Board Layout Improvements #1

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molly · 2025-07-27T16:32:38-04:00

molly commented

2025-07-27 16:32:38 -04:00

After assembling the first Rev. 3 board, here are my suggestions for improving the layout for the next revision or subrevision:

Essential Fixes

Go back over the parts list, and make sure the part values listed in the BOM are correct!
I noticed that several of the parts have default names which don't really tell which part to use, or have bad values also don't tell which part to use.
Put the values of the components on the silkscreen (along with, or as an alternative to, the component #)

Serious Suggestions

Move the LEDs down just a touch
This really doesn't have to be much, just enough to get the lens of the LED to shine through the little window in the key. A rough estimate is 1.5mm.
Make the pads for the LEDs a touch bigger so they are easier to solder
Make the circle the LED shines through just a little bigger
I had some difficulty positioning the LEDs when soldering them because the hole for the lense is just a bit too small.
Put the USB connector on the top layer
Have a silkscreen mark for the positive side of the tantalum (2u2) Capacitors

Silly Suggestions

Do a board in black
The production versions of the board should probably be done in black (or white?) to really help the LED colours pop!
Do a board in white
Make the MacroPad label with the date and my name on it BIGGER so it is easier to read
Increase the size of the holes / change the footprint used for the mounting holes

I am sure I will come up with more ideas later and will edit this issue as I do.

After assembling the first Rev. 3 board, here are my suggestions for improving the layout for the next revision or subrevision: ## Essential Fixes - [ ] Go back over the parts list, and make sure the part values listed in the BOM are correct! I noticed that several of the parts have default names which don't really tell which part to use, or have bad values also don't tell which part to use. - [ ] Put the values of the components on the silkscreen (along with, or as an alternative to, the component #) ## Serious Suggestions - [ ] Move the LEDs down just a touch This really doesn't have to be much, just enough to get the lens of the LED to shine through the little window in the key. A rough estimate is 1.5mm. - [ ] Make the pads for the LEDs a touch bigger so they are easier to solder - [ ] Make the circle the LED shines through just a little bigger I had some difficulty positioning the LEDs when soldering them because the hole for the lense is just a bit too small. - [ ] Put the USB connector on the top layer - [ ] Have a silkscreen mark for the positive side of the tantalum (2u2) Capacitors ## Silly Suggestions - [ ] Do a board in black The production versions of the board should probably be done in black (or white?) to really help the LED colours pop! - [ ] Do a board in white - [ ] Make the MacroPad label with the date and my name on it **BIGGER** so it is easier to read - [ ] Increase the size of the holes / change the footprint used for the mounting holes I am sure I will come up with more ideas later and will edit this issue as I do.

molly self-assigned this 2025-07-27 16:32:38 -04:00

molly commented

2025-07-27 16:37:38 -04:00

Just remembered a big issue I should solve.

Key 1 should be top left and 16 bottom right, not vise-versa.

This change may require a major board revision though.

Just remembered a big issue I should solve. - [ ] Key 1 should be top left and 16 bottom right, not vise-versa. This change may require a major board revision though.

molly referenced this issue

2025-07-27 16:39:26 -04:00

Better Parts List #3

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Reference: molly/MacroPad#1