diff --git a/build_guides/bluetooth_conversion.md b/build_guides/bluetooth_conversion.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1c53b06 --- /dev/null +++ b/build_guides/bluetooth_conversion.md @@ -0,0 +1,103 @@ +--- +title: From Wired to Bluetooth +description: How To Add Bluetooth to Most Keyboards +author: Boardsource +subcategory: easy +draft: true +tags: +- 40% +- 60% +- ergo +- kit +banner: +thumbnail: +--- + +### Hardware +| Item | Count | Required | +|---------------------------|-------|-------------| +| BLE Controller | 1/2 | [x] | +| Battery | 1 | [x] | +| Battery Helper PCB | 1/2 | [] | +| Power Switch | 1 | [] | +| Keyboard Kit (solderable) | 1 | [x] | +| Milmax sockets/pins | 1/2 | [] | + +# The hardware changes + +Building a bluetooth keyboard is very similar to building a wired keyboard. The +main difference is changing out the controller to something that supports +bluetooth, and a battery to give it power. Controllers like the +[Nice!Nano](https://www.boardsource.xyz/products/nice!nano_v2) and +[SuperMini](https://www.boardsource.xyz/products/supermini) will both work with +bluetooth and replace a pro micro/elite C/blok as those don't have a wireless +function. + +# When to buy optional items + +For things like the [Battery +Helper](https://www.boardsource.xyz/products/Battery-Helper), these are useful +if your PCB does not support a battery+switch as many keyboards were built +without wireless in mind. While you do not need a switch, it's highly +recommended to be able to turn off your keyboard for storage or transport. The +power switch is usually supported on any keyboard if it already supports a +battery. The most common power switch for keyboards is +[this](https://www.boardsource.xyz/products/smd-slide-switch), and one is +included with the battery helper if you use that. Milmax sockets and pins are +massively recommended as they allow you to easily remove the controller if you +want to test things, or if something goes wrong and you need to replace it. +Desoldering controllers from standard headers is quite difficult, and most +people would not want to go through that should they need to repair/replace +anything. + +# PCB's that include battery+switch support + +This is a short list of keyboards that we offer that do not need the battery +helper if you want to use a power switch. These PCB's have the function +integrated into the keyboard. Anything not on this list will likely need a +battery helper. + +- Corne +- Sweep + +# Installing the battery + +If you are using the battery helper, you can see the [documentation for that +here.](BatteryHelper.md) + +For other keyboards that integrate batteries and switches, please reference the +image below for their pinout and where to connect them. + +### Corne + +Photo of corne with battery attached +Image of corne pins for power switch and polarity for battery + +### Sweep + +Photo of sweep with battery attached +Image of sweep pins for power switch and polarity for battery + +# Final checks + +It's recommended to check power switch (if used), and the voltage of the battery +with a multimeter to ensure that the controller is getting the correct voltage. +Most controllers will flash a light when they see power, but this is a good +thing to check before you start wrapping things up. It may be a good idea to +flash a firmware before installing the controllers as well as it may be easier +to debug. + +# Further reading + +Some other useful articles that we have about ZMK may help you get your firmware +in working order. + +[What is ZMK?](../guides/what_is_zmk.md) + +[A GUI for ZMK!](../guides/zmkGui.md) + +[How to Flash](../guides/flashing_a_uf2.md) + +## Extra +For questions, ask in [Boardsource Discord +server](https://discord.gg/5qpqbgaTYz)