PCBWay

Docs/pcbway.md

@@ -0,0 +1,63 @@
+# PCB Sponsorship & Manufacturing
+
+The prototype PCBs for **PowerControlHub** were kindly supported by [PCBWay](https://www.pcbway.com).
+
+From initial upload through to delivery, the process was smooth and well handled. The engineering review helped catch potential manufacturing issues early, and communication throughout was clear and responsive.
+
+The boards arrived well packaged and the overall build quality is excellent — clean silkscreen, solid solder mask, and consistent alignment across all layers. Assembly was completed accurately, with components correctly placed and ready for bring-up and testing.
+
+This support has made it possible to move quickly from design to real-world validation, which is a significant step forward for the project.
+
+---
+
+## Prototype Boards
+
+![PowerControlHub PCB](/Docs/img/pcb4.jpg)
+![PowerControlHub PCB](/Docs/img/pcb3.jpg)
+![PowerControlHub PCB](/Docs/img/pcb2.jpg)
+![PowerControlHub PCB](/Docs/img/pcb1.jpg)
+
+---
+
+## What’s Next
+
+These boards will be used for real-world testing, including:
+
+- Relay control under load (12V devices: lighting, radio, horn, etc.)
+- ESP32 integration and communication
+- Sensor inputs and external component support
+- Thermal behaviour inside an enclosed fuse box environment
+
+Updates and findings will be added here as testing progresses.
+
+---
+
+## Hardware Design
+
+The current design is based around an **8-relay configuration**, with full KiCad source files available in the repository:
+
+If you're interested in adapting the design:
+
+> A **4-relay variant** could be a useful smaller/cheaper option — if you’d like to design one, feel free to fork the project or submit a PR.
+
+---
+
+## Enclosure (Work in Progress)
+
+A custom **3D-printed enclosure** is currently being developed to house the board and associated components.
+
+- Designed for real-world installation (e.g. marine / vehicle use)
+- Integrated mounting and cable management
+- Thermal considerations (including airflow / fan support)
+
+Preview images and STL files will be added soon.
+
+---
+
+## Acknowledgement
+
+PCB prototyping and assembly support for this project was provided by [PCBWay](https://www.pcbway.com), enabling rapid iteration from concept to physical hardware.
+
+---
+
+*If you're working on your own hardware project and need PCB fabrication or assembly, PCBWay is well worth considering: https://www.pcbway.com*

PowerControlHub.sln

@@ -3,11 +3,6 @@ Microsoft Visual Studio Solution File, Format Version 12.00
 # Visual Studio Version 18
 VisualStudioVersion = 18.3.11206.111
 MinimumVisualStudioVersion = 10.0.40219.1
-Project("{2150E333-8FDC-42A3-9474-1A3956D46DE8}") = "SymLinks", "SymLinks", "{6BEDDF33-F479-4FE4-B2E7-CD5DA6C98DA1}"
-	ProjectSection(SolutionItems) = preProject
-		..\SymLinks\SymLinkDefinitionsSmartFuseBox.txt = ..\SymLinks\SymLinkDefinitionsSmartFuseBox.txt
-	EndProjectSection
-EndProject
 Project("{2150E333-8FDC-42A3-9474-1A3956D46DE8}") = "Docs", "Docs", "{B2F18220-A117-4398-ABED-D0C31F1F5844}"
 	ProjectSection(SolutionItems) = preProject
 		..\Docs\BluetoothBle.md = ..\Docs\BluetoothBle.md
@@ -17,7 +12,7 @@ Project("{2150E333-8FDC-42A3-9474-1A3956D46DE8}") = "Docs", "Docs", "{B2F18220-A
 		..\LICENSE = ..\LICENSE
 		..\Docs\Local.md = ..\Docs\Local.md
 		..\Docs\MessageBus.md = ..\Docs\MessageBus.md
-		..\README.md = ..\README.md
+		Docs\pcbway.md = Docs\pcbway.md
 		..\Docs\RestApi.md = ..\Docs\RestApi.md
 		..\Docs\ScheduleEvents.md = ..\Docs\ScheduleEvents.md
 		..\Docs\Sensors.md = ..\Docs\Sensors.md
@@ -45,6 +40,11 @@ Project("{8BC9CEB8-8B4A-11D0-8D11-00A0C91BC942}") = "PowerControlHub", "PowerCon
 EndProject
 Project("{FAE04EC0-301F-11D3-BF4B-00C04F79EFBC}") = "PowerControlHubSync", "PowerControlHubSync\src\PowerControlHubSync.csproj", "{31F2CD6A-B9E7-9FD4-3808-399C52A59619}"
 EndProject
+Project("{2150E333-8FDC-42A3-9474-1A3956D46DE8}") = "Solution Items", "Solution Items", "{BE620726-06BF-40F2-9AFC-50D6B6BAB1E5}"
+	ProjectSection(SolutionItems) = preProject
+		README.md = README.md
+	EndProjectSection
+EndProject
 Global
 	GlobalSection(SolutionConfigurationPlatforms) = preSolution
 		Debug|Any CPU = Debug|Any CPU

README.md

@@ -1,14 +1,14 @@
-# PowerControlHub
+# PowerControlHub  
+PowerControlHub is an Arduino-based 12V power distribution and control system for marine and off-grid applications. It provides configurable fused relay switching, multi-protocol sensor telemetry, WiFi/BLE/MQTT connectivity, and a companion touchscreen control panel — all managed through a unified serial command protocol and EEPROM-persisted configuration.
 
-**PowerControlHub** is an Arduino-based 12V power distribution and control system for marine and off-grid applications. It provides configurable fused relay switching, multi-protocol sensor telemetry, WiFi/BLE/MQTT connectivity, and a companion touchscreen control panel — all managed through a unified serial command protocol and EEPROM-persisted configuration.
-
-> Current firmware version: **0.9.0** — see [`FirmwareVersion.h`](PowerControlHub/FirmwareVersion.h).
+> Current firmware version: **0.9.1.x** — see [`FirmwareVersion.h`](PowerControlHub/FirmwareVersion.h).
 
 ---
 
 ## Table of Contents
 
 - [Overview](#overview)
+- [Prototype PCBs](#prototype-pcbs)
 - [Key Features](#key-features)
 - [Architecture](#architecture)
 - [Board Support](#board-support)
@@ -20,7 +20,8 @@
 - [Documentation](#documentation)
 - [License](#license)
 
----
+
+
 
 ## Overview
 
@@ -36,6 +37,14 @@ Commands are grouped by prefix (`F`, `C`, `R`, `H`, `W`, `S`, `M`, `N`, `E`, `T`
 
 ---
 
+## Prototype PCBs
+
+<a href="Docs/pcbway.md"><img src="Docs/img/pcbway.jpg" width="180" align="right" alt="Prototype PCBs for PowerControlHub were supported by PCBWay" /></a>
+Prototype PCBs for **PowerControlHub** were supported by [PCBWay](https://www.pcbway.com), enabling rapid iteration from design to real-world testing.
+
+See the [PCB Sponsorship & Manufacturing](Docs/pcbway.md) page for photos, build details, and ongoing testing.
+
+---
 ## Key Features
 
 ### Relay Control