01 | I started this task by making sure I define PWM pins on the ESP32-C3 SuperMini, with the help of AI Gemini

02 | I chose the vibration motor as the output for this assignment, as it will also be used in my final project

03 | With the help of AI Gemini I defined the parts I need to create the driver for the motor and how to connect it to the ESP32-C3 SuperMini

04| I downloaded the symbol and footprint of the Transistor 2N2222

05 | As well as the Diode 1N4001, which will control the current before it leaves the motor

06 | In the KiCAD schematic editor I added the parts (Transistor, Diode, 1K resistor, hairpin) → connected the parts as defined by AI Gemini → then looked for errors in the Design Rules Checker

07 | And connected this output driver to the rest of my PCB design

08 | Then I updated the PCB Editor to add the new part

09 | Then I noticed that the Diode cathode was connected the wrong way

10| I flipped it in the schematic designer first

11 | Then I updated the PCB Editor again

12 | I found that the current layout would not be suitable and I had to rearrange everything

13 | Rechecked the connection with the help of Gemini

14| Rewired all the pins from the input and the output

15 | Redesigned the routes on the PCB

16 | Designed an additional PCB for the vibrator motor driver and made the routes 1mm thick as I wanted to design this driver using the vinyl cutter

17 | I connected all the parts to the breadboard

18 | I used this code generated by Gemini AI to test the vibration power, speed and duration, following this workflow: Open Arduino IDE → select the ESP32 C3 library → copy/paste the code → verify the code → upload to microcontroller → press reset button if needed

					
const int motorPin = 10; // Connect to the 1k resistor -> Transistor Base

void setup() {
  pinMode(motorPin, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  // Gentle pulse
  analogWrite(motorPin, 150); // 0-255 scale
  delay(500);
  
  // Hard pulse
  analogWrite(motorPin, 255); 
  delay(500);
  
  digitalWrite(motorPin, LOW);
  delay(2000);
}				
					
					
					

19 | It was working — I changed the values and saw how the vibration changed

20 | I imported the SVG file of the PCB I designed into SignMaster Pro to use the SkyCutter, and followed this workflow: placed the copper tape on a hard 3D-printed flat plate → taped the plate on the cutting mat → set the cutter to lowest speed and lowest force

21 | Once it was completed, I removed the unwanted parts and was left with the circuit ready for soldering the parts to it

23 | Then I started the soldering workflow: the solder temperature was at 300 degrees Celsius → put some paste on the solder → made two soldering spots on the circuit → then tried to connect the resistor as the first part

24 | But the copper routes came off with the solder :)))))

25 | This is my second trial cutting the vinyl circuit

26 | This time I used the microscope to get a better look while soldering the parts

27 | I started by applying small drops of resin that would hold the copper circuit as well as the small electronic parts I wanted to solder

28 | I cured the it with UV blue light before I start soldering

29 | I applied soldering past on the connection parts

30 | I soldered all the parts, but it was not an easy process. I was always afraid of creating short circuits and having to repeat everything. The first parts I soldered were the best (Diode, VM), but as I progressed my soldering got worse, I think for two main reasons: I'm not used to soldering yet, the circuit was very small, and I got both tired and scared of melting the plastic I applied the circuit on.

31 | I used the voltmeter to check for two main things: that I did not mistakenly create short circuits when soldering the parts, and that when using the resin to fix the small parts in place, I did not isolate them from the circuit and solder on top of that. Result: the circuit is complete.