# How to Build a Testing Jig

## Overview

If you’re a first time product designer and you're spending all your time on the product itself, you might forget just how much time and effort it can take to set up a good test jig. A test jig is essentially a contraption that allows you to test many components of a board all at once.&nbsp;

There are a lot of things to consider when creating a test jig, ranging from test coverage to operator fatigue, and of course throughput and reliability. In some cases, a product designer may spend even more time designing a test jig than they spend designing the product itself!

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/087/914/medium800thumb/soldering_testing_gif.2020-01-31_12_31_38.jpg?1580492176)

This guide will take you through the basics of soldering a generic type of electronics testing fixture and serves as an update to this original [How to Make a Pogo Pin Test Jig](https://learn.adafruit.com/how-to-make-a-pogo-pin-test-jig/overview) guide.&nbsp;

We've previously posted some time lapse videos showing how we create testers for the [Perma Proto Pi HAT](https://blog.adafruit.com/2016/06/20/tester-assembly-its-manufacturingmonday-at-adafruit-video/), and [ADXL326 accelerometer](https://blog.adafruit.com/2016/10/10/assembling-a-new-tester-manufacturingmonday-video/).

This guide provides a more in depth description of the process and how to get things right the first time.

The impact that a well-designed test jig can have on manufacturing efficiency is huge. These are extremely important for large scale manufacturing, as reputable factories will test 100% of every product shipped. It is easy to lose sight of the potential pitfalls of hardware manufacturing and the magnification of those issues at scale; if you can cut a product's testing time from 4 minutes to 1 minute the time savings will pay off exponentially as thousands of units are tested.&nbsp;

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/785/medium800/soldering_IMG_1865.jpg?1576189898)

## Materials

For this project you will need:

- Soldering iron
- Solder
- PCB
- Pogo pins
- Metro
- Rubber feet for metro
- Headers
- Through-hole LED
- Piezo buzzer
- Tweezers or needle nose pliers
- Kapton tape
- Tactile button
- Panavise or PCB holder
- Flush diagonal cutters
- Standoffs and screws
- 9V power and power switch

### Pogo Pins "Spear Head" (10 pack)

[Pogo Pins "Spear Head" (10 pack)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/394)
Pogo pins are little spring-loaded contacts, very handy for making jigs, or making momentary (but electrically solid) contacts. We use them by the dozen for making programming and testing jigs but they're handy also if say you want to JTAG program a board that you cant solder headers to -...

In Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/394/guides)
![Angled shot of a single Pogo Pin - spear head. ](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/394-06.jpg)

### Adafruit METRO 328 Fully Assembled - Arduino IDE compatible

[Adafruit METRO 328 Fully Assembled - Arduino IDE compatible](https://www.adafruit.com/product/50)
We sure love the ATmega328 here at Adafruit, and we use them&nbsp;_a lot_&nbsp;for our own projects. The processor has plenty of GPIO, Analog inputs, hardware UART SPI and I2C, timers and PWM galore - just enough for most simple projects. When we need to go small, we use a <a...></a...>

Out of Stock
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![Angled shot of a Adafruit METRO 328 Fully Assembled](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/50-09.jpg)

### Piezo Buzzer

[Piezo Buzzer](https://www.adafruit.com/product/160)
Piezo buzzers are used for making beeps, tones and alerts. This one is petite but loud! Drive it with 3-30V peak-to-peak square wave. To use, connect one pin to ground (either one) and the other pin to a square wave out from a timer or microcontroller. For the loudest tones, stay around 4 KHz,...

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![Bread-board friendly Piezo Buzzer](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/160-01.jpg)

### Fine tip straight tweezers - ESD safe

[Fine tip straight tweezers - ESD safe](https://www.adafruit.com/product/421)
When soldering small surface-mount (SMD/SMT) components, one thing you'll need is a good pair of tweezers. These tweezers are a great pair of every-day tweezers. They're anti-static, anti-magnetic and made of hard stainless steel. The tips are fine and pointy to pick up any size...

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![Fine tip straight tweezers](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/421-03.jpg)

### Tactile Button switch (6mm) x 20 pack

[Tactile Button switch (6mm) x 20 pack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/367)
Little clicky switches are standard input "buttons" on electronic projects. These work best in a PCB but [can be used on a solderless breadboard as shown in this tutorial](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-arduino-lesson-6-digital-inputs?view=all). The pins are normally...

