Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
@MAYERMAKES takes on the challenge of designing a fully Arduino Uno–compatible development board using KiCad, guiding viewers through the entire process from template selection to a manufacturing-ready PCB. Instead of abstract theory, the video focuses on real design decisions, including choosing an ATtiny3226 that doesn’t yet exist in an Uno form factor, handling USB C power and data safely, integrating UPDI programming, and avoiding common schematic and layout mistakes that can derail a first board. Along the way, Clem highlights practical hurdles—such as matching symbols to real footprints, managing logic-level compatibility, routing USB data lines, and running proper design rule checks—while explaining how KiCad’s tighter schematic-to-PCB integration makes iteration easier. The result is a clear, hands-on walkthrough that shows not just how to use KiCad 9, but how to think like a PCB designer when building reliable, reproducible hardware. You can find his schematics on the element14 Community: bit.ly/4vyeI4l
00:00 Intro
00:22 Welcome to the KiCad 9 Tutorial
01:06 Starting a Project from Template
01:56 Schematic Editor Basics
02:19 Symbols, Wires and Labels
04:04 Schematic-to-PCB Workflow
04:57 Connections, Junctions and Dots
05:31 Placing the ATtiny Microcontroller
07:24 No-Connect Flags
07:44 Adding the LDO, Caps and Resistors
09:16 Power Conventions and Grounding
09:43 3.3V / 5V Selector Jumper
10:49 Labelling Sections in the Schematic
11:10 Adding the USB-C Receptacle
12:25 CC Resistors and Shield
13:20 Reading the Datasheet Power Scheme
13:47 USB-to-UART Bridge and UPDI Switch
15:10 Mapping the Arduino Pinout to the ATtiny
16:40 Assigning Footprints
17:31 Selecting SMD Sizes (0603)
18:52 Custom Parts via Ultra Librarian
20:31 Importing Symbol and Footprint Libraries
21:20 Cleaning Up the Custom Symbol
23:17 Voltage Regulator Footprint
23:42 Update PCB from Schematic
24:09 Untangling the Rat's Nest
25:40 Routing the First Traces
26:46 USB Differential Pair Routing
28:14 Length Tuning the Pair
29:36 Switching to a 4-Layer Board
30:47 Ground Fill Zones
31:33 Silkscreen Labels and Title Block
33:09 3D Viewer Check
33:28 Adding Logos and Licence Info
34:38 Soldermask Trick for Gold Text
35:56 Running the DRC
37:08 3D Viewer Final Check
37:42 Uploading to the Manufacturer
38:50 Board Render Preview
39:16 Boards Arrive and Assembly
40:42 Outro
#kicad #pcbdesign #arduino
=================================================================================
Engage with the element14 presents team on the element14 Community - suggest builds, find project files and behind the scenes video: bit.ly/3tmdewv
Visit the element14 Community for more great activities and free hardware:
Tech spotlights: bit.ly/3qPrDhM
RoadTest and Reviews: bit.ly/3pV5Bux
Project14: bit.ly/31wbnJY
@MAYERMAKES takes on the challenge of designing a fully Arduino Uno–compatible development board using KiCad, guiding viewers through the entire process from template selection to a manufacturing-ready PCB. Instead of abstract theory, the video focuses on real design decisions, including choosing an ATtiny3226 that doesn’t yet exist in an Uno form factor, handling USB C power and data safely, integrating UPDI programming, and avoiding common schematic and layout mistakes that can derail a first board. Along the way, Clem highlights practical hurdles—such as matching symbols to real footprints, managing logic-level compatibility, routing USB data lines, and running proper design rule checks—while explaining how KiCad’s tighter schematic-to-PCB integration makes iteration easier. The result is a clear, hands-on walkthrough that shows not just how to use KiCad 9, but how to think like a PCB designer when building reliable, reproducible hardware. You can find his schematics on the element14 Community: bit.ly/4vyeI4l
00:00 Intro
00:22 Welcome to the KiCad 9 Tutorial
01:06 Starting a Project from Template
01:56 Schematic Editor Basics
02:19 Symbols, Wires and Labels
04:04 Schematic-to-PCB Workflow
04:57 Connections, Junctions and Dots
05:31 Placing the ATtiny Microcontroller
07:24 No-Connect Flags
07:44 Adding the LDO, Caps and Resistors
09:16 Power Conventions and Grounding
09:43 3.3V / 5V Selector Jumper
10:49 Labelling Sections in the Schematic
11:10 Adding the USB-C Receptacle
12:25 CC Resistors and Shield
13:20 Reading the Datasheet Power Scheme
13:47 USB-to-UART Bridge and UPDI Switch
15:10 Mapping the Arduino Pinout to the ATtiny
16:40 Assigning Footprints
17:31 Selecting SMD Sizes (0603)
18:52 Custom Parts via Ultra Librarian
20:31 Importing Symbol and Footprint Libraries
21:20 Cleaning Up the Custom Symbol
23:17 Voltage Regulator Footprint
23:42 Update PCB from Schematic
24:09 Untangling the Rat's Nest
25:40 Routing the First Traces
26:46 USB Differential Pair Routing
28:14 Length Tuning the Pair
29:36 Switching to a 4-Layer Board
30:47 Ground Fill Zones
31:33 Silkscreen Labels and Title Block
33:09 3D Viewer Check
33:28 Adding Logos and Licence Info
34:38 Soldermask Trick for Gold Text
35:56 Running the DRC
37:08 3D Viewer Final Check
37:42 Uploading to the Manufacturer
38:50 Board Render Preview
39:16 Boards Arrive and Assembly
40:42 Outro
#kicad #pcbdesign #arduino
=================================================================================
Engage with the element14 presents team on the element14 Community - suggest builds, find project files and behind the scenes video: bit.ly/3tmdewv
Visit the element14 Community for more great activities and free hardware:
Tech spotlights: bit.ly/3qPrDhM
RoadTest and Reviews: bit.ly/3pV5Bux
Project14: bit.ly/31wbnJY
