Underfloor Heating Valve Actuator Board revD | Voltlog #466

In this captivating video, Voltlog unveils the latest iteration of their revolutionary ESP32-based Valve Actuator project – Revision D. Designed to streamline manufacturing and offer improved functionality, this enhanced version is a testament to the project’s ongoing evolution. Originally conceived as an open-source solution for controlling underfloor heating systems, the Valve Actuator project has gained a loyal following due to its compatibility with popular platforms like Tasmota, ESPHome, and Home Assistant.

With over a couple of hundred units already in operation, the RevD promises to further elevate the user experience and simplify assembly. One of the most notable updates in this revision is the ability to power the valves with a separate AC voltage, such as 24V AC. This feature caters to users with pre-existing underfloor heating systems, providing greater flexibility and compatibility.

Additionally, Voltlog has optimized the PCB design by transitioning from through-hole components to surface-mount technology (SMT) wherever possible, improving manufacturability and reducing potential errors during assembly. The RevD also introduces an innovative LED control feature, allowing users to turn the output status LEDs on or off via GPIO16.

This not only conserves power but also enhances the device’s versatility, making it suitable for discreet installations where visible LEDs are undesirable. Voltlog’s commitment to quality is evident in their collaboration with PCBWay.com, the official provider of printed circuit boards for the channel.

The limited-edition first batch of RevD boards boasts a stunning red solder mask with gold-plated ENIG finish, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Voltlog #201 – How To Generate Gerber Files and Order Your PCBs

Welcome to a new Voltlog, today I’m gonna show you how to order your pcbs from start to finish. We’re gonna start with generating the gerber files and walk you through the process up to placing your order on a pcb manufacturing service website.But before we get started I’ll take a moment to remind you that I now have a Patreon account so you can support me through Patreon to continue making more videos like this one.

The actual start might depend on the cad software that you use for designing pcb’s, in my case that’s Eagle Cad. After finishing up the design of a PCB, you will have to generate the gerber files needed to place your order. Think at these as an universal set of files, stored in a format that every pcb manufacturing facility can read and use to manufacture your pcb exactly as you designed it.

In Eagle CAD we have the CAM processor that takes care of these things, and luckily you can just load a pre-made CAM job file, that will instruct eagle how to output a complete set of gerber files. I have a custom made, voltlog CAM job file for 2 layer pcbs, I will place a link to it in the description below so you can download it. This cam job file will generate all the required gerber files for ordering your pcb, including files for the cream layer which can be used to order a steel stencil that will make assembly of surface mount components much easier.