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![angled shot of 20 6mm mini tactile button switches.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/367-01.jpg)

### Diffused Green 3mm LED (25 pack)

[Diffused Green 3mm LED (25 pack)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/779)
Need some indicators? We are big fans of these diffused green LEDs, as featured in the LoL shield. They are fairly bright so they can be seen in daytime, and from any angle. They go easily into a breadboard and will add that extra zing to your project.

- Pack of 25 diffused green...

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![Single LED lit up green - 3mm. ](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/779-00.jpg)

### Break-away 0.1" 36-pin strip male header - Black - 10 pack

[Break-away 0.1" 36-pin strip male header - Black - 10 pack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/392)
Breakaway header is like the duct tape of electronics. It's great for connecting things together, soldering to perf-boards, fits into any breakout or breadboard, etc. We go through these guys real fast, and thought that given how handy they are, we'd offer them in a pack of ten!<br...></br...>

In Stock
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![10 pieces of Break-away 0.1 inch 36-pin strip male header](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/392-01.jpg)

### Adafruit Proto Shield for Arduino Unassembled Kit - Stackable

[Adafruit Proto Shield for Arduino Unassembled Kit - Stackable](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2077)
This prototyping shield is the best out there (well, we think so, at least), and now is even better with **Version R3** - updated for the most compatibility with just about all the Arduinos! It works with UNO,&nbsp;Mega, Leonardo, NG, Diecimila, Duemilanove, and compatible...

Out of Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2077/guides)
![Animation of an assembling and disassembling Adafruit Proto Shield for Arduino.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-videos/640x480/2077-10.jpg)

### Heavy Stainless Steel PCB Circuit Board Holder

[Heavy Stainless Steel PCB Circuit Board Holder](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3718)
Are you still looking for that perfect PCB holder?&nbsp;The hefty yet portable **Heavy Stainless Steel PCB Holder** will rock out when you rework out. These were initially marketed for people doing cell phone repair and rework and we've found this to be an excellent vise for...

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![Heavy Stainless Steel Circuit Board Holder](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3718-05.jpg)

### Flush diagonal cutters

[Flush diagonal cutters](https://www.adafruit.com/product/152)
These are the best diagonal cutters, large super-comfortable grip to use and have strong nippers for perfect trimming of wires and leads. I've used my pair every day for years.

In Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/152/guides)
![Red and black diagonal flush cutters](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/152-02.jpg)

### High Temperature Polyimide Tape - 1cm wide x 33 meter roll

[High Temperature Polyimide Tape - 1cm wide x 33 meter roll](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3057)
 **Polyimide Tape** (sometimes referred to by the brand name **Kapton Tape** ) is an interesting addition to your toolbox! Polyimide Tape remains stable across a wide range of temperatures&nbsp;from about −269°C to +400°C.&nbsp;Along with aircraft,...

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![High Temperature Polyimide Tape - 1cm wide](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3057-01.jpg)

### Soldering iron stand

[Soldering iron stand](https://www.adafruit.com/product/150)
A real stand with sponge and solidly-built sheet metal holder prevents your iron from 'rolling away' or burning a hole in the table. If you're starting out and have a 'pen type' soldering iron, this is essential for your safety. Comes with a sponge, too!

**<a...></a...>**

Out of Stock
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![Metal Soldering iron stand with blue sponge](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/150-03.jpg)

### Mini Solder spool - 60/40 lead rosin-core solder 0.3mm diameter

[Mini Solder spool - 60/40 lead rosin-core solder 0.3mm diameter](https://www.adafruit.com/product/145)
If you want to make a kit you'll need some solder. This 100g (about 1/4 lb) spool is just the right amount, not too much (like 1 lb spools) and not too little (like those little 'pocket clip' vials). 0.3mm diameter, 60/40 'no clean' rosin core. Good for all through-hole...

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![Angled shot of solder spool.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/145-03.jpg)

### Little Rubber Bumper Feet - Pack of 4

[Little Rubber Bumper Feet - Pack of 4](https://www.adafruit.com/product/550)
Keep your electronics from going barefoot, give them little rubber feet! These small sticky bumpers are our favorite accessory for any electronic kit or device. They are sticky, but not impossible to remove. They're small enough to fit onto any board, and have just enough height to give...

