PCB Art – Scarab by Boldport

Introduction to the PCB Scarab Kit by Boldport

The PCB Scarab is a unique electronic kit created by the innovative company Boldport. Known for their artistic takes on printed circuit boards (PCBs), Boldport has designed the Scarab as both a functional electronic device and a striking piece of art.

The Scarab kit, when assembled, forms a beautiful representation of the sacred scarab beetle, which held great significance in ancient Egyptian culture. The beetle is depicted in incredible detail using the copper traces and components of the PCB.

But the Scarab is not just a pretty face – it also functions as a useful tool. When powered on, the Scarab’s ATtiny84 microcontroller comes to life, allowing you to use it as a general-purpose development board for your own projects and programming experiments. The possibilities are endless!

What’s Included in the Scarab Kit

The star of the show is of course the beautifully designed PCB. Measuring about 2.8 inches long, the PCB is made of high-quality FR4 fiberglass and has an artistic copper trace layout on both sides forming the intricate scarab design.

To bring the Scarab to life, a 14-pin ATtiny84 microcontroller is at the heart of the circuit. This is accompanied by a 16 MHz Crystal Oscillator and supporting capacitors to provide an accurate clock signal.

LEDs and resistors round out the kit to provide visual indication and current limiting. All the components are through-hole type, making the Scarab relatively easy to assemble for those with basic soldering skills.

Assembling the Scarab Kit

Tools You Will Need

Before you begin assembling your Scarab, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• Soldering iron
• Solder
• Side cutters
• Needle nose pliers
• Safety glasses

Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions

1. Begin by familiarizing yourself with the PCB layout and components. The component locations are clearly silk-screened on the board.

2. Start with the lowest profile components first, which are the resistors. Bend the leads 90 degrees and insert them through the corresponding holes on the PCB. Solder them in place and clip the excess leads.

3. Next, install the capacitors in the same manner. Pay attention to the orientation of the electrolytic capacitor – the longer lead goes into the hole marked with a “+”.

4. Now, solder the crystal oscillator in place. It can go in either direction.

5. The LED is next. Make sure to orient it correctly – the longer lead goes into the hole marked with a “+”. Bend the leads as necessary to fit the PCB footprint.

6. Finally, solder the ATtiny84 microcontroller in place. Align the notch on the chip with the notch silk-screened on the PCB to ensure correct orientation.

7. Visually inspect your solder joints for any shorts or poor connections. Re-solder if necessary.

Congratulations, your Scarab is complete! Connect a 5V power source to the designated terminals and the LED should spring to life, indicating that the Scarab is ready for programming.

Programming the Scarab

The Scarab’s ATtiny84 microcontroller can be programmed using the Arduino IDE. You’ll need to install the ATtiny support files in the IDE first. Here’s how:

1. Open the Arduino IDE
2. Go to File > Preferences
3. In the “Additional Boards Manager URLs” field, paste in the following URL: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/damellis/attiny/ide-1.6.x-boards-manager/package_damellis_attiny_index.json
4. Click OK
5. Go to Tools > Board > Boards Manager
6. Search for “attiny” and install the “ATtiny Microcontrollers” package

Now your IDE is set up for the ATtiny84. You can select “ATtiny24/44/84” from the Tools > Board menu.

To upload a sketch to the Scarab, you’ll need a programmer. The easiest option is to use an Arduino Uno as an ISP (in-system programmer). Connect the Scarab to the Arduino Uno as follows:

In the Arduino IDE, select “Arduino as ISP” from the Tools > Programmer menu. Now you’re ready to upload your sketch to the Scarab!

Project Ideas for the Scarab

The Scarab’s ATtiny84 microcontroller and general-purpose I/O pins make it a versatile platform for all kinds of projects. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. LED Patterns: Use the Scarab’s onboard LED and program it to display various patterns and sequences.

2. Temperature Sensor: Connect a temperature sensor like the DS18B20 to the Scarab and create a miniature temperature display or logger.

3. Tiny Game Console: With a few buttons and an OLED display, the Scarab could become a pocket-sized gaming device.

4. MIDI Controller: Use the Scarab as a base for a custom MIDI controller with potentiometers, switches, and rotary encoders.

5. Wearable Electronics: The Scarab’s compact size and striking design make it perfect for wearable projects like a unique lapel pin or tie clip.

The only limit is your imagination! The Scarab provides a fun and engaging starting point for all kinds of electronic explorations.

FAQ

What is the Scarab?

The Scarab is an electronic kit designed by Boldport. It’s a functional ATtiny84 development board designed in the shape of an intricate scarab beetle. It serves as both a piece of circuit board art and a platform for learning and creating with microcontrollers.

What can I do with the Scarab?

The Scarab can be used as a general-purpose ATtiny84 development board. You can program it using the Arduino IDE to create all kinds of projects, from simple LED patterns to more complex interactive devices. It’s a great platform for learning about microcontrollers and embedded programming.

What skills do I need to assemble the Scarab?

To assemble the Scarab, you’ll need basic soldering skills. If you’ve never soldered before, it’s recommended to practice on some scrap parts first. The Scarab is a through-hole kit, which is easier to solder than surface-mount kits. Patience and a steady hand are key.

Can I program the Scarab with other languages besides Arduino?

Yes, the ATtiny84 on the Scarab can be programmed in any language that supports AVR microcontrollers, such as C/C++ using AVR-GCC or Assembly. However, the Arduino IDE is the most beginner-friendly option.

Where can I find more information and support for the Scarab?

Boldport provides excellent documentation and support for all their kits, including the Scarab. Check out the product page on their website for assembly instructions, programming guides, and example projects. They also have an active community forum where you can ask questions and share your creations with other Boldport enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The PCB Scarab by Boldport is a unique and engaging electronic kit that combines the artistry of circuit board design with the functionality of a microcontroller development platform. Whether you’re a seasoned electronics enthusiast or a curious beginner, the Scarab offers a fun and rewarding project that will challenge your skills and spark your creativity.

So go ahead, grab a Scarab kit, warm up your soldering iron, and bring this electronic work of art to life. Happy hacking!