Alternative Controller for HHKB Pro

I wanted to add some features like vi cursor and mouse keys to my HHKB but its controller is not programmable and firmware source code is not open, of course. This means customizing this keyboard needs to replace original controller with programmable one.

This controller can work with HHKB Professional, Professional 2, JP and Type-S.

See this thread in geekhack.org for details.

Update

Bluetooth module RN-42 is supported.(2015/01)

Features

Customizable keymap
More keymap layers(more Fn keys)
Mouse keys
USB NKRO
Bluetooth(RN-42)

See README of tmk_keyboard for more.

Pros

No risks: Everything is all reversible
No need for PCB trace patching, case cutting or any other destructive mod
Can keep original controller intact
Can change all HHKB behavior as you like

Cons

Void your warranty
Lose USB hub function of Pro2

DISCLAIMER

I'm not a professional of electronics nor MCU programming. This may damage your HHKB. And my English writing is poor, I'm not sure I can convey my notions accurately.

HHKB Internals

See doc/HHKB.txt and files under doc/ for internal of HHKB and this controller.

Build Firmware & Program

See this document and this first.

Configuration

Build options and firmware settings are available in Makefile and config.h or config_rn42.h.

Keymap

To define your own keymap create file named keymap_<name>.c and see keymap document and existent keymap files.

Build

Several version of keymap are available in advance but you are recommended to define your favorite layout yourself. Just make with KEYMAP option like:

$ make -f Makefile.<variant> KEYMAP=<name> clean
$ make -f Makefile.<variant> KEYMAP=<name>

Makefile can be used for Pro2 and Pro USB controller, Makefile.jp for JP, Makefile.rn42 for Pro2 Bluetooth and Makefile.rn42.jp for JP Bluetooth.

Program

First, push reset button on board to start bootloader.

This command programs the controller with dfu-programmer if the tool is installed and configured properly.

$ make -f Makefile.<variant> KEYMAP=<name> dfu

Or you can also use FLIP command to program. Also the tool should be installed and configured properly. FLIP GUI application is also available.

$ make -f Makefile.<variant> KEYMAP=<name> flip

Hardware

TMK Alt Controller Board

Preassmbled controller is available from here.

You can find design files of the controller at Keyboard Controller Board for HHKB(KiCad project).

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