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Assembling the
JimStimX is very
straight forward, and is a perfect first time project for someone who
is new to the world of soldering and/or MegaSquirt assembly.
 
The concept is simple. Start with the
shortest components and work up to the tallest. Estimated project
time should be around 30 minutes.
We recommend using 63/37 tin/lead solder. The newer lead free solder types are
much harder to work with and not as reliable.
1) The first set of components to
install will be the resistors, labeled R1 to R22 on the board. All
of the resistors are the same, and polarity is not important so they
can go either way. Install all 22 resistors, then turn the board
upside down and solder all the resistors in place, and clip the
excess leads.
2) The LEDs are next. There are 22 of
these as well. One installs underneath each resistor installed in
the previous step. Pay close attention to install the LEDs with the
longer leg towards the top of the JimStimX board. Polarity is very
important with the LEDs; they will not work if installed backwards!
After installing, turn the board over, solder all the connections,
and clip the lead excess off.
3) The next tallest component is the 4
position switch at the top right of the board. Go ahead and install
it now. Note the silkcreen indicates the orientation of the switchblock
with the switches in the off position. It solders from underneath the
board. The picture below confirms proper orientation of the 4 position
switch on the board.
4) Now we install the header pins near
the bottom of the board for the ground, cam sensor, PT4, flex, and 5V
connections. They will come on a single strip, so you will need to
carefully cut the pins along the indented break points on the strip.
They will cut easily with a wire cutter or similar tool. Cut to size
and solder from underneath.
5) Now we're up to the very tall
components, which are the ADC trim pot assemblies. They install on
the front of the board. Make sure you line up the metal tabs on the
sides of each trim pot as well as the 3 legs with the corresponding
pads in the board. You can solder one of the metal tabs on each pot
from the top to hold the trim pot in place if you'd like. This is
not required, but makes it easier to flip the JimStimX board upside
down before soldering the legs in place, as it keeps the trim pots
secure.
6) One item left, the DB37 connector.
It installs on the bottom of the board, on the back side. It solders
from the front side of the board. Make sure you install it on the
correct side. See the pictures for clarification if you have any
doubt.
The board is now completely assembled and ready for use!
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