User:Liz 34/Pinecil V2

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Pinecil V2 is a portable soldering iron with computer controlled temperature, sleep modes, motion detection, and allows many options for power from AC supplies (USB-C, DC Barrel) to external tool/lipo batteries. It's part of PINE64's Pinecil soldering iron line and the successor to the Pinecil V1. You may already have a power supply that works. It also has the intended use of being a RISC-V development device using a breakout board.

Note: Other irons only care if they can solder. The Pinecil is held to an additional standard; how well can it meet the needs of the open source community as a RISC-V development tool. It includes hardware features not found on other soldering irons in order to support FOSS community feature requests for both fun and science.

Pinecil GraphicOrange.png

Pinecil V2, launched Aug 2, 2022
Pinecil V2, side view

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 155mm with solder tip or 103mm without solder tip x 12.8mm x 16.2mm
  • Weight: 28g with solder tip, 18g without solder tip
  • Soldering Tip: includes type ST-B2 (short tip), Length 86mm, weight 8.2g
  • Platform: Ralim's IronOS build
  • Display: OLED White Color Monochrome Display 0.69" 96x16 pixels
  • Chipset: Bouffalo BL-706
  • CPU: 32-bit RV32IMAFC RISC-V “SiFive E24 Core” @ 144 MHz
  • Memory:
    • 192KB Internal Flash
    • 132KB SRAM System
  • Power Ports (12V-24V, 88 Watts):
    • Only use one power port at a time (usb or DC barrel)
    • USB type C: PD 12V-20V 3A and QC 3.0 12V-20V 3A (magnetic tip USB-C cables are not recommended, and not USB compliant)
    • Barrel Jack: DC5525, 12V-24V, minimum 3amps.
    • Trying to use an incorrect barrel jack, i.e., DC5521 will BREAK the connector (if it doesn't go in easy, it doesn't fit).
    • Recommend operating voltage 12-24V, but a 12V USB-C charger will not perform as well or heat as fast as a USB-C PD65W/20V/3amp charger.
    • Tentative support: EPR 140W/28V PD3.1 chargers + EPR cables are theoretically supported in hardware and IronOS firmware.
      • EPR is new technology in 2022. Theoretically Pinecil could get a max of 28V and 126W using EPR chargers & EPR cables (natural loss of 140W to 126W due to Tip ohms).
      • Bleeding edge users are using/testing this.
      • EPR is potentially the fastest/highest performance possible for V2; officially Pine Store states 12V-24V, 88W.

Usage

Overview

Wipe new tips with isopropyl alcohol IPA to remove factory residue before installing. If you have none, try to wipe it down with a dry clean towel, especially the 2 contacts at the cold end (water is not recommended as it can get into the seam on the white end).
Do not try to bend the two internal contacts, they are made of a thin stiff spring metal and could break (not soft copper), but you could wipe them with IPA (including the small PCB pad below the contacts).
  1. Install the Tip: pinecil comes with a separate heating element, the tip.
    1. Remove the screw from the front top-side of handle. Then, gently push the tip all the way back until the wide collar/guard is touching the front of the plastic (see photo).
    2. Gently tighten/loosen this screw to install or swap the tip. (careful, tiny screws break easy, if tip does not fall out, it's tight enough)
    3. The bottom front screw should not touch the tip, it only holds the handle together (see fasteners).
    4. Always unplug before swapping tips if you have multiple tips.
  2. Supply Power: the USB-C port, connected to any supply, is enough power to show the display screen, but not necessarily enough to heat the tip.
    1. USB port at 5 volts (i.e., laptop) shows DC Low, this is enough for firmware updates and to view the menu, but not to run the soldering iron.
    2. See Power section for details on power options. QC 12V phone chargers will not work, too weak
  3. Heat the Tip: plug Pinecil into an appropriate power supply.
    1. Clicking [+] starts the tip heating.
    2. The detailed display option shows power draw, current temperature, supply voltage, and estimated time to reach target temperature.
    3. Adjust the target temperature with further clicks of [+] and [-] buttons.
    4. Wait a few seconds for the regular display to return, then hold down [-] for a moment to turn the heat off.
    5. You can observe the temperature measurement go up and down. Certain settings involve holding down both buttons (see Github IronOS for details on firmware settings).
  4. Using the Settings Menu:
    1. To check the firmware version, hold down the [-] button. It will display something like "v2.19.A3BBABC 13-07-22"
      1. This is the firmware number and release date, the date is July 13, 2022 in the example.
    2. Clicking [-] when heat is off steps through main categories menus to control a variety of settings, see Getting Started section.
    3. Clicking [-] also returns to the regular display of temperature and supply voltage (this view varies if you activate detailed idle). At other times it may show power draw.
    4. Click [-] to scroll to the the main menu section desired (i.e., User Interface). Then Click [+] button to change various internal settings. Then click [-] again to go to the next item in the sub-menu.
  5. Important notes:
    1. The iron will "sleep", switching to a lower temperature, after it has been put down for a short time, and heat up again when it is picked up.
    2. Calibration of the Tip temperature is usually not necessary and should only be done if the tip is off by +/- 5 °C or temperature is behaving oddly. See instructions to calibrate the tip in the firmware on Github IronOS.
    3. For Safety, unplug the soldering Iron when not in use or left unattended.
    4. To heat up the tip, we need a power supply that can provide at least 12V 3A to run. This is the bare minimum. Pinecil will heat slowly at only 12V/3A. To maximize performance, higher Volts/Amps/Watts is recommended (see Power Supply page).
      1. Option 1: a USB-C supply that can negotiate up to such a voltage. For maximum performance and good soldering experience, a USB-C PD65W, 20V, 3+ A charger is recommended (suitable for most users).
      2. Option 2: a supply with a DC 5525 barrel connector (+ pos center, - neg outside) that supplies anywhere from 12V-21V, 3+ amps (V1 Pinecil) or 12V-24V, 3+ amps (V2 Pinecil).
      3. Option 3: use a battery, i.e., an 18V-21V tool Battery with a Power Wheels adaptor, and a cable to plug into the Pinecil DC5525 barrel jack.
      4. You may have a suitable supply already that could be used, (see Power Supply page).
      5. While 12V-3A will work, it will not heat the tip as quickly and efficiently as a PD65W-20V Usb-C charger or a higher rated DC barrel charger.
      6. See warnings about using random DC barrel chargers, not all of them have the correct polarity or DC 5525 style plug and some may be too high of voltage which could damage the Pinecil.

