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
Any ideas?
The solution to this is to reflow the microcontroller. This means taking a fine tip soldering iron and heating up every pad until it melts then letting it cool again, The iron needs to be clean and you need to make sure after the fact that you haven't bridged any connections.
This isn't for everyone, so, contact Massdrop support to see if they can send you another unit. DilbertProgrammer's board had this exact issue and I fixed it in five minutes.
I'll add this to my growing list of concerns. I may need to buy a plane ticket to China next time to get all of this sorted out!
If you have any friends with soldering skills who owe you a favor now might be a time to call in said favor. :P I don't know where you're located but I'll be at the Austin, TX keyboard meetup this Saturday and will likely be at Keycon where I can service the board myself.
Sorry for this issue, I know how frustrating it can be! One of my earliest prototype boards did this with = and Delete, now that's a problem!