PCB Ordering (JLCPCB)
OpenSkyhawk boards are designed for JLCPCB's standard 2-layer service. The design rules are already tuned for it (PCB Design Rules); this guide is how to get from a finished layout to an order.
1. Export the fab files
From a clean, DRC-passing layout, export Gerbers and drill data with the KiCad CLI:
KICAD=/Applications/KiCad/KiCad.app/Contents/MacOS/kicad-cli
$KICAD pcb export gerbers --output ./gerbers/ <board.kicad_pcb>
$KICAD pcb export drill --output ./gerbers/ <board.kicad_pcb>
Run DRC first — fix everything before ordering:
$KICAD pcb drc --output drc.json <board.kicad_pcb>
Zip the gerbers/ directory. (Gerbers and drill files are generated output — gitignored,
not committed.)
2. Upload and configure
Upload the zip to JLCPCB. The cost-optimised settings, all under High-Spec Options:
| Option | Setting |
|---|---|
| Layers | 2 |
| Outer copper weight | 1 oz |
| Via covering | Tented |
| Min via | 0.3 mm |
| Outline tolerance | ±0.2 mm (Regular) |
| Electrical test | Flying-probe (included) |
| Mark on PCB | Remove mark |
| Confirm production file | No (faster lead time) |
| Gold fingers / castellation / edge plating | No |
These match the constraints the boards are designed to, so the order should pass review without back-and-forth.
3. Assembly
Most OpenSkyhawk boards are hand-/reflow-assembled rather than ordered with JLCPCB SMT assembly — the package choices are all reflow-and-inspect friendly by design. See Assembly & Soldering.
Panel cutout template
Need a panel cutout to match the board outline? Export a DXF:
kicad-cli pcb export dxf --output cutout.dxf <board.kicad_pcb>.