This guide applies only if you have purchased a desk controller in kit form. A video is coming soon, if you are into that kinda thing.

Contents

Your kit includes the following:

• 1x Desk Controller PCB
• 1x D1 Mini
• 2x Receptacle Headers
• 2x Pin Headers
• 2x RJ45 Jack

If you are missing any of the above items, my sincere apologies — email me ([email protected]) and I will rush-ship you the missing parts free of charge so you can get back to soldering ASAP!

Prerequisites

Here is what you will need that is not included in your kit:

• Soldering Iron & Solder
• Micro USB cable
• RJ45 Patch Cable
• Mounting/Double-Sided Tape (Optional)
• Breadboard (Optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Assemble D1 Mini

First, you will need to solder the pin headers to the D1 Mini. I recommend securing the pin headers in a breadboard before soldering — it makes the process significantly easier.

Make sure you solder the headers such that the ESP8266 module will be facing up when it is inserted, like this:

Step 2: Solder Receptacle Headers

This step is technically optional but highly recommended, since you will be able to easily replace the D1 Mini if something bad happens to it.

Place the receptacle headers in the holes next to the "D1 Mini" label. I recommend also plugging the D1 Mini into the headers as you solder, since it will fix them in place.

Step 3: Solder RJ45 Jacks

Unplug the D1 Mini if it is plugged in (it just makes soldering the jacks easier). Place the jacks in the PCB — it may require some force to push them in. Turn the board upside-down, making sure the jacks lay flat on the board, then solder the shield pins. You may need a bit more solder and time for these since they are connected to both the shield and the ground plane.

Once you have soldered the shield onto the board, you can solder each of the pins.

Step 4: Insert D1 Mini

Place the D1 Mini into the receptacle headers, making sure to orient it correctly; the micro USB port should be closer to the edge of the board. See the silkscreen if you are confused — it has the outline of a D1 Mini in the correct orientation.

Step 5: Flash Firmware

Once you are done soldering, you can refer to the Getting Started guide for the rest of the process.