DIY Thermo-Hygrometer Soldering Practice Kit User Manual

1. Introduction

The DIY Thermo-Hygrometer Soldering Practice Kit is an engaging and educational electronics project designed for hobbyists, students, and makers. This kit allows you to assemble a functional device capable of measuring ambient temperature and humidity, providing real-time data through an HD OLED display and multi-colored LED indicators. It's an excellent tool for learning basic soldering techniques and understanding environmental sensing.

2. What's in the Package

Before beginning assembly, please verify that all components listed below are present in your kit. Refer to Figure 2 for a visual representation of the package contents.

• Main PCB (Printed Circuit Board)
• Front Panel (with thermometer and face graphics)
• Acrylic Protective Panel
• HD OLED Display Module
• Temperature and Humidity Sensor (e.g., DHT11 or similar)
• Microcontroller IC (e.g., STC series)
• IC Sockets
• Various Resistors (e.g., 100Ω, 1kΩ, 10kΩ)
• LEDs (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue)
• Push Buttons (T/RH, °C/°F)
• ON/OFF Slide Switch
• USB Type-C Connector
• Capacitors
• Header Pins and Sockets
• Standoffs and Screws for assembly
• USB Type-C Cable for power

3. Specifications

Key technical specifications for the Thermo-Hygrometer kit:

4. Assembly Instructions

This kit requires basic soldering skills. Ensure you have a soldering iron, solder, and safety glasses. Follow these steps carefully:

4.1. Component Identification and Preparation

Before soldering, identify all components using Figure 2 and the PCB layout in Figure 4. Pay attention to resistor values and LED polarities (longer leg is positive/anode).

4.2. Soldering Steps

1. Resistors (R1-R14): Solder all resistors into their designated positions on the main PCB. Resistors are not polarized, but ensure correct values are placed in the correct spots.
2. LEDs (LED1-LED14): Carefully solder the multi-colored LEDs. Ensure the correct color LED is placed in its corresponding position (e.g., Red LEDs for R1-R2, Orange for R3-R4, etc., as indicated on the front panel and PCB). Pay close attention to polarity: the longer leg (anode) typically goes into the square pad or the pad marked with a '+' sign.
3. IC Sockets (U1, U2): Solder the IC sockets first, ensuring the notch on the socket aligns with the notch on the PCB silkscreen. This prevents incorrect chip insertion later.
4. Push Buttons (SW1, SW2): Solder the two push buttons (T/RH and °C/°F) into their respective positions.
5. ON/OFF Slide Switch: Solder the ON/OFF slide switch.
6. USB Type-C Connector: Solder the USB Type-C connector. Ensure all pins are properly connected to avoid power issues.
7. OLED Display Header: Solder the header pins for the OLED display module.
8. Sensor Header: Solder the header pins for the temperature and humidity sensor module.
9. Insert ICs: Once all soldering is complete and the PCB has cooled, carefully insert the microcontroller IC and any other ICs into their sockets. Ensure the notch on the IC aligns with the notch on the socket and PCB.
10. Connect Modules: Plug in the OLED display module and the temperature/humidity sensor module into their respective headers.

4.3. Final Assembly of the 3-Layer Structure

Assemble the device using the front panel, main PCB, and acrylic protective panel with the provided standoffs and screws. Refer to Figure 5 for the layered structure.

1. Place the front panel (Effect Display Layer) face up.
2. Align the main PCB (Component Placement Layer) with the front panel, ensuring the components fit through the cutouts.
3. Place the clear acrylic protective panel (Protective Layer) on top of the main PCB.
4. Secure all three layers together using the standoffs and screws.

5. Operating Instructions

Once assembled, the Thermo-Hygrometer is ready for use. Connect the device to a 5V USB power source using the provided Type-C cable.

5.1. Power On/Off

• Locate the ON/OFF slide switch on the side of the device (refer to Figure 6).
• Slide the switch to the 'ON' position to power on the device. The OLED display will show a boot animation, and then display readings.
• Slide the switch to the 'OFF' position to power off the device.

5.2. Switching Display Modes (Temperature/Humidity)

• Press the 'T/RH' button (Temperature/Relative Humidity) to toggle between displaying temperature and humidity on the OLED screen.

5.3. Switching Temperature Units (°C/°F)

• Press the '°C/°F' button to switch the temperature unit between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
• The device features power-off memory, retaining your last selected unit setting.

5.4. Interpreting Indicators

• OLED Display: Shows the precise numerical value of temperature or humidity.
• Multi-Colored LED Bar: Provides a quick visual indication of the temperature range.

  

  • Blue: Below 20°C (Cool)
  • Green: 20-25°C (Comfortable)
  • Yellow: 25-30°C (Warm)
  • Orange: 30-35°C (Hot)
  • Red: Above 35°C (Very Hot)
• Comfort Indicator LEDs (Facial Expressions): These LEDs light up to visually represent comfort levels based on temperature.
  • Happy Face: Comfortable conditions.
  • Neutral Face: Mild discomfort.
  • Sad Face: Uncomfortable (too hot or too cold).

6. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and accurate performance of your Thermo-Hygrometer, follow these simple maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning: Gently wipe the device with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents, which can damage the acrylic panels or electronic components.
• Environment: Keep the device in a stable indoor environment. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, high humidity, or dusty conditions, as these can affect sensor accuracy and component lifespan.
• Handling: Handle the device with care to prevent physical damage. The 3-layer structure provides protection, but excessive force can still cause damage.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues with your Thermo-Hygrometer, refer to the following troubleshooting tips:

• Device does not power on:
  • Ensure the USB Type-C cable is securely connected to both the device and a working 5V USB power source.
  • Check that the ON/OFF slide switch is in the 'ON' position.
  • Inspect your soldering connections, especially around the USB connector and power supply circuit, for any cold joints or bridges.
• OLED display is blank or shows garbled text:
  • Verify that the OLED module is correctly plugged into its header pins.
  • Check the soldering connections for the OLED header.
• Temperature/Humidity readings appear incorrect or are not updating:
  • Ensure the temperature and humidity sensor module is correctly plugged into its header.
  • Check the soldering connections for the sensor header.
  • Allow a few minutes for the sensor to stabilize after powering on or moving to a new environment.
  • Ensure the sensor is not obstructed or placed in an area with extreme localized conditions (e.g., direct breath, near a heat source).
• Some LEDs are not lighting up:
  • Check the polarity of the individual LEDs. If an LED is inserted backward, it will not light up.
  • Inspect the soldering connections for the non-working LEDs for any cold joints or shorts.
• Buttons are unresponsive:
  • Check the soldering connections for the respective buttons.
  • Ensure the buttons are not physically stuck.

8. User Tips

• Soldering Practice: If you are new to soldering, practice on scrap components or a practice board before working on the kit's main PCB. Good soldering technique is crucial for the device's functionality.
• Component Orientation: Always double-check the orientation of polarized components like LEDs and ICs before soldering. Incorrect orientation can prevent them from working or even damage them.
• Educational Value: Take the opportunity to learn about each component's function. Research how temperature and humidity sensors work, and how microcontrollers process data and drive displays.

9. Warranty and Support

This DIY kit is intended for educational and hobbyist use. Due to the nature of a self-assembled product, specific warranties may vary. For technical support or inquiries regarding missing components, please contact the seller directly through the platform where the kit was purchased. Provide your order details and a clear description of the issue for prompt assistance.