Questions about the latest version

[geripgeri]

Hi!

First of all, thanks for your work!

I would like to order the PCB via https://jlcpcb.com/
I don't really understand the main differences between version 2 and version 3, could you please describe them to me? Also, is the version 3 branch stabile and working? Do you recommend to use version 3?

Another question: is the version 3 branch compatible with Gateron 5 pin Switches? (Sorry for the noob question, this will be my first DIY keyboard) Can I attach led to the switches? I don't see any holes for leds, Are there any solutions for that?
Like this:

Thank you!

[Duckle29]

Hey there. The latest stable is onboardMCU and I actually have a batch of those on their way, so if you don't want to solder, then those are soon ready.

They, like the V3, don't support in switch LEDs though, but if you know KiCAD it shouldn't be a big change. Just get the source files, and make a footprint for sockets + leds, then update all switches to that footprint, and then re-route the traces. Should be doable in an hour or two.

I will probably be looking into leds if I make any further versions :)

[Duckle29]

Also, V3 adds the mini-usb breakout, so that your cable can come out the back of the keyboard:

https://i.imgur.com/UIVkkyn.jpg

[geripgeri]

Thank you for the response!

I think this question has been overlooked:

Another question: is the version 3 branch compatible with Gateron 5 pin Switches?

I checked the onboardMCU branch, looks pretty cool 👍 I can't find the assembly docs, parts list here: https://github.com/Duckle29/lets-split-guide is this because the mentioned batch is the first?

I actually have a batch of those on their way, so if you don't want to solder, then those are soon ready.
Could you please send me an email about the details? 🙂

[Duckle29]

Yes, it's the first batch :) When you mentioned Gateron 5 pin switches, I assume you mean any MX switch with LEDs in them right? That's why I mentioned LEDs :)

[geripgeri]

I actually have a batch of those on their way, so if you don't want to solder, then those are soon ready.

Could you please send me an email about the details? 🙂 My email address is visible on my GitHub profile.

No, I meant this:

[geripgeri]

Also, What is the difference between (in onboardMCU branch) lets_split and lets_split_panel folder?

[Duckle29]

Ahh those. AFAIK those are just PCB mounted switches, and yes. Those are actually preferred! :)

lets_split_panel was the first batch, where I made the PCBs but not mirrored / flippable, so I had to panelize them. Fucked up and had the switches on the bottom of the keyboard on the right-side by accident, so gave up and decided to make the mirrorable design instead.

[Duckle29]

Also, for the vitamins included batch. Expect to see it late feb :)

[geripgeri]

Thanks for the info!

Can you please write down the components of the onboardMCU? Maybe it's better if you write it to the guide repository : I would like to estimate the costs of the PCB.

[Duckle29]

I can upload the position files that I sent the Pick and place house, it has component names in there iirc.

[Duckle29]

Done f37b36a

[geripgeri]

Thank you!
In the meantime, there is a sale on https://jlcpcb.com
I have a few more questions about the PCB ordering, can I please contact you directly? I don't want to spam the GitHub issue. Could you please send me an email?

[Duckle29]

@geripgeri Hey man, I don't mind the chat in here :) That way questions can help others

[thesourmango]

Nice to see you chatting here, I had pretty much the same questions.
I'm dreaming of adding a bottom row, making it 60% and making both halves wireless... #endgame?

I found a wireless lets-split called Trident (https://github.com/YCF/Trident) but it seemed to have some issues, and I'm not comfortable or familiar with the Mitosis firmware it seemed to be running.
Also no sockets.

Anyway, It's been a couple months, have any onboardMCU boards to sell? If not, have you ran into any issues with the current design?

Is there anyone working on an open source 60% wireless socketed split? Like this but open source (and socketed)? No offense to southpaw intended, most of us need to make a living :p

Keep up the awesome work!

[Duckle29]

@thesourmango Hey there :) The onboard MCU boards are most likely going to be called Vitamins Included, and will be sold by Novelkeys some time in April if everything goes to plan :) Mike is currently working on having cases made for them, which is one issue I've had with these boards. Due to the switches being socketed, you can't rely on them to hold the PCB in place, so the plate and the PCB have to be fixed.

I also haven't put a diode between VCC and VBUS, which gave me some headache in firmware support, but I have since manged to solve that fully in my opinion :) Hell, in the process I even made RGB work regardless of which half is plugged in.

As for a dual wireless, split 60%, that's very very interesting, and is in fact something I'm working on :)
Currently I'm a bit pressed for time (Job hunting, studying for EE, and looking for sponsors for a LAN event sucks the time out of the schedule :) )

If you're curious, I've been looking at using the adafruit bluefruit NRF52 based board, but I might look for cheaper options. Regardless I'll have to write a new firmware from scratch, or need a lot of help to port QMK :)

Question, Ortho or staggered? I'm leaning to staggered myself, but haven't given myself enough time to get comfortable with ortho.