Add explanation on which files go to JCPCB

[carlos-sarmiento]

I'm interested in using this project with my Fyrtur blinds. I've worked with electronics (soldering and programming) but I've never ordered a custom PCB board.

It would be super useful to have some instructions on how to order the boards from JCPCB. Even better if there was a place we could buy the already built board (and get you some money for the hard work)

[mjuhanne]

Hi, sorry for the delayed response.

I really recommend watching Phil's video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5phi3nT8OU&t=6s) that inspired also me to develop STM32 boards and order them assembled from JLCPCB. It's a really long video (2,5 hours!) and worth watching entirely, but if you just want to know about the assembly files and ordering, skip to around 2:18:00
Basically you just need to send the gerber files (zipped) and the assembly files (which parts are needed and their positioning), and then check on their web based preview tool that they are correctly positioned.

That being said, at this point long after ordering the PCBs myself and testing them both with ESP8266 and ESP32, I would not bother with the custom PCB anymore. Instead with my 2 last blinds I just removed the Zigbee module from the original Ikea PCB and soldered wires to external ESP32 DevkitC V4 module which is situated at the battery compartment.
Pros:

• ESP32 has more memory and is more stable (especially when launching its own Access Point with the WIFI/MQTT configuration portal)
• The next update of ESP32 firmware will have possibility to do OTA update of the STM32 motor module. ESP8266 does not have enough memory to do this
• I might add SSL support for MQTT connection later, for more secure home networking. Again, ESP8266 does not have enough memory for this.
  Cons:
• More fragile if wires are soldered directly to the Zigbee module pads

[rubin110]

Sorry for resurrecting this thread. I don't have a hot air rework station, nor do I have good experience doing rework like this. Pretty sure I'm going to butcher the board if I attempt desoldering the zigbee module by hand through a braid or solder sucker. Is there a version of this board I can order with an ESP32?

Also how many layers is this board, this is the first time I'm ordering a custom board and am a bit clueless. Thank you.

Edit: The more I look at it, this would be a good opportunity to learn how to use a rework hot air station.