Assembling OpenSpool PCB for RFID tag managment for automatic 3D printing filament ID

Introduction

This tutorial guides you through the assembly of the OpenSpool PCB for managing RFID tags, specifically designed for automatic identification of 3D printing filament. By the end of this guide, you'll have the necessary setup to read RFID tags using the OpenSpool web interface with a Wemos S3 Mini board.

Step 1: Gather Required Components

Before starting the assembly, ensure you have all the necessary components:

• OpenSpool PCB
• Wemos S3 Mini board
• RFID reader
• Level shifters
• Jumper wires
• Power supply (if required)

You can source the components from the following links:

• OpenSpool project on GitHub
• Level shifters
• RFID Reader
• Wemos S3 Mini board

Step 2: Assemble the OpenSpool PCB

Follow these steps to assemble the PCB:

1. Identify Components: Refer to the schematic or layout provided in the OpenSpool GitHub repository.
2. Solder Components:
   • Start by soldering the smaller components first (resistors, capacitors).
   • Move on to soldering larger components like the RFID reader and the Wemos S3 board.
   • Ensure that all connections are solid to avoid issues during operation.
3. Install Level Shifters:
   • Connect the level shifters to the appropriate pins as per the schematic.
   • These are crucial for voltage compatibility between the RFID reader and the Wemos board.

Step 3: Connect the RFID Reader

Once the PCB is assembled, connect the RFID reader:

1. Pin Connections:

   • Connect the RFID reader's output pins to the designated input pins on the Wemos S3 board.
   • Use jumper wires for flexibility and ease of connection.

2. Power Supply: Ensure the RFID reader is powered correctly, either through the PCB or an external source.

Step 4: Set Up the Software Environment

To interact with the OpenSpool project, you need to set up the software:

1. Install Required Libraries:

   • Depending on your development environment, install libraries for handling RFID and web server functionalities.
   • Common libraries include ESPAsyncWebServer and MFRC522 for RFID.

2. Upload Code to Wemos S3:

   • Clone or download the OpenSpool code from the GitHub repository.
   • Modify the code as needed, particularly for pin assignments based on your connections.
   • Upload the code using the Arduino IDE or similar platform.

Step 5: Test the Setup

After assembling and coding, it’s time to test:

1. Power On the System:

   • Connect the power supply to the Wemos S3 board.
   • Ensure all components are functioning.

2. Access the Web Interface:

   • Open a web browser and enter the IP address assigned to the Wemos S3 board.
   • You should see the OpenSpool web interface.

3. Read RFID Tags:

   • Bring an RFID tag close to the reader and observe results on the web interface.
   • Confirm that the tags are correctly identified and logged.

Conclusion

You have successfully assembled the OpenSpool PCB and set up an RFID tag management system for 3D printing filament identification. Ensure all connections are secure and test the system thoroughly. For future enhancements, consider integrating additional features such as logging or notifications based on tag readings. Happy printing!