2 layers60 × 30 mm
Controller
google/mozc-devices
Circuit diagrams and firmware source code for Gboard DIY keyboards
11 parts3kApache-2.0
2 layers95 × 75 mm
Cutdown pcb
VIP-LES/cutdown_pcbThis repository contains the MK5 revision of the custom PCB used in the Spring 2025 high-altitude balloon cutdown payload.
- Size
- 95 × 75 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 11
- Nets
- 62
- Pads
- 103
- Tracks, vias
- 84, 0
- Pours
- 2
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 9.0 (file 20241229)
- Created
- 18 Apr 2025
- Updated
- 18 Apr 2025
Overview
Cutdown pcb is an open-source printed circuit board by VIP-LES, from the VIP-LES/cutdown_pcb repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 95 × 75 mm with 11 parts on 62 nets, routed with 84 tracks and 0 vias.
Its parts include 5 ICs, 2 diodes, 2 connectors and 1 resistor.
README
README.mdCutdown PCB – MK5
Overview
This repository contains the MK5 revision of the custom PCB used in the Spring 2025 high-altitude balloon cutdown payload. The board integrates all key circuitry for telemetry, sensor data acquisition, LoRa radio communication, and the nichrome-based cutdown system.
Designed and iterated over 11 fabrication runs (I know, it was painful), this board represents the final, flyable hardware developed using Georgia Tech’s HIVE LKPF Protomat and Protolaser systems.
Fabrication Notes
- Board Fabrication: All prototypes were milled and laser-etched in-house using the HIVE’s LPKF Protomat and Protolaser equipment.
- Inspection: Due to tooling artifacts, each board required intense microscope inspection to manually remove stray micron-level copper bridges using an X-Acto knife and fine probes.
- Reliability: The final revision performed successfully in flight, powering the payload and handling cutdown operations as designed.
Additional Info
The board connects directly to an Adafruit Feather M0 RFM9x and routes power, sensors (MS8607), and nichrome cutdown lines through onboard circuitry. It is designed for compact, modular integration into the balloon payload stack.
Parts
11| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | ~ | Connector_PinSocket_2.54mm:PinSocket_1x09_P2.54mm_Vertical | U1, U3 |
| 1 | Adafruit_Feather_M0_RFM9x_LoRa_Radio | Module:Adafruit_Feather_M0_RFM | A1 |
| 1 | Conn_01x02_Pin | Connector_PinHeader_2.54mm:PinHeader_1x02_P2.54mm_Vertical | J2 |
| 1 | Conn_01x06 | Connector_PinHeader_2.54mm:PinHeader_1x06_P2.54mm_Vertical | J1 |
| 1 | D | Diode_THT:D_DO-35_SOD27_P10.16mm_Horizontal | D1 |
| 1 | LED | LED_THT:LED_D5.0mm | D2 |
| 1 | R | Resistor_THT:R_Axial_DIN0207_L6.3mm_D2.5mm_P10.16mm_Horizontal | R1 |
| 1 | ~ | CustomFootprints:AdafruitMotorDriverBreakout | U5 |
| 1 | ~ | Connector_PinSocket_2.54mm:PinSocket_1x05_P2.54mm_Vertical | U2 |
| 1 | ~ | CustomFootprints:Adafruit8BitLevelShifter | U4 |
Questions
How big is the Cutdown pcb PCB?
It measures 95 × 75 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the Cutdown pcb use?
11 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 Cutdown pcb KiCad files?
From the VIP-LES/cutdown_pcb repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is cutdown-pcb.kicad_pcb and its schematic cutdown-pcb.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the Cutdown pcb design in my own project?
Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask VIP-LES before reusing the design.
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