Build log

These are mostly personal notes to keep track of things during the development process.

v0.1

  • 11-20-2023 Sent out v0.1 to JLC for production
  • Split off from the main ErgoDonk development repo for easier cleanup/maintenance.

v0.2

  • Confirmed v0.1 works as expected.
  • Put a GND plane on both sides, wire VCC directly. (with big fat traces)!
  • Added jumper jig to help bend jumper bridges.
  • Move all traces from pads to the corners to prevent acid traps.
  • Fix jumper bay graphics
  • Changing pad connections on Polygons to ‘Solid’ - might be a bit harder to solder, but leads to better connections.
  • Added key cap labels to each key.
  • Increased key outlines and solenid component silks for improved legibility.
  • Added key plate layer with stabilizer cutouts.
  • 3.7795 is the keyplate multiplier when creating Fusion 360 imports
  • Moved rotary encoder column up 2.5mm to avoid hitting encoder with my freakishly long thumbs.
  • Added plates for RH/LH MCU Covers
  • Moved mounting holes for MCU Covers
  • Moved thumb 2u key diodes down to prevent stabilizer interference.
  • Added markings to indicate stabilizer holes per side.
  • Fixed protruding ‘trace nub’ on main footprint

pad nub

  • Moved all diodes down a bit to make more room for choc keys
  • Considered moving TRRS jack below vol buttons. Decided against it, as i like to keep things between the two halves of the keyboard, so keeping the cables higher up is preferred.
  • Converted TRRS jack to TRS.
  • Refactored TRRS jack to remove full duplex. Replaced with serial default. Rerouted accordingly - then rolled it all back. I think it’s better to leave the config for Full duplex available, but only implement serial communication. The full duplex config will probably be used in other ergodonk variants, and there is no urgent need for freeing up that extra pin.
  • Via support added. It’s on branch ergodonk_zero: https://github.com/JellyTitan/keyboards/blob/ergodonk_zero/v3/ergodonk_zero/ergodonk_zero.json
  • Hid the case mount holes where possible. Where not possible, made them appear balanced & intentional.
  • Ordered v0.2 PCB 1-11-2024.
  • Ordered v0.2 Acrylic cases 1-12-2024

v0.2.1

  • Created footprints for plates. (key plate, back plate, MCU Covers Left & Right, and Solenoid cover).
  • Removed solenoid outline on the LH top silks layer. I like the look better without the outline.
  • Fixed unmasked nub on the switch footprint for connecting front/back.
  • Added Tip120 bending jig.
  • Improved diode markings
  • Added additional solenoid connection footprint for solenoids that come with shorter wires.
  • Verified the TRRS/TRS jack works as expected.
  • Converted QMK config to Serial from full duplex. (Left the circuit in place for future ergodonk variants)
  • There may be a problem with the leftmost post hole intersecting the stabilizer. (There’s not - stabilizers are dumb and I hate them - also - if there is a key in that hole, there won’t be a post - so the binary state makes it fine). post hole intersect
  • Tried some alternate Solenoids. This one from Sparkfun did not work. These little 3V Solenoids from Aliexpress did work, but the ‘thunk’ was not nearly as satisfying. I suspect the solenoid is not actually getting a Solid 5V. The 4.5V Uxcell Solenoid initially recommended in the Red Herring seems to be the most forgiving of the under-voltage. Making that my official recommendation. Solenoids
  • Found another Soleniod on AliExpress that works, and added it to the BOM.
  • The tenting puck did not work with MX footprints - it intersected the switch sockets. I added a second tenting puck, now there’s one for choc and one for MX.
  • Was issued a quasi-official USB-IF VendorID and ProductID through pid.codes:
    https://github.com/pidcodes/pidcodes.github.com/blob/master/1209/455A/index.md
    https://github.com/pidcodes/pidcodes.github.com/blob/master/org/JellyTitan/index.md
  • Found another project posted on thingiverse that uses the name ‘ergodonk’. That project predates my use of ergodonk by a few years. I messaged user Riverbottom on thingiverse to apologize. He was totally cool about it, and said I can have the name, but he will be leaving his existing Ergodonk in place. I think it’s neat there’s an ergodonk lineage, and I’d like to preserve it. I’ll avoid using the name Ergodonk alone for any future keyboards, and instead use ergodonk-<suffix> for the standard naming conventions. conversation screen cap regarding ergodonk name usage
  • Ordered an acrylic backplate to validate Ergodonk_Zero_v0.2.1_bottom_plate.dxf.zip 7-29-2024.

v0.2.2

  • The Solenoid circuit shottky diode reference designator on the PCB was IN4004, it should have been IN4001, as indicated in the BOM. Updated PCB footprint, documentation.