Unlocking the Power of PCBs - Creating Your First Custom Board

Embark on a comprehensive journey through the process of creating a custom Printed Circuit Board (PCB) for an analog LED clock project. Learn about transitioning from a complex breadboard design to a sleek PCB, covering layout and design basics, cost considerations, and the ordering process. Explore the unboxing and review of the manufactured PCB, followed by a step-by-step guide on redesigning the previous breadboard project into a permanent device. Discover how to integrate the finished product with Home Assistant using MQTT protocol. Gain insights into PCB schematic and trace design, component mounting, faceplate creation, and working with the ILI9341 touch display. Follow along with the assembly process, initial power-on tests, and a demonstration of the clock's features. Conclude with valuable lessons learned and potential improvements for future versions. Access additional resources, including a written guide, GitHub repository with code and design files, and a comprehensive list of components used in the project.

Intro
Original Breadboard Design
PCB Schematic Overview
PCB Traces Overview
Ordering the PCB and Cost
PCB Unboxing and Review of PCB
Test Fitting and the First Design Issue
Standoffs and Assembly Planning
Initial Component Mounting
Designing and Print the Faceplate
The ILI9341 Touch Display
Final Assembly
First Power On Test and Final Build
Features and Home Assistant Integration Demo
Version 2 Improvements
Lessons Learned and Wrap Up