New linux static binary?

[Pepper Music]

Hi Andrew et al,

The current binary for linux crashes with a seg fault. I understand from this forum that a new version of the touchkeys software is in development and yet to be released.

--Is it possible to get a pre-release of this software? (Will it be open source)?

--Is it possible to get a new binary compiled with more updated libraries?

Unrelated -- the touchkeys on my MKII are a bit sharp on the sides. Is it possible to file the edges down with fine sandpaper so they are less sharp without ruining them?

thanks so much for everything

Andy

[RadBrad S]

I was told sanding or filing down the edges would be just fine. I plan on doing the same to mine, but have not gotten around to it yet…

By the way I’m always looking for another set of TouchKeys… if s add stone has one the want to sell please let me know! 

Sent from my iPhone

On May 31, 2022, at 10:42 AM, Pepper Music <pepperscl...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi Andrew et al,

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[Ink Papers]

Touchkeys is actually sensitive enough that it can work through clear tape. I am experimenting with that to remedy the sharp edges.

[Andrew McPherson]

Hi everyone,

Sorry for the recent radio silence.

Yes I have updated the TouchKeys software for a more recent JUCE, and it ought to be easily possible to make an updated build for Linux. Time being scarce right now, I'm not sure I'll get to that soon, but I will post a link to the code here soon once I sort it out (can share it privately with anyone who wants it in the meantime).

Regarding filing down the edges, yes you can absolutely do that. Even if the copper is exposed, it should still work fine. 

I made a prototype keyboard a few years back where I got a professional model shop to take each key, sand it down and spray it with several layers of hard-shell automotive paint. The result looks and feels exactly like an original keyboard, and the sensitivity is still good. It was a laborious process though and very expensive even for 25 keys, so it's not something I'd recommend for the faint of heart.

BTW because I have received a few queries about extra TouchKeys kits: I'm completely out (I have spare parts, but not enough to make a full kit) and it's also really challenging in the current semiconductor market to make any more, because basically all the microcontrollers I would need are perpetually out of stock with long lead times. So I'm sorry to say that I don't expect to restock anytime soon. If anyone gets in touch with me to sell one secondhand I'll direct them here.

Best wishes,

Andrew

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/touchkeys/3ddf029e-4e58-4362-b467-8f3585c0f913n%40googlegroups.com.

[Andrew McPherson]

Hi all,

Just an update - the most recent TouchKeys code can be found here:

https://github.com/apmcpherson/touchkeys

Best wishes,

Andrew

[Ink Papers]

Thanks for that information Andrew! I wonder if the entire surface, plastic? layer of the keys is cosmetic and could be taken off? What would it look like, bare copper metal?

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/touchkeys/B2A9C302-03CF-48E0-A3FF-CC74CA0D5865%40gmail.com.

[Andrew McPherson]

The top layer of the keys is a kind of resin (PCB soldermask, to be specific). It should work without it, although whether it feels good under the fingers is not so certain. The underlying PCB material is rougher than the surface which is part of why you feel it at the sides more than the top.

If you sanded it down the look would be bare copper in the diamond/zig-zag pattern. Might look pretty cool actually, though expect it to darken over time as it oxidises.

Best wishes,

Andrew