Keys not working for left half
Hey, I just put together a wireless corne and only the right half is registering key presses. I can connect to the left nice!nano, and was able to install the firmware fine. The right half only works when connecting the left half via USB, but I believe that's because the left is the master (just further evidence that the issue probably isn't with the left nice!nano)
7 Replies
It sounds like you're having trouble with your left half not registering key presses wirelessly, but it works when connected via USB. Since the right half is working when connected to the left via USB, the issue is likely with the left half's ability to communicate wirelessly or with the connection between the two halves.
Here are a few things to check:
1. Ensure the left half is powered on: Make sure the power switch on the left half is in the "on" position (pushed up). When you press the reset button on the left nice!nano, you should see a blue LED blink.
2. Check the pairing between the halves: The left half acts as the central device, and the right half connects to it. If they aren't paired correctly, the right half won't send data to the left. Try resetting the bonds between the halves. You can find instructions on how to do this in the ZMK documentation: https://zmk.dev/docs/troubleshooting#split-keyboard-halves-unable-to-pair. After clearing the bonds, try resetting both halves by pressing the reset buttons simultaneously.
3. Check the BLE connection on your device: Ensure your device supports at least BLE 4.2. If possible, try pairing the left half to a mobile phone to see if it connects and registers key presses. This can help determine if the issue is with the keyboard or your computer's Bluetooth.
If you've tried these steps and are still having trouble, please let me know! You can reply to this message or tag me for further assistance.
Troubleshooting | ZMK Firmware
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No, the left half never works, I've only been using the keyboard when connected via USB, I haven't used Bluetooth yet
@TyperAI
Thanks for clarifying! If the left half isn't working at all, even when connected via USB, and you've successfully flashed the firmware, the issue is likely hardware-related on the left side.
Since the right half works when connected to the left via USB, this confirms the right half and its nice!nano are likely fine.
Here's what I recommend checking on the left half:
1. nice!nano Installation: Double-check how the nice!nano is installed on the left PCB. Ensure it's seated correctly in the sockets (if you used hotswap) or that the headers are soldered properly and the nice!nano is flush against them (if you soldered directly). Make sure the nice!nano is oriented correctly (face down). You can find detailed steps in the nice!nano installation guide: https://docs.typeractive.xyz/build-guides/corne-wireless/nice-nano
2. Solder Joints: Carefully inspect all the solder joints on the left PCB, especially around the nice!nano sockets/headers and the hotswap sockets for the switches. Poor solder joints are a common cause of keys not registering. The Adafruit Soldering Guide has tips for good joints: https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-guide-excellent-soldering/making-a-good-solder-joint
3. Check for Shorts: Look for any accidental solder bridges between pins on the nice!nano or between components on the PCB. If you have a multimeter, you can check for continuity between adjacent pins (with the board powered off).
4. Switches: Although less likely to cause the entire half to fail, ensure the switches are fully seated in the hotswap sockets and that the pins aren't bent.
If you've gone through these checks and still can't get the left half to work, let me know! We can look into it further.
@TyperAI Looks like I had the nice!nano installed face up
Ah, that would definitely cause issues! The nice!nano needs to be installed face down for the keyboard to function correctly.
Now that you've installed it in the correct orientation, try connecting the left half via USB again and see if it registers key presses.
Once the left half is working correctly via USB, you can then proceed with flashing the firmware (if you haven't already with the correct orientation) and setting up the wireless connection between the two halves.
Let me know if installing the nice!nano face down resolves the issue!
@TyperAI That solved the issue
That's great news! I'm glad to hear that installing the nice!nano face down resolved the issue and your left half is now working.
Now that both halves are physically built and the left half is functioning, you'll want to make sure you have the correct ZMK firmware flashed to both nice!nanos. You can find the default firmware files and instructions on how to flash them on the firmware page of the build guide for your specific keyboard (Corne or Lily58):
* Corne Wireless Firmware: https://docs.typeractive.xyz/build-guides/corne-wireless/firmware
* Lily58 Wireless Firmware: https://docs.typeractive.xyz/build-guides/lily58-wireless/firmware
Remember to flash the correct
.uf2 file for each half (left and right) and whether you have nice!views or not.
Once both halves are flashed, you should be able to connect them wirelessly. If you encounter any issues with the split halves connecting, the "Split Halves Won't Connect" troubleshooting guide is a good resource: https://docs.typeractive.xyz/troubleshooting/split-halves-wont-connect
Let me know if you have any other questions as you finish setting up your keyboard!