Re: [WIP] Building OtherHalf keyboard prototype --determining final keyboard
 

[QUOTE=dirkvl;1408028]
...
This combination is: (apart from some minor details)
-affordable (although no indication of 3d printed part)
-all available parts
...

For 3D printing maybe Shapeways could provide any help? It is also based in Eindhoven, so shipping costs may be low.

For the design you now have, is there any possibility to make holes for the cam and flash, since the keyboard has some room left?

Re: [WIP] Building OtherHalf keyboard prototype --determining final keyboard
 

Good one, thanks for the link!

The camera and flash will be exposed when the keyboard is slided out. I can make it exposed when slided in, but that will mean the keyboard is about 10 mm to the right of the center. And you will have a hole on the left side next to your kb.
So, possible:yes, ugly:yes.

Re: [WIP] Building OtherHalf keyboard prototype --determining final keyboard
 

dirkvl, what about the keyboards from OQO Mobile?

http://www.pocketables.com/images/20...2_keyboard.jpg

http://the-gadgeteer.com/assets/oqo02-24.jpg

Re: [WIP] Building OtherHalf keyboard prototype --determining final keyboard
 

is that brushed aluminium on the OQO keyboard? looks really nice and high quality!

Re: [WIP] Building OtherHalf keyboard prototype --determining final keyboard
 

Is the keyboard and domesheet available as spare parts for a reasonable price?

Re: [WIP] Building OtherHalf keyboard prototype --determining final keyboard
 

Sure! The keyboard is 1mm thick, so the pcb top surface is 1mm below the surface. So for SMT parts there is 1mm room. For parts next to the pcb about 2.5 mm.

Re: [WIP] Building OtherHalf keyboard prototype --determining final keyboard
 

Good one.....
I saw on ebay that someone sells those keyboards:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/OQO-Model-02...-/221255430649

Maybe we can ask him where he got those or if he can get more?

Re: [WIP] Building OtherHalf keyboard prototype --determining final keyboard
 

You may ask him if he has 100 pieces and if he can put them in a shrinking ray.

http://lazyreviewzzz.com/wp-content/...nk-ray-50p.jpg

In other words, I doubt this keyboard is available in large quantities.
Also, it is about 6mm too large.

Re: [WIP] Building OtherHalf keyboard prototype --determining final keyboard
 

For the connection between the upper and lower part (slide+hinge mechanism) I am still looking for a suitable cable.

Specs:
-about 50mm
-at least 5 tracks
-at most 10mm wide
-equal or more than 0.5mm pitch
-ZIF/LIF/Soldertab ends
-cheap
-available
-bending radius of 1-1.5 mm for dynamic loads

and the connector
-1mm max from pcb
-fits above cable
-cheap
-available

anyone? it needs to fulfill all the criteria!

http://www.globalconnectortechnology...sage-guide.jpg

(flex cable in pink)
http://oi41.tinypic.com/2vijpsy.jpg

Re: [WIP] Building OtherHalf keyboard prototype --finalizing 3D model and detailing
 

Bending radius and "cheap" is from evil...

Quick go'ogling:

To get thickness of connector to at or below 1mm, you have to go to 0.5mm pitch. e.g.
Molex 5034800600 (0,49€ @ 100pcs)
Hirose FH19SC-6S-0.5SH(05)
etc. These are available at Digikey

Cable e.g. WURTH 687606050002 - CABLE, FFC, 0.5MM, 50MM, 6WAY , available at Farnell
or MOLEX - 21020-0053 - CABLE ASSEMBLY, PREMO-FLEX FFC TYPE-A, 0.167FT (also at Farnell 2,20€ @ 100pcs)