4 layers117.3 × 78.7 mm
OSMC Receiver
Koalaven/Open-Source-Modular-Controller
A modular controller that can be configure to how you want to use it
91 parts
4 layers34 × 41 mm
OSMC Module Buttons Nav
Koalaven/Open-Source-Modular-ControllerA modular controller that can be configure to how you want to use it
- Size
- 34 × 41 mm
- Copper layers
- 4
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 15
- Nets
- 24
- Pads
- 87
- Tracks, vias
- 162, 36
- Pours
- 2
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 9.0 (file 20241229)
- Created
- 1 Sep 2025
- Updated
- 23 Apr 2026
Overview
OSMC Module Buttons Nav is an open-source printed circuit board by Koalaven, from the Koalaven/Open-Source-Modular-Controller repository on GitHub. It is a 4-layer board of 34 × 41 mm with 15 parts on 24 nets, routed with 162 tracks and 36 vias.
It is built around the PCF8574DWR, 24LC02BT-I/OT and EAST1616RGBB2. Its parts include 4 switches, 3 ICs, 2 resistors, 2 diodes and 1 connector.
Main components
3
PCF8574DWR
SOIC-16-300mil-40℃~+85℃ 100kHz 10uA 2.5V~6V 25mA 30uA 8 I2C Interrupt Output Push-Pull Reset function、Cascading and address extension、Built-in LED driver SOIC-16-300mil I/O Expanders ROHSTexas InstrumentsI/O Expanders
24LC02BT-I/OT
SOT-23-5-40℃~+85℃ 1,000,000 cycles 2.5V~5.5V 200 Years 2Kbit 400kHz 5ms Hardware write protection function、Noise suppression function I2C SOT-23-5 EEPROM ROHSMicrochip TechnologyEEPROMEAST1616RGBB2
SMD-4P,1.6x1.6mm120° Common Anode White Lens SMD-4P,1.6x1.6mm RGB LEDs ROHSEverlight ElectronicsRGB LEDs
README
README.mdOpen Source Modular Controller
Using a modular, reconfigurable hardware architecture to create a customizable USB HID game controller.
Project Details
The Open Source Modular Controller project is a fully modular and customizable gaming input system. Users can freely rearrange joysticks, buttons, and future input modules on a set of interchangeable receiver boards to build a layout that fits their gameplay style, ergonomic needs, or accessibility requirements.
The controller connects over USB and is recognized as a standard Human Interface Device (HID) with no additional drivers required.
Current State
The current prototype includes:
- A functional ESP32‑S3‑based main controller
- Hot-swappable joystick and button modules
- Receiver boards that can be placed anywhere in the 3D‑printed shell
- USB HID communication via TinyUSB
The system operates as a recognized USB gamepad on Windows. Some hardware issues were identified and corrected in updated revisions.
Project Structure
The repository is organized as follows:
- Firmware – ESP32‑S3 code handling HID communication and module input processing.
Link: Firmware - Software – PC‑side utilities or test scripts (coming soon).
- Hardware – KiCad project files, schematics, PCBs, and 3D‑printed shell models.
Link: Hardware - Documentation – Assembly instructions, diagrams, semester report, and testing notes.
Link: Documentation
Features
- Modular input modules (buttons, joystick, future sensors)
- Repositionable input layout using multiple receiver boards
- ESP32‑S3 native USB HID support
- Open‑source hardware and firmware
- 3D‑printable ergonomic controller shell
System Architecture
Core system components include:
- Receiver boards distributing power, signals, and micro-controller
- Module boards for inputs (joystick/button)
- 3D‑printed enclosure with heat‑set inserts for secure mounting
USB HID enumeration and report handling are implemented using TinyUSB. Modules communicate through standardized connectors to the controller board.
Bill of Materials
A full BOM including the ESP32‑S3 boards, connector sets, resistors, capacitors, PCBs, wire, and 3D‑printed components is provided in the documentation.
BOM
Tools Used
Software
- Arduino IDE
- KiCad
- OnShape (frame design)
- GitHub Desktop
- Cura slicer
Hardware
- 3D printer
- Soldering iron
- Hot air station
- Multimeter
- Tweezers
Assembly Overview
- Gather materials (refer to BOM).
- Order PCBs (Gerber files included).
- 3D print shell and module housings.
- Clean and prepare boards.
- Solder components (headers, ESP32 module, connectors, buttons/joysticks).
- Upload firmware via Arduino IDE.
- Install modules into the shell.
- Test controller.
What the Project Could Use Next
- On‑board processing for more advanced input mapping
- PCB adjustment and testing
- Wireless mode using Bluetooth HID
- Additional module types (battery, gyroscope, sliders, touchpads)
Semester End Report
For the Enterprise Program at Michigan Tech there is a end of semester and project report for the project to summarize the progress of the project. Link
Acknowledgements
This project is supported by the Open Source Hardware Enterprise at Michigan Technological University.
