cubeberg 540 Posted November 12, 2013 Share Posted November 12, 2013 Ok - so I've been slacking on my PCB design for quite a while now. But - I've been looking to do something for the last couple of years for Christmas. Ideally - something that my kids could solder (in other words - PTH). I'd love to use the extra chip that comes with the Launchpad. Figured I'd start a thread - any ideas? A christmas tree with LEDs and a prototyping area sounds like a good start! **Edit - added video of final board!** Quote Link to post Share on other sites
abecedarian 330 Posted November 12, 2013 Share Posted November 12, 2013 Light / motion sensitive Christmas carol.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fred 453 Posted November 12, 2013 Share Posted November 12, 2013 If you're after something simple for the kids, how about something like this? Maybe a snowman version with an orange LED carrot nose or Rudolf the red nosed reindeer. http://www.makershed.com/Learn_to_Solder_Skill_Badge_Kit_p/mkls01.htm Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cubeberg 540 Posted November 13, 2013 Author Share Posted November 13, 2013 Thanks for the suggestions I'll see what I can come up with. I kind of like this design - http://www.electronics-lab.com/blog/?p=24513 - provides a decent amount of area. Rudolph would be fun too! I could always do rounded corners and use silkscreen for the decoration if size became an issue. bluehash 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cubeberg 540 Posted November 15, 2013 Author Share Posted November 15, 2013 Here's a quick test. The battery is pretty large on a 5x5 board (it's on the back though). I may drop to the 16 pin DIP so that I have extra room. Either that or I might put an SMD LED at the top of the tree. Hoping to do something with the buttons as well - add bows above so they looks like presents - something like that. Fred 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
abecedarian 330 Posted November 15, 2013 Share Posted November 15, 2013 What about mounting the 430 on the back of the board with the battery? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
OppaErich 25 Posted November 15, 2013 Share Posted November 15, 2013 LED candles for the xmas tree ? Elektor did it using SMT and a PIC, go 43oh and TH. http://www.elektor.com/magazines/2011/december/electronic-led-candle.1992164.lynkx Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fred 453 Posted November 15, 2013 Share Posted November 15, 2013 I was going to suggest a tree shaped PCB, but then you'd lose the button presents. As it is looks fine. I did a "learn to SMD solder" thing at a Maker Faire recently and they had boards that took TH or SMD components. SMT LEDs might look better on the tree, so you could design a board that takes either. What about mounting the 430 on the back of the board with the battery?I think it will look quote good as the trunk. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bluehash 1,581 Posted November 15, 2013 Share Posted November 15, 2013 Looks awesome cube! For buttons.. can you do cap touch for buttons? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cubeberg 540 Posted November 15, 2013 Author Share Posted November 15, 2013 What about mounting the 430 on the back of the board with the battery? I'd have to go SMD to make a difference. It's certainly a possibility. I was going to suggest a tree shaped PCB, but then you'd lose the button presents. As it is looks fine. I did a "learn to SMD solder" thing at a Maker Faire recently and they had boards that took TH or SMD components. SMT LEDs might look better on the tree, so you could design a board that takes either. I think it will look quote good as the trunk. Trunk was the idea Good point on the SMD - dual components would be easy. - I'm thinking about adding an SMD LED for the top of the tree since it doesn't look like it'll work otherwise. Looks awesome cube! For buttons.. can you do cap touch for buttons? Didn't even think about Cap Touch! That's a good idea. I'll see about that. Anybody have any eagle libraries with sample cap touch buttons? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cubeberg 540 Posted November 16, 2013 Author Share Posted November 16, 2013 Here's an updated version - added cap touch buttons, 7 leds total. I also added an extra battery - mostly in case 1 isn't balanced. I had to move it to the side to allow an LED at the top. Thoughts? I still need to add some pins for a speaker, if desired. I haven't added the combo smd/pth parts yet. I may just make a full-smd version. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cubeberg 540 Posted November 19, 2013 Author Share Posted November 19, 2013 I think the PTH version should be ready to go! Prototyping area added. The mostly-smd version isn't complete, although all it would add is an extra few LEDs. Eagle files and gerbers are also attached! Ornament_gerbers.zip Ornament_Eagle.zip Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bluehash 1,581 Posted November 19, 2013 Share Posted November 19, 2013 @@cubeberg I have a tiny suggestion if still possible. Can you put a small hole at the top? or two small holes( in case it gets unbalanced) on either sides of the peak of the tree to run a thread to put on a tree. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cubeberg 540 Posted November 19, 2013 Author Share Posted November 19, 2013 Already have holes Anybody have experience with cap touch PCB design that could take a look at the buttons? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bluehash 1,581 Posted November 19, 2013 Share Posted November 19, 2013 I know @@larsie has some experience with his LCD PCBs. Hoping he sees this. Will try to order this tonight. Anyone want to piggypack their designs on an Elecrow order are welcome. I'm shipping DHL. @@RobG, @@JWoodrell Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.