Table of Contents
Digispark Programming Tool Kit Tutorial
Product Description:
The Digispark Programming Tool is a USB switch with a female USB connector on one end, a proper male connector on the other, and a switch on the USB 5v power connection.
Being able to switch the Digispark on and off when plugged into USB (using USB power) allows you to quickly disconnect and reconnect the Digispark when programming, debugging, etc without having to physically disconnect it. In addition to being quicker, this reduces ware on the connectors, and the real connectors present on the programming tool provide a solid connection between the PC and Digispark.
We've also added a red LED that turns on when the USB line is switched off. This reminds your that your device is currently disconnected - saving you from wondering why it isn't working!
The LED can be left off the board for those who do not want the indicator.
This can be used for any USB powered device - we've tested it with many, though it may not be technically compliant with all devices and standards.
This is an unassembled kit and requires basic soldering. This is designed for use with the Digispark development board, which is not included.
Parts:
| Part | Quantity | Identification |
|---|---|---|
| Programming Tool PCB | 1 | |
| USB Type A Female Socket | 1 | |
| USB Type A Male Plug | 1 | |
| 3mm Red LED | 1 | |
| 1/4w 1k Ohm Resistor | 1 | Brown, Black, Red |
Resistor Values: For more information on how to identify the value of the resistors, we recommend these sites: A nice simple resistor calculator: http://www.ealnet.com/m-eal/resistor/resistor.htm A comprehensive article on identification: http://www.diyaudioandvideo.com/Electronics/Color/
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:
Insert the female and male USB connectors on either end of the board matching them up with the labels “male” and “female” on the board. You may need to bend the female connector legs (the two thick pins) out a bit to get it to fit.
Flip over and solder all the pins and legs.
Insert the switch and flip over and solder - some tape or putty to hold the switch in place can be a big help.
Insert the resistor, flip over and solder, cut off the excess of the leads.
NOTE: If you do not want a red indicator LED when the switch is off, leave off the resistor and LED
Insert the red LED with the shorter lead on the same side as the resistor, flip over and solder, cut off the excess of the leads.
Plug into a USB port or cable, insert a Digispark (or other device), and flip the switch - when the LED is lit the device is off, when it is not lit the device is on!
