C-3PO Blinky Board
Introduction: C-3PO Blinky Board
Hey guys and how you doing!
So this is the C3P0 PCB Badge or a Blinky Board which is based around 555 Timer IC.
Original C3PO was Built by <PERSON>, C-3PO was designed as a protocol droid intended to assist in etiquette, customs, and translation, but this version doesn't do any of the original tasks, it just blinks.
I made this setup as a soldering challenge kit, We solder all the SMD components with a soldering iron and the end result will be a complete Bi-Flasher working circuit which is themed after our beloved C3PO.
Also, if you're interested in getting this kit for yourself, check out my Tindie page for more details.
In this Instructables, I'm gonna show you guys how you can solder this kit in a few easy steps along with a few soldering tips and tricks.
Supplies
these are the stuff that I used in this built
* 555 Timer IC
* Coin Cell Holder
* SMD1206 LED x 2
* Custom PCB
* 10K Resistor 0805 Package x 4
* M7 Diode
* Switch
* 22uF 16V Capacitor
* CON2 Vertical header Pin
* Soldering equipment
* and patience
Step 1: Basic Info About the Circuit
Before starting the soldering Process, Let first understand the working schematic of this C3PO Badge.
The main component here is the Mightly 555 timer ic which is set up in a Bi Flasher Mode. This means at the output Pin, two LEDs are connected in such a way that when a positive signal gets out of Pin 3 this will make LED 2 Glow and LED 1 will remain LOW, and when the positive signals don't get out of Pin 3 LED 2 will become LOW and LED1 will start glowing
Bi Flasher constantly turns Both LEDs ON and OFF by repetitive biasing of both LEDs through pin 3.
The flashing rate can be controlled by changing the value of the capacitor connected between Pin 2 and GND. right now I'm using a 22uf 16V capacitor but if we use a 10uf capacitor, the flash rate will increase.
I've used the same circuit in my previous Ghost badge Project which is also a soldering kit but a THT one, this version is an SMD soldering kit with almost all component SMD except for Switch, Cap, and CON2 Pin.
Step 2: Getting PCBs From PCBWAY
After finalizing the PCB and checking it one last time, I exported its Gerber data.
I used PCBWAY PCB Service for this project. I uploaded the Gerber file of this project on PCBWAY's quote page. 982
For this C3PO badge, I went with yellow Soldermask and white silkscreen.
After placing the order, I received the PCBs in a week and the PCB quality was pretty great, This shape is completely random so it's pretty hard to make but they did an awesome job of making this PCB with no error whatsoever.
You guys can check out PCBWAY if you want Great PCB Service at an Affordable rate and low price.
Step 3: Soldering Process
After getting the PCBs, I started the assembly process which includes adding SMD components first and then adding THT Components.
We have to add timer ic and a few resistors on the backside first and then LEDs on the front side. Let's start with the backside first.
* First set up your soldering station with an Iron Tip Temp of 316°- 343°C.
* We start by adding solder to each component pad first, just on one side.
* Then we pick the component and place it in its place by heating the added solder.
* solder will melt and hold the component from one side, then we redo this process for all the components. the goal here is to temporarily hold the component from one side and later add more solder wire on the other side which will connect the components to the other pad and the soldering process will get completed.
* After placing each component, we use the solder wire to solder the other end of each component that hasn't been connected to the pad yet. this method of soldering SMD component is widely used and it's very easy to learn as well.
* for adding an SMD Coin Cell holder, the same method has to be used, we add solder to one pad, use that pad to hold the component in place, and then add solder to the other pad to hold the component in its place completely.
* now after soldering all the components on the bottom side, we start the LED soldering. 472