I’m working on a new soldering kit, a cat lamp that lights up when it gets dark. It’s my first ‘3D’ soldering kit with a snap-out style design. It’s taken a lot longer to prototype than I expected. This is a quick blog to show the prototyping process I’m using and my learning along the way. There is so much to learn and I’m only just getting started.
One of my favourite parts of this design is that the light looks like a moon in the background of the ‘scene’.
To create 3D / Art PCBs, I use a range of different software. Starting in Rhino, I create the edges and simulate how the design comes together in 3D. I then import the edge lines as a DXF into Adobe Illustrator, preparing the artwork for the different PCB layers. Next, these PCB layers are exported individually to Inkscape, using the SVGtoShenzhen mod to prepare the files for KiCAD. Finally, the design goes into KiCAD and the schematic and footprints made. The process is repeated as I inevitably iterate and make improvements to the design. I love the idea of using circuit board design as a creative outlet – create something that is both beautiful and functional.
I’ve made quite a few prototypes to get to this point, and I’ll need less prototypes next time around as I get a better idea for how the process plays out and the right tolerances to use.
Spot the difference – V2 and V5.
#badgelife is becoming a huge trend at tech conferences, where art PCBs are designed with puzzles, hacky functionality and beautiful design. The prototyping process has felt wasteful for me, but I think it doesn’t have to be. I’ve made up some stickers to put on these semi-functional PCBs, with the intention of giving away these boards for inspiration/art at these conferences.
The last steps I’m working through at the moment is beta testing. So far I’ve gotten so much great constructive feedback, stuff that will feed right into the final version. The first round I gave to a technical audience to test, and the next round will be tested by a non-technical audience.
It’s super important that we include this as part of the process and make sure the kit experience is as user friendly as possible. When starting with electronics, it’s easy to get discouraged. I’m keen to design an experience that is educational, non-frustrating and fulfilling for anyone who wants to learn. We’re all learning as we go along.
If all goes well, this kit will be available in October, 2020. Sign up to the Elkei newsletter to stay in the loop.