Learning the pipeline of creating a PCB (printed circuit board) from scratch. From ground zero design using Kicad, to ordering the PCB via OSHPark, and finally using SMD soldering to put it together. This project is building flashing LED circuit using a 7555 CMOS timer.
This started because I tried to build an open source hardware device called the CANtact. I wanted to make my own CAN sniffer so that I could look into decoding CAN messages. The CANtact hooks into your car via an OBD2 wire and connects to a computer via USB... Long story short I bit off more than I could chew; I never soldered before and this required SMD soldering.
The CANtact creator used Kicad to design the PCB. To get going, I first figured out how to solder. S/O to Noisebridge for circuit hack Mondays. J is a fantastic teacher, he had me operational in a few hours. Next was SMD soldering. I found Nick, a regular at Noisebridge, that happen to have been working on a different SMD project and was willing to let me observe him work. I am very thankful to Nick for his kindness and patience. I must of asked him a million questions :D
The last component is Kicad; I needed to be somewhat operational with this tool to be able to understand what the CANtact is doing and how it was designed. YouTube to the rescue! Contextual Electronics has a fantastic Kicad tutorial titled KiCad tutorial 2016 - Contextual Electronics on YouTube.
I am far from being a pro, but I can at least navigate my way around electronics now. I found my footing and the CANtact creation is well underway. Learning the entire pipeline was a very rewarding process. I enjoyed it and met wonderful people along the way to set me on the right path.