A simple project for experimenting with creating a PCB with a more creative than functional purpose. Taking inspiration from people in the USA who create badges for conferences for fun, art, and to show off.

These badges are a simple skull graphic, with a ATTINY10 microcontroller fading in and out two LEDS in the skulls eye sockets. The LEDS fade in over a second, remain on for 5 seconds, fade out over another second, then remain off for 30 seconds (ish) before repeating.

The process involved: • Finding a vector image I was happy with (I’m no graphic artist) • Splitting the vector image into layers using Inkscape • Importing the layers I’ve created into KiCad using SVG2MOD • Adding a functional circuit (a micro controller driving two PWM leds) • Getting the boards made • Populating the boards • ????? • Profit! (If only!)

I was wearing these badges at the bi-annual UK hacker camp ElectroMagnetic Field (EMF). They didn’t quite get the interest I expected. Perhaps they were over-shadow by another of my projects: the LED light staff!

The KiCad and Gerber files using the skull graphic from vectormagic.com are notable only by their absence. Apologies for that. I wanted to make sure I was on the right side of their licence and wasn't sure if this would count as distributing via another website. I assume their licence is referring to distributing the vector original but don't want to risk it.