teensy, with the same keyboard and connected to the same USB port does not have these problems. Also, Soarer's firmware supports LED (attached to the teensy) which QMK does not.

This is a pity as Soarer's firmware is not perfect, but I'll address that in another thread, so there is a need to have something currently maintained. I'll also do some more reading on QMK and see what facilities it offers for debugging.

[kmnov2017]

Qmk firmware can be used on any type (not just terminal - but xt, at or usb as well)

...Soarer's firmware supports LED (attached to the teensy) which QMK does not....

QMK supports lock lights ...

[Coeus]

QMK supports lock lights ...

On which pins of a teensy? Do I need to configure something? It didn't work using the default config for an XT to USB converter and the same pins as Soarer's.