FaSTGLETree/README.md

# FaSTGLETree

Simple christmas tree from 2 PCBs with pseudo-random blinkenlights. Soldering workshop subject.

![3D CAD rendering of an electronics-based christmas tree made from 2 PCBs slotted into each other to give it 3-dimensionality. There's a 3D printed star on top.](render.png)

# Features / Function

- CR2023 coin cell for power
- 1-pos SMD dip switch for on/off
- button for manual shifting
- 3 pin header with jumper for switching between timer and button for shifting
- All ICs are low voltage (down to 2V / 2.5V) variants
  - 555 Timer set at ~.5Hz
  - SIPO 8 bit shift register for patterns
  - Pattern scrambling with 2x4 NAND gates
  - Feedback from 2 NANDs into shift register
- 16 SMD LEDs connected to shift register and NAND outputs
- 1 yellow THT LED always-on on top
  - Transparently 3D-printable star cap

# Learn how to solder SMD:

[See Slides (in German)](docs/FaSTGLET-Part4-Lötworkshop.pdf)

# PCB Manufacturing

I usually order from JLC with the cheapest options, make sure to choose the manual placement of the order number (marker already included in Silkscreen)

# Build instructions

Assembly Guides: [Board A](https://fasttube.de/bestueckung/FaSTGLETree/A.html), [Board B](https://fasttube.de/bestueckung/FaSTGLETree/B.html)

- It's recommended to make sure each PCB is in the best state it can be in first before combining them. Afterwards, soldering becomes more difficult.
- For SMD parts, always solder a single pad/pin first before continuing to others
- Pin 1 markings are the elongated silkscreen line and the dot/line on the IC
- LED directions are not marked. The LED arrow should always point to the tree trunk/inwards (Anode to tip of branch)
- There's no pattern to whether the LED or Resistor is on top on the LED branches. Always check the assembly guide!
- J9 is usually not populated, it's left for external power
- The THT LED atop should have its leads shortened to ~7-10mm
- The THT LED atop is oriented using the flat side of its rim. The Flat side goes to the straight line, the round side to the rounded line
- Keep in mind the Errata section below

# Errata

- [2022 version] There is a pull-up resistor missing for the button. A 10kOhm THT resistor can be soldered from the backside of the bin header to the battery holder.
- [2022 and 2023 version] Be careful to not scratch the pcb surfaces with the legs of the top LED in order not to create a short circuit
- [2024 version] There is a missing connection betreen R5 Pin 1 and +BATT. A bodge wire from R5 (outside) to the battery holder solder point is recommended. Otherwise, the push button functionality most likely does not work.

# Cost

~10€ BOM @ 30pcs

# Licensing

Licensed under CERN OHL, see LICENSE.txt
Add README 2023-01-09 02:41:40 +01:00			`# FaSTGLETree`

			`Simple christmas tree from 2 PCBs with pseudo-random blinkenlights. Soldering workshop subject.`

Add render to README 2024-12-10 22:39:59 +01:00			`![3D CAD rendering of an electronics-based christmas tree made from 2 PCBs slotted into each other to give it 3-dimensionality. There's a 3D printed star on top.](render.png)`

Add README 2023-01-09 02:41:40 +01:00			`# Features / Function`

			`- CR2023 coin cell for power`
			`- 1-pos SMD dip switch for on/off`
			`- button for manual shifting`
			`- 3 pin header with jumper for switching between timer and button for shifting`
			`- All ICs are low voltage (down to 2V / 2.5V) variants`
			`- 555 Timer set at ~.5Hz`
			`- SIPO 8 bit shift register for patterns`
			`- Pattern scrambling with 2x4 NAND gates`
			`- Feedback from 2 NANDs into shift register`
			`- 16 SMD LEDs connected to shift register and NAND outputs`
			`- 1 yellow THT LED always-on on top`
			`- Transparently 3D-printable star cap`

Add instructions 2024-12-21 22:34:28 +01:00			`# Learn how to solder SMD:`

			`[See Slides (in German)](docs/FaSTGLET-Part4-Lötworkshop.pdf)`

			`# PCB Manufacturing`

			`I usually order from JLC with the cheapest options, make sure to choose the manual placement of the order number (marker already included in Silkscreen)`

			`# Build instructions`

			`Assembly Guides: [Board A](https://fasttube.de/bestueckung/FaSTGLETree/A.html), [Board B](https://fasttube.de/bestueckung/FaSTGLETree/B.html)`

			`- It's recommended to make sure each PCB is in the best state it can be in first before combining them. Afterwards, soldering becomes more difficult.`
			`- For SMD parts, always solder a single pad/pin first before continuing to others`
			`- Pin 1 markings are the elongated silkscreen line and the dot/line on the IC`
			`- LED directions are not marked. The LED arrow should always point to the tree trunk/inwards (Anode to tip of branch)`
			`- There's no pattern to whether the LED or Resistor is on top on the LED branches. Always check the assembly guide!`
			`- J9 is usually not populated, it's left for external power`
			`- The THT LED atop should have its leads shortened to ~7-10mm`
			`- The THT LED atop is oriented using the flat side of its rim. The Flat side goes to the straight line, the round side to the rounded line`
			`- Keep in mind the Errata section below`

			`# Errata`

Add more errata for older versions 2025-01-08 21:56:07 +01:00			`- [2022 version] There is a pull-up resistor missing for the button. A 10kOhm THT resistor can be soldered from the backside of the bin header to the battery holder.`
			`- [2022 and 2023 version] Be careful to not scratch the pcb surfaces with the legs of the top LED in order not to create a short circuit`
			`- [2024 version] There is a missing connection betreen R5 Pin 1 and +BATT. A bodge wire from R5 (outside) to the battery holder solder point is recommended. Otherwise, the push button functionality most likely does not work.`
Add instructions 2024-12-21 22:34:28 +01:00
Add README 2023-01-09 02:41:40 +01:00			`# Cost`

			`~10€ BOM @ 30pcs`

			`# Licensing`

			`Licensed under CERN OHL, see LICENSE.txt`