2
EAS FINGER BOARD was created as a small compact general purpose embedded controller to be
used for robotics, data logging, smart instruments, and custom control applications. It can run
“Interactive C” and emulates many of the hardware functions of “Handy Board” by MIT. Motor
functions as well as push buttons were left out of the design to keep it small, simple and versatile. All
functions of the “Handy Board” can be added via expansion board, circuits of older “Rug warrior”
designs as well. The Finger Board uses very common easily found parts and a low parts count to
keep costs down. All mating contacts are spaced .1” apart to allow the Finger Board to plug on top of
standard prototyping boards. The Finger Board comes as two separate circuit boards, the CPU board
and the Communications board. It can be ordered as one board if size is not an issue.
FINGER BOARD II ASSEMBLY
Construction notes
This kit requires good soldering techniques due to its small size.
Tools necessary: A fine tip soldering gun and a good wire cutter.
Recommended tools: Mechanical clamp-known as a third hand, fine solder wick to remove excess
solder. A good source of information for beginners is found on the “Handy Board” web site.
An online construction manual with images is available on our web site to help in the construction of
the Finger Board. A copy of the Finger Board schematic, silkscreen and parts placement guide can
also be downloaded from our web site and printed out.
Caution:
Integrated circuits are static and heat sensitive. Do not apply too much heat with your
soldering iron when installing these parts. Please take precautions while handing IC’s. To protect
against static electricity, ground your body before handling parts.
We will start with the CPU board first.
CPU Board
Step 1
Start by installing the IC's. Observe proper orientation for pin 1. You may install an IC socket for U7
and U6 but do not socket U5. The installation of a socket for U5 will interfere with U3, the 256kbit ram,
which will require the need for a socket. We normally do not install sockets for these IC's.
U5 - 74HC573
U6 - 74HC00
U7 - 74HC138
Step 2
Install capacitor C6 and the 28 pin IC socket for U3. You may need to snip off the center plastic
section of the IC socket so it will fit over U5.
C6 - .1uf monolithic capacitor. The printed value on the capacitor will normally be 104, denoting a .1uf
value.
U3 - 28pin IC socket
