IMG 5853
IMG 5854
IMG 5859
IMG 5860
IMG 5862
IMG 5865
IMG 5869
IMG 5871
IMG 5873
IMG 5874
IMG 5875
IMG 5876
IMG 5879
IMG 5880
IMG 5881
IMG 5882
IMG 5883
IMG 5884
IMG 5888
IMG 5890
IMG 5891
IMG 5892
IMG 5904
IMG 5907
IMG 5908
grbl
The grbl controller; underneath this stepper driver is an Arduino Uno and a breakout board.
IMG 5909
IMG 5910
IMG 5912
IMG 5914
IMG 5915
IMG 5917
IMG 5919
IMG 5921
IMG 5922
IMG 5923
IMG 5924
IMG 5925
IMG 5926
IMG 5927
IMG 5928
IMG 5931
IMG 5932
IMG 5933
IMG 5934
IMG 5935
IMG 5936
IMG 5937
IMG 5938
IMG 5939
IMG 5940
IMG 5941
IMG 5943
IMG 5944
IMG 5945
IMG 5946
IMG 5947
IMG 5948
IMG 5949
IMG 5950
IMG 5951
IMG 5952
IMG 5953
IMG 5954
IMG 5955
IMG 5956
IMG 5957
IMG 5958
IMG 5960
IMG 5962
IMG 5963
IMG 5964
IMG 5966
IMG 5967
IMG 5969
IMG 5970
IMG 5973
IMG 5974
IMG 5976
IMG 5977
IMG 5978
IMG 5979
IMG 5980
IMG 5981
IMG 5982
IMG 5983
IMG 5984
IMG 5985
IMG 5986
IMG 5987
IMG 5988
IMG 5989
IMG 5990
IMG 5991
IMG 5992
IMG 5993
IMG 5994
IMG 5995
IMG 5996
IMG 5997
IMG 6000
IMG 6001
IMG 6002
IMG 6011
IMG 6012
IMG 6013
IMG 6015
IMG 6016
IMG 6018
IMG 4099
IMG 4100
IMG 4101
IMG 4102
IMG 4103
IMG 4104
IMG 4105
IMG 4106
IMG 4107
IMG 4108
IMG 4109
IMG 4110
IMG 4111
IMG 4112
IMG 4113
IMG 4114
IMG 4115
IMG 4116
IMG 4117
IMG 4118
IMG 4119
IMG 4120
IMG 4121
IMG 4122
IMG 4123
IMG 4126
IMG 4127
IMG 4128
IMG 4129
IMG 4130
IMG 4131
IMG 4132
IMG 4133
IMG 4134
IMG 4135
IMG 4136
IMG 4139
IMG 4140
IMG 4141
IMG 4142
IMG 4143
IMG 4144
IMG 4146
IMG 4147
IMG 4148
IMG 4150
IMG 4151
IMG 4152
IMG 4153
IMG 4154
IMG 4155
IMG 4156
IMG 4157
IMG 4158
IMG 4159
IMG 4161
Spot the OSH Park board!
IMG 4162
IMG 4163
IMG 4164
IMG 4165
IMG 4166
IMG 4167
IMG 4168
IMG 4169
IMG 4170
IMG 4172
IMG 4173
IMG 4174
IMG 4175
IMG 4176
IMG 4177
3C2A3239
3C2A3249
3C2A3251
3C2A3261
3C2A3266
3C2A3279
3C2A3282
3C2A3284
3C2A3288
3C2A3290
3C2A3292
3C2A3294
3C2A3295
3C2A3297
3C2A3300
3C2A3304
3C2A3306
3C2A3309
3C2A3318
3C2A3324
3C2A3330
3C2A3331
3C2A3332
3C2A3341
Stockton STEM Badge boards
The badge printed circuit board (PCB) comes in several colors.
Stockton STEM Badge components
The badge consists of a handful of electronic components. Components R1, R5 and J1 are not normally populated.
Stockton STEM Badge microcontroller
The chip is an inexpensive "PIC" microcontroller; this runs a program that controls the LEDs.
Stockton STEM Badge resistors
These are 47 ohm resistors; they limit the current supplied to the orange, yellow and green LEDs. The blue LED does not require one.
Stockton STEM Badge capacitors
The capacitors smooth the power on the badge. The top capacitor, is not polarity sensitive; that is, it can be used either way round. The other capacitor must be used only the correct way round; the case has a "-" symbol printed on it.
Stockton STEM Badge LEDs and button
Orange and yellow LEDS. The pushbutton switch allows a person to control the badge.
Stockton STEM Badge LEDs
Green and blue LEDs
Stockton STEM Badge LEDs
Notice how the LEDs typically have one leg longer than the other; this is called the "anode". The colored case also has one flat side, opposite the longer leg; the leg on this side is called the "cathode". Also, note the distinctive shape of what is inside the colored case; this can also be used to help determine its orientation. The gap at the top of the metal surface is always on the anode side. LEDs can only be used the right way round so determining orientation is important.
