Macro Pad Solder Kit - Assembly Guide

On this page, we will guide you step by step on how to assemble this kit.

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Please read the instructions carefully and take all the usual safety precautions when soldering. If you're a beginner, be cautious! You’re holding a 300 °C tool after all — but we know you can do it. 🙂

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Before starting, make sure you have all the components at hand. You can find the complete components list in the Contents section on the Overview page.

Step 1: Solder the resistors to the PCB.

We'll start by soldering the resistors. In this kit there are 4 different resistor values, which can be identified using their color codes. Each resistor has colored bands that represent its resistance value.

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NOTE: Resistors don't have polarity so you can place them either way!

Solder the 10k Ω resistors

You can identify the 10 kΩ reistors by looking at the color code image below, also they come connected in a pack of 8. The places where they need to be soldered on PCB are marked: R5, R6, R10, R18, R19, R20, R21, R22.

10k Ω resistor color code

10k Ω resistor pack

Places where to solder 10k Ω resistors

Solder the 470 Ω resistors

The 470 Ω resistors are marked on the PCB by with pins R3, R4.

470 Ω resistor color code

Places where to solder 470 Ω resistors

Solder the 1k Ω resistors

Identify the 1k Ω resistors from the image below and solder them to the PCB on pins marked R1, R2.

1k Ω resistor color code

Places where to solder 1k Ohm resistors

Solder the 2.2k Ω resistor

The last resistor needs to be soldered on pin marked R16.

2.2k Ω resistor color code

Place where to solder 2.2k Ω resistor

Step 2: Solder the capacitors

This kit includes two 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors. Their placements on the PCB are marked C1 and C6.

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NOTE: Ceramic capacitors are not polarized, so their orientation doesn't matter!

Capacitors in the kit

Capacitors placement on the PCB

Step 3: Solder the pushbutton

Solder the 4 legs of a pushbutton on pin marked SW1, this will act as our RESET button.

Pushbutton placement on PCB

Step 4: Solder the LED

Solder the LED on pin D1. Keep in mind that the LED's cathode (-) is on the left pin, and anode (+) is on the right pin!

Marked pins on LED

LED placement on PCB

Step 5: Solder the switches and rotary encoder

And for the final step, we'll solder the main mechanical components: five MX switches and one rotary encoder.

Required components

Placement of switches and rotary encoder on PCB

All done!

Now, simply plug in via USB-C.