We're just getting started with version 1.0 now, but this is where you will find links to purchase kits and assembled boards. Meanwhile if you want to support the project, check out the links in the "Support The Project" section below.
This page is for the spacers. Depending on how big a keyboard you want to build, the parts list per octave follows.
Spacers (Assuming the standard bricklaying pattern, first level gets half spacers on ends with full spacers between, second level is all full spacers, third level repeats first. Also I used 3 small spacrs per black key to raise them up above white keys)
Keys (8 white keys per "Octave" and 8 reversable black keys per "Octave")*
Switches - I used 4.3 mm tall 6x6 mm tactile switchs for the white keys and 9.5 mm (just barely cleared) 6x6 mm tactile switches for the black keys.
Bolts - I used 2 each m3x10 bolts for each white key and 2 each m3x15 for the black keys
Headers - The main interface header is a 2x5 header with 2.54 mm pitch. You'll need two per octave and two more per octave for any module connected directly to the switchboard
* Each switchboard is actually 8 keys, whereas a full octave has 14 possible keys**. That means one extra white and one extra black per octave here.
** This system was designed to allow multiple configurations whether you start with "A" or "C" or some other natural key.
At that point, assuming you've tested for functionality with the light test module, you've gotten as far as I have. Time to start developing sound generation modules.
Support The Project
There are a few ways to support me and my efforts towards the project while we build a following. I've invested my own money thus far, so anything you can contribute would help.
If you have the skills to add to the project, that would be primary.
Spread the word. I only have so much of a social media presence, so the more word of mouth we can get the better chance of finding people to add to the project.
Check out and consider subscribing to my YouTube channel. That is where I post all videos for this project and lots of other stuff. In case you didn't know, YouTube changed the rules and set a larger minimum number of subscribers before I can get monetization back. Getting closer, but every sub helps.
I have some circuit boards and kits that you might enjoy using or building. You can find them listed here in my store, but they are ultimately sold on eBay for your security.
The initial design (V 1.0) uses spacers to get the different heights of the keys right.
That said, more spacers COULD be designed if we want perfect height, but again, some of the primary goals are simplicity and keeping costs down.
How It Works
There are three different spacers for a couple of reasons.
The longest (Blue) is the same width as the switch board and if offset from one side will add rigidity to the overall keyboard.
The mid-size spacer (Purple) is half the width of the switch board. If we stack the spacers like a brick wall and starting with a the mid-size spacer on the bottom layer, we can match the overall width of the keyboard.
Finally we have the small spacer (Green). At some point we need to consider making the black keys higher than the white keys. These are the width of the secured end of the keys, so we can adjust the heights individually.
All of these spacers are currently 1.6mm thick. That means that 3 layers is 4.8 mm thick and if we have 4.3 mm tall switch under the key, the travel will be 0.5mm. If we need more we can add another 1.6mm with another layer of spacers.
Stay tuned and I'll update progress here and on my YouTube channel (links in the downloads section)
File Downloads
Go to your preferred board manufacturer like JLCPCB or PCBWay or whatever works for you.
When you see the opportunity to upload a Gerber file, upload the file you can download below
In many cases you can select from multiple colors of "Solder Mask". These boards are blue, green and purple, but it really is up to you.
If you have a choice, the thickness of the board is 1.6 mm. If you know you need less height, you can choose a smaller thickness, but you might need more spacers. I have yet to verify that 1.6 mm is the best.
You will also need bolts and nuts to hold all the boards together. I still have yet to experiment, but I'm guessign 10 mm and 15 mm will work.