It has arrived. This is the group buy for the Enabler, the single switch PCB that is both MX and Alps compatible.
Status: Files shared at OshPark.com. Links at bottom of OP.On Monday the 16th, I will be sending an email to OshPark with our order, and get with the post office about shipping costs especially for the guys not in the states, and start sending out invoices.
This is the front and back of the PCB.
And this is the front and back of the PCB with stab holes.
Both images are renderings from OshPark.
I have not provided renderings from OshPark for the space bar versions as the images don't turn out that well for very un square boards. Either way they look exactly the same as the other stabilized version, but longer
ORDERS CLOSEDOne PCB will be required for each switch when using this for a custom boardResponses to the order form have been reset so PLEASE submit a new order. If you want to add something just make a new order and I can tweak it on my end. If you want to remove something PM me.
I will be using OshPark for the fab shop on this. I will be getting exact quotes this week.
According to their pricing page it is $5 per square inch for small run and $1 per square inch for medium run which kicks in at 600 pieces or 150 square inches. Large run kicks in at 4000 pieces or 1000 square inches i believe. These numbers are for the small one which measure up to .25 square inches. The version with the stab holes comes up to 0.96 square inches so these will be more expensive. I am also working on details on if we get to the large run numbers (or very close at least) with just the small one if we can get a bit of a kick back with the larger one even if we don't technically get to the right numbers with it.
***Pricing Details***
I have received a reply from Dan with OshPark with regards to pricing details. With their pricing schedule it does not matter how many separate files we send in one order. Just the total square inches. Now with that, they normally give a 20% discount on the order for breaking 1000 square inches. However, with the size of these PCBs and the amount of material they are losing with panelization, they can only offer a 5% discount with an order of 1000+ square inches. Now without further delays here are the prices for less than and greater than 1000 square inch order.
Less than 1000 inches total order
Enabler without stabs - $0.25 each piece.
Enabler with stab holes - $0.96 each piece.
***We Are Here***
Greater than 1000 inches total order
Enabler without stabs - $0.237 each piece.
Enabler with stab holes - $0.911 each piece.
[size=18]***Shipping Cost***[/size]
CONUS - $3.5 with tracking
International - $7 USD without tracking $21 with tracking.
I would also like to mention that I am not liable for any damage to any parts either during assembly or use from using either of these parts. My main concern is with the impact of the stabilizers at the bottom of a keystroke, and the stresses of such being transferred to the pins of the switch. Also, the fit of the stabilizer version has not been tested as I have no plates with PCB mount holes aside from a 9.75 unit space bar. You have been warned. The circuit between the two is identical so I see no reason as to why they shouldn't work electrically.
Files for versions with PCB mount stabilizers for space bars will be made available to download and use at your own discretion. However, I would like to stress that it would possibly be a good idea to drill a small hole in your plate just to the inside of the stabilizer and affix the PCB to the plate with a screw and a nut on both sides of the PCB.
There will be a military discount that is being extended to veterans, and first responders including fireman, police, EMT. This discount will be free shipping. Foreign militaries, and first responders also apply. All I ask for is verification with a picture with some sort of proof including your face and your GeekHack user name. This is to avoid people just pulling a random picture off the interwebz to get free shipping. While I would like to believe that nobody on this forum would intentionally want to fraud this, I have to take some sort of precaution.
While I don't see hitting the 600 unit threshold being difficult (I will be ordering enough for myself to get almost half way there) I am not real sure if we can hit the 4000 unit threshold. Hence, why there is no price quote for that amount. Though if we start getting close to that mark I will send an email to OshPark for an official quote.
The concept for this idea is my own with Moz doing all the KiCad work as I have not been able to figure that program out myself. So many thanks to Moz for the work there.
The files for this will be made open source for free download after this group buy. Sure anyone can just wait until after the GB to order themselves but with hitting the 600 unit threshold, they can be attained at a cost savings of ~80% off.
Shipping will most likely be bubble mailers. This is open to world wide members as well. Though I will have to admit I am not real sure what shipping will cost at this point.
Any questions please feel free to PM me. Fair warning though I work 6 days on 3 days off with 12 hour days so don't be surprised if I take a day or two to reply. Also, this is my first group buy so please be patient with growing pains.
Group buy will run about until 15May2014. At which point each additional order will extend the buy for 24 hours.
Reasons for going this route for a PCB instead of standard hand wired using solid wire and or diodes for traces.
- Don't want to pay for a single PCB or 3 from OshPark
- Don't want to or don't have the ability to solder the rows and columns directly to the pins of the switches
- Want to have a more secure method for back lighting
- Want to try something a little bit different
Link to the IC thread. Pics of current version soldered up into a 3x3 matrix are on page 4.If you would like to order some please fill out the order form. I will not be accepting orders placed in the thread. If you want to comment an order placed, by all means.
For International orders if you would like orders sent to a proxy just PM me and I am sure we can get it worked out.
Melvang
Edit: added GB run time
Edit: Added details about the purpose of the PCB
Edit: Added link to IC thread.
Edit: Added comments about ordering in the thread and International proxy shipping.
Edit: Took from down for updating for new files.
Edit: Tweaked OP and opened the order form back up.
Edit: Added Pricing details.
Enabler single unit pcb Enabler 2u pcb mount stabEnabler 6.25u pcb mount stab Enabler 7u pcb mount stab
