This guide is for EQUALS PCBs
Parts
Required
Item | Count |
---|---|
SMD Diodes | 60 |
PCB | 1 |
Promicro style or similar microcontroller | 1 |
Reset Switch | 1 |
SOCKETSTYLE Hotswap Sockets | 60 |
SWITCHSTYLE Switches | 60 |
KEYCAPSTYLE Keycaps | 60 |
Optional
Item | Count |
---|---|
SK6812 Mini-E LED | 60 |
WS2812B LED | 10 |
Soldering
Diodes
Orientation: Place the diode on the pcb with the black bar facing the thick white line on the pcb.
- Solder one pad.
- While holding diode with tweezers, reflow solder and place diode down on pad.
- Solder other pad.
- Note, when working with MELF package diodes, you may need to reflow and add more solder a couple times before an adequate connection is made.
LEDs
Orientation: Notched corner/pin facing the pad marked with rectangle. This applies for both SK6812 Mini-E & WS2812B LEDs.
- Notes: \ - This component is heat sensitive. Be cautious and work at a safe temp (~300c). \ - It is wise to test the LEDs as you solder then. Consider soldering your controllers beforehand. \ - The LED order is somewhat outlined and should be followed in order when building.
- Solder one pad. (it may be easier to solder all 4 pads before placing LED down when installing WS2812B LEDs)
- While holding LED with tweezers, reflow solder and place LED down on pad.
- Solder remaining pads.
Hotswap sockets
- Solder one pad.
- While holding hotswap socket (fingers are fine), reflow solder and place socket down on pad.
- Solder other pad.
- Note, don't hesitate to use a little extra solder, as that will help secure the socket and prevent it from being ripped off.
- Oreantation of middle cluster of hot swaps
Microcontrollers
Orientation: Place controller with the companants faceing down.
- Note, it is recommended to flash each microcontroller prior to soldering. See firmware section for more.
- Insert headers from front, solder in from the back.
- Place microcontroller face down.
- Apply solder to all pins.
- Use flush cutters or similar to trim excess from pins on each side.
Misc
Reset switches
- Solder one pad.
- While holding switch with tweezers, reflow solder and place switch down on pad.
- Solder remaining pads.
Firmware
QMK
In qmk this keyboard can be found under boardsource/equals/48/avr or boardsource/equals/60/avr. To begin, follow the QMK setup guide. (if working from an existing installation, an update may be needed.) \ For flashing instructions, see doc or video
KMK / PEG
In Peg or KMK this keyboard can be found under boardsource/equals48-kit or boardsource/equals60-kit
Peg can be downloaded here, and the quick start can be seen here.
For Kmk can be downloaded here and the quick start can be seen here
Here are some links to other articles that may help you get the most out of your new keyboard:
- Get the most out of your PCB Unleashing the High-Tech Power of Custom Keyboards
- Keyboard Programing
Extra
For questions, ask in Boardsource Discord server