Electronics - PCBA

4 Parts Beginner
1

Overview

⚠️ There will be an additional auxiliary component board coming soon for the magnetic magazine connector.

In this section, I will cover the steps required to order the custom electronic parts of this build. I will be using PCBWay as the example, but most of the concepts and files translate to other services (or DIY PCB fab if you're into that sorta thing).

Its worth noting that JLCPCB is slightly more expensive, but I've found them to be much, much faster.

This guide ONLY covers getting the boards fabricated and does not include any wiring or other materials required for the full build. For that, see the other guide(s).

Before You Begin

Familiarize yourself with the functions of each of the 4 main boards.

E-Port: The primary I2C controller. Responsible for charging the onboard batteries, controlling the flashlight, reading the compass and ammo count values, and is generally the place where most system-level logic is handled.
Display Driver: I2C slave device. Gets told what to put on the screen over i2c (ammo and heading), and has some buttons for ad-hoc functionality.
LaserCompass: Simple dual-button toggle switch for the laser (3.3v). Also features a passthrough for i2c data lines and magnetic attachment point.
Magazine: A potentiometer and microcontroller. Very simple.

There is also a button board that features two mirrored snap-apart buttons. You will need two of these boards (four buttons in total)

1

Download and Unzip

Download and unzip the source files located here.

In this folder, you will see 4 subfolders, one for each board. Do not unzip the Gerber files.

2

Upload: E-Port

Head to the instant-quote page on PCBWay. The following sub-steps will walk you through placing the order.

Pro Tip

PCBWay requires 5 PCBs to be made per order. Despite this, you do not have to have all 5 PCBs assembled with components. You can save a few bucks by only ordering one or two to be fully assembled.

  1. Choose your quantity. (Top-side assembly only)
  2. Set part type quantity
  3. PCB Configuration. Really only need to specify size and quantity here.
  4. Upload Gerber, BOM, and Centroid (Pick&Place) Files.
  5. Your files will then go under review by the PCBWay team. This usually takes about 24-48 hours. Once complete, they will email you to complete the purchase.
3

Upload: Remaining Boards

Now that you've gotten the hang of how PCBWay works, do the same process for the remaining three boards.

--

Laser/Compass

Components: 11 unique parts, all SMD
Dimensions: 16 * 101 mm

--

Display Driver

Components: 26 unique parts, 25 SMD, 1 Through-Hole.
Dimensions: 79.5 * 25 mm

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Magazine

Components: 19 unique parts, 18 SMD, 1 Through-Hole.
Dimensions: 80 * 20 mm

--

Button Board

Components: 1 unique parts, 1 SMD, 0 Through-Hole.
You will need 2 of these for a total of 4 buttons, so you mine as well get 3-4.

4

Audit Step + Shipping

It will take PCBWay 24-48 hours to review and approve the files for the build. They will send you an email once its approved and ready to be paid for.
When selecting a shipping method, I would choose DHL with duties paid so you don't get hit with a big bill when it finally crosses the border.

5

Waiting + Fab Confirmation Emails

PCBWay may contact you during the final phases of the assembly. Usually, the'll just send you a picture of the board and ask for approval on the polarity of some elements.
None of the things they'll ask you to check actually matter for this build. Switches can be installed backwards, LEDs can be installed sideways- doesn't actually change the function in any meaningful way.

Guide Complete!

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