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![Angled Shot of the Little Rubber Bumper Feet - Pack of 4](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/550-06.jpg)

### Black Nylon Machine Screw and Stand-off Set – M2.5 Thread

[Black Nylon Machine Screw and Stand-off Set – M2.5 Thread](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3299)
Totaling 380 pieces, this **M2.5 Screw Set** &nbsp;is a must-have for your workstation.&nbsp;You'll have enough screws, nuts, and hex standoffs to fuel your maker tendencies&nbsp;for days on end! M2.5 size screws fit almost all of the Adafruit breakout/dev board mounting holes...

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![Black Nylon Screw and Stand-off Set with M2.5 Threads, kit box](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3299-00.jpg)

### 9 VDC 1000mA regulated switching power adapter - UL listed

[9 VDC 1000mA regulated switching power adapter - UL listed](https://www.adafruit.com/product/63)
This is a really nice power supply. It's a switching DC supply so it's small and light and efficient. It is thin so it fits in power strips without blocking other outlets. The output is regulated so you'll get a steady 9V up to 1000mA (1 Amp) of current draw. 5.5mm/2.1mm barrel...

In Stock
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![Angled Shot of the9 VDC 1000mA regulated switching power adapter/](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/63-04.jpg)

### In-line power switch for 2.1mm barrel jack

[In-line power switch for 2.1mm barrel jack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1125)
Add a power switch to _any_ project simply by plugging this between the power supply. This is the most useful thing you never knew you needed! You'll want to pick up a bunch for your electronic projects.  
  
Comes with a 5.5/2.1mm barrel jack on one end an a plug on the...

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![Angled Shot of the In-line power switch for 2.1mm barrel jack.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1125-07.jpg)

### "Wire Wrap" Thin Prototyping & Repair Wire - 200m 30AWG Blue

["Wire Wrap" Thin Prototyping & Repair Wire - 200m 30AWG Blue](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1446)
This stuff is called "wire-wrap wire" because it used to be used for wire-wrapping high-speed digital circuits on a special kind of contact board. It's pretty rare to see wire-wrapping in these days of low-cost PCB fabrication but the wire is still really handy for prototyping work. It's...

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![Large spool of Wire Wrap Thin Prototyping & Repair Wire](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1446-03.jpg)

# How to Build a Testing Jig

## Making a PCB

The PCB, or Printed Circuit Board, is where all the tester bits get placed and assembled. There are a couple of different options to consider here.

## Option 1: Outsource the PCB

The first option would be to order the PCB through a manufacturer like [OSH Park](https://oshpark.com/).

Just send them the files and they make and send you the PCB(s).

For the purposes of this guide we will be showing off mainly this method.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/088/071/medium800/soldering_IMG_9022.jpg?1580851127)

## Option 2: Use a milling machine to mill your own PCB

Another option is use a desktop milling machine such as the [Bantam Tools desktop CNC](https://www.bantamtools.com/).

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/088/068/medium800/soldering_IMG_1108.jpg?1580850896)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/088/069/medium800/soldering_IMG_1863.jpg?1580850915)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/088/070/medium800/soldering_IMG_7472.jpg?1580850943 Outsourced PCB vs CNCed PCB)

## Option 3: The Proto Shield
[The Arduino proto shield](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2077) is a great option if you don't have the right files to send to a PCB manufacturer or you don't have access to a milling machine.&nbsp;

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/088/142/medium800/soldering_image.png?1581017300 Proto Shield PCB)

### Adafruit Proto Shield for Arduino Unassembled Kit - Stackable

[Adafruit Proto Shield for Arduino Unassembled Kit - Stackable](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2077)
This prototyping shield is the best out there (well, we think so, at least), and now is even better with **Version R3** - updated for the most compatibility with just about all the Arduinos! It works with UNO,&nbsp;Mega, Leonardo, NG, Diecimila, Duemilanove, and compatible...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2077)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2077/guides)
![Animation of an assembling and disassembling Adafruit Proto Shield for Arduino.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-videos/640x480/2077-10.jpg)

For mounting standoffs with this method, you will have to drill holes where you'd like the standoffs to go.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/088/119/medium800/soldering_image.png?1580938073)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/088/120/medium800/soldering_image.png?1580938131)

# How to Build a Testing Jig

## Soldering

Once you have your PCB, the next step is to place the "pogo pins".

## What are these pogo pins anyway?

Pogo pins are basically spring-loaded metal sticks. They are used to test specific pins on each board.

