To limit my chances of infringing on T*ddler, a major design change is proceeding forward. This new squeezebox-like design allows for less motion during chording. It will also allow for us to use standard keyboard key switches, in this case the low profile Choc style.
The Thumbboard V5 will remain a part of this build for it's small footprint.
V5 is fully tested! Thumb direction switch and buttons trigger properly! YAY!
But that is not all!
Progress on the faux twiddler's cad is back underway! The code is progressing great too, if anyone wants to start tinkering with the github. the branch for the code is of course, ControllerCode
The Thumbboard still had issues due to the footprint of the SKQUCAA010-ALPS. I had accidently assumed the middle two pins (2 and 5) were closer to the top pins (1 and 6), but that is incorrect. The middle pins have been moved towards pins 3 and 4. Here is the link to the updated Thumbboard. All other boards are good to go.
But how did I discover my error? Well, some exciting news! I have actually started programming the keyboard! I was starting to code it out in Arduino but decided to give Circuitpython a go due to the USBHID library for the RP2040 giving me some trouble in the Arduino interface.
The base program will be completed pretty soon, chording included. I think using keymaps may allow others to quickly adapt to their own use, as well as python being a lower barrier to entry over Arduino C for those with less coding experience.
As allows the current state of code and files are uploaded to my Github reflecting the new PCB and coding efforts.
TheV4 of the PCB's are working! It's been a few months since I've gotten to really sit down with this project, due to travels and life, but it should be getting going again.
This design which is on oshpark link here and here, can handle various 6mm switches. The photo above is showing off a weird metal tactile switch and an elastomer switch.
And as a special gift to you from me, I'll introduce you to a quick HMI solution - KEYBOARD PANTS! Yes, that is right.
Ferris Sweep keyboards with a 3d printed case that holds them on your pants. The spit keyboard resting on your upper thighs is surprising comfortable and ergonomic both standing or sitting.
The files for the 3d prints/CAD are also found in the Cyberdeck Z2 GitHub!
Even with the V3 boards not being perfect for the buttons, I still managed to make them work. The two jumper wires on the Arduino Rp2040 is for a special function of the io expander. I am not sure I want to use the feature, but still want to test it. Each wired pin connects to an output on the io expander, which should output a block of pin states as an interrupt for the Arduino.
Testing and coding will commence this week. I remember when this project was about a wrist mounted Cyberdeck (pipboy) with the raspberry pi z2, but I guess it's turning into an HMI problem. Wearables seem to always need a way to make the interactions more intuitive or have high enough functionality that they aren't a pain to use. A device thats tedious to use, stops getting used.
Writing this out more for myself than anyone else.
After testing my version 3 boards, It seems that I lengthened the wrong footprint pins of the 6mm buttons. Although the buttons fit, they only fit in the wrong orientation. Lessons learned: never trust a 3rd party library, measure twice, don't fix your board designs at 1am.
Below are some photos of the beautiful, but wrong v3 boards.
Time to wait for the new boards, again 😅
I suppose I'll move on for now to design the main housing for the raspberry pi and display.
Don't you just love 3d printers. Whatever shape you need, you can have, lol. Anyways the mount for the PCBs is in progress, I think they'll be another revision to it, once I have all the components in hand and can test the hand fit. Otherwise I am happy with it. I am debating now whether to make the shell of this keyboard extremely ergonomic or have it barebones cyberpunk, ergolite. The pcb production is also coming along, so that's nice.
In the previous post, I mentioned that I was considering using an io expander and I did! I am using the MCP23017E/SO, which will read in all keys. The thumb navigation switch will be connected directly to the Arduino Rp2040. Here is the OSHPark Board OSH Park ~
And now I'll turn back to the ME and ID work until I receive the PCB's!
atltvhead
