In early 2024, I found out about the OSHWLab Stars initiative, which provides prototyping support for open-source projects. Here, I'll share my experience with OSHWLab Stars and explore its purpose and beneficiaries, helping you decide if you should apply.
EasyEDA Pro edition:
I designed my first PCB in 2019 using EasyEDA; learnt PCB design from a video of Electronoobs. Back then there was only EasyEDA, no pro edition.
I initially avoided OSHWLab Stars in early 2024 since the Pro edition of EasyEDA was buggy - barely usuable. So I designed the TrackLink V1 in the basic edition itself.
By mid-2024, most issues were resolved. then I designed the MICROSPORA board (6-layer) and applied for Stars.
As of January 2025, the software is running smoothly. Kudos to the EasyEDA team for their rapid bug fixes - Great job guys!
EasyEDA, being closed-source and cloud-based, carries the usual risks of vendor lock-in and privacy. Its strong ties to LCSC and JLCPCB suggest the free version will be there forever, as it serves as a promo to their services. I personally dont know anyone who uses the paid edition, I wonder who uses it - If you're a paid user, comment below; I would like to know about it.
For open-source projects, file storage on their servers isn't an issue given their public nature. With that addressed, let's proceed
About OSHWLab Stars:
We invite all electronics enthusiasts to participate in the event and share your open-source hardware designs.
We provide free PCB prototyping, 3D printing, CNC machining, and a series of other services. We invite you to create and share with us.
If you're developing an open-source project, this can be helpful to you.
The requirements are simple:
Provide all source files to ensure the project is replicable.
Design the PCB using EasyEDA Pro.
You can receive funding for only one project at a time.
Project entries cannot be withdrawn after funding is granted.
Create a project with a real use. Dev boards are typically not approved.
Projects must be safe and cause no harm (avoid hazardous or lethal designs).
Other things you should know:
You retain copyright of your project (as it's open source, you cannot withdraw it).
Funding covers services exclusively from JLCPCB (PCB, PCBA, 3D printing, CNC)
You are permitted to sell the products you receive through this initiative.
Do these terms hold up in practice?
Yes, The OSHWLab team lives up to their promises. My experience with the MICROSPORA project was great. Approval was quick, and a minor issue with the JLCPCB coupon was also promptly resolved by the OSHWLab team. No contracts or complex agreements were required.
Despite taking two weeks to finish the project write-up after receiving the boards. I only received an email to follow up on the project status, there was no pressure from their team - I appreciate that.
Then I applied for the next project - TrackLink V2. It was the updated version of the original TrackLink V1. Like before, the whole process was very smooth. I received the boards as expected.
Here's the real catch:
Since my designs are relatively simple, it usually works well first time and no further revisions are required. But this time there was a small error in the design, a feature was not working as expected.
So naturally I applied for another coupon. Only then I got to know that this funding is provided only once for a project; this looks like an unwritten rule, it caught me by surprise since prototyping usually takes a few revisions.
It would be nice if we can mention the expected number of revisions in the application; it would increase transparency between the designer and oshwlab.
Who benefits from OSHWLab Stars?
- You get valuable prototyping support for your open source project, 2) More projects are added to the Open Source community. 3) JLCPCB also benefits, as EasyEDA and OSHWLab belong to them.
My community members order my designs directly from JLCPCB. So far so great, they are satisfied with our designs and JLCPCB's quality.
Thats a WIN-WIN-WIN
RamBros:
Notes:
I think OSHWLab can make this process even more simple by integrating a "one click order" button so that our members don't have to mess with the PCB and SMT settings when they order our boards. (One of our member ordered the PCBs without the SMT Assembly, Ouch!)
When you are applying for the Stars, make sure your design is completed first. Also it is easy to get approved if you have shared open source designs on OSHWLab previously.
What are your thoughts on this, comment below.
