Pixel Power Soldering Instructions (Preview)
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This tutorial covers the Pixel Power Base which is used as a battery and stand for your Pi Pal. Before starting we suggest reading through all the instructions first and make sure you are all ready. If you have not soldered before, and would like a good resource, we suggest you check out our Soldering Tutorial. if you do not have tools or want personal instruction, if you are in New Jersey come on down to FUBAR Labs – or find a Makerspace in your area.
Next, is the Pixel Power base. Gather the components. You should have a Pixel Power PCB, a 10-Pin Female Header, 2 Micro Pushbuttons, a Slide-Switch, and a Battery Holder.
Start with the switch. You can start anywhere, but I always find starting at the center and working out is easier. This way you do not have components in the way when you need to solder.
Tape the switch in place. Turn over and solder. The switch can go in either direction.
Insert the left and right buttons. I find these hold well without the need for tape. Make sure they are flush. When the Pixel Power is complete, the slide controls both eyes on/off. When in the the slide switch is in the off position, the buttons will let you control each eye individually.
Two buttons and a switch all soldered in place. Almost there.
Next is the 10-pin header. This is the same type of header you will find on an Arduino.
Use a piece of tape to hold the header flush and ssquare to the board.
Turn over, be careful to keep everything square. Start with the two ends to secure the header. Complete by soldering each pin.
Insert the battery cover. Be sure that the little tab is towards the switch and that you can slide the battery in from the bottom. Later if your battery is loose, the two tabs in the center can be depressed a little to hold the battery snug.
The battery cover is all metal, so it absorbs a lot of heat. It might take a little more time before your iron can heat it and the solder pads up enough for the solder to flow properly.
You are all Done! Nice Job! Plug Chip Into the Pixel Power Base, add the cr2032 battery, and you can play with your new friend. Enjoy!