How to Make (almost) Anything 2023 | Week 10.1: Output Devices

1. NeoPixel Jewel 7 output device PCB schematic and design; built upon the Input Device file referenced in Week9.1 (KiCad)

1. Design the desired NeoPixel Jewel 7 circuit in KiCad, using a NeoPixel Jewel 7 and Xiao RP2040 (Note: I built this circuit as a new capability to the Input Device from Week 9.1 I, and as such was added to the pin head connectors)
2. Once the KiCad file has been made, export as a gerber.
3. Import the gerber FCu and Edge Cut layers into Quentin's Grb2Img tool, then select "fill edge cut" and "black and white" before exporting render (Note: it is helpful to do edge cut first and press the lock icon next to the dimensions to ensure your FCu and edge cut dimensions align)
4. Import the downloaded PNG files into the Mods platform to convert into G-code (1/64 for Fcu and 1/32 for edge cuts)
5. Import the F.Cu G-Code file to the desktop attached to the CNC milling machine
6. Prepare the CNC by clamping down a sacrificial sheet of copper (bottom) and the milling sheet of copper (top), then secure the 1/64 end mill using the blue guide to determine proper bit depth
7. Move bit to x=0, y=0 and then ensure the ground lead is attached to the top of the probe before zeroing the z plane
8. After the z dimension has been probed and raised, remove the ground lead from the probe and insert the plasstic cover over the end mill then turn on the vacuum
9. Press play on your mill trace
10. Upon completion of the mill trace, turn off vacuum, remove plastic cover, and exchange the end mill for the 1/32
11. Upload the EdgeCuts G-Code file to the desktop attached to the CNC milling machine
12. Repeat the steps above with the 1/32 end mill for the mill outline
13. Upon completion of the mill outline, turn off vacuum, remove plastic cover, and snap PCB from the copper sheet
14. Inspect the PCB to ensure the trace was clean and as expected; If complications occurred, adjust design as needed and repeat PCB production
15. Solder the respective components onto the board and validate the board does not have any shorts (note: in this instance the connecting cables were soldered to the NeoPixel Jewel 7)
16. Within Arduino IDE, program your NeoPixel Jewel 7 to light up specified colors, a delay can also be added for sequential pixel illumination
17. Connect the RP2040 to laptop and load the desired program
18. Validate NeoPixel output is as expected by referencing the light color and sequence emitted

1. The joy of multicompatibility -- I found the value in designing a circuit with the optionality of connecting additional components via pin headers
2. Adafruit has wonderful resources availble -- The Adafruit library was very helpful for documenting the capabilities of NeoPixels