The Roadkit (originally Roadkit Mini/Micro) was a 4x4 fully programmable macropad designed to be a companion to the MiniVan. Kits from the first group buy shipped with a PCB, aluminum case, two aluminum plates supporting different layouts, and assembly hardware.
¶ Design
Intended to be a companion to the MiniVan, the Roadkit follows a similar design style. The original cases were CNC milled aluminum to match the MiniVan aluminum case and came in several finishes. Roadkit cases used a tray-mount design. Through-hole pads were included for in-switch LEDs for every switch position.
¶ Layout
The Roadkit PCB supports two layouts. Plate files are available for both layouts.
- Macropad - 16x 1u keys in a 4x4 grid
- Numpad - a 2u horizontal key in the bottom left and 2x vertical 2u keys on the right edge for a more traditional numpad layout
¶ PCBs
The official PCB designed by TheVanKeyboards that shipped with Roadkit received three revisions. All 3 revisions of the PCB supported Cherry MX and Alps switches. The front of all 3 revisions contained the name of the board, the revision number, and the text "Designed by Evan Sailer for TheVan Keyboards". All surface mount components were installed on the back side of the PCB. A reset button was located to the left of the USB port.
¶ Rev 1.0
The first PCB made for Roadkit mirrored many of the design elements of the original MiniVan PCB. The board was covered in a white solder mask with black silkscreen. There were no holes for PCB-mount switch legs for any of the switch locations. There were also no holes for PCB-mount stabilizers for the three 2u keycap locations so plate-mount stabs were required. The board used a Mini USB connector.
Expand for pictures
¶ Rev 2.0
Revision 2 PCBs sold with round 2 Roadkits added holes for PCB-mount switch legs for all of the switch positions as well as PCB-mount stabilizer holes for the three 2u keycap locations.
Expand for pictures
¶ Rev 3.0
Roadkit round 3 kits included an updated PCB to match the Low Rider PCB that was shipping with round 4 MiniVan kits. The board was covered in a purple solder mask and white silkscreen. It was updated to use USB C instead of Mini USB.
Expand for pictures
¶ Other
There are two other PCBs currently being developed that will be compatible with Roadkit cases
- Skiff - A new macropad PCB built from the ground up to support portscanning
- Chop Shop - supports every layout for all TheVanKeyboards 40% and below keyboards and adds modern features like USB C and per-key RGB LEDs
¶ Cases
¶ Metal case
The original CNC-milled aluminum case that shipped with the Roadkit. Had a few revisions and colors. Hoping I can fibd a few good pics of the different revisions.
¶ Plastic case
Roadkit Lite cases sold with cheaper kits. I'll find a good pic and do a little write up eventually.
¶ Community
Idea23.com sold resin cases using a custom mold made from an aluminum Roadkit case.