The pogo pins in this guide are about 0.5" long and have a spear point. They also fit snugly into 'standard' 0.035" (0.9mm) drill holes so they are easy to insert and stand up straight. [We carry these pogo pins in the Adafruit shop!](http://www.adafruit.com/products/394) They're called "P75-LM" type, you can also pick them up on ebay. If you're buidling something that will be used for a long time it's probably a good idea to use socket holders.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/087/964/medium800/soldering_image.png?1580508657)

### Pogo Pins "Spear Head" (10 pack)

[Pogo Pins "Spear Head" (10 pack)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/394)
Pogo pins are little spring-loaded contacts, very handy for making jigs, or making momentary (but electrically solid) contacts. We use them by the dozen for making programming and testing jigs but they're handy also if say you want to JTAG program a board that you cant solder headers to -...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/394)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/394/guides)
![Angled shot of a single Pogo Pin - spear head. ](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/394-06.jpg)

## Place pogo pins
Use tweezers to push pogo pins into the designated holes in the board.

![soldering_IMG_1875.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/788/medium640/soldering_IMG_1875.jpg?1576190019)

![soldering_IMG_1876.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/790/medium640/soldering_IMG_1876.jpg?1576190117)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/792/medium800thumb/soldering_IMG_1878.2019-12-12_16_24_42.jpg?1576190281)

The pogo pins may be skewed all over the place at this point. That's ok, we're going to fix it!

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/885/medium800/soldering_IMG_1894.jpg?1576524478)

- Attach standoffs to the board.
- The screws go underneath the board and attach to the standoffs on top.

![soldering_IMG_1895.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/876/medium640/soldering_IMG_1895.jpg?1576519058)

Screw down board that will be tested

![soldering_IMG_1902.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/085/884/medium640/soldering_IMG_1902.jpg?1576524404)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/086/511/medium800/soldering_IMG_1904.jpg?1577483815)

Straighten pins

![soldering_IMG_1906.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/086/505/medium640/soldering_IMG_1906.jpg?1577483194)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/086/507/medium800thumb/soldering_IMG_1908.2019-12-27_16_43_01.jpg?1577483736)

Repeat this process for all pogo pins

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/086/510/medium800thumb/soldering_IMG_1917.2019-12-27_16_45_57.jpg?1577483797)

Examine your work. Pins should all now be straight!

![soldering_IMG_1919.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/086/512/medium640/soldering_IMG_1919.jpg?1577484303)

![soldering_IMG_1920.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/086/513/medium640/soldering_IMG_1920.jpg?1577484364)

## Step 3: Solder on components
Solder on resistor.

![soldering_IMG_1924.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/086/514/medium640/soldering_IMG_1924.jpg?1577484540)

![soldering_IMG_1925.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/086/515/medium640/soldering_IMG_1925.jpg?1577484617)

![soldering_IMG_1927.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/086/516/medium640/soldering_IMG_1927.jpg?1577484655)

For comfort, you may want to switch the position of your PCB to a stand.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/086/521/medium800/soldering_IMG_1931.jpg?1577485255)

Install LED, making sure it's oriented correctly (longer leg is the anode).

&nbsp;

Clip off any excess from the LED with snips.

![soldering_IMG_1933.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/086/517/medium640/soldering_IMG_1933.jpg?1577484890)

![soldering_IMG_1934.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/086/518/medium640/soldering_IMG_1934.jpg?1577484947)

![soldering_IMG_1936.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/086/519/medium640/soldering_IMG_1936.jpg?1577485012)

![soldering_IMG_1938.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/086/520/medium640/soldering_IMG_1938.jpg?1577485065)

Solder piezo buzzer into place.

&nbsp;

These little buzzers are great for adding an auditory element to any test procedure.

![soldering_IMG_1947.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/086/522/medium640/soldering_IMG_1947.jpg?1577485801)

![soldering_IMG_1944.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/086/523/medium640/soldering_IMG_1944.jpg?1577485927)

Solder in reset button.

&nbsp;

This button is a handy way to re-start a test.

![soldering_IMG_1951.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/086/524/medium640/soldering_IMG_1951.jpg?1577486032)

![soldering_IMG_1954.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/086/525/medium640/soldering_IMG_1954.jpg?1577486098)

## Step 4: Solder headers
- Break up your headers into (1x) 6 pin, (1x) 10 pin, and (2x) 8 pin headers.
- Place accordingly on Metro.
- Now place the PCB on top of the headers, pushing down the PCB into place in needed.
- Now solder the header pins to the PCB.