Stockton STEM Badge LEDs
Stockton STEM Badge LEDs
Stockton STEM Badge components
Stockton STEM Badge IC and socket
The chip, an integrated circuit, or IC, must also be used the correct way round. Both the chip and its socket have a notch at one end to identify its orientation.
Stockton STEM Badge IC and socket
The legs of the chip need to be straight otherwise they will not properly insert into their positions in the socket. It is easy to bend or break the legs if care is not taken.
Stockton STEM Badge resistor legs
The resistor legs need to be bent in order to insert them into the board.
Stockton STEM Badge resistor legs
The legs are passed through the board holes; they may need pulling firmly, but not too firmly, with pliers to pull the resistor body flush with the board.
Stockton STEM Badge resistor legs
The legs are then carefully bent to about 45 degrees to hold the resistor in place for soldering.
Stockton STEM Badge resistor legs
Soldered legs; only a small amount of solder is needed and it heat should be applied only briefly.
Stockton STEM Badge resistor legs
The legs are trimmed, the excess removed with side-cutters.
Stockton STEM Badge decoupling capacitor
This ceramic capacitor is not orientation sensitive. Decoupling means it absorbs electrical noise and is used to filter the power feeding the microcontroller.
Stockton STEM Badge decoupling capacitor
The capacitor should sit flush with the board.
Stockton STEM Badge decoupling capacitor
As with the resistors, the legs should be splayed a little to help hold it in place for soldering.
Stockton STEM Badge IC socket
Note the orientation of the indent at the upper edge of the IC socket.
Stockton STEM Badge IC socket
The IC socket should lay flat against the board.
Stockton STEM Badge IC socket
Soldering one leg first and checking that the socket is flat against the board avoids a simple mistake. If it is not flat, or otherwise misaligned simply re-heating the leg will help correct the issue. Once orientation and alignment is verified, solder the remaining legs. Sometimes a small shim, such as the black foam here, can help keep the board level and simplifies the task.
Stockton STEM Badge IC socket
Soldered legs.
Stockton STEM Badge electrolytic capacitor
Electrolytic capacitors are polarity sensitive; note the "-" symbol on one side of the capacitor package. These capacitors typically have a larger capacity than their ceramic counterparts and are used for bulk storage; this one is used to assist the battery when the LEDs turn on. This is necessary because button cell batteries are not designed to provide as much power as the LEDs can demand.
Stockton STEM Badge electrolytic capacitor
Orientation of this capacitor is important. There is a "+" symbol in the footprint of the component printed on the board; the "-" of the capacitor should be on the opposite side.
Stockton STEM Badge button
The push-button switch will fit two ways. Orientation does not matter.
Stockton STEM Badge button
As with the IC socket, soldering one leg first and verifying component alignment will help prevent easy mistakes.
Stockton STEM Badge LEDs
LEDs have a flat edge on one side of their case.
Stockton STEM Badge LEDs
The footprint for the LEDs also shows a flat edge; orientation of the LEDs needs to match that of the board.
Stockton STEM Badge LEDs
While all components can be destroyed with an excess of heat during soldering, LEDs are especially susceptible to this.
Stockton STEM Badge LEDs
The case of an LED can crack if the legs are bent too close to it; even after placing the LED on the board, only bend the legs slightly to hold it in place.
Stockton STEM Badge LEDs
All the LEDs have been soldered. Notice that they all have the same orientation; the flat edge is to the left.
Stockton STEM Badge battery
The battery holder is a simple metal cage that solders to the underside of the board.
Stockton STEM Badge battery
Note the orientation of the holder; reversing it will make it difficult to insert the battery later.
Stockton STEM Badge battery
It is possible for the holder to become hot during soldering; be careful when handling immediately after soldering.
Stockton STEM Badge IC
The IC pins need to be straight and line up with their receptacles in the socket.
Stockton STEM Badge IC
When inserting the IC, firm but controlled pressure is needed to avoid bending the pins.
Stockton STEM Badge IC
Make sure the IC is correctly aligned before pushing it in.
Stockton STEM Badge IC
Once pushed all the way in, the IC may sit above the socket, but it will be parallel to it.
Stockton STEM Badge battery
The battery is a typical CR2032 button cell. Notice which side the "+" is on.
Stockton STEM Badge battery
Note the orientation of the battery. The "+" side contacts the battery holder.
Stockton STEM Badge battery
The battery should sit snugly under the holder.
Stockton STEM Badge completed
Press the button to start the lights!
Y-axle idler pulley
Testing the slide of the bed
Taking shape
Z-axis motor mounts
Z-axis motor mounts
X and Z axis
Hotend fan
Print head cables
Cables everywhere
Printhead rear
Printhead front
The cables have to go somewhere
First print in progress
Treefrog
Baby Groot