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Challenges

The Mars 2024-2025 Winter Break Avionics Challenge is live!

WIN $50, and some MARS merch for Designing a PCB

Who is this for?

This challenge is for anyone with some or no experience in PCB design who wants to learn more. 1st and 2nd year students are prioritized. No commitments and no other requirements are needed.

Please sign up using this link

What you have to do

  • Design something fun (doesn't have to be avionics related) in KiCad or Altium and order it from JLCPCB.
  • Document as much as you see fit.
  • Order your PCB on January 13th, submit your documentation and PCB in person to KHN03 on January 30th.
  • I recommend DigiKey for components

We can provide feedback on your design, but there won’t be any tutorials for this challenge.

You can buy the components from suppliers like DigiKey or have JLCPCB assemble them for you.

Keep in mind, it takes about two weeks for a PCB to arrive from JLCPCB.

Ask questions on our Discord!

Teams?

You may work in a team, however solo is recommended, and the prize will be split between you if you do it in a team.

PCB Ideas

  • An acceleration logger using an MPU6050
  • An air quality monitor using a BME680

Prizes

The challenge is biased towards first and second years.

First place:

Free mars sweater and $50 cash

Second and third place

Free mars sweater

Participants

20% off a merch purchase. You must make a unique functioning PCB to be eligible.

How to get started with no experience

This video is a good place to start.

Extra Things You Can Do to Win

Deadlines

January 13th

All boards must be ordered from JLCPCB before or on monday, January 13th.

Assuming boards take 15 days to arrive, soldering or testing begins on January 28th

If your board doesn't arrive on January 28th we may extend your deadline.

January 30th

The documentation and PCBs should be submitted on January 30th in person to KHN07.

February 2nd

All documentation and PCBs will be graded, and the top 3 PCBs will be announced on February 3rd.

Why is MARS Hosting This?

We need help with our avionics projects! This event is a way to discover talented individuals who are skilled in PCB design.

We may also use this opportunity to recruit for the Mars Avionics Team.
Good luck, and happy designing!