From 9aebae647abc1911f6a5968c451c5a8d30abf8f9 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: "Joshua M. Boniface" Date: Sun, 22 Jun 2025 00:08:10 -0400 Subject: [PATCH] Update README parts list and descriptions --- README.md | 56 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++------- 1 file changed, 49 insertions(+), 7 deletions(-) diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index 59fbe18..99600ca 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -21,8 +21,7 @@ it bare if you like the "PCB on a wall" aesthetic. To Use: * Install the ESPHome configuration `supersensor.yaml` to a compatible ESP32 devkit (below). - * Install the ESP32 and sensors into the custom PCB (if desired). - * [Optional] 3D Print the custom case. + * Install the ESP32 and sensors into the custom PCB. * Power up the SuperSensor, connect to the WiFi AP, and connect it to your network. * Install the SuperSensor somewhere that makes sense. * Add/adopt the SuperSensor to HomeAssistant using the automatic name. @@ -78,16 +77,59 @@ and [my update post on version 2.0](https://www.boniface.me/the-supersensor-2.0) | 1 | ESP32 HW-395 | $6.67 | [AliExpress](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006019875837.html)* | | 2 | RBG LED | $0.09 ($9.12/100) | [Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09Y8M2PKS) | | 1 | 470Ω resistor | $0.08 ($7.99/100) | [Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08MKQX2XT) | -| 1 | Female pin header† | $1.59 ($15.99/10) | [Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08CMNRXJ1) | +| 2 | Female pin header† | $1.59 ($15.99/10) | [Amazon](https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08CMNRXJ1) | | 1 | Custom PCB (JLC) | $0.69 ($6.89/10) | [GitHub](https://github.com/joshuaboniface/supersensor) | -| 1 | 3D Printed case | $?.??‡ | [GitHub](https://github.com/joshuaboniface/supersensor) | -| **TOTAL** | | **$38.99** | | +| **TOTAL** | | **$40.58** | | `*` Ensure you select the correct device on the page as it shows multiple options. -`†` This is optional and only required if you don't want to directly solder the ESP32 to the board, but I recommend it. +`†` One of these sets is optional, and is useful if you do not want to solder the individual sensors directly to the board (see below). -`‡` Providing a price is impossible due to the wide range of possible fillament types and brands, but should be negligible. +### To Solder or Not To Solder + +Personally, for my Supersensor 1.x's and the initial batch of Supersensor 2.x's, I directly soldered +all the non-ESP components to the board. This proved to be a major mistake when I later decided +to switch from SGP30's to SGP41's after some testing and I had to desolder all of them, ruining +several PCBs in the process. It was also a hassle to desolder the existing sensors for reuse +during the 1.x to 2.x conversion. + +As a result, I actually strongly encourage anyone building one of these units to leverage sockets +for all components, to allow for quick swapping if any turn out to be defective or if future changes +are warranted. + +Note that due to the PCB design, you *must* socket at least one set of components - either the ESP32 +or the sensors on the front. Due to the positioning and overlap, it would be impossible to solder +everything directly to the board, as the ESP covers several of the solder points of the front +sensors and vice versa. + +You can use the provided 40-pin female headers exclusively if you wish, and cut them to length for +the individual sensors as needed, or you can use individually-sized female headers in the following +quantities should you wish for a slightly neater finish: + +* 3x 3-pin (AM302, INMP441 x2) +* 2x 4-pin (SGP41, SHT45) +* 1x 5-pin (LD2410C) +* 1x 6-pin (TSL2591) + +I will leave it up to the reader to source these specific sizes if they desire (I found all except +a 5-pin on Amazon, and just used a 6-pin with one pin removed). + +I still directly solder the RGB LEDs and resistor to the board for simplicity as these very small +leads are not easily socketed, and these components are so inexpensive as to be effectively +disposable along with the PCB should that be required. + +### Part Swaps + +To save a little money, it is possible to swap out the two Sensirion sensors for their less-feature- +rich peers, with no code changes: + +* SGP41 -> SGP40 - removes the NOx functionality +* SHT45 -> SHT40/41/43 - less accuracy + +Personally, I do not find the minimal cost savings to be worth sacrificing the extra potential +functionality, so I recommend using the provided models, but this is up to the builder to decide. + +No other parts can be easily swapped without code or PCB design changes. ## Configurable Options