🗺️ overview & tips

To make your own E-TKT you will need to:

1. 3D print

I highly recommend you to have a 3d printer accessible as you might need to test and tweak the printing settings, since this project demands a certain precision in the fittings;

2. order a PCB

It’s design was oriented to low cost manufacturing (4 layers). The two internal layers are ground planes, so it might work with only 2 layers for even lower costs (but it wasn’t tested). Don’t forget to order a stencil for the front face (not needed for the back) together with the PCB.

3. buy components

For some electronic parts, you might need to search for alternative drop-in replacements (same specs & footprint) as right now there is a general shortage for semiconductors.

4. mount the components on the PCB

You can place the components manually in the PCB and then use a home electrical oven/toaster to solder the SMD components. There are PTH headers in the back face and a single SMD electrolytical capacitor that will be easy to deal with a simple soldering station.

5. flash the firmware

Very simple process, but please don’t forget to add the data files together with the firmware.

6. assemble the whole package

After making sure the system is working properly, you can proceed to cable management and physically mounting the parts together.

7. calibrate

The final step makes sure the daisy wheel letters are aligned to the tape and works along with the right pressing force. There is a handy calibration mode built-in the web app ;)

PS: the PCB order along with the components and it’s assembly (steps 2, 3 and 4) might be outsourced by using a turnkey PCB service, but it is funnier to DIY to learn by doing!