&nbsp;

![soldering_IMG_1962.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/087/874/medium640/soldering_IMG_1962.jpg?1580422468)

![soldering_IMG_1963.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/087/875/medium640/soldering_IMG_1963.jpg?1580422572)

![soldering_IMG_1964.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/087/876/medium640/soldering_IMG_1964.jpg?1580422633)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/087/879/medium800thumb/soldering_IMG_1966.2020-01-30_17_28_37.jpg?1580423442)

Give it some rubber booties!

These little adhesive rubber feet will prevent your tester from slip-sliding all over the place while you're trying to use it.

![soldering_IMG_1975.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/087/880/medium640/soldering_IMG_1975.jpg?1580423564)

![soldering_IMG_1970.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/087/881/medium640/soldering_IMG_1970.jpg?1580423618)

![soldering_IMG_1971.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/087/882/medium640/soldering_IMG_1971.jpg?1580423704)

![soldering_IMG_1974.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/087/883/medium640/soldering_IMG_1974.jpg?1580423836)

## Step 5: Programming
Load your test program onto your Metro board (shown here using TinyUSB).

You're now ready to start testing!

![soldering_IMG_1977.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/087/884/medium640/soldering_IMG_1977.jpg?1580423989)

![soldering_IMG_1980.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/087/885/medium640/soldering_IMG_1980.jpg?1580424220)

# How to Build a Testing Jig

## Testing

Now the fun part! When a board is ready to test, find the right orientation and press down to make contact with the pogo pins. If all is good, it will beep and the LED will flash with a green light!

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/088/153/medium800/soldering_image.png?1581031844)

# How to Build a Testing Jig

## FAQ

# Answers to some frequently asked questions
## **What elements should I include in my tester design?**

You will want some easily identifiable way to tell that your board has passed test. For standalone testing jigs, including a piezo buzzer and LED light are a simple way to indicate when a test has completed successfully.

### Piezo Buzzer

[Piezo Buzzer](https://www.adafruit.com/product/160)
Piezo buzzers are used for making beeps, tones and alerts. This one is petite but loud! Drive it with 3-30V peak-to-peak square wave. To use, connect one pin to ground (either one) and the other pin to a square wave out from a timer or microcontroller. For the loudest tones, stay around 4 KHz,...

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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/160/guides)
![Bread-board friendly Piezo Buzzer](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/160-01.jpg)

### Diffused Green 3mm LED (25 pack)

[Diffused Green 3mm LED (25 pack)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/779)
Need some indicators? We are big fans of these diffused green LEDs, as featured in the LoL shield. They are fairly bright so they can be seen in daytime, and from any angle. They go easily into a breadboard and will add that extra zing to your project.

- Pack of 25 diffused green...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/779)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/779/guides)
![Single LED lit up green - 3mm. ](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/779-00.jpg)

## **Do I need a clamp on my test jig?**

For tests that take longer than a few seconds, adding a clamp to your tester design can greatly speed up your process by freeing up your hands to do other things while your board is undergoing test.&nbsp;

Adafruit carries a variety of the same clamps that we use in our own tester designs, including a variety of sizes and styles depending on the size and shape of the board being tested.

### Toggle Clamp - Large Size

[Toggle Clamp - Large Size](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2457)
\*Ka-thunk\* Pin down that PCB with our **Toggle Clamp** , a sturdy and reliable way to quickly press and release with precision! A pogo-pin bed is a great way to connect and test boards without any soldering, but you have to somehow get that PCB aligned right and evenly pressed down...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2457)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2457/guides)
![Video of a white hand manipulating a toggle clamp to press a PCB onto a prototype tester with pogo pins.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-videos/640x480/2457-04.jpg)

### Toggle Clamp - Small Flip-down Style

[Toggle Clamp - Small Flip-down Style](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2459)
\*Ka-thunk\* Pin down that PCB with our&nbsp; **Toggle Clamp** , a sturdy and reliable way to quickly press and release with precision! A pogo-pin bed is a great way to connect and test boards without any soldering, but you have to somehow get that PCB aligned right and evenly pressed...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2459)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2459/guides)
![Video of a white hand manipulating a toggle clamp to press a blue rectangular board. ](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-videos/640x480/2459-03.jpg)

