2 layers39 × 64.3 mm
Epoch Outputs A
CircuitMonkey/epoch-2
Epoch Vibrator Controller 2 - Now with 100% more edge...
45 partsMIT
2 layers80 × 21 mm
Epoch Mainboard
CircuitMonkey/epoch-2Epoch Vibrator Controller 2 - Now with 100% more edge...
- Size
- 80 × 21 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 48
- Nets
- 55
- Pads
- 150
- Tracks, vias
- 335, 60
- Pours
- 1
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 9.0 (file 20241229)
- Created
- 28 Apr 2025
- Updated
- 29 Apr 2026
Overview
Epoch Mainboard is an open-source printed circuit board by CircuitMonkey, from the CircuitMonkey/epoch-2 repository on GitHub, published under the MIT licence. It is a 2-layer board of 80 × 21 mm with 48 parts on 55 nets, routed with 335 tracks and 60 vias.
It is built around the PCA9685PW. Its parts include 30 resistors, 3 capacitors, 3 connectors, 2 ICs and 2 diodes. It belongs with the computers and single-board computers boards of this library.
Main components
1README
README.mdepoch-2
Epoch Vibrator Controller (Haptic Field Emitter) 2 - Now with 100% more edge...
Description
A follow on to Epoch 1. Designed in 2025. Replaced by Epoch 3 in 2026. Redesigned with AdaFruit Qualia ESP32 and a Amazon 4-inch IPS (GT911 touch). Motors driven with pca9685 PWM controller/Amazon PCA9685 Board and FET outputs in order to drive bigger motors. Epoch 1 was limited to 120mA maximum motor drive (because of PWM controller choice) and some larger "rumble" motors need 180mA or higher.
Features
- Adafruit Qualia ESP32-S3 RGB666
- Amazon 4-inch IPS (GT911 touch)
- pca9685 PWM controller
- LiPo Battery - 62mm x 50mm, 2500mAH, Adafruit
- TRS 3.5mm type cables (two motors per connector)
- FET outputs in order to drive bigger motors.
- Used Electric Mini Micro Vibration Motor DC 1.5V/3V/6V 1000RPM M20 with Brass Eccentric Rotating Wheel in attachments.
- Programmed in CircuitPython.
Dev Notes
- Hardware was intended to output all 16 channels as two rows of connectors, but only built one row.
- IPS type display used most of the ESP32 pins.
- Circuit Python with the IPS display was excrucatingly slow.
- Touch response time was very slow with Circuit Python and made on-screen sliders frustrating to use.
- TRS Audio type connectors were a big improvement over Molex MinifitJr type connectors.
- This platform performed well for almost a year, before Epoch-3 developed.
- Experimental air pressure input showed promise but was fussy in setup/use and not worth using long term.
- PCA9685 PWM driver was much easier to code with over older Epoch-1 PWM driver.
- FET outputs allowed use of slightly bigger motors with more rumble yet allowed for a lower motor speeds for subtle haptic sensations.
- Custom molds were 3D printed for attachments where silicone was poured over a TPU flex frame that held the motors.
- Attachments had LEDs built in to indicate intensity of each motor.
- This design and motor patterns have changed my life, able to realize two or three hour long usage sessions.
- I look forward to improving on this design in Epoch 3.
Parts
48| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 220R | Resistor_SMD:R_0603_1608Metric | R21, R22, R23, R24, R25, R26, R27, R28, R29, R30, R31, R32, R33, R34, R35, R36 |
| 7 | 1K | Resistor_SMD:R_0603_1608Metric | R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 |
| 6 | Solder Pad | TestPoint:TestPoint_Pad_D2.0mm | STEMA_DAT1, STEMA_GND1, STEMA_SCL1, STEMA_V1, USB-P-1, USB-P+1 |
| 2 | 0R | Resistor_SMD:R_1206_3216Metric | R13, R14 |
| 2 | 2K | Resistor_SMD:R_0603_1608Metric | R11, R12 |
| 2 | 4.7uF/16V | Capacitor_SMD:C_0603_1608Metric | C1, C2 |
| 2 | 5.1K | Resistor_SMD:R_0603_1608Metric | R8, R9 |
| 2 | Conn_02x06_Odd_Even | Connector_PinHeader_2.54mm:PinHeader_2x06_P2.54mm_Vertical | J2, J3 |
| 1 | 0.01uF | Capacitor_SMD:C_0603_1608Metric | C3 |
| 1 | ??? | Resistor_SMD:R_0603_1608Metric | R10 |
| 1 | BLU | LED_SMD:LED_0603_1608Metric | D2 |
| 1 | JST-PH | Connector_JST:JST_PH_S2B-PH-K_1x02_P2.00mm_Horizontal | BAT1 |
| 1 | MCP73831-4-OT | Package_TO_SOT_SMD:SOT-23-5 | U2 |
| 1 | PCA9685PW | Package_SO:TSSOP-28_4.4x9.7mm_P0.65mm | U1 |
| 1 | SW_SPDT | Button_Switch_THT:SW_Slide_SPDT_Angled_CK_OS102011MA1Q | SW1 |
| 1 | USB_C_Receptacle_PowerOnly_6P | Connector_USB:USB_C_Receptacle_HRO_TYPE-C-31-M-17 | J1 |
| 1 | YEL | LED_SMD:LED_0603_1608Metric | D1 |
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Questions
How big is the Epoch Mainboard PCB?
It measures 80 × 21 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the Epoch Mainboard use?
48 parts, built around the PCA9685PW. The full list of its parts is on this page, with links to each part's symbol and footprint where PCBKit's library has them.
Where can I download the Epoch Mainboard KiCad files?
From the CircuitMonkey/epoch-2 repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is PCB/Epoch-Mainboard/Epoch-Mainboard.kicad_pcb and its schematic PCB/Epoch-Mainboard/Epoch-Mainboard.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the Epoch Mainboard design in my own project?
Its repository publishes it under the MIT licence: you may reuse it on that licence's terms (keep the author's notice, and for a copyleft licence share your changes alike).