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build_instructions.md

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The Avalanche keyboard build instuctions

Break off the numbers row and pinky key

If desired, break off the number row and/or pinky key

Diodes

Both SMD and through-hole types of diodes are supported. The stripe on the diode should match the silk screen so that the line on the diode is on the same side.

Through-hole diodes are nice when using Mill-Max sockets because the trimmed diode wires can be used as the ProMicro pins.

Switch hotswap sockets

Install the hotswap sockets on the same side as the diodes.

I recommend the following way of soldering the hotswap sockets. Take the top plate, insert all switches into the top plate holes. Then place the top plate onto the PCB. Take switch sockets and place them to their dedicated places on the bottom side of the PCB. The switch sockets will be fixed with the switch pins stopping them from falling away or move anywhere around. Now solder the switch sockets to the PCB (with comfort).

Component locations

v4 Component locations

ProMicro sockets

Mill-Max headers must be used, standard header pins do not fit.

Install the ProMicro on the opposite side as the sockets and diodes. Install the ProMicro upside down for a cleaner look, the silk screen indicates where the headers should be seated. To install the ProMicro right side up, use the other header position.

Solder the sockets to the PCBs. Solder one pin, adjust by resoldering the one pin until socket is positioned at 90 degrees. Only after that solder other pins. Be careful when soldering the socket's pins to avoid bridging the unused pads. You should not short circuit unused pads with the pins.

For low profile Mill-Max type headers, you can now solder the ProMicro header pins. This is a good time to re-use the diode legs if through-hole diodes were used. Solid core 24 AWG wire also works very well. Put some painter's tape (or similar) between sockets and ProMicros before soldering the pins, otherwise solder could leak into the sockets.

Reset switch, TRRS socket, toggle switches.

Solder them on the same side as the ProMicro.

SW33 toggle switch (not pictured) can be used in wireless builds to disconnect the battery.

SW34 toggle switch controls power to the OLED Screen and LEDs, which is useful for wireless builds. For wired builds the switch can be replaced, and permenantly enabled, by connecting the SW34 pads with a wire.

OLED

Install headers below the ProMicro sockets and bridge the nearby pads on the same side as the OLED. If the ProMicro has already been installed you may need to remove it in order to access the pads.

Choose Serial or I2C

I2C provides less latency in communication between the halves of the keyboard. This latency difference begins to be noticible when typing above 100 words per minute.

  • I2C: On the master board (left by default) solder 4.7k resistors R1, R2. On the secondary board (right by default) connect P1 to R1 and P2 to R2 (the closest holes to each). Modify your qmk firmware config.h with #define USE_I2C instead of #define USE_SERIAL. Use only TRRS cable to connect keyboard halves.

  • Serial: On both halves you should short circuit the W1 jumper. Modify your qmk firmware config.h with #define USE_SERIAL instead of #define USE_I2C. Use TRS or TRRS cable to connect keyboard halves.

Communication wiring

This doc of the QMK site has additional information.

LEDs

Install LEDs on the same side of the PCB as the hotswap sockets. The ground pin on the LED is indicated with a notched lead, line this up with the angle mark on the PCB. This component can be damaged if it gets too hot, so be careful not to dwell with the soldering iron for more than 2-3 seconds, and keep the temperature low.

One way to approach this component is to put a blob of solder on each ground pad first. With tweezers carefully hold the LED in position above the blob and quickly attach it to the blob. Once attached, used the tweezers to gently push down on the LED to fully seat it to the PCB. Inspect the alignment and carefully adjust as needed. Once in the correct location, the remaining pins can be soldered. It is easy to bridge the legs so closely inspect your work with a loupe or multimeter.

  • Short circuit the J9, J10, J11 jumpers if you are not using the number row.

v3 and earlier

  • Backlight LEDs available in earlier revisions. Solder them in. This component is much more difficult than the other type of LED, though a similar approach can be taken. Good luck.

  • For per-switch LEDs, short circuit the data-in of the first backlight LED with the data-in of the first per-key LED using a wire (or data-in to data-out pins on all backlight LEDs). Of course, it is supposed that you do not install the backlight LEDs at all.

Rotary encoders

  • IMPORTANT NOTE: Only 1 rotary encoder could be installed on each half.
  • Solder all 7 pins of rotary encoders to the PCB this fixes the encoder the best.
  • Do not install both kailh socket and rotary encoder into the same switch slot on the PCB. Install either one.