Getting Started with the Menu

  • Main Settings Menu: updated list is found in the firmware repository Settings Menu
    • Power settings: settings related to power, battery cells, input voltage.
    • Soldering settings: settings for soldering such as, boost temps, increments for temperature change
    • Sleep mode: power & tip saving, such as sleep mode, sleep temperature, and shutdown modes, motion sensitivity
    • User interface: settings such as, units C/F, display orientation, button reversal, animation speed, brightness, boot logo duration
    • Advanced settings: assorted catchall for settings that don't fit elsewhere or settings that require some thought before use. Restore default/factory settings is here. It will not change the firmware version, but rather resets the menu back to IronOS defaults. This is good to do after a major firmware update as settings may have been altered and need to be re-selected/customized again to work as expected.

Firmware

The firmware that comes with the Pinecil is open-source IronOS. It's a good idea to check for updates regularly as development is very active and there may be enhancements or new bug fixes available.

  • Long hold down [-] to see the version

Update

Connect Pinecil V2 to the computer and enter the Flash mode by holding down the (-) button:

  1. Long hold the [-] button **before** plugging the usb-c cable into the back of the Pinecil. Keep holding down the [-] for ~15 seconds after plugging in the cable, then release the button.
  2. Screen should be black/empty which means you are in Flashing Mode. If you have issues, try again, do not plug the usb-C cable into Pinecil until you first press & hold the [-] button. Flip the cable over or try another port if you still have issues.
  3. Pinecil is designed to use only 1 port at a time. Only the USB-C cable should be plugged in during Updates. Never attempt to use both rear ports at the same time or your PC and Pinecil will be damaged.
  4. Use the different flashers below to write new firmware to your Pinecil V2.

Windows

  1. Download the CLI Windows Blisp Flasher here.
  2. Extract the blisp zip. Run windows powershell as administrator, cd to the blisp folder.
  3. Download the latest stable Pinecilv2.zip Releases here. Scoll down to the Assets to get the zip files (works for EPR 140W chargers).
  4. Grab and Put Pinecilv2_EN.bin (English) file or language chosen into the blisp folder (same place as the blisp executable).
    • If you have the Pinecil Zip, the rest could be deleted, only the single BIN file is needed. Select the appropriate 2-letter code for your language.
  5. Connect the V2 to the PC (see Connecting above). If you are curious, it will connect as a Serial COM device in device manager.
  6. cd to the blisp folder, and Execute this line. (replace the EN file with any language bin filename you choose).
  7. .\blisp.exe write -c bl70x --reset .\Pinecilv2_EN.bin
  8. Hold down [-] for 3 seconds to see the version.
Note: To test the new beta BLE bluetooth website, get BLE firmware here (also works with EPR 140w chargers). Instructions here

