Start by removing the rails on the outside of the panel following the printed instructions, then snap apart the individual sensor boards.
Snap off the rails
Break apart the sensors
You’ll probably want to use some pliers to clean up the spacer segments that were between the sensor boards.
Then insert the right-angle headers from the side with the pins labeled(and where“MOTOR” is visible). The pin headers should extend down past the bottom of the PCB.
Flip the PCB and solder the headers in place.
Electronics Part 2: Chainlink Driver & Chainlink Buddy[T-Display]
Assemble the Chainlink Driver PCB
Insert and solder the connectors as shown. Note that both of the IDC connectors on the ends face the same way - notches facing left.
Insert the ribbon cable into a connector as shown, and gently clamp shut with a vise or pliers. Repeat with the other connector on the opposite end, making sure that both connectors face the same way - notches facing left.
(Not recommended, but you can optionally install the strain relief on the connectors: fold the ribbon cable back over the connector and install the plastic piece to clamp it down until it clicks. You’ll sacrifice some cable length and end up with a bulkier/taller connector, so I don’t think it’s worthwhile, especially since your cables shouldn’t be moving around much anyway.)
Assemble the Chainlink Buddy
Solder the connectors into place(make sure the IDC connector notch faces the left, as indicated on the PCB)
T-Display Buddy
On the T-Display itself, you will solder the 2 rows of male headers(included in the box) to the T-Display, and then the whole module will plug into the matching female headers you soldered on the Buddy board.
You may notice a few empty spaces in the lower left of the T-Display Buddy PCB labeled C1 and C2 along with 3 through-holes; don’t worry, those are optional components for an advanced build and are not needed for a basic setup. See Standalone T-Display operation for more info.
Note: the T-Display often comes with a small Red/Black wiring harness with connector as well; it cannot be used alongside the Chainlink Buddy and should be discarded.
Breadboard Buddy(alternative to T-Display Buddy)
If you’d prefer to use a different ESP32 module, you can use the Breadboard Buddy PCB to easily adapt the IDC cable to a breadboard.
Connect Chainlink Driver to Chainlink Buddy
We’ll start by connecting and testing just the Chainlink Driver, without connecting a power supply or any modules’ motors or sensors. We’ll add those later, after confirming that the basic electronics work.
T-Display
Connect the ribbon cable from the Chainlink Buddy’s Output to the Chainlink Driver’s Input
Connect a wire from the Chainlink Driver’s“Logic 3.3-5V” screw terminal to the“3.3V” screw terminal on the Chainlink Buddy
Electronics Part 1: Sensor PCBs
Electronics Part 2: Chainlink Driver & Chainlink Buddy [T-Display]
Assemble the Chainlink Driver PCB
Assemble the Chainlink Buddy
Connect Chainlink Driver to Chainlink Buddy