Skip to content

EK021 Halloween Ghost 2LED

Part.no: 41033066 boo

Description

A simple SMD practice soldering kit with a spooky halloween theme.

This kit only contains relatively simple to solder components and is suitable for beginners. Start by reading through this document first, have the correct tools at hand and most importantly, take your time and stay calm!

Required tools:

  • Soldering iron with at least 40-60W power and a fine solder tip
  • Solder wire (a smaller diameter is preferred)
  • Tweezers to pick and place the components
  • Side cutters for cutting component leads

In addition to the tools, you will need a flat working space and good lighting. Some form of magnifyer, loupe or microscope can be helpful when soldering.


Component list

RefDes Value Qty. Part.no Marking
BT1 Battery holder CR2032 1 41017604
C1, C2 Capacitor 0805 10uF 2 41016661 Brown
D1, D2 LED 3mm red 2 40307000
R1, R2, R5 Resistor 0805 220kohm 3 40819522 224
R3 Resistor 0805 56kohm 1 40819456 5602
R4 Resistor 0805 100kohm 1 40819510 1003
R6, R7 Resistor 0805 100ohm 1 40819210 1000
U1 OP amplifier LMV358 1 41016981 MV358I

Assembly guide

boo Check that the board is free from scratches and damage that could affect its function. Clean with isopropyl alcohol or denatured alcohol if needed.
boo Start by pre-tinning one solder pad for each component, except the battery holder and LEDs.
boo The easiest way is to begin mounting the circuit in the center and continue outward with the remaining components. Melt the solder on the pre-tinned pad and position the circuit so all pins are centered on their respective solder pads.
boo Solder the remaining pins on the circuit. Make sure the joints are even and that there is no excess solder that could cause a short circuit.
boo Continue with the remaining components. Compare with the component list to see which value belongs in each position.
boo When all components are correctly placed, the other side can be soldered. Perform the same inspection as with the circuit and ensure there is no excess solder and that all joints are even and have flowed onto both the pad on the PCB and the component.
boo The battery holder is a bit more difficult to solder than the small components because the copper areas are larger and require longer heating. Do not increase the soldering iron temperature. Heat until the solder flows properly. Start by pre-tinning an area in the center of the round copper pad for the battery holder. Nothing is mounted here, but the solder improves contact with the battery. Then pre-tin one of the square solder pads.
boo Solder one side of the battery holder the same way as the small components. Keep in mind that a lot of material must be heated. Both the PCB and the battery holder will need to be heated for a longer time for the solder to flow. Once the holder is secured on one side, solder the other side as well.
boo The LEDs have long leads that should be soldered while lying flat against the PCB. Start by pre-tinning one of the solder pads. Trim the LED leads so they match the length of the pads. The pads are different lengths and indicate the orientation of the LEDs.
boo Solder the LEDs the same way as the previous components. If the LEDs do not lie flat against the board, you can hold them in place with tweezers until the solder cools and they are secured.


With the battery inserted in the holder, the LEDs should start flashing and the kit is done!

boo


Schematic

boo


Troubleshooting

If you run in to any problems when the board is assembled, please follow the guide below.

  • Nothing happens. The LEDs neither lights up or flashes!

    • Check that all components are in the correct location.
    • Check that all LEDs and the IC is oriented correctly. Compare with the last image in the assembly guide.
    • Check that all pads are soldered and no residual solder is left on the board that could cause shorts.
    • Check that the battery is installed correctly. The plus side should face upwards ad the negative side facing the PCB.
  • The LEDs light up, but doesn't flash or pulsate at all!

    • Check that all resistors are in the correct location. Compare "marking" from the component list with the markings on the resistors.
  • All the small components can be soldered, but the battery holder will not stick!

    • It can be very difficult to heat both the pads on the PCB and the battery holder at the same time. It takes time to heat all the metal that wicks away the heat from the solder tip. Let it take time. It can take several minutes to heat, especially if the solder tip is very small and/or the solder station output power is low.