Kinesis Advantage Keyboard -QMK Upgrade - Plug & Play - KB600/500

Description

This auction is for one (1) replacement controller for your Kinesis Advantage keyboard.  This replacement board will allow you to run open source firmware replacement QMK on your Kinesis Advantage keyboard.
QMK firmware really takes this keyboard to the next level, and allows for configuring multiple layers, and many other neat features such as mouse emulation, rotary encoders, joysticks, RBG lighting, etc - all of which the stock firmware either does relatively poorly, or are features that are never going to be implemented by the manufacturer.
For more details regarding the functionality of QMK, please see:  https://beta.docs.qmk.fm/
The keyboard can be configured using an online configurator tool which generates the firmware, or if you are more technically inclined can build your own custom firmware to make use of all of the latest features.For more details on the project behind this controller replacement- please see https://github.com/kinx-project/kint.
The author of this project did an awesome job of designing this PCB and releasing it as open source.  I ordered a batch of PCB's and parts, and figured I'd offer up the remaining units for sale for those who don't want to bother sourcing all of the parts, or don't have the tools/time/interest in building the board themselves.
I have
several variations
for sale in this auction (If interested in a variation shows as currently unavailable, feel free to contact me for availability status):
#1) PCB Without PJRC Teensy 2.0++ Microcontroller/Development board.
PCB comes fully populated with the flex ribbon connectors (as well as pin headers for the thumb keys found on some older models), as well four Blue surface mounted LED's and their corresponding SMD resistors.  These LED's replicate the functionality on your keyboard using the original board (caps lock, etc.).The buyer will then need to purchase their own Teensy microcontroller (suggested models include the 2.0++, 3.6, 4.1), as well as obviously soldering it to the PCB and flashing the firmware.  Neither of which is terribly difficult to do.  No other cables/adapters/etc is included.
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#2)
PCB Without PJRC Teensy 2.0++ Microcontroller/Development board
(same as #1), but
with the addition of the cable adapter
to allow you to connect the standard Kinesis cable to the Mini-USB connector on the Teensy 2.0++.   (Upon request, I can make an adapter that terminates in a Micro-USB connector (as found on the Teensy v3.6 or v4.1 microcontroller.)
NOTE:
The USB cable from the Advantage2 (KB600) is a direct fit for this adapter and requires no modifications, but the older KB500 requires disconnecting the relatively useless USB hub, and trimming off a few pins on the connector in order to fit the included adapter.
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#3) Fully populated and tested PCB
with PJRC Teensy 2.0++ Microcontroller/Development board
.
The same build as the #2 above, but with the addition of the PJRC Teensy 2.0++ microcontroller soldered to the PCB.  Making it a truly "plug & play" experience.  (Older model KB500 with soldered ribbon cables in the thumb areas would still require soldering connectors for the thumb boards.)
Also included:  cable adapter to allow connecting the Mini USB connector of the Teensy microcontroller to the stock Kinesis cable
- no need remove/replace the existing cable that came with the keyboard.
Note:
The USB cable from the Advantage2 (KB600) is a direct fit, but the older KB500 requires disconnecting the relatively useless USB hub, and trimming off a few pins on the connector in order to fit the included adapter.  If you don't wish to hack away at the cable in your KB500 for whatever reason, then you can just use a standard Mini USB cable (not included).
This board (
#3)
will arrive with the latest QMK firmware flashed to the device and a basic/default keymap to get you started.  This board will have been fully tested prior to shipping which will allow you to start using the keyboard immediately and then focus on customizing your keymap and layers to your liking.
*** PLEASE NOTE: ***
These PCBs will work for either the KB600 or KB500 version of the keyboard, but you may want to verify that you have the flexible cables as shown in the pictures above.  Some older models have ribbon cables that connect the thumb boards, and will require the user to add headers to their existing ribbon cable and use the lower pin headers for the thumb boards.   Even older models do not have flex cables to connect to the left and right key wells - each side is connected by a circuit board and this configuration will not work with this board.    *** If you have any doubts, take a few moments and remove the six screws from the bottom of your keyboard to verify. ***
Auction is for replacement controller board only.  No other cables/parts/etc are included. Color of PCB board may vary (purple or green).