CPL file missing for PCB order on jlcpcb.com

[datenerfassung]

Hi, we try to order the PCB on jlcpcb.com. We upload the gerber-zip file and also add the option "PCB assembly" to get the PCB pre-assembled by jlcpcb.com. When continuing the order process jlcpcb.com asks for a BOM and a CPL file. I find the BOM file in your project, but no CPL file. I tried to somehow import your project into the easyeda.com editor to create the CPL file (also called pick&place file) myself, but the import doesn't work. Could you please upload the missing CPL file or tell me how to create it myself?

Thanks.

[reivaxy]

Hello, The CPL file is not available because I didn't order the PCBs pre assembled, so I didn't pick the components from their stock. When I checked they didn't have the ESP32-s3, but this one is rather easy to solder. I can try to generate it, but please acknowledge it would not be tested by me and could contain errors.

Also please note that the current monitoring circuitry does not seem to be working well, so I intended to design a new PCB that would only host the terminals, the ESP32-S3, maybe one easy to solder capacitor.

It will feature some headers that would give access to the ESP GPIOs, and would allow to plug in custom "extension" PCBs to test various current monitoring solutions, or plug in different types of sensors to replace or complete voice activation. So it might be worth waiting for this new version?

[datenerfassung]

Hi reivaxy,

yes, it would be nice if you could make the CPL file available for download. Don't worry, I will not blame you if it won't work. But how did you order the PCB at jlcpcb.com without the CPL file? Didn't you let the PCB be assembled by jlcpcb.com? I would like to have jlcpcb.com assemble everything except the ESP32-S3, so that I have only to solder the ESP32-S3. Isn't that the right way I'm doing it? What did I get wrong?

The new PCB sounds promising. Maybe I'll wait for it. Can you tell when it will be ready for release?

Regards, datenerfassung

[reivaxy]

Hi again,

On Jlcpcb you can order the raw PCB without components, which is what I did. The cost was less than 5€ including shipping and taxes, for 5 pcb (!). Then I soldered the SMDs myself (not too easy with a soldering iron, easier with hot air station), and of course the connectors and ESP32.

If you order with the components, it will be around 50€ for 5 PCBs, not including the ESP and the connectors :( It's expensive due to the setup of the stuff, while there are not that many components. So I don't think it's worth it, especially since I'm not sure I'll be able to make the current monitoring work.

Anyway yesterday I tried but couldn't find how to get the CPL file. Maybe I would need to complete the order for that, not sure.

But good news, the new version without current monitoring but with optional connectors allowing to plug an optional board (including prototyping board) is almost ready. I will very likely finish it in the coming days. Also it won't be very risky because very few components, and all easy to solder with soldering iron. The fixation holes weren't modified.

Here is a preview:

Unrelated but please note: I had to make a small modification to this tiny part; https://github.com/reivaxy/kinetix/blob/main/3D/right/servoThumbCover.stl to remove a little bump that was supposed to help hold the PCB but it was working well.

[reivaxy]

Hi again, I just finished the new version and updated the repo with the new Gerber file that you can use to order the raw PCB. I just ordered 5 myself. JLCPCB has an offer at $2 for 5, and then some taxes and shipping, with a grand total of less that $5 for 5 boards :)

The small SMD capacitor c1 you see is optional, you can mount c2, a regular one (plastic, ceramic, ...), instead.

I'll update the page on the PCB board later.