mntmn @mntmn@mastodon.social

prototypes with some raw molding edges

assembling unit 1 of #reform

today was a very long day. we finally ironed out the last #reform keyboard problems. correctly stabilizing the long keys with custom PCB and keycaps turned out to be ridiculously hard. i’m currently building the first shipping unit.

i’m honestly surprised and amazed by linus’ apology. this is a step in the right direction https://lore.kernel.org/lkml/CA+55aFy+Hv9O5citAawS+mVZO+ywCKd9NQ2wxUmGsz9ZJzqgJQ@mail.gmail.com/

here is some more context https://www.3dhubs.com/blog/3d-hubs-announces-suite-of-new-features-and-switch-to-fulfilled-by-3d-hubs-2/

problematic developments at 3dhubs. they were already hiding alternative (often cheaper) providers behind an almost invisible link. a more open alternative might be needed to push the decentralization of manufacturing.

trackball bases for #reform

all the screws for #reform

pushing in all those keycaps is the worst part of the job ;)

validated the Reform trackball final PCB today. also, we finished the acrylic laser cut parts and all 3D models are finalized. now printing 2 of the remaining case parts while another 3 are being molded. after that, it’s “just” assembly, testing, handbooks and packaging left.

Battery cables, internal USB (keyboard and trackball) cables for Reform

We assembled 12 keyboards for Reform laptops.

soldering the cherry ML slim mechanical switches into Reform keyboards. every key has a diode which prevents ghosting and allows for n-key rollover (NKRO). the controller is atmel mega32u4, the firmware is FOSS and based on the LUFA library.

assembling keyboards for all the #reform developer units

currently placing a thousand diodes by hand

reform keyboard laser engraving test. worked quite well and feels much better than stickers. now assembling all keyboards, assembling the last 4 mainboards, PU molding 3 of the case parts and 3d printing the rest.

​

the “cup” holding the ball itself is mounted on this, and the optical sensor pcb mounted on top of the cup. optical sensor connects to this pcb with a little flat cable.