EKS 1000 May Update

NOTE: I am no longer developing this project. If you are interested in completing the work I started, please see the github at EKS-1000

I have completed the redesign. The following is the final design for the keys and keyboard layout. The layout is actually 0.5U less wide than an actual A1kk due to using a combination of standard-size keys and a 1.75U J-shaped Return. As such, it will be slightly more compact than the A1kk. It may not fit under a Checkmate A1500+, but time will tell.

Take note of the front legends of the CTRL, SHIFT, and HELP keys. These keys will make use of Mod-Tap and Tap-Dance features of the QMK firmware. With Mod-Tap, you hold the key down for the modifier, or tap for the alternate key (Ex: Hold CTRL-A-A to reboot, or tap CTRL for CAPS LOCK). The HELP key will use Tap Dance. Tap once for HELP. Tap twice for SCROLL LOCK. Tap three times for NUM LOCK. I combined the HELP and SCROLL LOCK, because of their relationship to one another on NG Amiga systems, where HELP is mapped to the SCROLL LOCK key.

I have also completed a V3 PCB based on the new keyboard layout. My design and routing skills have much improved since making the EKS-1000 V1 PCB. Since most Amiga PCBs have special touches, I added a few things. The grounding area of the MCU looks a little like KC Munchkin chasing a dot (mounting hole) for you Odyssey/Videopac fans. There are a few song references on the board; however, they are not the B-52s’ songs. It will be your task to figure out the band.

I have not met the May goal for the case design. I have found the learning curve for FreeCAD to be steep. Rather than tell everyone in Amigaland “when it’s done,” I am setting a new deadline for the case design. If anyone with CAD knowledge and experience making cases would like to help, please contact me. The new schedule of deadlines also includes learning the firmware language QMK.

To Do List:

Keyboard layout.............................. DONE

PCB design .................................. DONE

PCB design REDO.............................. DONE

Case design.................................. Due Jul 2021

Learn and create the firmware................ Due Sep 2021

Assess manufacturing costs................... Due Oct 2021

Launch Patreon or Kickstarter................ Due Nov 2021

Launch Interrogative Microcomputer Systems... Due Dec 2021