The build for the TEMPEST is simple and broadly follows the same steps outlined in Typeractive's Corne build. Theirs is well-written and documented, so read that for now.
Some important notes, however:
Before starting your build, decide if you want the 'extra' outer keys or want the simple 5-column 36-key configuration. If removing the extra keys, simply snap them off the pcb. You may find the break-off points are sharp, so file/sand them down. WARNING: the dust from this is toxic, wear a mask and do it outside.
Important
Microcontroller should be placed facing DOWN (i.e. facing the board).
Note
The microcontroller pin holes on the board have been narrowed (to 0.85mm) to enable the use of no-solder spring headers (MAC8 XB-3-5, as found from Typeractive). These headers will fit the nice!nano, but other Pro Micro controllers may have pin holes that are too wide for these spring headers.
Important
Ensure that you solder the jumper pads for microcontroller, display, and battery plug closed on the BACK side of the board (i.e. the same side you're soldering your hotswap switch plugs and diodes).
| Quantity | Part | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | TEMPEST PCBs (reversible) from gerbers .zip file | order from JLCPCB or similar |
| 2 | nice!nano | or other Pro Micro controller (see note about spring headers) |
| 2 | Li-Po battery (110 mAh) | Typeractive / AliExpress, see nice!nano documentation for reccomendations, with 2-pin JST plug |
| 2 | 2-pin right-angled JST plug | 2.0mm pin spacing; AliExpress (NOTE: black seem to be harder to find than white) |
| 2 | Miniature Alps SPDT switch (7 pin) | Power on/off; MSK-12C02 AliExpress (NOTE: if there are two small bumps on the base, you can just slice them off with a knife to sit flush on the PCB) |
| 2 | Miniature momentary button (side mount) | Reset; AliExpress |
| 4 | 12-pin headers (5mm height) | MAC8 XB-3-5 from Typeractive |
| 38* | 1N4148W SMD diodes | SOD-123 package size |
| 38* | Kailh choc switches (v1) | |
| 38* | Kailh choc hotswap sockets | |
| 38* | Choc keycaps |
* or 36 if you're snapping off the "extra" outer keys
| Quantity | Part | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | nice!view display | |
| 2 | 5-pin header (7mm height) | MAC8 XB-3-7 from Typeractive |
| Quantity | Part | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | case .stl | Mirror for right side; PLA; 0.12 mm layer height; >50% infill |
| 2 | key plate STL | Mirror for right side; PLA; 0.12 mm layer height; >50% infill |
| 2 | stick-on rubber feet | or magsafe disc / tenting legs from aliexpress |
| 10 | M2 standoffs | height: 4 mm; diameter: < 5 mm |
| 20 | M2 bolts | height: 4 mm |
Files for a simple 3D-printed case included here. Reccomended to print in Matte PLA, with 0.12 layer height. Infill is not really relevant as the walls are thin.
Tip
Alternatively, use the back-plate and top-plate exports from ergogen to order FR-4 plates along with your PCB. You can also use the DXF exports to design your own 3D-printed case/plates easily.
The ergogen YAML and footprints are contained in the ergogen directory. With the ergogen cli tool installed, use ergogen . to build. See here for guidance.
Ergogen was used mainly as a layout tool for the keys and wiring nets. Some of the footprints for things like MCU, switches, plugs, etc. may have been manually tweaked in the KiCad PCB editor, so don't expect the Ergogen render to be completely the same as the final PCB version.
Note
Some of the ergogen/ceoloide footprint files used here have been modified slightly from the originals. Run locally, not on the ergogen web app.
Use tempest_v2_gerbers.zip for PCB fabrication (i.e. JLPCB, PCBWay).
- FR-4 PCB, 1.6 mm
- LeadFree HASL
Latest KiCad_PCB file is included, or files can be generated using Ergogen.
Tempest PCB v2