Log 1: June 21, 2026 - Schematics - 2 hours

Timelapse link: https://lapse.hackclub.com/timelapse/9_8VnrNF68hq.

Inspiration:

The core inspiration behind Insta-Form (now renamed as uPen) was to bridge the gap between traditional handwriting and instant digital problem-solving. While apps like Photomath exist on smartphones, switching back and forth between a screen and scratch paper disrupts the natural flow of learning and checking math work. I wanted to build a seamless quick tool that lets students or engineers keep their pen to paper while getting instant feedback.

Thus, I am excited to share the first log for Insta-Form (uPen), a smart pencil designed to instantly solve math problems using an onboard camera and Wi-Fi. I finished the first version of the hardware schematics, which is controlled by the ESP32-S3-MINI-1 microcontroller. The pencil integrates lithium battery charging via a TP4056, a USB-C interface for power, a dedicated display, and a camera.

Struggles:

Designing a schematic with a camera, an OLED screen, and a power management system into a pencil-thin form factor came with major routing and hardware hurdles. Selecting the ESP32-S3 module was crucial for its native camera support and compact footprint, but mapping out all the connections for all the components was surprisingly difficult! I had to figure out how to wire the resistors, diodes, and capacitors in order to protect my project from frying!

Future work:

I will review my schematics again and then, I can begin the complex design and routing of the PCB. I know it will be a challenge to fit everything in such a small board!

Log 3: June 19, 2026 - CAD Design Completion - 2 hours

Timelapse: https://lapse.hackclub.com/timelapse/JToWWzL-IyvG.

With two more hours, I integrated the PCB board into my design for scaling, and I carved out some more holes for the wiring of the sensors throughout HydroFlow’s case. Finally, after so much time struggling with learning how to use Autodesk Fusion, the model was completed! I even figured out how to add color to my 3D design!

Struggles:

It was difficult trying to control exterior components, like the PCB step file, as I had to configure it so that I could actually edit it and move it to the correct location in the model. Furthermore, ensuring that all the parts were in the right place with accurate and precise dimensions was a nightmare!

Future work:

After this milestone, I will begin to work on the code that brings my smart custom AC fan to life!

Log 2: June 18, 2026 - CAD Design - 3.5 hours

Timelapse link: https://lapse.hackclub.com/timelapse/BJVgF5JaslK2.

After making a minor update to my PCB board regarding some GND routing, I began to work on the CAD design for HydroFlow’s case. What started as a simple box frame quickly became a test of patience and critical thinking! I had to triple check all the measurements for all my parts again and then work on the details.

Struggles:

The most difficult part was designing the snap fits for my copper tubing in the back! I really want to loop each row of tubing in the back as close together as possible, but I am not sure how strong the copper tubing is… I will design with theoretical numbers for now, and when I get the actual parts, I know that I will have to go through all the CAD design measurements again!!! Oh, the many hours of repetitive tasks! Yet, they teach me so much.

Future work:

Next time, I will continue to design the case and its interior, including holes for all the wiring and components for HydroFlow.

Log 1: June 17, 2026 - Schematics and PCB - 6.5 hours

Timelapse link: https://lapse.hackclub.com/timelapse/Oom849_IEaSS.

Welcome! The story of HydroFlow begins three years ago… ever since the central AC system of my house broke down. For three summers, I had to lie in bed in the smothering heat. For three summers, I had to rely on cheap fans with ice. For three summers, I had to think of some way to stay cool without spending too much money nor electricity… That all changed this summer when I figured out that I could reverse engineer those cheap fans. Knowing the potential funding by the Hack Club organization, I decided it was time HydroFlow was born.

Specifically, today, I designed the schematics and custom PCB board for my desktop cooler project. Soon, I would make a compact smart fan system that saves ice and electricity by efficiently dry cooling by blowing on copper tubes filled with pumped ice water! This would remove the swampy humid chill of ice water fans while replacing it with the cool, dry feel of an air conditioning unit!

Struggles:

My biggest roadblock was managing the physical space and the power constraints on a small, horizontal board without causing a system failure. I was scared of experiencing another system brownout like my past stepper motor project, especially while trying to fit a bulky, huge screen backing plate with an oversized voltage booster module and Raspberry Pi Pico 2. On top of that, KiCad kept throwing me critical design errors!

Future work:

With some simple math, I made sure that my 5 volt power source had enough headroom, and I finally fit everything in the PCB! I look forward to adding mounting screw holes and exporting my PCB so that I can begin to work on the CAD for the case design!

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.

6.9.2026 - Hackpad CAD Design

It was my first time using Autodesk Fusion for CAD, and I immediately learned that the tools greatly differed from Tinkercad. After about 4 hours, I finally began to adapt to the new tools, and I almost completed my hackpad case! I still need to figure out how to add 16mm screws in a case only about 14mm tall… Here is the timelapse: https://lapse.hackclub.com/timelapse/mBvQilO03y46.

Until then, TheAbsoluteMin out!

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.

6.7.2026 - Minor PCB Parts Adjustments

Hi! After referencing passive buzzer guides I realized that I needed resistors, not diodes, for it, so I updated the schematics and PCB. I figured out the errors were simply because of the LED holes, which were made by default of the LED library, so after dismissing them, I was ready to move on to designing the hackpad case! As always, you can view the timelapse here: https://lapse.hackclub.com/timelapse/TkbHmnJH4lMN.

Until then, TheAbsoluteMin out!

6.6.2026 - Hackpad PCB Design

Hello! Today, in additon to adding a passive buzzer to my hackpad, I spent a good portion of time working on the PCB design and routing. It was especially challenging and time consuming as I had to determine the routing for so many components! You can view the timelapse here: https://lapse.hackclub.com/timelapse/R-Lok60rAeRo

With that, I am pleased to share with you that I have decided on the purpose of my hackpad…
…I am hoping to turn it into a custom Pocket Operator!

Now, I just have to figure out how to solve the 32 errors and 31 warnings the KiCad DRC flagged…

Until then, TheAbsoluteMin out!

6.5.2026 - Adjusting Schematics

Hi again! After some research and reading, I decided to update my schematics for my hackpad. This included using global variables to replace the messy wiring I had previously for easy future reference.

I have always been fascinated with backlit LEDs, so I decided to implement them in my design. However, I ran into many symbol and footprint library conflicts along the way. Since I did not have the actual switches nor LEDs, I had to rely on numerous inconsistent old references. In the end, I ended up using the original switch footprint! You can view my LED and switch struggles here: https://lapse.hackclub.com/timelapse/jnHnmRvD6uzY

After some time thinking, I decided to use a different library which promised a different approach. I changed the LEDs’ footprints (again!). Unrelated but important, I decided to follow standard schematics wiring for power global variables so I could translate the increased wiring thickness for the LED powerlines to the PCB. You can see part two of the timelapse here: https://lapse.hackclub.com/timelapse/bM4HrjNb66xa

Until then, TheAbsoluteMin out!

6.4.2026 - My 1st devlog - Beginning of a Hackpad

Hello! This is the beginning of…
… my Hack Club journey
… my Stardance journey
… my Hackpad journey

As it was my first time using KiCad and I had ambitious plans, I ran into many problems including pinout conflicts and some trouble with wiring and footprints for each symbol. However, after roughly 2 hours of designing the schematics and changing my button matrix from 4x4 to 3x3 to 3x3 that included a rotary encoder switch, I updated my PCB to see my progress. I have yet to discover a purpose for my hackpad…

Here is my timelapse: https://lapse.hackclub.com/timelapse/FC_v2vy3fczr

Until then, TheAbsoluteMin out!