Ordering from PCBWay

[donparlor]

If we want to order directly from PCBWay and assemble the SOILSENS-V5W, is there a part list somewhere? Also, do you provide a video showing the assembly?

[PricelessToolkit]

Part list is already uploaded "https://github.com/PricelessToolkit/SOILSENS-V5W/tree/main/PCB" no video but Interactive_bom.html will help with assembly.

[donparlor]

Would you say that assembling all parts without the stencil is possible or rather complicated? I also guess that the stencil is created and cut by your own CNC in your lab?

[PricelessToolkit]

Soldering without a stencil is possible if you have a microscope and experience. You can order a stencil at the same time as the PCB using the same Gerber files.

[donparlor]

Hello @PricelessToolkit, I'm just curious if your SOILSENS-V5W project is available in the shared project section of the PCBWAY website. I'm asking because I've recently seen a video for an iSpindel Open source project and I gathered enough courage to make my first PCBWAY order. The iSpindel project I'm referring to is the following:

https://www.pcbway.com/project/shareproject/iSpindel_The_Jeffrey_2_69___Open_Source_Distilling.html

From a single click I can order the same design. I don't know if this is your intention to share your projects this way, and I fully understand if your projects are aimed at selling your pre-assembled units to make a living. I honestly praise your work and highly value your skills. I'm also in the DIY mindset where I love assembling IoT stuff but I'm still far from your knowledge level! I wish I can reach your feet someday but I'm still far and you are truly inspiring. If your design cannot be loaded on PCBWAY then I'll save some money and look forward buying your pre-assembled units someday, but I would miss the self-assembly part of the project.

Thanks in advance for clarifying if your designs are possible to duplicate on PCBWAY.

[PricelessToolkit]

Hi, no, it's not shared in PCBWay projects, but you can easily order a PCB and stencil from PCBWay. Just upload the Gerber files, choose the colors, surface finish, and stencil, and that's it! I haven't shared it there because I assemble it for sale but encourage DIY assembly rather than ordering pre-assembled PCBs from the factory. For that reason, the Gerber files and parts list are available on GitHub, along with an interactive BOM file to help you easily find where to place each component. If you're unsure about what to select when ordering boards, I can take a screenshot to guide you.

[donparlor]

I completely understand your intentions and most people will find it most convenient to order a pre-assembled unit. I'm very happy that you are providing help for DIY enthusiasts, I'm one of them, and assembling one of your creation will bring much pride and fun for me, I'm sure you understand it because you are already an accomplished DIYer for building your own designs from scratch. I'll try to upload your Gerber files in PCBWAY and will see how far I can reach.

[donparlor]

Before uploading Gerber files I guess I must pre-select options. Have you clarified it somewhere?

[PricelessToolkit]

it is mostly ok, just change to 4 Layer, the surface finish to "lead-free" and select "SMD-Stencil" but without a framework and only top side.

[donparlor]

They are asking for size

[PricelessToolkit]

when you upload Gerber files, it will detect them automatically, and then select what you want.

[donparlor]

Seems good so far.

[donparlor]

PCBWAY design approved!
I uploaded your BOM on LCSC website in the PCB/SMT section, all parts recognized except this one:

And the two bottom elements which were probably not meant to be on the BOM for LCSC:

Also, I guess that BOM list is for 1 x SOILSENS-V5W unit? Correct?
And while we order on PCBWAY website, the MOQ is 5 times the same design, therefore should I multiply by 5 all parts on LCSC website?

In your video, we can see that your SOILSENS-V5W unit came in a unified board of 6 SOILSENS-V5W.

Did you order 6 times your design on PCBWAY or it means that each item on PCBWAY means 6 x SOILSENS-V5W, meaning that with their MOQ of 5 units I will end up with 30 x SOILSENS-V5W ???

[donparlor]

I've just seen in your BOM that the unrecognized item is in fact WIFI-000273-00: WIFI Module ESP32-C3-WROOM-02-N4 4MB SPI flash, PCB antenna, -40 C +85 C SMD

This item is marked as coming from Mouser. Is this the same as this item from AliExpress: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008367945581.htm

[PricelessToolkit]

Yes, that is the ESP you need. The Gerber file on GitHub is for a single PCB, not a panelized set of six like in the video. So, if you need to assemble five boards, you’ll need to multiply the order quantity accordingly (e.g., by 5 or 6+). Also, small components tend to fly away if you don’t have high-quality tweezers

[donparlor]

Well noted for the Gerber file being for one unit. About the stencil, I will assume it is for one unit too.
Last question before I order the parts. On LCSC some components are MOQ 100/50/1-Reel, etc.

I guess there is no need to multiply the whole LSCS order by 5 since I will have more than enough parts to build 5 unit. The most important is to look at the quantity on the BOM for one unit, multiply by 5, and make sure the MOQ on LSCS match the required quantity + extra ones since small components tend to fly away.

[donparlor]

Regarding the tools required, I looked below your SOILSENS-V5W video at your list of shop's equipment. Can you help clarify which tools are essential to help assemble SOILSENS-V5W. I already have a soldering iron and multimeter, but some other tools might be necessary for this project.

I think I will need:

1. Heat plate
   In your video there is only one valid link: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32692018362.html

2. PCB Holder
   Your link is down, can you suggest a PCB Holder? Or send a picture please.

3. Precision Anti-slip Tweezers
   https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000317858062.html

There are probably other consumables or tools that might help, could you please help with that by listing the required tools? I guess the PCB Holder is REALLY necessary, but what kind of soldering paste is recommended with the stencil. Also what tools are you using to apply the soldering paste through the stencil? Do you have a special tool or a simple trowel kit for plaster sold in a Home Hardware store can work?

Thanks in advance!

PS: You can send sponsored link, I'll use them when ordering.

[PricelessToolkit]

You don't need a PCB holder

if all goes well you need only

1. Heat plate.
2. Tweezers
3. Microscope or Mobile phone "to zoom and see placement" soil temperature sensor is small
4. Solder paste
5. UV resin

If you apply solder past correctly without bridges, it will solder correctly.

In the case of a solder bridge - the list can be long

1. Solder wick
2. Syringe Flux

[donparlor]

Last questions:

1. Heat plate
2. Tweezers
3. Microscope or Mobile phone: I will try with a Mobile phone
4. Solder paste
5. UV Resin + UV Lamp

If you do not suggest a PCB Holder, how can I properly align stencil and PCB? I guess your stencil is larger than the PCB? Any tools to help with that?

[PricelessToolkit]

all good, except UV resin, you need to test it first, the best one is the "Henkel 4311" Adherence to PCB is perfect, but it is too pricy "60-70$ 28g" and hard to find

1. for fixing use PCBs "the same thickness "+masking tape.
2. Solder past with Temp 138c is based on bismuth, bay solder past with temp 183c https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/1005006861920290.html

[donparlor]

Hello @PricelessToolkit!

About Solder paste with temp 183c https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/1005006861920290.html, how many grams do you think I might need for 5 units? I think 40g will be enough. Do you have any idea based on your experience?

Using PCBs "the same thickness "+ masking tape: I see what you mean, I'll figure out a way to do it! Thanks!

[PricelessToolkit]

yep 40g is enught for many units:) keep it in the fridge! not in freezer. Take it out 3h before using, and torely mix it. you can keep it like that for 1-1.5 year.