2 layers327.9 × 139 mm
Coco2
baldengineer/bit-preserve
Project for capturing vintage, classic, aka old computer schematics in KiCad.
147 parts446
2 layers40 × 31.5 mm
Led chaser
kaushalch1/led_chaserThe Compass LED Chaser is a travel based PCB project that combines the pcb with the cad model.it is Designed in the shape of a compass, the board features eight LEDs arranged around the compass points.
- Size
- 40 × 31.5 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 29
- Nets
- 32
- Pads
- 101
- Tracks, vias
- 446, 33
- Pours
- 1
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 10.0 (file 20260206)
- Created
- 23 Sep 2026
- Updated
- 23 Oct 2026
Overview
Led chaser is an open-source printed circuit board by kaushalch1, from the kaushalch1/led_chaser repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 40 × 31.5 mm with 29 parts on 32 nets, routed with 446 tracks and 33 vias.
It is built around the NE555P. Its parts include 13 resistors, 8 diodes, 2 capacitors, 2 ICs and 2 switches.
Main components
1README
README.mdCompass LED Chaser
The Compass LED Chaser is a travel based PCB project that combines the pcb with the cad model.it is Designed in the shape of a compass, the board features eight LEDs arranged around the compass points. The LEDs illuminate sequentially, it can be used for adventure, and the excitement of discovering new destinations.
Powered via USB Type-C, the project is portable and can be used with a power bank, laptop, or USB charger, making it an ideal travel companion or desk decoration.
Rather than simply blinking LEDs, the board represents movement, direction, and the journey toward the next adventure. And also we can store the pcb in the special case
Features
- Compass-shaped PCB
- Eight LEDs arranged around the compass
- Sequential LED chasing effect
- Adjustable animation speed
- USB Type-C powered
- ON/OFF power switch
- Reset button to restart the sequence
- Compact and portable design
- Beginner-friendly digital electronics project
Why I Made This Project
Most beginner LED projects are just a few LEDs blinking on a rectangular board. i wanted to make something that had a theme, and travel is something I love.
a compass stands for exploration and choosing where to go next. So I designed a PCB in the shape of a compass, with eight LEDs placed at the compass points with 8 directions.
The result is a small, portable board that works as a decorative travel accessory.
Components Used
Total Estimated Cost: $3.30 USD
| Name | Purpose | Quantity | Total Cost (USD) | Link | Distributor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CD4017BE (DIP-16) | Decade counter (LED sequencer) | 1 | 0.76 | Link | LCSC |
| Bourns 3296W-1-503LF 50k trimmer | Speed adjust potentiometer | 1 | 0.92 | Link | LCSC |
| NE555P (DIP-8) | Clock oscillator timer | 1 | 0.33 | Link | LCSC |
| USB-C receptacle (TYPE-C-31-M-12) | USB-C power input | 1 | 0.19 | Link | LCSC |
| Tactile switch SMD (Omron B3S-1000) | Switch SW1 | 1 | 0.25 | Link | LCSC |
| LED 3mm THT | Chaser LEDs | 8 | 0.24 | Link | LCSC |
| Resistors 1/4W axial (1k, 5.1k, 330R, 10k) | LED, timing, pull-down and CC resistors | 12 | 0.12 | Link | LCSC |
| Tact switch 6mm THT | Switch SW2 | 1 | 0.04 | Link | LCSC |
| 1uF radial electrolytic capacitor (5mm) | Timing/filter capacitor | 1 | 0.03 | Link | LCSC |
| 10nF disc ceramic capacitor (5mm) | Control-pin decoupling capacitor | 1 | 0.02 | Link | LCSC |
| PCB (bare board) | Main PCB | 1 | 0.40 | Link | JLCPCB |
Travel Applications
Although designed primarily as an educational electronics project, the Compass LED Chaser has several travel-themed uses:
- Decorative travel desk accessory
- Portable campsite or hostel mood light
- Gift for travel and adventure enthusiasts
The Compass LED Chaser represents the excitement of exploration and the joy of travel. Each rotating LED symbolizes taking the next step toward discovering new places, cultures, and experiences. It serves as a reminder that every adventure starts by choosing a direction and moving forward.
How To Use It
Plug a usb Type-C cable into the board.
Slide the switch to ON. The LEDs start chasing around the compass.
Press the reset button to restart the sequence from the first LED.
Slide the switch to OFF and close the lid when travelling.
schematic files
pcb files
full assembly
3d
case top view:
case bottom view:
middle panel on pcb:
top lid:
Parts
29| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 330R | Resistor_THT:R_Axial_DIN0207_L6.3mm_D2.5mm_P7.62mm_Horizontal | R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13 |
| 8 | LED | LED_THT:LED_D3.0mm | D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, D8 |
| 2 | 5.1k | Resistor_THT:R_Axial_DIN0207_L6.3mm_D2.5mm_P7.62mm_Horizontal | R4, R5 |
| 1 | 0.01uF | Capacitor_THT:C_Disc_D4.7mm_W2.5mm_P5.00mm | C2 |
| 1 | 10k | Resistor_THT:R_Axial_DIN0207_L6.3mm_D2.5mm_P7.62mm_Horizontal | R14 |
| 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 | C1 |
| 1 | 4017 | Package_DIP:DIP-16_W7.62mm | U2 |
| 1 | 50k | Potentiometer_THT:Potentiometer_Bourns_3296W_Vertical | R2 |
| 1 | LOGO | LOGO | G*** |
| 1 | NE555P | Package_DIP:DIP-8_W7.62mm | U1 |
| 1 | SW_Push | Button_Switch_THT:SW_PUSH_6mm | SW2 |
| 1 | SW_SPST | Button_Switch_SMD:SW_SPST_B3S-1000 | SW1 |
| 1 | USB_C_Receptacle_USB2.0_14P | Connector_USB:USB_C_Receptacle_HRO_TYPE-C-31-M-12 | J1 |
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Questions
How big is the Led chaser PCB?
It measures 40 × 31.5 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the Led chaser use?
29 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 Led chaser KiCad files?
From the kaushalch1/led_chaser repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is pcb,gerber files/pcb files/led chaser.kicad_pcb and its schematic pcb,gerber files/pcb files/led chaser.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the Led chaser design in my own project?
Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask kaushalch1 before reusing the design.