Feather Prep
If you chose to use the external antenna version of the Feather ESP32-S3 carefully plug in the antenna connector now.
You can make a neat enclosure for your Grill Dashboard Feather, including optional battery and on/off switch.
This also gives you a neat mounting surface for the external antenna if you chose to use that version of the Feather board.
First, head to the 3D Printed Case for Adafruit Feather Learn Guide.
Download the .zip file of the case models here.
Print these three models:
- feather-case.stl
- feather-top.stl
- feather-bat-tab-switch.stl
Enable Switch
Prep a short length of two conductor wire -- about 4" will do. You can shorten one wire about 1/2" for neater routing, although this step isn't strictly necessary.
Strip the insulation from the ends.
Solder the wires to the Feather GND and En(able) pins.
Feed the switch wires through the case top as shown. You can also plug in the battery to the Feather at this time.
Feather Fasteners
Use M2.5 screws and nuts to secure the Feather to the case as shown.
The non-plated holes at the right end of the Feather are technically M2, but you can screw metal screws directly into them without needing nuts if you don't want to scrounge up some M2 screws and nuts.
I mean, I literally had some right there in that assortment box and still didn't feel like bothering -- just don't snort up any fiberglass dust created by tapping the PCB with the oversized screws please.
Switch Soldering
Tin the common and one side leg on the switch, do the same for the wires.
Add a bit of heat shrink tubing to the wires.
Solder the wires to the switch legs as shown -- polarity doesn't matter, since we're using the switch to ground the Enable pin.
Shrink the tubing with a heat gun, lighter, soldering iron barrel, scathing remark, or minor incantation.
Battery Placement
Insert the battery in the bottom of the case, dressing the wires away from the edges to the middle case section can snap fit in place.
Antenna Mount
If you're using the external antenna version of the Feather ESP32-S3, remove the adhesive protective backing and stick it inside of the case lid as shown.
You can now close up the case.
Feather Usage
Plug in USB C cable to code the Feather and charge the LiPoly battery.
Flip the switch to turn it on or off.
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