What is SpaceFN and why you should give it a try
The SpaceFN concept - setting up your space key as a layer switch when held - is probably one of the most useful tweaks in the keyboard hobby. Let me explain how it works. My SpaceFN article on kbd.news made some rounds recently - quite surprisingly given the age of this concept. This piece you're reading is a condensed version of the full post. If you're left with unanswered questions, you'll most likely find the info you're looking for in the original write-up. On my imaginary top list of the most useful keyboard features, tweaks and hacks, SpaceFN would deserve a podium finish for sure. But what makes it so special? In short: SpaceFN is easy to implement, easy to learn, costs nothing, can be used with any keyboard, and can improve your productivity instantly. I will list its benefits below, but can state right at this point that the SpaceFN concept, setting up your space key as a layer switch when held, is clearly one of the most useful tweaks in the keyboard hobby....
Apr 30, 2024
I believe that it needs (beeing a fully build computer part) an CE "certification", which I doesn't have. The same happend to the first batch of peble smartwatches. Depending at which customs location they were processed, the import was impossible because of the missing CE certification.
Let's hope everything goes well, I mean it is a custom build keyboard in low quantity. Why should it matter if I build it from the parts on my own in germany or somebody else builds it an ships it here?.
Maybe its due to the low quantity (i hope…)
So I called the customs office: the only definive answer they will give is, that they will charge taxes (Umsatzsteuer). Beyond that, it's a matter of the "Marktüberwachungsbehörde" or "Behörde für Produktsicherheit". And whether customs will hand it over to them depends on the customs officer. And is apparently decided case-by-case.
So I called the "Behörde für Produktsicherheit": they told me whether the import will be allowed is decided case-by-case and depends on the official assigned. It depends on how that official is interpreting the "Produktsicherheitsgesetz". They'll check for CE markings of the individual components, supply voltage, frequencies and included assembly instructions. The assembly instructions need to be in german. Anyone up for a translation? Maybe create a PDF in german from the assembly instructions and include that with the kit?
Maybe somebody from Germany has some experience importing modelling kits such as rc cars, rc planes?