A simple PCB breadboard adapter for 8-pin nRF24 modules
This is my version of project 1 from the KiCad like a Pro course from Tech Explorations.
It's about as simple as it gets - my main objective here is to try out the process of sending PCB design to a small-quantity production fab. I got interested in doing this after seeing this hangout with the founder of OSH Park.
The PCB design was done with KiCad.
I sent these off for production at OSH Park, and they arrived (in Singapore) a month later (Jan 17th -> Feb 17th). They turned out quite well, certainly no issues with the fab. I'll be using these for some nRF24 projects.
After examining the PCBs, I can see a few things that could be improved in the design:
- the font size I used for pin labelling is just barely large enough to read
- I didn't allow space between the 2x4 pin header and the pin labels (with the pin adapter installed, the labels are partially obscured)
- the board size does not match the nRF24 unit very well (the module overlaps the edge of the board). I think the module might be better rotated 90˚.
See nRF24/PingPong, my first shot at using the adapters for real. They worked great!
See the KiCad project for all the details. Here's the result:
- KiCad like a Pro - course materials
- This nRF24Breakout project on OSH Park
- KiCad
- gerblook - nice tool for testing a set of gerber files
- OSH Park
- HARDWARE HANGOUT with James "Laen" Neal from OSH Park! - where I first learned of OSH Park
- ..as mentioned on my blog