Glue Keys to Cover

The faux keyboard and keypad needs to be glued to the keyboard cover. You can use super glue or E6000. Allow the parts to dry before working further.

Glue KeyCover to Frame

The keyboard cover need to be secured to the lower part of the frame. I recommend apply small amounts of glue to the edges and then laying the keyboard cover over top. Again, allow the parts to dry before continueing 

Glue displayBase to Frame

The display base needs to be secured to the upper part of the frame. Use the same method like we did for the keyboard cover.

Install displayFace

The face of the display can be inserted through the large opening of the display frame. Glue isn't required, but it will help secure the parts together.

Tap Mounting Holes

We'll secure the Adafruit Feather M0 board to the 3d printed cover using #4-40 (M3) screws. 

Pro Tip: Tap the two mounting holes (closest to the microUSB connector) by inserting a single screw and slowly fastening. You only need to make 2-3 full rotations to create the threads. Try to be as straight as possibile.

Mount Feather to Cover

Insert both screws into the two mounting holes until the tip of the screw barely protudes from the bottom. Then, lay the Adafruit Feather M0 over the frame bottom cover part with the two mounting screws going into the holes of the two standoffs. Hold the Adafruit Feather M0 in place while fastening the two screws. 

Install Components into Frame

We'll need to route our charlieplexed matrix and slide switch  through the frame in order to properly assemble the parts.

Install Battery into Frame

Now is a good time to mount the battery to the inside of the frame enclosure. Ensure the wire from the lipo battery is positioned through the arch near the center.

Pro Tip: Use a piece of mounting tack to secure the lipo battery to the bottom of the keyboard cover.

Install Cover to Frame

The bottom cover of the frame will be secured with machine screws. Carefully lay the cover over the frame and line up the holes in the corners of both pieces.

Fasten Screws

Insert a #2-56 (M2.5) screw into one of the holes on the bottom of the cover. Fasten the screw until it's flush with the surface. Repeat this process for the remaining holes.

Checkpoint

OK, nows a good time to take a break and review our work. 

Install Charlieplexed Matrix into Display Cover

The PCB of the charlieplexed LED matrix driver has four mount holes. The four standoffs on the display cover has nubs that fit snuggly into the holes. Route the wires so they're posited in the center. Lay the PCB over the standoffs and press the PCB down until the nubs fit into the holes. 

Install Charlieplexed Matrix into Display Frame

The display cover snaps into the back opening of the display frame. The inner lip of the display cover has a tight tolerance.

Install Switch to Back Cover

You can insert the slide switch into the little platform in the center of the back cover. Glue it in place if it has a loose tolerance. You should be able to slide the switch from the other side.

Assembly Checkpoint 2

Here's our build so far. All that's left to do is fit the back cover and display into place.

Install Display to Frame

The display has two keys that fit into the slots on the top of the display base. Press the two parts together until their flush with each other.

Install Back Cover to Frame

The back cover that houses the slide switch snaps into the frame. The inner lip will have tight tolerance and should hold in place.

Crop Sticker Artwork

If you (2D) printed out the label, now is a good time to crop it using an x-acto knife or similar. 

Apply Sticker

Peel off the back to reveal the adhesive and carefully line up the sticker and press to apply. And that's it! Now we have our very own PET ATSAMD21 Feather :-)

This guide was first published on Nov 30, 2016. It was last updated on Mar 08, 2024.

This page (Assembly) was last updated on Nov 15, 2016.

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