This little guide is for all people getting any DIY kit or set to build their modules. This is mainly written to help beginners to find their own workflow with some ideas and mentions. I’m trying to share my experience here and I’m learning every day and will extend this whenever I encounter a new technique or idea to make my life and possibly your life easier.

General points to consider

Especially for my builds please always check the page with the Infos on the module you’re building. There might be some things to consider and usually I put them there. Like maybe Errors on the silk,, wrong orientation and things like that. As soon as there’s a revision I put that info in there as well.

Check which side is which, top and bottom and front and back of control and main board. See if they fit together when connected via headerpins.

See if the components you are using fit the footprint and or the space between the boards. Usually most components are on the main board inside the sandwich. If you wanna use bigger components you got in hand consider putting them on the backside (where the IDC heade/power header is mounted).

Always check the orientation of IC sockets (and ICs), microcontrollers, voltage regulators, diodes, LEDs and electrolytic capacitors.

Debugging

Now you built it and it doesn’t work, where to start?

First of all I can always recommend reading up on possible problems that modules might have, read or reread documentation on the module. Sometimes it may help to search for Infos on the makers website or forums.

1) are all components on the board – including ICs in sockets – so no empty holes visible when you hold it against a light source.

2) are all components oriented correctly (diodes, ICs, LEDs, capacitors,…)

3) are all solder points looking okay (no bubbles / cold solder points for example)

4) are all component values verified against the provided BOM

5) are any traces cut/defective? Is the board in a good condition? If you think a connection is accidentally cut check with the multimeter on continuity setting if that is the case)

6) check if all components are powered correctly (opamps, transistors,…)

7) begin checking signalflow from the output until you get a signal using a oscilloscope (or a multimeter) and a schematic and/or follow the traces.

I hope this guide helps anyone who needs this info. Please send me DMs via Instagram or Discord if you want to add something to this guide. I’m sure there are many things I didn’t consider. Honestly it’s pretty late and I need some sleep. 😬