8. Electronics production

Files

Here

Group Site

Group Link

I characterized the bits that we used this week.

Overview

This week’s goal was to create my very own MicroController PCB and test it. I used the Seeed Studio Esp32-S3 Xiao MicroController to control a button using a button, LED, and two resistors of different ohms.

Milling

Pre-Process

I decided to use the Kicad design from my week 6 electronics Design as the model for my milling this week. We were also given 4 of our bits. These include a: PCB engraving bit 0.005, 1/16, 1/32, and a 1/64.

Milling Process

A. Step one was to upload my F.Cu file and my edge cuts file to the Fab Lab drive so I could open them on Bantam tools.

B. Next I needed to take a piece of metal copper thingi and tape it using double sided tape into the milling machine

C. I had to define the size of the material in Material Setup which were 102.8 by 83.5 by 1.64mm, then define the z offset to be 0.2mm.

D. I grabbed both my edge cuts file and my F.Cu files and imported them into the Bantam Tools software in File Setup where I can control the Milling Machine.

E. I chose the tool for both files to be the 1/32 bit and defined the F.Cu to be holes and traces (even though I had no holes) and defined the EdgeCuts to just be outline. Then generated the gcodes for both.

F. Finally for plan setup I needed to change the positions of both of the files to be able to fit them together in an open spot on the piece of copper.

G. I then clicked Mill All files where it then prompted me to change the tool to the 1/32 bit. I did this by using 2 different wrenches to hold the spinning shaft still and another to loosen the nut holding the tool already inserted. Then I inserted the 1/32 bit all the way through the opening and then tightened it in.

H. The machine would then touch off the tool and begin milling. I would need to watch it to ensure that no errors could occur that would cause problems.

I. Finally after it finished milling I would use the vacuum to try and clean all the dust left by the machine. I peeled off my PCB and viola I was done.

PCB Soldering

Overview

I soldered on a button, LED, and two resistors of different ohms. Still using the specs from Week 6.

Programming

The code I used to program the S3 is seen below it uses the same code from week 6.

int buttonState = 0;

void setup()
{
  pinMode(D6, INPUT);
  pinMode(D2, OUTPUT);
}

void loop()
{
  // read the state of the pushbutton value
  buttonState = digitalRead(D6);
  // check if pushbutton is pressed.  if it is, the
  // buttonState is HIGH
  if (buttonState == HIGH) {
    // turn LED on
    digitalWrite(D2, HIGH);
  } else {
    // turn LED off
    digitalWrite(D2, LOW);
  }
  delay(10); }

Testing

It works but it can be a little weird here and there.

Reflection

This week I learned and worked with the OtherMill small PCB milling machine to create and test my very own PCB. Using the files I created in KiCad and tested in Wokwi. I learned how to insert the material correctly, change the currect tool bit in the machine, and clean up properly after milling. In my group project I learned how to charecterize the bits used in milling my own PCB.

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Last update: April 8, 2025