FaderBuddy

## PCB Fabrication
If you're in the US, the easiest way to get started is to purchase the FaderBuddy PCBA [pre-assembled and pre-flashed from the Bezek Labs store](bezeklabs.etsy.com/listing/4506790932), which also helps support development of this and other open-source projects. FaderBuddy boards from Bezek Labs have firmware installed and tested, and include the through-hold right-angle pin headers for chaining, so they're ready to go out of the box!

If you'd like to build your own, the FaderBuddy PCB is designed for easy JLCPCB SMT assembly. Note that an order from JLCPCB will NOT include firmware and will [require firmware flashing](ABOUT_UPDATING_FIRMWARE.md) before it can be used! All surface-mount components are placed by the factory, but the through-hole daisy-chain pin headers are omitted by default. You'll need to **order** and solder the pin headers separately (or add them to your JLCPCB assembly order):

| Item | Qty | Notes |
|------|-----|-------|
| 5 pin right-angle male pin headers 0.1" spacing | 1 each | Included with Bezek Labs FaderBuddy boards, can be purchased separately from electronics suppliers like [LCSC - 40-pin break-apart headers](https://www.lcsc.com/product-detail/C429956.html)|
| 5 pin right-angle female pin headers 0.1" spacing | 1 each | Included with Bezek Labs FaderBuddy boards, can be purchased separately from electronics suppliers like [LCSC](https://www.lcsc.com/product-detail/C2935995.html) |


Use the files from the [latest release](https://github.com/scottbez1/FaderBuddy/releases) when ordering!

> [!CAUTION]
> The files below are auto-generated from the current (untested) design files, and are provided for design reference ONLY. They are NOT considered stable for manufacturing. Use the latest stable release linked above! 

Latest auto-generated (untested and likely broken!) artifacts⚠️:
- Review
  - [Schematic](https://motorfader-artifacts.s3.amazonaws.com/master/electronics/fader_buddy_main-schematic.pdf)
  - [Interactive BOM](https://motorfader-artifacts.s3.amazonaws.com/master/electronics/fader_buddy_main-ibom.html)
  - [PCB Packet](https://motorfader-artifacts.s3.amazonaws.com/master/electronics/fader_buddy_main-pcb-packet.pdf)
- Ordering (Configured for JLCPCB)
  - 1.6mm, any color, HASL lead-free
  - [Untested gerbers](https://motorfader-artifacts.s3.amazonaws.com/master/electronics/fader_buddy_main-jlc/gerbers.zip)
  - [Untested BOM csv](https://motorfader-artifacts.s3.amazonaws.com/master/electronics/fader_buddy_main-jlc/bom.csv)
  - [Untested CPL (POS) csv](https://motorfader-artifacts.s3.amazonaws.com/master/electronics/fader_buddy_main-jlc/pos.csv)

<details>
<summary><b>Advanced: panelized ordering (10 boards per panel)</b></summary>

Only relevant if you're ordering FaderBuddy PCBs in bulk - for a handful of boards, use the single-board files above.

For larger quantities there's also a panelized version of the board: a 2x5 grid of FaderBuddy PCBs (10 per panel) joined by mousebite tabs, surrounded by breakaway rails for the assembly machine. This is usually cheaper per-board than ordering the single board, since JLCPCB charges per panel, and it means less setup fee overhead for assembly.

The panel is generated automatically by CI using [KiKit](https://github.com/yaqwsx/KiKit); see `electronics/fader_buddy_main-kikit_panelize.json` for the panelization settings (grid size, tab/mousebite parameters, rail width).

- Ordering (Configured for JLCPCB) - when ordering, indicate the boards are panelized by the customer, 10 boards per panel
  - [Untested panelized gerbers](https://motorfader-artifacts.s3.amazonaws.com/master/electronics/fader_buddy_main-panelized-jlc/gerbers.zip)
  - [Untested panelized BOM csv](https://motorfader-artifacts.s3.amazonaws.com/master/electronics/fader_buddy_main-panelized-jlc/bom.csv)
  - [Untested panelized CPL (POS) csv](https://motorfader-artifacts.s3.amazonaws.com/master/electronics/fader_buddy_main-panelized-jlc/pos.csv)

<a href="https://motorfader-artifacts.s3.amazonaws.com/master/electronics/fader_buddy_main-panelized-3D_top.png">
    <img src="https://motorfader-artifacts.s3.amazonaws.com/master/electronics/fader_buddy_main-panelized-3D_top.png" width="400" />
</a>
<a href="https://motorfader-artifacts.s3.amazonaws.com/master/electronics/fader_buddy_main-panelized-3D_bottom.png">
    <img src="https://motorfader-artifacts.s3.amazonaws.com/master/electronics/fader_buddy_main-panelized-3D_bottom.png" width="400" />
</a>

To depanelize: snap off the top and bottom rails first, then the left and right rails, and finally separate the individual boards at the remaining mousebite tabs. Each board is held by one tab on each short edge plus two tabs along each long edge, all placed to keep the mousebite drills clear of the LEDs, test pads, tooling holes and nearby vias. Sand or file the leftover mousebite nubs flush if they interfere with mounting.

</details>

### Assembly

The PCB comes fully assembled from Bezek Labs LLC and JLCPCB. The only soldering required is attaching the PCB to the fader itself and the optional daisy-chaining headers, which are all through-hole connections:

- **2 connections** for the motor
- **4 connections** for the fader potentiometer
- 2 optional mechanical-only connections (I recommend skipping these)
- **5 connections** for the female daisy-chaining pin headers
- **5 connections** for the male daisy-chaining pin headers

No fine-pitch or SMD soldering is required.