Skip to main content

Is there a way to test components before I solder them?

Yes: breadboard-test parts, dry fit them on the PCB, and solder low-profile components first.

A
Written by Albert Gajsak

Yes, and it is worth doing. A few ways to check before anything is permanent:

  • Breadboard testing: if you have a breadboard, test individual components (LEDs, resistors, buttons) on it before soldering them permanently.

  • Dry fit first: place the components into their positions on the PCB before soldering, to confirm everything lines up.

  • Follow the build guide order: our assembly guides are arranged around natural checkpoints, so you can test the screen before the buttons go on, for example.

The most important thing is to solder low-profile components first (resistors, small ICs) and work up to the larger ones. That makes an early mistake much easier to fix.

Did this answer your question?