Helios
About the Helios PCB
Helios is an open source PCB design by VulcanWM, published on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board measuring 64.1 × 64.1 mm, with 18 components from 9 distinct parts.
Other key parts include the NE555P and 4017. By type, the board carries 10 diodes, 2 ICs, 2 capacitors, 2 resistors and 1 connector.
From the project
blinky board
The PCB was designed in KiCad and uses a circular layout with custom Helios-themed silkscreen artwork.
A 50k potentiometer controls the timing of these pulses, allowing the speed of the LED sequence to be adjusted.
The output of the NE555 is connected to the clock input of a CD4017 decade counter. Every time the CD4017 receives a pulse, it advances its active output by one: - the first pulse activates Q0 - the next pulse activates Q1 - this continues through Q2, Q3, etc. until Q9 - after Q9, the counter returns to Q0 and the sequence repeats
Main components on the Helios
Helios bill of materials (BOM)
18 components, 9 distinct parts — part numbers from the project's BOM.
| Qty | Part | Footprint | Refs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NE555P | DIP-8_W7.62mm | U1 |
| 1 | 4017 | N16 | U2 |
| 1 | Conn_01x02_Socket | PinHeader_1x02_P2.54mm_Vertical | J1 |
| 1 | 50k | Potentiometer_Vishay_T93YA_Vertical | RV1 |
| 10 | LED | LED_D3.0mm | D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, D8 +2 |
| 1 | 0.01uF | C_Disc_D7.5mm_W2.5mm_P5.00mm | C1 |
| 1 | 1uF | CP_Radial_D5.0mm_P2.00mm | C2 |
| 1 | 1k | R_Axial_DIN0207_L6.3mm_D2.5mm_P7.62mm_Horizontal | R1 |
| 1 | 470 | R_Axial_DIN0207_L6.3mm_D2.5mm_P7.62mm_Horizontal | R2 |
Helios design files
The KiCad project lives in the VulcanWM/helios repository on GitHub; these links point at the commit this page was built from.
- Layoutpcb/helios.kicad_pcb
- Schematicpcb/helios.kicad_sch
- BOMBOM.csv
Helios: common questions
How big is the Helios PCB?
The Helios measures 64.1 × 64.1 mm, has 2 copper layers and is 1.6 mm thick.
How many components are on the Helios?
18 components, from 9 distinct parts, with part numbers taken from the project's own BOM. The full bill of materials is listed on this page.
Where can I download the Helios design files?
From the VulcanWM/helios repository on GitHub, which has the KiCad layout, the schematic and the BOM; the links under Design files point to each one.
Can I use the Helios design in my own project?
The repository has no license, so all rights stay with VulcanWM. Use it as a reference, and ask the author before reusing the design.