Great kit that needs actual directions
For W.O.P.R. Missile Launch Code Display Kit - HAXORZ
This is a great kit. I had a great time building it, and it only took a few hours. However there really needs to be an instruction sheet. Just a page, shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes to write. The provided video and component layout sheets are nice but not enough.
Couple pro tips; make sure you install all the SMT components first. Use hot air reflow if you can, the joints will be a lot cleaner and more uniform. Be sure you position the diodes properly. The board has a mark silkscreened on that corresponds to the line on the component itself.
Then do the segment LEDs and switches. Clip the excess LED leads when you’re done.
The switches don’t go in any specific orientation since they’re just momentary push buttons. Be careful with the small ones - one of mine came apart (the housing and button popped off exposing the membrane - I was able to reassemble it).
Then do the headers. MAKE SURE THE SHORT END OF THE HEADER GOES THROUGH THE MAIN PCB. This was my mistake and one line of text woulda saved me a lot of hassle. If you put the long end through you’ll end up with joints that interfere with the 3D printed case. Either way you’ll need to clip off the excess leads. Then solder the TinyPico and audio shield to the long header pins and clip the leads.
Now finally you have to flash the TinyPico. That wasn’t clear from the video since he did the build then plugged it in and everything worked. Sure, if the computer is already set up. Instructions for doing this are clear-ish on GitHub though those could use some polish too. WiFi settings are in the secrets header file and get directly compiled in.
Once you’ve got the board assembled and test fit into the upper plastic case(not including the acrylic) you can install the DEFCON numbers. These have vinyl protectors on them, both sides. Peel off the white stickers carefully to expose the nice clean acrylic. Drop them in place from above. You’ll see how they sit on top of the RGB LEDs. Take them out one by one and put a TINY dot of super glue on the front of bottom portion. Gently guide it in place and hold it against the outer case (not the LED) until it sticks. Repeat with the others. It’ll look and work great.
