last modified: October 23, 2025
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 2021-02-04— Common
I received another flawless PCB from Eurocircuits for Revision A of my input panel board. The changes are minor — cleaner silkscreen and larger LED pad rings — and the fit and finish were excellent. I share photos, my notes and a brief comparison with OSHpark; please read the full post.
Posted on 2021-02-01— Request for Comments
I've designed an input panel PCB for my pet-feeding device and would appreciate your feedback. It includes a rotary encoder, four LEDs, an I2C-connected LCD interface and an optional 3.3V to 5V level shifter. Please take a look at the board images and schema and share any suggestions or improvements.
Posted on 2020-06-23— Common
I received new PCBs from PCBWay for my Always-On project — well-made and affordably priced. The layer alignment and silk detail impressed me, and the sensor boards suit the modular eight-wire connector system. I invite you to read the full post for photos, notes, and upcoming connector details.
Posted on 2018-10-29— Common
I recently received sensor-array PCBs from PCBWay and was pleasantly surprised by the build quality for the low price. The green solder mask, smooth routing, 0.2mm traces and lead-free HAL finish stood out. Read the full post for photos, cost breakdown and shipping details if you're curious.
Posted on 2018-02-11— Review
I tested SeeedStudio's Fusion PCB service for a new prototype and ordered five blue, 2-layer FR‑4 boards with lead‑free HASL. Delivery took about 10 days and the boards showed good quality for the price. Read on for details about ordering, solder mask, and tolerances.
Posted on 2017-10-02— Projects
I received prototype boards from Eurocircuits and was impressed by their outstanding build quality—sharp solder-mask edges, precise alignment, and a subtle shine on the traces. I share close-up photos and brief thoughts about vias and finishes; read on if you appreciate careful PCB craftsmanship.
Posted on 2017-03-28— Projects
I received the foot parts for my plant watering sensor from Eurocircuits and I’m pleased with their consistent quality. They removed the PCB bridges cleanly so the boards match my design, saving finishing work and improving the look. Read on to see photos and my impressions.
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.
Posted on 2017-03-09— How and Why
I walk you through designing the final PCB for a low-cost plant watering sensor: choosing tools, shaping the board, iterative layouts, BOM decisions, assembly planning and unit-cost calculations. If you want practical steps and cost details, please read the full post to follow the next parts.
Posted on 2017-02-25— Projects
I built a compact ATtiny programming adapter to pre-program ATtiny13A chips before soldering, with a 50mil JTAG header, USB power, LED, and jumper options for other packages. I share EAGLE files, PCB ordering info and usage notes — read the post for photos, GitHub links and details.
Posted on 2017-02-14— How and Why
I take you through part two of my cheap plant-watering sensor project, testing a prototype: power draw, LED impact, oscillator and MCU startup timing, voltage-divider checks, firmware inputs, and PCB preparation. If you want to see the detailed measurements and next steps, I invite you to read the full post.
Posted on 2016-09-17— Projects
I just finished the final Outmoded Sequencer and I'm pleased with how quickly tuning went using a new method. The device plays well, though the steel-ball contacts are only okay in spots. Read on for photos, my planned demo video, filter chain tests, and PCB giveaway details.
Posted on 2016-09-17— Projects
I recently assembled the final Outmoded Sequencer PCB and documented the soldering in a short video. I accidentally cut a bottom trace and repaired it with a jumper wire; the magnet matrix now secures the steel balls. I'll finish tone tuning and add four resistors — please watch the video and read on for details.
Posted on 2016-09-05— Projects
I received the final black-and-gold PCBs for the Outmoded Sequencer and I’m pleased with the glossy finish, strong solder-mask contrast, and simplified routing after rearranging components. I cover the size changes, routing choices, and manufacturing details—please read on if you’d like the full build and photos.
Posted on 2016-08-24— Common
I walk through the errors I made moving from prototype to the first PCB — wrong values, unconnected copper pours, inaccessible pads, pin misassignments and spacing issues. I share practical fixes and prevention tips so you can avoid the same traps; read the full post for the complete checklist and examples.
Posted on 2016-08-23— Projects
I received beautiful violet PCBs for my Outmoded Sequencer project and I’m using them to experiment with different matrix approaches. Ordered from OSH Park to keep costs down, these boards make hands-on testing easier. If you’re interested in the build or my findings, please read the full post.