Project 2: Mechanical Keyboard Project

[ryanm816]

Leading about 7 small teams to create a mechanical keyboard from scratch, teaching the skills of PCB design, light CAD work, circuit construction, and more. Planning core phases for project operations this summer for launch this fall.

Preliminary Weekly Meeting Schedule:

Preliminary Schedule MKP 26-27 A.pdf [Updated 26-23-07]

I based schedule off of last year's meetings and prepared slideshows. More time is given to Design reviews and mechanical design.

Preliminary Budget:

[Pending]

[ryanm816]

Phases: Mechanical Keyboard Project, 26-27

1. Preparation phase
	a. Create all marketing materials 
	b. Joining process
		i. Create interest Discord Server for engagement
		ii. Create form application
		iii. Limit amount
	c. Prelim Budget
	d. Prelim Schedule
	e. Prototype Keyboard (attempt to make now)
2. Launch
	a. (Requires finalized pre-production)
	b. Marketing
		i. Explain project scope
			1) Provided materials (what we will pay for)
			2) Needed skills
			3) Project Timeline
			4) Project commitment length
			5) Est. cost not covered
		ii. Where to go if interested (create application form)
		iii. Post to IEEE Discord server
		iv. Informational meeting?
			1) Project scope, signups, info
	c. Acceptance and team formation
		i. Based on form responses, email selected number of acceptance or rejection
			1) More likely to get in if more skills or part of team request
		ii. Assign to prelim team
		iii. Have team change requests ready
		iv. Team Contracts 
		v. Team Contract edits (due 1 week after submitting)
		vi. Assign Project leads
		vii. Part Buying policies (How to buy parts & PO request for reimbursement)
			1) Create PO form??
	d. Communication
		i. Discord Server (Separate?)
		ii. Ask zack for advice/help 
	e. Resources
		i. Post videos for teams to watch
3. Keyboard Layout Editor
	a. Explain types of keyboards, switches, keycaps
		i. Keycap tester?
	b. Layouts
	c. How to use KLE and save options
	d. Have project leads send in design
4. Schematics
	a. Explain Matrix wiring
	b. KiCad intro
		i. Schematic tool
		ii. Schematic to PCB process preview
	c. Example schematic demo?  (Numpad)
	d. Schematic due date & turn in
5. PCB
	a. Explain layout in KiCad
		i. Demo on numpad
	b. Best practices for layout
	c. Mechanical Considerations
		i. Mounting holes
		ii. Mounting type
		iii. plate
	d. PCB design review: Boards DUE, components DUE
	e. Send out Date to manufacturer
6. Assembly
	a. Soldering workshop (book lab room!) (might need to meet in lab room from now on)
	b. Practice soldering
	c. Test design / rework issues
7. Mechanical Design
	a. CAD intro
	b. 3D printing
		i. Contact MakerStudio in advanced
		ii. Filament cost and qty 
8. Software
	a. Options
		i. QMK/ ZMK
	b. Configuration
9. Project Close
	a. Reimbursement Requests 
		i. Submit early
		ii. Have running expenses as PO requests are done
		iii. Should just be to one person
	b. Pictures
		i. Take pictures of final results
	c. IEEE Foothill section share results
	d. Announce project close

Last meeting day, additional support, etc.