CaraVan 2 (nicknamed "C2") is a split 40% keyboard. Designed to be a modernized version of the original CaraVan, this board was a work-in-progress for over 3 years after the predecessor shipped.
25 "Founder's Edition" CaraVan 2 boards were produced and sold for $375 each in the #a-trashmans-landfill channel in the 40% keyboards Discord server.
¶ Design
| Designer | Trash Man |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | CaraVan 2 |
| Firmware | Trash Configurator |
| VIAL (download) | |
| Layouts | KLE link |
| Plate files | DXFs on the Files page |
| Switches | Soldered MX |
| LEDs | 20x RGB underglow |
| Connection | Integrated USB-C |
| Controller | ATmega32u4 |
Despite sharing the name, CaraVan 2 is more of a spiritual successor to the original CaraVan rather than simply an updated PCB. While the CaraVan was designed to be pushed together to recreate the familiar Minivan form factor, CaraVan 2 was deliberately designed to only be used as a split keyboard. The cutaway puzzle-piece stagger from the original design has been replaced with a squared-off case for both halves. The connections for the interconnect cable have been moved from the top of the board to the inside edge of each half, preventing the halves from being pushed together at all while the board is in use. All connectors on the board have been upgraded to use USB C.
¶ Layout
CaraVan 2 supports a split version of all split-space Minivan layouts. The layout is divided down the middle in the same manner as the original CaraVan.
¶ PCBs
The CaraVan 2 PCB is designed to overcome many of the issues that arose with the original CaraVan PCB. The mini USB port found on the original CaraVan was replaced with a USB-C 2.0 connector on CaraVan 2. Similarly, the Mini HDMI ports used for the interconnect between the halves - a source of much trouble with the original design - were also replaced with USB-C connectors. Like the original, the goal of the design was to use all of the 24 pins in the USB-C connector to pass the key matrix directly between halves instead of relying on serial/i2c chips. This brought an interesting set of issues to the table that needed to be overcome. Most notably, a USB-C cable uses a reversible connector on both ends, thus the circuitry needed to be designed to work regardless of the orientation of the interconnect cable.
Because of the requirement for all 24 pins to be present, the interconnect between CaraVan 2 halves only works with full-featured USB-C 3.1 cables that contain conductors for all 24 pins. Certified Thunderbolt 3 cables have also been tested to work as the interconnect cable.
CaraVan 2 adds 20 surface-mount RGB underglow LEDs (10 per half) to the bottom of the PCB. The board does not include dedicated indicator LEDs on the top side. The PCB has a green solder mask with the words "Cara" and "Van" in white script across the top side of each half. The top of each half is also outlined with a white border. The underside of the left PCB half includes Trash Man's trash bag logo with the text "100% Garbage - Trash Man approved!". The words "CaraVan Rev 2.0 - Designed by the illustrious trash man" are written on the right PCB half.
The PCB was designed to be produced as a single piece that would need to be cut in half before it could be installed into a case.
¶ Rev 2.0 - Founder's Edition
A minor issue was discovered with the "Founder's Edition" PCBs where the USB-C flip detection circuit on the left PCB half does not properly handle a flipped interconnect cable. The left PCB will only function properly if the USB-C cable is plugged in with the proper orientation on that side. The right PCB does not have this issue and orientation of the plug does not matter. The problem was quickly identified and Trash Man stated that it would be fixed on later revisions.
¶ Cases
The case for CaraVan 2 is a top-mount design made from CNC-milled brass and acrylic. The 1.6mm thick plate and 3mm thick bottom weight are both brass while the rest of the case is solid machined acrylic. The plates are a "universal" design that include cutouts for all of the supported layouts. There are 4 recesses on the bottom of each "half" for rubber feet. Replacement feet can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083HBDVQQ
A special engraving was added to the bottom weight on the cases of Founder's Edition boards.
Universal plate files for the left and right halves can be found on the Files page
