MFOC 2026 Badge

Build it.
Power it up.

Everything you need to assemble the 2026 Maker Faire Orange County badge. Start with the assembly video, review the latest build updates, and keep the reference materials nearby as you solder.

Made Possible By

A big thank you to PCBWay

The 2026 Maker Faire Orange County badge was made possible with the support of PCBWay. Their sponsorship helped us take this project from an idea to a real piece of hardware that makers can build, explore, hack, and make their own.

We are incredibly grateful for their support of Maker Faire Orange County and for helping us create a badge that goes far beyond a traditional learn-to-solder project.

Visit PCBWay
Guide 01

Badge Assembly Video

Follow along with the assembly process before powering up your badge. We recommend watching through the video once before you begin soldering.

Before you start: There are a few assembly updates that differ from the original schematic. Review the assembly updates below before soldering your badge.
After you build it

Need a hint?

The badge has more going on than first meets the eye. If you get stuck, visit the Badge Field Notes for useful references and small nudges without giving everything away.

Open Badge Field Notes
Guide 02

Build Documents

Keep these references available while assembling your badge. The assembly updates take precedence where they differ from the original schematic.

Read First

Badge Assembly Updates

Important assembly notes, component orientation information, updated badge configurations, power-up checks, and troubleshooting.

Open Assembly Updates
Technical Reference

Badge Schematic

The complete 2026 badge schematic including the processor, switches, infrared transmitter and receiver, RGB LED, badge configuration circuit, and SAO expansion connector.

Open Badge Schematic
Guide 03

Open Source. Start Hacking.

The badge and base station software are available on GitHub. Dig into the code, see how everything works, make changes, and build something new around the MFOC badge platform.

GitHub Repository

MFOC 2026 Badge Firmware

Explore the firmware running on the 2026 Maker Faire Orange County badge. See how the badge communicates, responds to the world around it, and manages its interactive features.

github.com/edhweaver/mfoc-2026-badge-firmware
View Badge Firmware →
GitHub Repository

MFOC 2026 Base Stations

Go behind the scenes of the base stations placed throughout the event. Explore how they communicate with badges and help create the larger interactive badge experience.

github.com/ecspot/mfoc-2026-badge-base-stations
View Base Stations →
Hack it. The badge was designed to be explored. Read the code, change its behavior, connect your own hardware, or use the project as the starting point for something completely different.
Need a hand?

Get help from the community

Having trouble with your badge, firmware, soldering, or electronics? Join the MFOC Discord and stop by the #electronics channel. There are plenty of makers around who can help you troubleshoot and get your badge working.

Join the Discord
Reference 01

Assembly Updates

Review these updates before assembling or troubleshooting your badge.

Trouble viewing the document? Open the PDF in a new window.
Reference 02

Badge Schematic

Full electrical schematic and component reference for the 2026 badge.

Trouble viewing the schematic? Open the PDF in a new window.