BEST Robotics BEST IR Assembling Manual

Assembling the BEST IR Circuit Boards
These are step-by-step instructions showing how to solder the components onto the
printed circuit boards (PCBs) for the BEST IR system. It assumes you already know how to
solder thru-hole components. There are many "How to Solder" tutorials available on the
internet so that will not be covered here.
Keep in mind that soldering components to a PC board is pretty easy but fixing mistakes
after a component is soldered is very difficult. Follow a rule similar to the "measure twice, cut
once" rule carpenters use. Check orientation, insert component, double check orientation,
then solder.
A few words about Electrostatic Discharge, or ESD
Have you ever walked across a room and gotten a spark when you touched a doorknob?
Yes? I thought so. That spark is electrostatic discharge. You build up a charge as you walk,
which discharges to the first metal thing you touch. You don't have to be walking, just turning
or sliding in your chair can build up a charge.
Some electronic components can be damaged by these discharges. A discharge you
can't even feel is enough to cause damage so you might not realize it is happening. Three of the
components used in our IR circuit are considered ESD sensitive and should be handled with
care. They are the IR LED, in the clear plastic package with 2 leads, the IR RCVR IC, in the dark
plastic package with 3 leads, and the 7555 timer IC, in the 8 pin DIP. Here is a photo to help you
identify them:
Components sensitive to ESD
The IR kit is distributed in a silvery static shielding bag. Try to keep each of these three
components in the bag until you are ready to solder it onto the PC board. Once they are
BEST IR Assembly Instructions
Revised 11 August 2022
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