Helpful Links
References
Parts
15| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | SW_Push | footprints:SW_Push_1P1T_XKB_TS-1187A | SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4 |
| 3 | SolderJumper_2_Bridged | Jumper:SolderJumper-2_P1.3mm_Bridged2Bar_Pad1.0x1.5mm | JP1, JP2, JP3 |
| 2 | R | PCM_Resistor_SMD_AKL:R_0603_1608Metric_Pad0.98x0.95mm | R1, R2 |
| 1 | 24LC02BT-I/OT | Library:SOT-23-5_MC_MCH | U2 |
| 1 | Conn_01x08_Socket | Library:OSMC_Button_Membrane | J1 |
| 1 | EAST1616RGBB2 | EAST1616RGBB2:EAST1616RGBB2_EVE | LED1 |
| 1 | LED | LED_SMD:LED_0603_1608Metric_Pad1.05x0.95mm_HandSolder | D4 |
| 1 | OSMC Module Board w/pins | Library:Module standard pin large | U1 |
| 1 | PCF8574DWR | Library:DW16 | U3 |
More from Koalaven/Open-Source-Modular-Controller
11- 4 layers116.8 × 78.2 mm
OSMC Receiver Translators
Koalaven/Open-Source-Modular-Controller
A modular controller that can be configure to how you want to use it
67 parts - 2 layers234 × 136.1 mm
Modules
Koalaven/Open-Source-Modular-Controller
A modular controller that can be configure to how you want to use it
50 parts - 4 layers34 × 41 mm
OSMC Module Buttons Click
Koalaven/Open-Source-Modular-Controller
A modular controller that can be configure to how you want to use it
15 parts - 4 layers34 × 41 mm
OSMC Module Master
Koalaven/Open-Source-Modular-Controller
A modular controller that can be configure to how you want to use it
13 parts - 4 layers34 × 41 mm
OSMC Module Buttons
Koalaven/Open-Source-Modular-Controller
A modular controller that can be configure to how you want to use it
11 parts - 4 layers34 × 41 mm
OSMC Module Bumpers
Koalaven/Open-Source-Modular-Controller
A modular controller that can be configure to how you want to use it
8 parts - 4 layers34 × 41 mm
OSMC Module Buttons Membrane
Koalaven/Open-Source-Modular-Controller
A modular controller that can be configure to how you want to use it
7 parts - 4 layers34 × 41 mm
OSMC Module Joystick V2
Koalaven/Open-Source-Modular-Controller
A modular controller that can be configure to how you want to use it
7 parts - 4 layers34 × 41 mm
OSMC Module Joystick
Koalaven/Open-Source-Modular-Controller
A modular controller that can be configure to how you want to use it
6 parts - 2 layers34 × 41 mm
OSMC Module Generic Receiver
Koalaven/Open-Source-Modular-Controller
A modular controller that can be configure to how you want to use it
5 parts
Similar boards
- 2 layers50 × 100 mm
LumaDIY
nekaas/LumaDIY
ESP32-C3 SuperMini educational development board — learn electronics, programming, sensors & robotics
42 parts - 4 layers56.5 × 48.1 mm
Display driver
tangles-0/cyberdeck-scout
// #ifndef PINPA0 // #define PINPA0 11 // #endif // #ifndef PINPA1 // #define PINPA1 8 // #endif // #ifndef PINPA2 // #define PINPA2 9 // #endif // #ifndef PINPA3 // #define PINPA3 10 // #endif // #ifndef PINPA4 //…
62 parts6 - 2 layers120.7 × 91.8 mm
Adafruit adafruit 5 hdmi backpack pcb adafruit 5in hdmi backpack
oomlout/oomlout_oomp_project_bot_v_2
93 parts - 6 layers60.6 × 100 mm
Gecko5education
logisim-evolution/GECKO5Education
Openhardware educational platform based on the ideas of the ulx3s and Gecko4Education
311 parts18MIT - 2 layers62.5 × 32 mm
- 4 layers64.8 × 18 mm
Corncob
aswild/corncob
Corncob is an adapter to run standard 12V PWM computer fans off of a USB power source. It boosts 5V or 9V USB-PD power to 12V and outputs a PWM control signal.
51 parts - 4 layers100 × 84 mm
- 4 layers41.4 × 27.9 mm
Imu geolocator
gabrielpgagne/imu-geolocator-hw
An experimental project about trying to use an IMU as a geolocalization device.
34 partsGPL-3.0
Questions
How big is the OSMC Module Buttons Nav PCB?
It measures 34 × 41 mm and has 4 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the OSMC Module Buttons Nav use?
15 parts, built around the PCF8574DWR, 24LC02BT-I/OT and EAST1616RGBB2. 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 OSMC Module Buttons Nav KiCad files?
From the Koalaven/Open-Source-Modular-Controller repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is Hardware/PCBs/module/OSMC_Module_Buttons-Nav/OSMC_Module_Buttons-Nav.kicad_pcb and its schematic Hardware/PCBs/OSMC_Receiver/Modules.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the OSMC Module Buttons Nav design in my own project?
Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask Koalaven before reusing the design.