last modified: October 23, 2025
Posted on 2021-03-15— 3D Printing, Common
I've assembled the new input boards for the pet feeder and I'm testing the sensors—940nm IR LEDs paired with phototransistors. I share photos of the board top and underside, the turntable mounting, and revision notes. Please read on if you'd like to see the test results and next steps.
Posted on 2021-02-18— 3D Printing, Projects
In Part 6 I walk you through the input panel for my 3D-printed pet feeder: the rotary encoder, LEDs, knob and the example PCB with wiring, filters and level shifting. I include printable files, Gerbers and ordering tips — read the full post for downloads, schematics and testing notes.
Posted on 2017-11-14— Projects
I walk through assembling the component side of my snowflake panel, showing stencil-applied solder paste, placement of 105 resistors, capacitors, headers and chips, and sped-up hot-air soldering. I test the LEDs at the end — please read/watch the full post if you'd like the complete build and tips.
Posted on 2017-03-20— Common
I ordered a single test panel for my plant-watering sensor and was pleasantly surprised to receive three gold, perfectly made panels from Eurocircuits. Their registration holes make stencil alignment easy. I share photos and brief notes here—please read the full post to see the details and next parts of the series.