2 layers327.9 × 139 mm
Coco2
baldengineer/bit-preserve
Project for capturing vintage, classic, aka old computer schematics in KiCad.
147 parts446
2 layers30.4 × 10.1 mm
Helios
VulcanWM/heliosblinky board
- Size
- 30.4 × 10.1 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 23
- Nets
- 18
- Pads
- 57
- Tracks, vias
- 127, 15
- Pours
- 1
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 10.0 (file 20260206)
- Created
- 3 Sep 2026
- Updated
- 4 Sep 2026
Overview
Helios is an open-source printed circuit board by VulcanWM, from the VulcanWM/helios repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 30.4 × 10.1 mm with 23 parts on 18 nets, routed with 127 tracks and 15 vias.
It is built around the NE555P. Its parts include 10 diodes, 2 capacitors, 2 resistors, 2 ICs and 1 connector.
Main components
1README
README.mdHelios
Helios is a circular LED chaser PCB built using an NE555 timer and CD4017 decade counter. Ten LEDs are arranged around the outside of the board and light up one after another, creating a rotating light effect.
The PCB was designed in KiCad and uses a circular layout with custom Helios-themed silkscreen artwork.
How it works
The NE555 timer is configured in astable mode, meaning it continuously generates electrical pulses without requiring an external trigger.
A 50k potentiometer controls the timing of these pulses, allowing the speed of the LED sequence to be adjusted.
The output of the NE555 is connected to the clock input of a CD4017 decade counter. Every time the CD4017 receives a pulse, it advances its active output by one:
- the first pulse activates Q0
- the next pulse activates Q1
- this continues through Q2, Q3, etc. until Q9
- after Q9, the counter returns to Q0 and the sequence repeats
Each of the ten outputs is connected to one of the ten LEDs positioned around the edge of the PCB. This makes the illuminated LED appear to travel around the circular board.
A 470 ohm resistor limits the current flowing through the LEDs, while the circuit is powered through a 5V connection.
Turning the potentiometer changes the frequency of the pulses generated by the NE555, so the LEDs can chase around the board faster or slower.
Hardware
This repository contains all the hardware files you would need to replicate this project. Everything was done in KiCad.
The pcb folder contains the KiCad source files (.kicad_sch, .kicad_pro, .kicad_pcb) and the gerbers.zip which was used to manufacture the PCB.
Images
This is what the schematic looks like:
This is what the PCB looks like:
This is what the PCB looks like in 3D:
BOM
Also in the BOM.csv file.
| Name | Quantity | Link To Buy | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NE555P Timer IC | 1 | LCSC | $1.34 for 5 |
| CD4017 Decade Counter IC | 1 | LCSC | $0.60 for 5 |
| 5 mm LED | 10 | LCSC | $0.57 for 20 |
| Vishay T93YA 50 kΩ Potentiometer | 1 | LCSC | $3.43 |
| 1 kΩ Through-Hole Resistor | 1 | LCSC | $1.10 for 50 |
| 470 Ω Through-Hole Resistor | 1 | LCSC | $0.79 for 100 |
| 10 nF Ceramic Capacitor | 1 | LCSC | $0.99 for 50 |
| 1 uF Electrolytic Capacitor | 1 | LCSC | $0.51 for 5 |
| 2-pin 2.54 mm Male Pin Header | 1 | LCSC | $0.91 for 50 |
| Total | $10.24 |
Parts
23| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | LED | LED_THT:LED_D3.0mm | D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, D8, D9, D10 |
| 5 | LOGO | LOGO | G***, G***, G***, G***, G*** |
| 1 | 0.01uF | Capacitor_THT:C_Disc_D7.5mm_W2.5mm_P5.00mm | C1 |
| 1 | 1k | Resistor_THT:R_Axial_DIN0207_L6.3mm_D2.5mm_P7.62mm_Horizontal | R1 |
| 1 | 1uF | Capacitor_THT:CP_Radial_D5.0mm_P2.00mm | C2 |
| 1 | 4017 | footprints:N16 | U2 |
| 1 | 470 | Resistor_THT:R_Axial_DIN0207_L6.3mm_D2.5mm_P7.62mm_Horizontal | R2 |
| 1 | 50k | Potentiometer_THT:Potentiometer_Vishay_T93YA_Vertical | RV1 |
| 1 | Conn_01x02_Socket | Connector_PinHeader_2.54mm:PinHeader_1x02_P2.54mm_Vertical | J1 |
| 1 | NE555P | Package_DIP:DIP-8_W7.62mm | U1 |
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Questions
How big is the Helios PCB?
It measures 30.4 × 10.1 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the Helios use?
23 parts, built around the NE555P. 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 Helios KiCad files?
From the VulcanWM/helios repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is pcb/helios.kicad_pcb and its schematic pcb/helios.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the Helios design in my own project?
Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask VulcanWM before reusing the design.