Confusing bits

[vandenmar]

Just built the 2.0.4 kit and thought I mention a couple issues I ran into:

1. At step 2: 10uF oscon capacitor is written as going into C6 - however on the picture it's shown as soldered into C5. I assumed the text was the correct way and soldered the oscon into C6, while I added a 10uF cap in C5.
2. In the Hat Hacker package there were no nylon spacers or washers, only 6x 10mm metal ones and the screws. It went together ok, albeit it's not the most sturdy thing. Including more spacers in the kit would be nice. Also for the piStomp board, there is space to add holes so it can be propped up by a second set of spacers, ensuring that the whole board doesn't just float in the middle.
3. Not sure how, but I totally went the wrong way at step 12 and soldered the header onto the board (for top mount) which is not what I intended to do. In hindsight I should've noticed the callout - I'm such a visual person, text like that often times eludes me. Would be good to have pictures of the two mounting options.
I ended up desoldering the header and instead of permanently attaching the LCD to the board I opted to strip the plastic spacers from the connectors making it possible to mount the screen lower. I then used a shorter female header I had that mounted straight into the board, as opposed the one included that had plastic spacers at the bottom. For stability I then 3D printed a bracket that filled the space out underneath the screen, so it sits flush against the board about 7mm or so. I'm still waiting on the enclosure, so I hope it will fit just fine.

I'm excited to have it all come together because I really want to dig into the UI and attempt a redesign (I'm a designer, so it's what I do

[Randall (Admin)]

Thanks for the feedback.  Sorry about the issues you had.  I fixed the image for installation of C5.

Regarding your missing nylon spacers, the kit should include a set: 2 x 8mm, 2 x 12mm, 3 x 6mm for the LCD and some washers and screws.  Those should have been packaged in the same zip-lock as the various headers, not with the HatHacker.   If not, I suppose I may have missed it.  I do try to double and triple check everything.  I can certainly ship you another set, just let me know.

The instructions do show the two LCD mounting options.  Perhaps I should add an image showing them side by side.

Well good job making it work.  I hope you enjoy the rest of it.

[vandenmar]

All good. I was able to finally have the time and finish the enclosure yesterday. Yeah, the spacers and washers were missing from my kit. The only ones I got were from the Hat Hacker pack, but it proved to be enough to complete the build, so no worries about sending them. I also ended up learning quite a bit about voltage dividers (something I had only theoretical knowledge before) - to make the Moog expression pedal I got work with the pi.
I'm quite content with how it all turned out and I can't wait to dig into the interface next!

[Randall (Admin)]

Sweet!  Nice job.  That's a great looking build!  What did you use to cut the LCD opening?  Is that a 1590J box?  You should show it off on the "Reviews of pi-Stomp" section.

[vandenmar]

Hey thanks
I used a jeweler's coping saw to cut the LCD opening and then just filed it manually until it was nice and straight. It's actually really nice to work with the aluminum these enclosures are made out of.
Yup, it's the 1590J.