Hello everyone, the GB is finally here for the Postage Board. I have been testing a batch of prototypes for the past while, and I'm happy to say they have functioned flawlessly. Check out this video I made of the testing results
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoUxoD30dqMHere is a render of the final version
https://i.imgur.com/C38yho7.png. The only changes from the prototype is just some changes to the silkscreen printing. I fixed a few typos/errors in the labeling of some components, and I also removed the Stamp graphics from the back (due to opinions I gathered in the IC survey)
For those of you who haven't been following the project, the Postage Board is a controller board (like a Teensy or Pro Micro) designed specifically for hand-wire keyboards. The benefit is that it mounts and solders to the underside of any 3x switches on your top-row. This keeps your hand-wire build thinner, cleaner, and it also conveniently mounts the USB Type-C connector on the top edge of your keyboard. Check out this pic
https://i.imgur.com/jqfdTKT.jpgPlease visit
https://github.com/LifeIsOnTheWire/Postage-Board/blob/master/README.md if you want to read more details on the Postage Board. I have tried to compile all the specs/details, and FAQs on that page.
The postage boards are $20 USD + Shipping, and it comes fully assembled with all components except for the TRRS connector, which will be included along with orders of at least 2x boards, but you will need to solder it yourself if you are planning a split-build.
After you submit the order, I will send you a PayPal invoice via email after you complete the order form. You do not need a PayPal account to pay the invoice.
Please fill out the order form here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKM-rRUmgYZYzKY-oi-wKcofoF9xV877uz96zjxRNyOfQIeg/viewform?usp=sf_linkThe process for this Group Buy will go as follows:
1. Group Buy Opens today (July 28), and will remain open for 1 month (until August 28). During this time I will process these Google Form orders, and send PayPal invoices to your email provided in this form. You will have until the August 27 date to complete your payment.
2. Order will be placed with my PCB manufacturer on August 29.
3. The manufacturer aims for production to take only several days, so I anticipate receiving the completed batch within 2 weeks as a conservative estimate.
4. I plan on doing a quality test on a random selection of boards, in which I will do a quick multimeter test on a few spots , and load a test firmware, and use a copper wire to jump pins to test keystrokes. There will be no soldering done to test any boards. This process should take 1 or 2 days.
5. Barring any delays, I anticipate I should be able to ship the boards to you around September 15. If there are any delays, I will communicate them to everyone via email.
I have a few contingency plans for dealing with any delays or issues. If there are any issues with the manufactured boards, I am fully planning on dealing with those issues before shipping to you. I also plan on ordering an additional stock of about 25% more boards to deal with any defects.
