Desktop Multifunction Device: Hardware

Would you like to have a desktop clock, weather station, dice roller, timer, etc? This project describes a hardware solution you can use. It is based on a TFT Feather and a Feather Doubler board, with a Temperature and Motion Wing.

Equipment:

• ESP32 Feather with TFT display: There are several to choose from.
  • ESP32-S2 Feather with Reverse TFT
  • ESP32-S3 with TFT
• Temperature Motion Wing which includes:
  • ADXL343 triple-axis accelerometer
  • ADT7410 precision temperature sensor
• FeatherWing Doubler is the 'frame' of the device.
• Female Headers for the Doubler:
  • Use the black ones included in the pack OR
    
  • Color Headers in your choice of colors.

Tools

• Solder Iron (I like the Pinecil)
• Needle nose pliers
• Knife to cut the headers
• File or sandpaper to clean up the headers

Supplies

• Solder: Be sure to use solder for electronics with rosin core.

Assembly

1. Solder the male pin headers to the Feather and FeatherWing. The long side has 16 pins, the short side has 12. You can use needle-nose pliers to break the header strip at the right spot, or with some practice you can snap it apart by hand (use your thumbnail). If you don't get it quite right it's okay, you can use multiple pieces. Just be sure to connect all the pins.
   You will put the pin headers on the bottom of the Feather/FeatherWing and solder on the top.
   You can put some tape on the TFT display to protect it from the heat, but please be careful when soldering.
   You can plug the header pins into a solderless breadboard, then put the Feather on top to solder it. This will help you get the correct alignment.
2. Cut the female header strips to length (if you're not using the headers in the pack):
   1. For the short side count out 12 pins, then use needle nose pliers to pull out the 13th pin.
   2. Use a file or a knife to cut one side of the plastic housing.
   3. Snap the other side of the plastic housing.
   4. Use a file to clean up the cut. It doesn't have to be perfect but you want to remove any sharp spots.
   5. Now repeat for the long side: count 16 pins, remove the 17th.
3. Attach the female header strips on the top of the Doubler. You might want to use the FeatherWing to help align the headers. Put the headers on top (the side with the white printing) and solder on the bottom.
   TIPS: Solder one corner pin, then make sure the pins on the header are all fully inserted. Solder one header at a time.
4. Connect the Feather and the FeatherWing to the Doubler. Make sure each pin is in a socket, the press firmly.

You have now completed the hardware assembly.

Note the appearance of the cut header. Also the silk screen printing is on the same side as the headers. Photo from Adafruit.com.

Next Steps:

Look for the multifunction software in a future playground page.

Attach short standoffs or some self-stick feet to the board to protect your desktop.

Or design and print a case!

Alternate Buildout

Combine a Feather nRF52840 Sense with an OLED FeatherWing