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joric edited this page Nov 30, 2019 · 51 revisions

Build log

TODO

  • ALLPCB version with embedded trackpoint/trackball/nrfmicro daughter PCBs
  • Extra mosfet circuit for cutting power off RGB LEDs and OLED screen
  • Maybe use double-row (4x2) header for OLED (Pro Micro still has 4 unused GPIOs)
  • Li-Po battery header
  • Speaker header
  • Larger mounting holes for Nylon standoffs (?)

Modification

In order to make your own Corne clone, you need to do the following:

  • Fix "find segment with an endpoint" errors on Alt+3 (https://github.com/foostan/crkbd/pull/21)
  • Fix the schematic (add extra key to the free row, extra LED to the strip)
  • Press Ctrl+Q to update the PCB (uncheck "Delete extra footprints")
  • Fix the 1.75u footprint for the autorouting (move pads a little bit apart)
  • Export "Specctra DSN" file, run Freerouting, import Specctra session file
  • Use "Create Corner" for the Zone Outlines, move corners to match the new outline
  • Plot with "Use Protel filename extensions", drill with "PTH and NPTH in a single file"

Note I did not reroute the whole board, just autorouted a few new traces and it worked.

JLCPCB Rant

Added two nRFMicro boards to the gerbers, NO other changes.

To merge your boards, start pcbnew by itself without starting the entire KiCad application. Then open one of the .kicad_pcb files. Then, use the "File" - "Append Board" command to bring in another PCB layout, edit edge cuts and plot the gerbers.

picture

JLCPCB apparently treats those two as separate designs and asks for additional $24.

from: support@jlcpcb.com

Dear client, thank you for your email.
After checking your file there are 2 different designs in your file.
Due to our company policy, if you have more than 1 design we will charge you extra fee.
And if you wanna pass the system and don't wanna to pay for the extra fee,
I suggest you remove the slot between the 2 boards.

> I was trying to manufacture prototype boards using attached gerbers (also see the
> picture https://i.imgur.com/qTdJm5N.jpg). The PCB got suspended (probably because
> I added my nRFMicro board to the design) despite all those parts are complimentary.
> It's impossible to distinguish those 2 (or 4?) separate designs automatically,
> so I assume human factor, the auditor is just trying to earn some money for the company.
>
> So far I've cancelled the order and refunded the money.
> I'm not going to reorder two bords separately so your auditor just've lost a bunch
> of money instead of saving them.
>
> Could you please tell me how to place those boards properly to pass the audit?
> I wouldn't really like to cut the boards with scissors or something,
> because 1 milled slot doesn't really cost anything and that would be highly illogical
> and weird for the users who would try to order those opensourced boards using JLCPCB.

I had to remove miling slot between two different "designs" as stated here: https://support.jlcpcb.com/article/49-pcb-panelization. They suggest then to use something sharp to cut a groove and break the daughter board off.

Upd: Apparently that was not enough, I'm still getting "suspended". DO NOT ORDER combined "designs" on JLCPCB, you will lose your coupons on cancelled orders. ALLPCBs might be okay though, as they don't really mind different "designs" as long as it fits PCB's width and height.

Pro Micro socketing

Pro Micro's MicroUSB is prone to breaking off. I am using 3.5mm headers with thick pins. Also I've tried spring pin headers without soldering, but they're expensive (4 pcs cost $20 with shipping).

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