### Toggle Clamp - Medium Flip-up Style

[Toggle Clamp - Medium Flip-up Style](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2456)
\*Ka-thunk\* Pin down that little PCB with our&nbsp; **Toggle Clamp** , a sturdy and reliable way to quickly press and release with precision! A pogo-pin bed is a great way to connect and test boards without any soldering, but you have to somehow get that PCB aligned right and evenly...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2456)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2456/guides)
![Video of a white hand manipulating a toggle clamp to press a PCB onto a prototype tester with pogo pins.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-videos/640x480/2456-05.jpg)

### Fixture Clip - Short

[Fixture Clip - Short](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2458)
Doesn't this fixture clamp look&nbsp;like a character in a Pixar movie?&nbsp; If you just drew two little&nbsp;eyes on it then you could just imagine it hopping around on nifty, adorable little&nbsp;adventures that are heartwarming and...sorry, we got carried away.

This fixture clamp...

In Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2458/guides)
![Angled shot of a yellow Fixture Clip. ](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/2458-00.jpg)

## **Should I order my PCB, mill it, or use a proto shield?**

Order PCB: If you have the PCB design, want a longer-lasting tester, and don't mind waiting for a bit.

Mill PCB: If you have access to a milling machine and want to quickly and accurately create a prototype of your tester design.

Use proto shield: If you don't have the exact design for your PCB but have the general direction of how your tester will work.

### Adafruit Proto Shield for Arduino Unassembled Kit - Stackable

[Adafruit Proto Shield for Arduino Unassembled Kit - Stackable](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2077)
This prototyping shield is the best out there (well, we think so, at least), and now is even better with **Version R3** - updated for the most compatibility with just about all the Arduinos! It works with UNO,&nbsp;Mega, Leonardo, NG, Diecimila, Duemilanove, and compatible...

Out of Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2077/guides)
![Animation of an assembling and disassembling Adafruit Proto Shield for Arduino.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/product-videos/640x480/2077-10.jpg)

# **What happens if some copper breaks off from my milled PCB?**
- Sometimes when placing pogo pins in a milled PCB, this can happen.
- The copper film is quite delicate which can cause the copper layer to rip off sometimes. If this is the case don't fret it!
- Just grab some[thin, solid core wire](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1446).
- Next, expose some wire on each end.
- Now use some tweezers and create a small loop on one end. This end will be for the pogo pin.
- Re-place the pogo pin in the affected area going through this wire.
- Solder wire to pogo pin.
- Later when soldering pins to the pcb, make another loop with the wire, place around the adjacent pin, and solder in place.&nbsp;

![soldering_IMG_3894.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/088/121/medium640/soldering_IMG_3894.jpg?1580943194)

![soldering_IMG_9922.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/088/125/medium640/soldering_IMG_9922.jpg?1580943887)

![soldering_IMG_9345.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/088/126/medium640/soldering_IMG_9345.jpg?1580943901)

![soldering_IMG_3929.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/088/127/medium640/soldering_IMG_3929.jpg?1580943919)

### "Wire Wrap" Thin Prototyping & Repair Wire - 200m 30AWG Blue

["Wire Wrap" Thin Prototyping & Repair Wire - 200m 30AWG Blue](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1446)
This stuff is called "wire-wrap wire" because it used to be used for wire-wrapping high-speed digital circuits on a special kind of contact board. It's pretty rare to see wire-wrapping in these days of low-cost PCB fabrication but the wire is still really handy for prototyping work. It's...

Out of Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1446/guides)
![Large spool of Wire Wrap Thin Prototyping & Repair Wire](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1446-03.jpg)


## Featured Products

### Adafruit METRO 328 Fully Assembled - Arduino IDE compatible

[Adafruit METRO 328 Fully Assembled - Arduino IDE compatible](https://www.adafruit.com/product/50)
We sure love the ATmega328 here at Adafruit, and we use them&nbsp;_a lot_&nbsp;for our own projects. The processor has plenty of GPIO, Analog inputs, hardware UART SPI and I2C, timers and PWM galore - just enough for most simple projects. When we need to go small, we use a <a...></a...>

Out of Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/50/guides)
### Pogo Pins "Spear Head" (10 pack)

