Table of Contents
Boost Shield Kit Tutorial
Product Description:
The Boost Shield Kit allows you to use supply voltages under 5v with the Digispark development board. The Boost Shield boosts a 2-4.5v supply (including 2 aa or aaa batteries, or on lipoly) to 5v and connects directly to the Digispark.
This is an unassembled kit and requires basic soldering. This is designed for use with the Digispark development board, which is not included.
This kit is based on the MintyBoost design by Adafruit!
Parts:
| Part | Quantity | Identification |
|---|---|---|
| Boost Shield PCB | 1 | |
| LT1302-5 Boost IC | 1 | |
| 8 Pin Socket | 1 | |
| 10uh Inductor | 1 | |
| 220uf Electrolytic Capacitor 10V+ | 2 | |
| 0.1uf Ceramic Capacitor 10V+ | 2 | |
| 1N5817 Diode | 1 | |
| 3.5mm 2-pin screw terminal | 1 | |
| 1x40pin male 0.1“ pitch header | 9 pins worth |
Soldering: If you are new to soldering we recommend the following tutorials: Soldering Basics (http://www.sparkfun.com/tutorials/106) and Soldering Crash Course from the folks at Sparkfun (http://www.sparkfun.com/tutorials/354). How to solder from the Curious Inventor: http://store.curiousinventor.com/guides/How_to_Solder
Adafruit has this excellent guide that starts with the tools needed and then shows detailed pictures, including some of the common problems that beginners experience (http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-guide-excellent-soldering)
We assume for these assembly instructions that you know the basics of thru-hole soldering. If you don't check out the links above, these boards are very easy to solder - we promise!
Assembly:
Empty kit bag (or if using a raw PCB, aquire parts) and verify contents. Note for Kickstarter Backers and Pre-orders: Headers are not included in each kit bag, but the entire order came with more than enough headers for all kits.
Insert the diode ensuring the directional strip on the diode is on the same side as the printed stripe on the board. Solder the leads and clip off the excess.
Insert the two 0.1uf capacitors. Solder the leads and clip off the excess.
Insert the 8 pin DIP socket into the board matching the indention cut out on one end with the indention printed on the board.
Insert the two 220uf capacitors, ensure that the longer lead is inserted into the hole with the + sign next to it. Solder the leads and clip off the excess.
Insert the inductor. Solder the leads and clip off the excess.
Insert the 2-pin screw terminal with the hookup openings facing outward. Solder the two pins.
Cut a length of male headers 6 pins long and one 3 pins long. Insert into corresponding positions (on the bottom of the board) and solder each pin.
Tip: Inserting the headers into a breadboard and then placing the board on top can make this process easier.
Note: If you are using stackable headers, use them here instead of the standard male headers.
Insert the LT1302-5 IC into the 8 pin DIP socket matching the indention cut out on one end with the indention on the socket.
Usage:
Connect the + and Gnd (or -) from a power source of 2-4.5V (likely a battery) to the corresponding inputs on the screw terminal. 5V will be provided to the connected Digispark.
