Backpack #3: PyBoard

SPIKE Prime Backpacks are extensions for LEGO Education SPIKE Prime.

A Pyboard Backpack lets you connect to the WiFi from SPIKE Prime and use all the functionality of a Pyboard. This will hugely widen the range of projects you can do using the SPIKE Prime Hub.

We also have a Camera Backpack that lets you integrate image processing and machine vision, a Grove Sensor Backpack that allows you to connect cool sensors, a Micro:bit Backpack that enables radio communication, and a Breadboard Backpack that you can use to prototype circuits.

Pyboard: (link)

Pyboard break out board: (link)

Header pins

• 1x14 Male - 2 (link)
• 1x14 Female - 2 (link)
• 1x2 Male -1 (link)
• 1x4 Male -1 (link)
• 1x2 Female - 1 (link)
• 1x4 Female -1 (link)
• 1x8 Male 1.27 header pins -1 (link)

LEGO beams

• 1x3 -1
• 1x7 -1

LEGO pegs - 6

LEGO Distance Sensor connector -1 (From the SPIKE Prime kit)

Tools

A color printer (Optional)

Scissors (or laser cutter)

Soldering supplies

PCB Milling machine (Optional)

The PCB will connect the Pyboard to the SPIKE Prime.

Go to the Google Drive folder and download "Spike to Pyboard manufacture version 2.fzz" file. There are many companies that can manufacture PCBs for you. Find the one that is nearby. You will need to print both PCB designs present in the file.

OR,

If you have access to a makerspace and you can use Desktop PCB Milling Machine by Bantam Tool download "Spike to Pyboard v01 othermill version.fzz" file and print them. Again, you will need to print both PCB designs present in the file.

OR,

You can do it at your home. Follow the instructions here. https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-PCB-Etching. If you want to open the file go to https://fritzing.org/ and download/install Fritzing on your computer and open the design on your computer.

Solder 2- 1x14 Male header pins on the Pyboard breakout board.

Be careful: The SD card slot on Pyboard may touch the header pins you just soldered. To avoid that place an electrical tape on top of the SD card slot on the Pyboard.

NOTE: The two boards connect at a right angle as shown in the picture.

Solder 2 - 1x14 Female header pins (long pins), 1 - 1x2 Male header pins (90 degree) and 1 - 1x4 Male header pins (90 degree) to the Pyboard Top PCB Board from the Google Drive (one of the two boards that you will need to print).

Solder 1 - 1x2 Female header pins, 1 - 1x4 Female header pins, 1 - 1x8 Male 1.27 header pins (from Mouser) to the Pyboard Bottom PCB Board from the Google Drive (the other board that you will need to print).

3D print the file. The 3D prints were built using Form 2 Printer. You may need to adjust the dimension based on your printer and you may need to sand down the sides to press fit.

Secure the PCB board to the case using screws.

Connect the Pyboard and Breakout board to the PCB and insert them to the case. They should all fit inside the case. Secure the PCB with screws.

NOTE: Make sure it's inserted the correct way. Insert the Pyboard PCB at a right angle.

Unscrew the SPIKE Prime Distance Sensor and use the connector with the cable to connect it to the casing.

Color print the paper case design.

If you have access to laser cutter then use laser cutter to cut the design. If not, use scissors to cut them or use X-acto knives.

Fold them and wrap them around the 3D printed case. Use beams and pegs to secure the paper on the case.