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Version 1

3d render of the front of the CCI learn to solder badge v1 3d render of the back of the CCI learn to solder badge v1

This is a 3D render of the CCI Learn to Solder badge in black solder mask.

The badge is a very basic introduction to solder that introduces you to how to place parts, solder and celebrate your successes!

Instructions

This guide will not cover the specifics of how to solder, for that please read Soldering is Easy commic by Mighty Ohm, available in most major languages.

Battery holder

Hot metal, don't touch!
Do not touch the battery holder once you start soldering as it gets very hot for several minutes after.

Step 1 - Identifying the part and where it goes

The battery holder is a folded piece of metal which will hold the coin cell CR2032 battery against the PCB.

Take a look at the PCB (Printed Circuit Board), you can see where this part goes, it has 3 square pads (metal areas). The outer 2 square pads should line up with the 2 metal tabs on the battery holder.

Step 2 - Negative pin (optional)

The middle square pad is where the –ve (negative) or "ground" side of your circuit will connect, to ensure a good conenction you need to put some solder on this pad, just to make a nice pillow, but not too much or you'll struggle to get the battery in and out.

Image highlighting the positive and negative connectors on the PCB.

Step 3 - Positive pin

You can now position the metal battery holder with the metal tabs aligned with the positive pads on the PCB.

The battery holder can be soldered either way round, however the design intention is that you slide the battery from the side with the text as this will make it less likely to fall out when you wear the badge the right way up.

You should flow some solder onto one side and get the holder aligned perfectly before doing the other side, you can use some long nose pliers to hold the battery holder in place while the solder sets.

LED

An LED, or Light Emitting Diode is a polarised component, which means it has 2 pins and must be connected the correct way round (unlike the battery holder we just soldered).

Step 1 - Identifying the part and where it goes

Bill of Materials (BOM)

The following materials are used in this item.

  • TruOpto 5mm RGB Colour Changing LED w/Diffused Lens (Rapid: 55-9206)
  • Multicomp BC-2001 Battery Clip (Farnell: 2064713)
  • CR2032 Battery (Farnell: 5219590)
  • Custom PCB from JLCPCB
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