Prerelease - Encoder slots are too close to microcontroller pads

[nettema]

I have ordered the PCB prototype of Lotus58 v1.2 Glow on allpcb.com. And it appeared that they can't produce it as it is now. Here is the photo of the issue.

Probably, the best solution would be to move those encoder slots closer to the center, which would give some extra space between them and Arduino slots, probably this still would allow to secure encoder in place. Or avoid making those holes at all, and trim those legs from the encoder, which wouldn't affect functionality as well. Also, here is a request for change from the allpcb.com engineers.

[TweetyDaBird]

Trimming the tabs does in fact affect functionality quite a bit, as it means you have literally no ESD protection in the event that the static chock connects to a metal encoder wheel. Without those tabs, the effect is either a non-functional encoder, or a non-functional ProMicro.

Also, clearly the engineers have clearly misread the Gerber's completely, as those slots are in fact without a copper pad to begin with.

BTW, you are aware that the v1.2 release is a pre-release, and completely untested, right?

[TweetyDaBird]

Updated v1.21 available, still prerelease, so try at your own peril.

[nettema]

Thanks! Yes, I noticed that it is in prerelease, but still wanted to try this layout) Unfortunately, allpcb.com is already started fabricating the PCB, so I can't use v1.21 gerbers. But if I'll find any issues with v1.2 PCB that would be common with the last release, I will inform you.

[TweetyDaBird]

Thanks!

That’s all I ask really! Feedback is good even if it’s bad.

[alexmaloteaux]

hi speaking of the encoder, i ordered the one provided in the bom link but those are too large for the hole dimension and i had to remove a bit of material on the top plates. Could it be possible to update as well the link to more adapted encoders or eventually to increase the hole size on the to plate ? BR

[TweetyDaBird]

Hello again.

The linked encoders will fit the top plate snugly, but without the need to remove any material, other than cleaning up the breakaway parts. This is tested quite extensively in the previous releases, so verified.

However, if you solder it before test fitting the plate, you will likely pinch it somewhat and that can mean you have to file the hole.

/Markus

26 okt. 2021 kl. 13:17 skrev Alexandre Maloteaux @.***>:

 hi speaking of the encoder, i ordered the one provided in the bom link but those are too large for the hole dimension and i had to remove a bit of material on the to plates. Could it be possible to update as well the link to more adapted encoders or eventually to increase the hole size on the to plate ? BR

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[alexmaloteaux]

not in my case the encoder wont fit at all, the encoder hole is too small, i could make a picture if it helps.

[alexmaloteaux]

i did measure today the encoder and plate dimension, the plate is 11.8 x 12.2 on average . The encoder is 11.8 x 13.4. so more then 1 mm larger. in the top to bottom direction.

The link provided in the readme bom provide a choice for 4 different encoders. The small datasheet in the same link claims same dimension for the 4 variation, but if you look at the picture, the 20mm - plum version looks a bit larger.

Could this be the issue i'm facing ?

picture

[nettema]

Hi! Received the plates recently and already had a chance to test them with an encoder. I had a pair of different ec11 encoders, and they both could be installed on the PCB without any problems. Even though they had a little difference in how the encoder's housing was made, the footprint matched well, but probably some modification to the top plate with the encoder will be needed because to install it with one of the encoders I've had to file the hole a little on horizontal edges so that my second encoder could fit, but it worked fine for my other encoder. I will upload some photos later and looks like this issue can be closed. Also, I have a few ideas on how to make this PCB even better, but I will probably open some other issues for that.

[nettema]

So here is a final look at what I managed to assemble from your v1.2 PCBs ) There were no issues with installing components on PCB, but had to enlarge a little the upper encoder hole for the top plate. Also, I had to bridge with wire the underglow and Perkey RGB, but it was nice to find that in 1.21 version you have added the jumper feature for that ) Waiting to see how your project will evolve in time. It was a great pleasure to assemble it and now just enjoying using it!) Also, I have made 3d model of a case for lotus and will add it on Thingiverse sometime later, so you could probably add a link to it in wiki later.