inputlabs/alpakka_pcb

Alpakka PCB

Alpakka controller Printed Circuit Board reference design

Project links

• Alpakka Manual.
• Alpakka Firmware.
• Alpakka PCB. (you are here)
• Alpakka 3D-print.
• Input Labs Roadmap.

Previews

Order a PCB from the reference design

For ordering a reference design PCB (with no modifications) is possible to use the pre-built order files. Check the manual for step-by-step instructions.

Modify the schematics and PCB

Dependencies

• KiCad 8

Change components for SMT pick & place

• Open .kicad_sch file in Schematics editor.
• Go to menu Tools → Edit symbol fields
• Group by field Group
• Change id references (LCSC id for JLCPCB).

Generate order files from sources

• Copy plugins/kicad_ilo_export.py into KiCad plugins folder (PCB editor → menu Tools → External plugins → Reveal plugins folder).
• Open .kicad_pcb file in PCB editor.
• Use menu Edit → Fill all zones
• Go to menu Tools → External plugins → Refresh plugins
• Go to menu Tools → External plugins → Input Labs: export
• Files are generated into order/

If the plugin does not load correctly

• Open Preferences → Action plugins
• Check that the plugin is installed correctly / check errors.

Procedural zones

Consolidated zones increase .kicad_pcb file size significantly, so instead is recommended to load and save the project without consolidation:

• After loading the PCB project: Edit → Fill all zones.
• Before saving the PCB project: Edit → Unfill all zones.