Build Steps Photos
Here is a sequence of photos showing the building up of a v1.3 eChook board. For each step, solder the components in place, then clip the excess component legs just above the solder joint to keep make the next components easier to place.
Don't forget, we have recorded a video of building a board which may help you with these steps: View on Youtube.
PCB and all components laid out
If the resistors aren't labeled, use the resistor colour codes or a multimeter to determine their values
All non 1k ohm resistors soldered in place
Now all the remaining resistors are the same value.
All resistors soldered in place
Ceramic Capacitors and the Diode next
Ceramic Capacitors (1μF) - these have 105 printed on them. The first two digits indicate the value, the third digit is the number of zeros following that value, to give the capacitance in pico Farads.
105 translates to
$10 \times10^5$
pF or 1,000,000pF, 1000 nF or finally, 1μF
Diode - The grey end of the diode goes to the end pointed to by the ‘arrow’ diode symbol on the silkscreen.
Diode and 1µF capacitors in place
Transistor: This looks similar to the hall effect sensors but is larger and has 'BC547' printed on it. There will be a few mm of leg between the transistor and the PCB.
LED: The LED is labelled as PWM on the board as this is the signal it shows by default.
Both the LED and transistor need to be placed in the correct orientation - the 'D' shape of the component matches the outline on the board.
Tracopower Voltage Regulator
Voltage Regulator is orientation specific. The dot on the pink face lines up with the square solder point with the pink face to the outside edge of the PCB
Electrolytic Capacitor (22μF)
Electrolytic Capacitors are orientation specific. The -ve leg is marked with a grey stripe on the capacitors body and hollow '-' symbols. The PCB indicates which side the +ve leg is with a '+' sign.
Header Socket for the Arduino and Bluetooth Module
8 pin DIP Socket for the Op-Amp
The DIP Socket is orientation specific. There is an indentation on the silk screen image, this lines up with the indentation on the socket.
For larger components with 3+ pins it can be helpful to solder one pin in first then make sure that the component is flat with the PCB. To adjust it, simply melt the solder on the single pin and move the component until you are happy. Now solder the remaining pins.