15 lines
2.1 KiB
Markdown
15 lines
2.1 KiB
Markdown
# Solder the Header pins on the Pi Zero W
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You will need header pins to access the GPIO on the Pi. GPIO is needed in order to connect to the Pi via the MicroUSB cable. [Details on what the GPIO pins do](https://www.raspberrypi.org/documentation/usage/gpio/)
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1. Read the helpful guide on soldering: [Soldering is Easy Guide](https://mightyohm.com/files/soldercomic/FullSolderComic_EN.pdf)
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1. No really, read the comic [Soldering is Easy Guide](https://mightyohm.com/files/soldercomic/FullSolderComic_EN.pdf). The teaching staff will make fun of you if you don't read it before you try doing it for real.
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1. Apparently reading is hard because some people still haven't looked at the comic. Go to [Adafruit's guide on soldering](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-guide-excellent-soldering/tools) which includes videos.
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1. Mount the raspberry Pi zero into a Panavise or other mechanism to hold it steady. If none of those are available, you can use tape to stick it to a piece of cardboard, then stick that to the table. Be aware the tape will melt or burn if it comes into contact with the soldering iron.
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1. Get the dual row pins: 2x20. The pins are available in the stock room of V207 if they weren't included in your kit.
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1. Drop them in from the top of the board and hold them in place. Flip the board over. The pins should just be sticking a little bit out the bottom of the board.
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1. A partner can be very helpful for this step: Hold the pins against the board with pliers or something that won't melt; in a pinch, cardboard and tape work pretty well. Use the soldering iron to attach the corner pins, then solder the rest.
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1. Inspect the soldering joints under the microscope to make sure that there are not holes or anything else that might result in a flaky connection. If you see "spiky things" sticking out, that means you didn't heat the pin and solder enough.
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1. If any of the connections look questionable, remove the solder on that joint and do it again. **Unreliable solder joints will cause your system to be flaky which will drive you crazy later in the semester!**
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