OpenPnP is the open-source software that powers the PlaceStation pick and place machine. It runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux, and handles everything from machine motion control to vision-based component alignment. This guide gets you from unboxing to running your first placement job.
What You Need
- PlaceStation pick and place machine
- A laptop or desktop (Windows 10/11 recommended)
- OpenPnP installed (free download from openpnp.org)
- Your PCB design exported as a centroid/pick-and-place CSV file
- Solder paste applied to your board (use the StencilStation)
- Component reels loaded in feeders
Step 1: Install OpenPnP
Download the latest OpenPnP installer from openpnp.org and install it on your computer. PlaceStation ships with a pre-configured machine.xml file — copy this into your OpenPnP configuration folder before launching the software. This gives you a head start with the correct machine parameters already set.
Step 2: Connect and Home the Machine
Connect PlaceStation to your computer via USB. In OpenPnP, select the correct COM port under Machine → Driver settings. Click the Home button — the machine will move to its home position. If homing fails, check that the limit switches are properly triggered and the USB connection is stable.
Step 3: Camera Calibration
OpenPnP uses two cameras: the top-down head camera for board fiducial detection and feeder position finding, and the bottom-up camera for part rotation calibration after picking. Calibrate both cameras using the built-in calibration wizard under Machine → Heads → Camera. Use a calibration target or a known-size feature on your board.
Step 4: Set Up Feeders
In OpenPnP, go to the Feeders tab and add a feeder for each component reel. For PlaceStation powered feeders, select the ReferenceAutoFeeder type. Set the pick location by jogging the nozzle to the first component in the tape and clicking Capture. Set the feed actuator to trigger the feeder motor. Save and test each feeder before running a full job.
Step 5: Import Your Board
Export a centroid file (pick and place file) from your PCB design software — EasyEDA Pro, KiCad, and Altium all support this. In OpenPnP, go to the Job tab, create a new job, and import the centroid file. Map each component reference to its corresponding feeder. Check component rotations carefully — EasyEDA Pro exports rotations differently from OpenPnP's convention.
Step 6: Fiducial Calibration
Add at least two fiducial marks to your PCB design (copper circles with silkscreen keepout). In OpenPnP, run the fiducial calibration step before each job — the top camera locates the fiducials and corrects for any board placement offset. This step dramatically improves placement accuracy.
Step 7: Run Your First Job
Before running the full job, do a dry run — OpenPnP can simulate placements without actually moving to the pick location. Check the placement preview on screen. When confident, run the job. Monitor the first few picks carefully to ensure the nozzle is picking cleanly and placing accurately.
Tips for Best Results
- Always apply solder paste before placing — the paste holds components in position until reflow
- Keep feeders loaded and tensioned — loose tape causes mis-picks
- Run fiducial calibration on every job, even if the board looks aligned
- Clean nozzles regularly — solder paste residue affects pick reliability