[Pogo Pins "Spear Head" (10 pack)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/394)
Pogo pins are little spring-loaded contacts, very handy for making jigs, or making momentary (but electrically solid) contacts. We use them by the dozen for making programming and testing jigs but they're handy also if say you want to JTAG program a board that you cant solder headers to -...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/394)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/394/guides)
### Pogo Pins "Cupped Head" (10 pack)

[Pogo Pins "Cupped Head" (10 pack)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2428)
Pogo pins are little spring-loaded contacts, very handy for making jigs, or making momentary (but electrically solid) contacts. We use them by the dozen for making programming and testing jigs but they're handy also if say you want to JTAG program a board that you cant solder headers to -...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2428)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2428/guides)
### Pogo Pins "Crown Head" (10 pack)

[Pogo Pins "Crown Head" (10 pack)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2429)
Pogo pins are little spring-loaded contacts, very handy for making jigs, or making momentary (but electrically solid) contacts. We use them by the dozen for making programming and testing jigs but they're handy also if say you want to JTAG program a board that you cant solder headers to -...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2429)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2429/guides)
### Pogo Pins "Needle Head" (10 pack)

[Pogo Pins "Needle Head" (10 pack)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2430)
Pogo pins are little spring-loaded contacts, very handy for making jigs, or making momentary (but electrically solid) contacts. We use them by the dozen for making programming and testing jigs but they're handy also if say you want to JTAG program a board that you cant solder headers to -...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2430)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2430/guides)
### Toggle Clamp - Large Size

[Toggle Clamp - Large Size](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2457)
\*Ka-thunk\* Pin down that PCB with our **Toggle Clamp** , a sturdy and reliable way to quickly press and release with precision! A pogo-pin bed is a great way to connect and test boards without any soldering, but you have to somehow get that PCB aligned right and evenly pressed down...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2457)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2457/guides)
### Pogo Pin Probe Clip

[Pogo Pin Probe Clip](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1969)
The Pogo Pin Probe Clip is a great way to test and connect with pin-point accuracy without soldering! It's sort of like an [alligator clip](https://www.adafruit.com/product/321) with a built-in springy pogo pin - so you can connect to any PCB pad for 'scoping, analyzing, or...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1969)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1969/guides)
### Toggle Clamp - Medium Flip-up Style

[Toggle Clamp - Medium Flip-up Style](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2456)
\*Ka-thunk\* Pin down that little PCB with our&nbsp; **Toggle Clamp** , a sturdy and reliable way to quickly press and release with precision! A pogo-pin bed is a great way to connect and test boards without any soldering, but you have to somehow get that PCB aligned right and evenly...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2456)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2456/guides)

## Related Guides

- [PyPortal Guitar Tuner](https://learn.adafruit.com/pyportal-guitar-tuner.md)
- [1.8" TFT Display Breakout and Shield](https://learn.adafruit.com/1-8-tft-display.md)
- [Adafruit Swirly Aluminum Mounting Grid for 0.1" Spaced PCBs](https://learn.adafruit.com/swirly-grid.md)
- [Adafruit VS1053 MP3/AAC/Ogg/MIDI/WAV Codec Breakout Tutorial](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-vs1053-mp3-aac-ogg-midi-wav-play-and-record-codec-tutorial.md)
- [32x32 Square Pixel Art Animation Display](https://learn.adafruit.com/32x32-square-pixel-display.md)
- [Qualia S3 Compass](https://learn.adafruit.com/qualia-s3-compass.md)
- [SMS Texting Pet Food Dish](https://learn.adafruit.com/sms-texting-pet-food-dish.md)
- [How to Find Hidden COM Ports](https://learn.adafruit.com/how-to-find-hidden-com-ports.md)
- [LED Protest Sign](https://learn.adafruit.com/led-protest-sign.md)
- [Arduino Lesson 5. The Serial Monitor](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-arduino-lesson-5-the-serial-monitor.md)
- [RePaper eInk Development Board](https://learn.adafruit.com/repaper-eink-development-board.md)
- [Introducing Adafruit Trellis ](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-trellis-diy-open-source-led-keypad.md)
- [Sous-vide controller powered by Arduino - The SousViduino!](https://learn.adafruit.com/sous-vide-powered-by-arduino-the-sous-viduino.md)
- [MatrixPortal CircuitPython Animated Message Board](https://learn.adafruit.com/matrixportal-circuitpython-animated-message-board.md)
- [Memories of an Arduino](https://learn.adafruit.com/memories-of-an-arduino.md)