See Troubleshooting down below if it does not flash

Linux

  1. Download the CLI Linux Blisp Flasher here (x86).
  2. Extract the Blisp and cd to the blisp folder.
  3. Download the latest stable Pinecilv2.zip Releases here. Scoll down to the Assets to get the zip files (works for EPR 140W chargers).
  4. Grab and Put Pinecilv2_EN.bin (English) file or language chosen into the blisp folder (same place as the blisp executable).
    • If you have the Pinecil Zip, the rest could be deleted, only the single BIN file is needed. Select the appropriate 2-letter code for your language.
  5. Connect the V2 to the PC (see Connecting above). It will connect as a serial ttyACM USB ACM type device.
  6. cd to the blisp folder and execute:
  7. sudo ./blisp write -c bl70x --reset Pinecilv2_EN.bin
  8. Hold down [-] for 3 seconds to see the version.
Note: To test the new beta BLE bluetooth website, get BLE firmware here (also works with EPR 140w chargers). Instructions here

See Troubleshooting down below if it does not flash

Troubleshooting Flashing

  1. Often times, issues are related to the USB cable, try flipping the cable over, or try other ports on the PC. Don't use a hub, connect directly to a port, ports on the back of a PC may be better as they are directly connected to the motherboard. USB-C to C cables sometimes works better than USB-A to C cables (your cable may be power-only and not able to do firmware data transfers). Try using a USB-C to C cable on a C port and not a USB-A to C cable.
  2. Try holding down the [-] the whole time (don't release) - if you had to do this, let Gamiee know in the Github Blisp Issues ticket here.
  3. Blisp flashers are from Gamiee's open source Blisp code here. It is only an updater for the BL706 MCU on Pinecil V2 (means it "writes" to the V2 chip). It is separate from the firmware files needed which are in located in Github Ralim's IronOS.
  4. If there is a problem with the flasher, or you have a different Linux architecture like ARM, you could also build it from code, see directions at Github Blisp.
  5. If you have issues completing the update, join the Live Community Chat for Pine64 Pinecil.
  6. If the blisp flasher is not working, open a ticket here: <https://github.com/pine64/blisp/issues>
  7. If you are running Windows VM emulator, & it fails, make sure you have MS "Visual C++ 2015-2022" installed.
  8. All firmware releases and betas are located in the Github Ralim's IronOS here. If you would like to add enhancements/features to the IronOS that runs the Pinecil or have issue with it, please look at the Github link or submit an issue ticket. It is recommended to read through all the Github IronOS documents first as they may have the answers. The screen menus and troubleshooting is documented as well.

General Firmware Details

  • One advantage of Pinecil (V1/V2) over other irons (i.e., Miniware) is you can not really brick them since Pinecil's bootloader is in rom. If there is a problem, just flash the firmware again or a different version. This empowers people to experiment and do forks of the main IronOS firmware.

Development Projects

Author Project Homepage Description
Ben Brown (ralimtek) IronOS Soldering iron firmware that is pre-installed on Pinecil V2
Marek Kraus (gamiee) Bouffalo Labs ISP tool & library Linux, macOS and Windows CLI Updater for BL70x
Marek Kraus (gamiee) PINE64 Updater macOS & Windows GUI Updater
Arkaitz Goni Hedger (spagett) PineFlash Linux & macOS GUI Updater
Joric (iamjoric) Pinecil V2 BLE web interface Install Pinecilv2 BLE IronOS first
Bouffalo Lab B-Lab Dev Cube Vendor generic GUI for Dev/flashing BL706

Pinecil V2 Authenticity Checker

Pinecil V2 comes with a unique internal ID/Serial number. Check if your Pinecil is Authentic here:

Pinecil V2 Authenticity Checker

Checklist

1. Clean new tips with isopropyl alcohol to remove factory residue before installing (avoid strange behavior from poor contact). If you have none, try to wipe it down with dry clean towel especially the 2 contacts at the back (do not use water, it could get into the small white seam line).
2. Don't bend the tiny internal contacts, they are thin spring metal and may break.
3. Only use one port, USB-C or the DC barrel, but Never both at the same time. Damage will occur to PC/ Laptop/ Pinecil !

Upon receipt, or buying a used Pinecil, one may want to check the following:

