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.