1Mon ⚡
added to the journal ago
Designed the Case
In this session, I designed the basic idea of what I want the case to look like. It's essentially a plate that goes under the PCB, holding it in place and allowing for mounting screws to be inserted into it. It's pretty simple right now, but I may end up adding some more stuff for added complexity. Next, I need to design the plate!
1Mon ⚡
added to the journal ago
Cleaned up the PCB
In this session, I cleaned up the PCB. The edgecuts werent very nice previously, and I didn't have filled zones. I fixed both of these issues, as well as added mounting holes so i can mount it to the plate. I plan to have my plate as a separate part that screws onto the top of the board, using the same screw holes as the PCB mounting.
1Mon ⚡
added to the journal ago
Routed the PCB
In this session I routed the whole PCB. I tried to make it as clean as possible by making all the horizontal rows be on the front layer, and all the vertical columns on the back layer. I also dont use a single via on this board, which I am very happy with! I tried to keep all my routing very neat, and all of the columns fall into one of two big channels of routing. Overall I am very happy with this!
1Mon ⚡
added to the journal ago
Arranged the PCB
This session I spent laying out the keys on the keyboard according to a standard 60% layout I found. I basically had to take each key, align it, and place it in the correct spot. I then had to match it up with each diode. I am keeping the diodes aligned with the gap between both keys, with the diode placed on the back side of the board so it isn't visible at the front. I plan to add screw holes for mounting the plate and the base of the board together.
1Mon ⚡
added to the journal ago
Made the Schematic
In this session, I made the schematic. its a 5x14 matrix going into a nice!nano controller. This should give me plenty of switches to be able to make the 60% keyboard. The schematic is pretty simple because I am trying to make a very clean and simple board. I'm not trying to have any flashy lights or a fancy screen; I just want something simple and usable.
I had to use one of the weird middle pins on the nice!nano, which is a bit annoying because ill need to solder it awkwardly, but this is the only way id be able to get the 19 pins required.
1Mon ⚡
started 60% Keyboard ago
12/30/2025 10 AM - Made the Schematic
In this session, I made the schematic. its a 5x14 matrix going into a nice!nano controller. This should give me plenty of switches to be able to make the 60% keyboard. The schematic is pretty simple because I am trying to make a very clean and simple board. I'm not trying to have any flashy lights or a fancy screen; I just want something simple and usable.
I had to use one of the weird middle pins on the nice!nano, which is a bit annoying because ill need to solder it awkwardly, but this is the only way id be able to get the 19 pins required.
12/30/2025 4:46 PM - Arranged the PCB
This session I spent laying out the keys on the keyboard according to a standard 60% layout I found. I basically had to take each key, align it, and place it in the correct spot. I then had to match it up with each diode. I am keeping the diodes aligned with the gap between both keys, with the diode placed on the back side of the board so it isn't visible at the front. I plan to add screw holes for mounting the plate and the base of the board together.
12/30/2025 4:49 PM - Routed the PCB
In this session I routed the whole PCB. I tried to make it as clean as possible by making all the horizontal rows be on the front layer, and all the vertical columns on the back layer. I also dont use a single via on this board, which I am very happy with! I tried to keep all my routing very neat, and all of the columns fall into one of two big channels of routing. Overall I am very happy with this!
12/31/2025 - Cleaned up the PCB
In this session, I cleaned up the PCB. The edgecuts werent very nice previously, and I didn't have filled zones. I fixed both of these issues, as well as added mounting holes so i can mount it to the plate. I plan to have my plate as a separate part that screws onto the top of the board, using the same screw holes as the PCB mounting.
1/2/2026 - Designed the Case
In this session, I designed the basic idea of what I want the case to look like. It's essentially a plate that goes under the PCB, holding it in place and allowing for mounting screws to be inserted into it. It's pretty simple right now, but I may end up adding some more stuff for added complexity. Next, I need to design the plate!