FWIW: We've improved the size of the existing ground plane (the back), and provided a number of thick top level paths to alleviate thin bottom/layer connections in various places. I've also added a few specific via's to provide further connection between the top and bottom level areas (eg: around filter caps under the Pololu's, etc).
I also re-routed a lot of signals and moved certain components (specifically U1, the buffer driving the FETs, which was right next to the thermistor circuitry), which should hopefully decrease any induced noise in the thermistor area, and also reduce any trace inductance between the buffer and the FETs (which are now MUCH shorter).
If you're not actually looking at the KiCad project and basing all your comments on the old board, then please actually download a copy of KiCad (you need Git 4022 or later) and have a look. We've still got some further stuff to do, like we've still not added in the thermistor protection circuitry, some connectors, components and text needs updating, etc. But it's a big change from the last board.
Once we get those issues down, then (and only then) will we look at doing another run of boards.
PS: If you're wondering, the most annoying thing has been trying to keep the whole board within 100mm x 100mm (it's a cost sweet spot with many manufacturers). The board is currently 95mm x 100mm, and it's the width that is at 100mm that is by far the most annoying dimension of the whole project. The next biggest issue (which affects the first) is the Arduino header layout.
I also re-routed a lot of signals and moved certain components (specifically U1, the buffer driving the FETs, which was right next to the thermistor circuitry), which should hopefully decrease any induced noise in the thermistor area, and also reduce any trace inductance between the buffer and the FETs (which are now MUCH shorter).
If you're not actually looking at the KiCad project and basing all your comments on the old board, then please actually download a copy of KiCad (you need Git 4022 or later) and have a look. We've still got some further stuff to do, like we've still not added in the thermistor protection circuitry, some connectors, components and text needs updating, etc. But it's a big change from the last board.
Once we get those issues down, then (and only then) will we look at doing another run of boards.
PS: If you're wondering, the most annoying thing has been trying to keep the whole board within 100mm x 100mm (it's a cost sweet spot with many manufacturers). The board is currently 95mm x 100mm, and it's the width that is at 100mm that is by far the most annoying dimension of the whole project. The next biggest issue (which affects the first) is the Arduino header layout.