Introduction: PCB Necklace V1

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Hey Everyone, so here's something cool.

A PCB Necklace or Pendant powered by an Attiny13A.

The goal here was simple, to make a small Blinky board that can be attached to a chain so we can wear it like a locket or pendant.

In this Instructables, I'm gonna show you the whole build process of this PCB Necklace.

Supplies

These are the stuff I used in this built -

  • 0603 Blue LEDs x24
  • Custom PCB which was provided by PCBWAY
  • Attiny13A
  • AO3400 N channel mosfet x4
  • 10K 0603 Resistor x4
  • SMD Coin Cell holder CR2032

Step 1: Working of This Pendant

There are a total of 24 LEDs in this Pendant, I've divided LEDs into pairs of 4.

This means 6 LEDs are connected in parallel and they are driven by a single AO3400 N channel mosfet. there are a total of 4 of these which control 6 LED segments each. These 4 MOSFETs are then controlled by an Attiny13A, I've added a button with its D4 Pin which starts the LED sequence.

https://www.tindie.com/products/makerpals/valentine-pendant/

Buy from here

Step 2: Preparing the Board

I've prepared this PCB in the shape of a tear which I first modeled in Tinkercad.

After preparing the Basic shape, I exported it into fusion360 so I could export the DXF file from it as my OrCad PCB Suit only imports the DXF file for making PCB Layer. After importing the Tear Shape in my PCB suite, I prepared the Board Schematic first that consists of an Attiny13A driving four different N-channel mosfet setup which is then connected to a total of 24 LEDs. After finalizing the schematic, I exported the netlist and prepared the PCB by using the imported Tear shape as a reference.

Step 3: Schematic

Step 4: Getting PCBs From PCBWAY

After completing the design, I uploaded the Gerber data on PCBWAY's quote page, I selected the solder mask color which was RED and placed the order.

After placing the order, I received the PCBs in a week and the PCB quality was pretty great.

This shape is completely random so it's pretty hard to make but they did an awesome job of making this PCB with no error whatsoever.
You guys can check out PCBWAY If you want Great PCB Service at an Affordable rate and low price.

Step 5: ​ASSEMBLY PROCESS

After unboxing the PCBs, I started the assembly process which had the following steps.

  • Solder Paste Dispensing
  • Pick & Place Process
  • Hotplate Reflow
  • LED Testing
  • Adding Coin Cell holder
  • Programming

Step 6: Solder Paste Dispensing

The first step is to apply solder paste to each component pad.

I used a normal Sn-Pb solder paste which has a melting temp from 140°C to 270°C. After Adding solder paste, we move on to the next process which is the "PICK & Place Process"

Step 7: Pick & Place Process

I then used an ESD Tweeaser to carefully pick and place each component on their assigned place one by one which took like 30 Seconds tops but the result was a perfect PCB with all the components placed in their location.

Step 8: Hotplate Reflow

After the "PICK & Place Process", I carefully lifted the whole circuit board and place it on my DIY SMT Hotplate which is also homemade just like this project.


After a Few mins when the hotplate reaches the Solderpaste melting TEMP, all the components will get soldered by this Hot Reflow process. We then remove the PCB from the Hotplate to cool down all componenets and board surface.

Step 9: Testing LEDs Continuity

Because we are using LEDs here, it's crucial to check whether LEDs are soldered properly or not.

I used a normal Multimeter set in Diode checking mode, we connect the probe of the multimeter to the Anode and Cathode of leds in right polarity. If LEDs are soldered properly, all LEDs will glow. If there's any soldering error they won't glow.

Step 10: Coin Cell Holder

After testing the LEDs, we move on to the next step which is to add a Coin cell holder to the bottom layer of the PCB.

After this the board is almost completed, now we just have to flash the Attiny13A with the main sketch.

Step 11: Programming

Above is the code that I have used in this project, it's a simple Chaser sketch that toggles each Mosfet in a chaser sequence.

As for Flashing the Attiny13A, I'm using one of my previous projects which was this Attiny Programmer made from an Arduino nano.

Checkout More from here-


Basically, we use the SOIC8 Clip to hold the Attiny13A from the TOP side and flash it with Arduino IDE.

Attachments

Step 12: Getting Attiny13 Core Installed on Arduino IDE

Before starting the Flashing process, we first need to download and install the Attiny13 Core files in Arduino IDE.

https://github.com/MCUdude/MicroCore

  • Open the Arduino IDE.
  • Open the File > Preferences menu item.
  • Enter the following URL in Additional Boards Manager URLs: https://mcudude.github.io/MicroCore/package_MCUdud...
  • Open the Tools > Board > Boards Manager... menu item.
  • Wait for the platform indexes to finish downloading.
  • Scroll down until you see the MicroCore entry and click on it.
  • Click Install.After installation is complete close the Boards Manager window.

Now Reopen the Arduino IDE and Plug the Attiny Programer setup with it.

  • choose the Board which is the Attiny13
  • Select the right programmer (Arduino as ISP) and hit Burn Bootloader
  • wait for a few seconds, you will get done burning the bootloader message.
  • Now Open the sketch that you want to upload to this Attiny
  • Go to the Sketch menu and select Upload using the programmer.
  • and your Sketch will get uploaded onto the Attiny13.

Step 13: Powering the Locket/Pendant

To Power this setup, I've added a CR2032 Coin Cell holder which we can use to power the Attiny13 and LEDs.

I've not calculated the exact backup of each cell but its more than 12 Hours

Step 14: Adding Chain

Now because this setup is a Pendant or a locket or a necklace whatever we might call this, it needs a chain or something that we can attach to its provided hole so we can wear it like normal jewelry.

We can add it to a chain or even convert it into earrings by adding an earpiece hook with the provided hole on the PCB.

Step 15: Result


This is the end result of this build, a small wearable pendant or a necklace that is a perfect gift item for this upcoming valentine's day.

want to buy one? get from here- https://www.tindie.com/products/makerpals/valentin...

I'll give you a discount haha.

Thanks again and I'll be back with a new project soon! Peace