Hack Club
Pocketmod
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What is a Pocketmod?

A tiny gadget that plugs into your Computer. It can be anything — a keyboard light, a wireless dongle, a rage quit button, or something completely new. The only requirement is that it plugs directly into a USB port

How it works

01
Logo

Design your PCB

Use KiCad, EasyEDA, or any PCB tool. Your dongle must plug directly into a USB port and do something useful — or hilariously useless :D

02
Time Tracking

Track your time

Log sessions with Lapse + a short journal entry every 3 hours of PCB work. Using programmable parts? Track your coding hours via Hackatime.

03
Grant Card

Get your grant

Submit your design and receive a grant to get it manufactured plus parts and printing.

04
Prizes

Earn free stuff

Upload a short clip of your gadget working. Convert remaining grant balance into "sticks" (1$ = 1 stick) and get prizes from the shop.

Gallery

What others have built

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What could you build?

Basically anything that plugs into USB. Need some inspiration?

Hmmmmmmmmmm......

FAQ

How does the grant work?

After you submit your finished design, you receive a manufacturing grant of ~$4.5 per tracked hour as a HCB card. Use it at PCB vendors like JLCPCB or PCBWay, part suppliers, or #printing-league to get your pocketmod built.

What if I've never designed a PCB before?

That's exactly who this is for. We have beginner guides for PCB design from scratch, plus intermediate tutorials for specific topics like designing an RP2350 board. The community and help channels are there for any questions.

How do I track my time?

For PCB design: Lapse + a short journal entry after every session or 3 hours. For programming (if your dongle has a microcontroller): Hackatime. Both count toward your grant.

Does my dongle need to be programmable?

Nope! A desk light, USB hub, or a button array is totally valid. If your design does include a programmable chip (RP2040, ESP32, etc.), you'll also need firmware to go with it.

How long does the program run?

This is currently a draft, RSVP to get notified when it launches.

What prizes can I get?

After uploading a working clip of your gadget, convert your remaining grant balance into sticks (1$ = 1 stick). Sticks are redeemable for prizes in the Hack Club shop.

Is this legit?

Yes —

My question isn't covered here

Join the #pocketmod channel on the Hack Club Slack or DM @leost