Eggfinder Mini build

I am doing my first build thread on my Eggtimer mini and LCD RX. I had a great ordering experience with Cris. I read through all the online info several times before starting.

First laid out all the parts and got bench setup.


Soldering resistor leads on board to support GPS module.


I actually had to solder the 4 corners with the pins first. I could not keep solder from getting on top of the pads. So 1 pin at a time I heated the corners while applying pressure to seat module flush. Then soldered the rest. Notice protective tape did catch stray solder.


Then soldered the GPS module ground pads. I did have to take soldering iron to the belt sander to make the tip fine enough to go all the way in the holes.


Then all the fun small pieces.... And I messed up... Big... But I emailed Cris, and we came up with a fix other then buying a new board. First resistor went on ugly. and after continuing on, I decided to go back and clean up the first resistors solder joints. I dorked it up. Couldn't get the resister to flow solder up it. Overheated the pad and it lifted from the board. You can see the brown place where the pad use to be. next to 331.


The fix was to install the LED current limiting resistor inline. Its big and ugly. But it does work. Its attached to the 4th slot like the alignment pins were originally installed.


Finished installing all the other small pieces then prepped the RF board. Used 4 pins to hold its alignment and it went on real nice. Cover it with tape while soldering... Lots of small splatter.

Attached the RF board, then the 3 jumper pins and Antenna. I used locktite on the screw. Soldered some temporary battery leads for testing.


Powered it up and the RF LED started blinking once a second as it should. Then walked outside and the GPS LED started blinking after 2 minutes. Looked like it was working so far.

I put a bead of west system around the GPS panel antenna, and then put the heat shrink on.


Now for the LCD RX.

The LCD RX went together a lot faster then the then the mini TX.
Started putting on components in the listed order.


Install the header socket tight to the board to prevent movement down the road.


Then install the header strip to the LCD display.


I upgraded to the RP-SMA Antenna and mount, and installed the supplied battery box for testing until the 2S lipo arrives.


All finished and powered up. The readability of the screen changes based on lighting. So I did install a switch on the back light (BL) terminal, to give me the option.

Everything ran through all the start up screens as expected.


And it works... With the GPS TX in the garage, I picked up just a weak signal with 4 sats. I set the TX outside and started picking up many more satellites.


I am very happy with this product. Next I will get it all mounted in a box, with a Bluetooth module and Lipo battery.

You're a pro! I love assembling Eggtimer stuff! For me, the build is where the fun is.

CORZERO said:

You're a pro! I love assembling Eggtimer stuff! For me, the build is where the fun is.

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I completely agree. But I think I have to many builds going all attachments once. My wife doesn't like the mess I have made of the garage.

Cancel out her nagging by making complaints about the mess in the kitchen. The issue will eventually just resolve itself

CORZERO said:

Cancel out her nagging by making complaints about the mess in the kitchen. The issue will eventually just resolve itself

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:lol::lol: that's exactly how it works :lol:

My wife doesn't like the mess I have made of the garage.

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Tell her the light is better in the kitchen and you will try it there next time :wink:

My wife is a little more understanding, this is how the kitchen table looks about 50% of the time.

That is great advise... LOL.

Eric said:

The readability of the screen changes based on lighting.

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Try adjusting the little 10K pot next to 5V voltage regulator. I'm going to need to start putting a bright orange card in the package telling people to do that... I get at least one email a week because somebody's screen "isn't readable".

Nice post!

Thanks Cris. I will do that. You make a great product.

cerving said:

Try adjusting the little 10K pot next to 5V voltage regulator. I'm going to need to start putting a bright orange card in the package telling people to do that... I get at least one email a week because somebody's screen "isn't readable".

Nice post!

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Thanks again Cris. That fixed it. It looks amazing now.

LASTLY.....What ever you do when building your Eggfinder Mini.... DO NOT touch your 2S Lipo to the 3v3 post right next to the + terminal. I was finished and mounting it to my beautiful Chris Bender Nose sled, and I fried it. POOF....

Thank you Cris Erving for helping with my OOPS. I assembled the second one in 30 minutes, and it now works great....

Final mini mounted and LCD with: Bluetooth, Backlight switch and 1000mAh 2S Lipo.

Glad you like the sled. Too bad about the accidental frying of the first one.

Cl(VII) said:

Glad you like the sled. Too bad about the accidental frying of the first one.

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I do love the sled. I should have bought " the works". I want to make my mini modular, to switch between rockets.