Python scripting is no longer reserved for Kicad layout: now you can make changes to schematics, or wholly generate circuit assemblies, with the skip library, which is a general purpose s-expression file parser and manipulator with a whole bunch of kicad-specific enhancements. Someone called it “openSCAD for schematics”, and it’s a good analogy. I’ll use…
psypnp: powerful scripts for OpenPnP and python modules to easily roll your own
- by: Pat Deegan
- On
Nothing beats a scripting engine when it comes time to customize and psypnp provides both cool scripts to use with OpenPnP right away, and a set of python modules to make creating your own really easy. The project is split into two parts: a set of scripts that automate away a lot of the drudgery…
Quick Hack: controlling remote AC switches with Raspberry Pi/any MCU
- by: Pat Deegan
- On
Need to control some smart home switches, asap? That’s what happened to me, so I hit the hardware store and got a set of Noma RF AC switches, with a little remote, and hacked it up to automate the action. Get all the details and a little demo in this video:
Simplifying Assembly: Open Source Manual Pick & Place Assistance
- by: Pat Deegan
- On
Building prototypes is fun but can be a huge time sink. Hunting around on the board–how many 10k resistors are there? where is R15? ugh. Thankfully, Colin O’Flynn created an program to help you while you’re acting as a meatbag pick and place machine. MeatbagPnP is a python application that takes generated placement files and…