yo
I've had prototypes made for a replacement PCB for the Leopold FC980M. The goals for this were to 1. allow more layouts and 2. allow full programming (QMK). My proto only has 1.5-1.5-7-1.5-1.5 bottom row, but others can be added. I did this because this started out as a personal project so I could use my OEM Dolch PAC caps with the board.
On the electronics side, it's a direct drop-in. The OEM FC980M has three PCBs: 1. main (switches, controller, etc) 2. middleman (DIP switches, pass through from USB port to main PCB) and 3. the USB port. This PCB bypasses the middleman and plugs directly into the OEM USB port PCB, allowing super easy installation. The difficult part of this is having to modify the plate to accommodate other layouts - I had to cut some switch spots into it with my Dremel tool. It was pretty straightforward but I know some people don't like the idea of that. I'd be interested in looking into getting some replacement plates made if there's interest.
Things I could probably add for a "production version":
-More layouts
-In switch LED (nice feature since Leopold doesn't offer this on their stuff)
-SIP sockets for the indicator LEDs
-ISO Support? idk
-A cooler color than green (it's cheap so I used it for protos idc)
-A smaller JST connector on the main PCB (probably SH or something, I'll look into them some more bc I forget what the codes/sizes are)
Google Form link:
https://goo.gl/forms/JAl61c6gfoX1cuO73pics:
In the above picture my jumper cable is soldered to the USB board - I didn't feel like waiting for those JST connectors in the mail
Here's an idea of the modding I had to do the plate, I didn't feel like spraying it so don't tell me I should have, I know but idc enough (prototype). The stabs didn't need any work, except for the spacebar one (had to cut areas for them since the plate initially blocked em) so it's all just easy straight cuts to make room for the switches
I'm just trying to gauge interest, there's no concrete plans to run this as a fully-fledged GB as of yet.
