ThunderBell Module Kit Instructions
Page 5 of 8
Power Connector
The power connector is a black plastic block with ten pins sticking out of it. The shorter pins get inserted into the PCB
and soldered. Make sure that the plastic body of the connector is flush against the PCB. A good technique is to solder
only one pin. Then press down on the long pins while heating that first solder joint. If the connector was not seated
flush, it will click into place. Remove the soldering iron and let the joint cool for two seconds before releasing
pressure on the connector. Then, solder the remaining nine pins.
Chips (±)
There are two chips in the kit. Note the direction of the chip before inserting it. The notch on the chip must line up with
the notch on the socket. Make sure that the right chip is in the right socket. U1 is a PIC12F1822, and U2 is a TL072.
The chip pins come from the factory a little bit splayed out, not pointing straight down. You may need to bend them
inward a little before you insert them. Hold the body of the chip and rest all of the pins on one side against the table
top and gently press down just a little bit. Then do the other side. If the pins do not line up well with the socket, repeat
the straightening procedure.
Make sure not to bend any of the pins while inserting the chips. If a pin gets bent, remove the chip by inserting a
small flat head screwdriver between the chip and the socket, then slowly and gently prying the chip out. Straighten
the bent pin and reinsert.
PCB Inspection
At this stage, pause to inspect your work. Compare your PCB to the photo.
Make sure that:
All parts have been soldered in place.
Polarized parts are oriented correctly.
All of your solder joints look good.
There are no solder bridges (blobs of solder covering two leads/pins).
The leads are clipped off short
– right above the solder.
This is a good point to take a break before assembling the off-board parts.
