2 layers128.6 × 81 mm
2 layers64.4 × 81 mm
Hat debug
bitfieldlabs/afterglow32Pinball retro afterglow
- Size
- 64.4 × 81 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 101
- Nets
- 36
- Pads
- 220
- Tracks, vias
- 549, 61
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 8.0 (file 20240108)
- Created
- 27 Dec 2017
- Updated
- 9 Aug 2026
Overview
Hat debug is an open-source printed circuit board by bitfieldlabs, from the bitfieldlabs/afterglow repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 64.4 × 81 mm with 101 parts on 36 nets, routed with 549 tracks and 61 vias.
Its parts include 80 diodes, 12 resistors and 5 connectors.
README
README.md
AFTERGLOW is a pinball machine extension board that aims at softening the hard lamp on/off transitions which are the consequence of replacing the original incandescent bulbs with LEDs. Reproducing the original light effects is a big part of preserving a pinball game's nostalgia.
It currently works with Williams WPC, Williams System 11, Data East and probably also with Sega games. The basic principle involves resampling of the original lamp matrix signals at a higher frequency. This allows for PWM LED dimming with additional brightness steps.
The resampled signal is output via MOSFETs, allowing for direct connection of your pinball machine's lamp matrix.
Make sure to check the for detailed information and instructions.
While the effect is hard to catch on camera, this video gives an idea:
https://github.com/bitfieldlabs/afterglow/assets/999857/57093b11-0a40-46fb-a978-5d42df743db6
Licensing
Firmware and configuration software: Apache License 2.0
Hardware designs: CERN Open Hardware License - Permissive 2.0
See LICENSES/ for details
Licensing change
As of August 2026:
- Firmware and configuration software are licensed under Apache-2.0.
- Hardware designs are licensed under CERN-OHL-P-2.0.
All contributors with copyrightable contributions have consented to the relicensing, or their contributions have been replaced.
Quick guide to the board revisions
All in one
- PCB v3.0
This is the newest board built around the RP2040. Supports WPC, Data East, Sys11, Whitestar, S.A.M.
Supports hats, allowing for different ouput connectors, modding ports, displays etc.
Input protection using optocouplers.
Check the folder's readme for more details.
WPC, WPC-95, System 11, Data East, Sega
- PCB v1.3
This is the preferred board revision for these games.
Dedicated power input (+18V, Ground) must be connected separately to power driver board - PCB v1.4
Except for power input exactly the same as revision 1.3
+18V taken from column input.
⚠ Ground must still be connected to the PDB! Failure to do so will damage the board! - PCB v1.5
Same as v1.4, but using a one-sided PCB. This should be easier/cheaper for automated production than v1.4.
Stern Whitestar (and possibly S.A.M.)
- PCB v2.1 Dedicated board which will only work with Stern Whitestar and possibly S.A.M. games
Parts
101| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | LED_B | LED_SMD:LED_0805_2012Metric | D15, D21, D22, D23, D25, D26, D27, D28, D29, D30, D31, D32, D33, D34, D35, D36 +11 |
| 22 | LED_W | LED_SMD:LED_0805_2012Metric | D1, D6, D10, D11, D12, D13, D14, D39, D40, D42, D43, D44, D45, D46, D47, D51 +6 |
| 13 | LED_R | LED_SMD:LED_0805_2012Metric | D4, D8, D9, D16, D17, D24, D41, D59, D64, D66, D68, D70, D80 |
| 10 | 1k | Resistor_SMD:R_0805_2012Metric | R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10 |
| 8 | LED_Y | LED_SMD:LED_0805_2012Metric | D2, D18, D19, D20, D49, D53, D58, D62 |
| 6 | LED_O | LED_SMD:LED_0805_2012Metric | D3, D54, D55, D56, D77, D78 |
| 4 | LED_G | LED_SMD:LED_0805_2012Metric | D48, D50, D57, D76 |
| 2 | 4k7 | Resistor_SMD:R_0805_2012Metric | R11, R12 |
| 2 | Conn_01x10_Pin | Connector_PinHeader_2.54mm:PinHeader_1x10_P2.54mm_Vertical | J4, J5 |
| 2 | Conn_02x03_Odd_Even | Connector_PinHeader_2.54mm:PinHeader_2x03_P2.54mm_Vertical | J7, J8 |
| 1 | afterglow:afterglow | afterglow | |
| 1 | Conn_01x04_Socket | Connector_PinHeader_2.54mm:PinHeader_1x04_P2.54mm_Vertical | J1 |
| 1 | LOGO | hat_debug:hat | G*** |
| 1 | LOGO | hat_debug:background | G*** |
| 1 | LOGO | hat_debug:debuggers_hat | G*** |
Questions
How big is the Hat debug PCB?
It measures 64.4 × 81 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the Hat debug use?
101 parts. 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 Hat debug KiCad files?
From the bitfieldlabs/afterglow repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is afterglow_pcb_v30/hat_debug/hat_debug.kicad_pcb and its schematic afterglow_pcb_v15/afterglow_nano_smd.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the Hat debug design in my own project?
Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask bitfieldlabs before reusing the design.
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