6.14.2026 - 6.15.2026 - PCB Rework and CAD (Again!)

Timelapses: https://lapse.hackclub.com/timelapse/E1LnFFSLee0y, https://lapse.hackclub.com/timelapse/EB85sy2FXnay (I know that the logged 14 hours do not match up with the logged time; there was a server problem with the publishing of the time lapse, so the server actually doubled the real time (7 hours total) by accident.)

Upon realizing that my circuit did not safely handle the high voltage from the battery, I had to adjust the PCB again! Then, I went back to working on the CAD design.

It was really frustrating to deal with the micro servo as I had to figure out how i could get its servo arm to actually reach inside a tube mechanism that would push a pencil up and down with ease.

Future work:

One day I will figure out how to get all the pieces to cleanly fit together in the CAD…

June 13, 2026 - PCB Rework and Start of CAD Design - 3.5 hours

Timelapse link: https://lapse.hackclub.com/timelapse/GZH49ChQPIuN

I spent too much time trying to figure out where the M3 scews would go on the PCB, keeping in mind the motors below the PCB… and I had to move many wires and components solely to make room for them. After finally deciding on safe places for the screws, I quickly realized that the wheel I wanted to use would be too small for the NEMA 11 pancake stepper motor…

Future work:

I will try to find a solution to finally solve this puzzle so that the CAD and PCB fit together with all the components.

June 12, 2026 - Schematics and PCB (Again)

Timelapse link: https://lapse.hackclub.com/timelapse/tfSmttbk7TpE

After updating the schematics and routing all the traces in the PCB, I had to plan how I would insert the M3 screw footprints, but I quickly ran into space conflicts.

As a result, I had to think for a while to come up with the structure and layout of GhostWriter, which will reveal whether or not everything will be in the right place.

Future work:

After drawing that diagram I realized numerous conflicts in component locations, especially the micro servo, which needs to be held down with the rigid body of a 3D printed chassis, not on the PCB board! I still have to figure out where to put the M3 screws and how I will attach the micro servo and design the pen holder (how do I move a pen up and down if the servo moves in an arc?). This is quickly turning into a puzzle to solve.

6.11.2026 - GhostWriter Schematics and PCB

Timelapse link: https://lapse.hackclub.com/timelapse/goEPWNanbXN_ (to access the link include the “_” at the end of the URL)

Hello! Welcome to the official beginning of GhostWriter! GhostWriter was inspired by DIY pen plotters, but instead of long, heavy rails, this project will feature a pocket sized pen plotter on wheels! After some research, I began to create the schematics and design the PCB layout. It was rather difficult trying to keep everything in a 90mm by 90mm layout while accommodating all the sizes of the components.

Current Technical Specifications:

• Controller: Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-C3
• Motion: Two NEMA 11 pancake stepper motors with TMC2209 drivers and a micro servo pen lifter
• Power: 12V DC battery pack with a step-down buck converter for 5V and 3.3V lanes
• Sensors: Two TCRT5000 IR reflectance modules for detecting the edges of paper
• Signals: A red LED to indicate power!

Future work:

I changed my mind about using the A4988 motor driver after finishing the PCB layout, so next time, I will have to figure out how to adapt the wiring for the TMC2209. I will also be routing the PCB later.