  1. The display turns on when 5-21V is supplied (V2 models can do 24V).
    • Use a USB type C cable or a DC 5525 center positive barrel (how to check polarity)
    • Caution: do not plug in both USB-C and DC5525 at the same time. This will destroy devices, posibly your laptop/pc.
    • The two ports are are used independently and not at the same time.
    • Note that 5v shows DC low and is not high enough to run Pinecil. 5V is only enough for firmware update and to see the menu.
  2. It gets full power.
    • 20V from a 20V capable USB-C PD charger or power from DC barrel charger that is the appropriate specifications. The screen displays the voltage from the charger.
    • Check both orientations of the type C cable (try to flip it if one way doesn't work)
  3. Check Update mode (see Ralim/IronOS for details on flashing updates)
    • Note: do not connect the DC barrel at the same time as a USB-C cable. Pinecil was designed to only have one cable plugged in a a time. You could damage devices doing this.
    • V2 needs a different type of Updater/flasher which will be announced on Github/Ironos when a new release is available.
      • V2 owners with EPR 28V chargers are advised to join the Community chat linked in the wiki & use Beta 2.20 firmware until stable is released.
      • If you have issues with V2 firmware, create a new Github Issues ticket
    • V1 can use Pine64 Easy Updater here (Windows/MAC)
    • Requires a data capable USB cable connected to a laptop or some appropriate device.
    • To enter update mode, hold down [-] (button near back/ground screw) while plugging in USB cable.
    • Screen is black/blank if you are correctly in update mode. This can be tested even if you are not updating the firmware.
  4. Both buttons work
    • - to enter menu or decrease temperature, long press to get software version info or to turn off heating
    • + to turn on heating or select a menu item
  5. The displayed text rotates according to gravity when orientation is set to Automatic
  6. All 3 external screws are present
    1. One near the back near the screen (ground screw)
    2. One at the front on top (to hold the tip in)
    3. One at the front on the bottom (to hold the case together)
  7. The tip is clean (uniformly silver at the front, with no pitting or texture)
    • most tips come with pre-dipped in solder for protection. heat them up, clean with brass or solder sponge and inspect.
    • See #Caring for a soldering iron for maintenance and soldering tips
    • Re-tin the tip before storing is advised to prevent oxidation.
  8. It heats up an installed tip, and stops increasing when it reaches the set point
    • This may draw up to ~3A, make sure the power supply can provide that
    • Minor overshoot may occur, but, disconnect power if the temperature keeps going up
  9. The reported temperature is correct
    • If no direct measurement is possible, set it to ~230°C and see if it just about melts SAC (lead-free) solder (~190°C for leaded)
  10. If there are multiple tips, clean all of them with IPA and check all of them.
  11. If the tip moves a little while using it, try to hold Pinecil with the screen sideways or screen downwards. Members found that if the screen is up and the screw loosens during use, then the tip wobbles a little. Changing holding angles helps the tip press against the solid barrel.

Manuals

Guides for Soldering & Maintenance

Guides to Soldering

Does Solder type and Flux matter?

How do I keep the Tip Clean?

What Temperature should I use?

1. General Formula: add 120°C to the melting point listed on the solder label, and adjust up/down as needed for different tasks.

  • Example: the solder says 220°C melt point, then 220 + 120 = 340 °C
  • One could also try these common working temperatures below, start lower and increment by 5 °C until you get a comfortable working temperature (thicker wires & situations dictate more or less).

Common Working Temperatures

* For Lead solder: 300°C - 320°C

* For No-lead solder: 350°C - 365°C

2. If there is no listed melting point, refer to google or a chart like below for your specific type of solder alloy:

3. Adding a small amount of solder to your tip before starting increases the thermal mass of the tip and could help. See the soldering guides for demontrations of this.

Power Supplies and Watts

Generally, higher watts = better, up to how much you can afford.

Type Volts / Tip Ω = Amps * Volts = Watts
USB-C PD3.0 20V / 8.0 Ω = 2.5A * 20V = 50W
USB-C PD3.0 20V / 6.2 Ω = 3.2A * 20V = 64W
DC Barrel 24V / 8.0 Ω = 3.0A * 24V = 72W
DC Barrel 24V / 6.2 Ω = 3.8A * 24V = 92W
*EPR PD3.1 28V / 8.0 Ω = 3.5A * 28V = 98W
*EPR PD3.1 28V / 6.2 Ω = 4.5A * 28V = 126W
* PINE64 officially states V2 up to 24V-88W. Tentatively, V2 supports 28V-140W EPR/PD3.1 chargers with certified EPR 240W usb-C cables.
  • Ralim's IronOS firmware supports EPR 28V-140W on Pinecil V2 models.
  • EPR Usb-C is new to the market in 2022; they are expensive and require EPR PD 3.1, 240W cables.
  • EPR is backwards compatible for all USB-C devices. EPR chargers/cables can be used for everything else Usb-C as well.
  • Ralimtek: "Please understand wattages [detailed screen] are wild estimates and are at best +-10%. Use external metering for any comparisons." Pinecil is not a USB-C tester, the watts shown on detailed screen mode is a big picture number for convenience of debugging various chargers used. It is not going to be as accurate as an external tester. External testers also cause a small reduction in watts.
Quick Charge or QC3 is not recommended as Pinecil V2 requires a minimum of 3 Amps or more to work properly (see Pine Store Official rating on power ports). Most QC 12V phone chargers are only 1.5 Amps, this will lead to [Thermal Runaway] or [Undervoltage] messages because of weak power (QC2 does not work at all as it is not supported in the firmware).
Click Here for Compatible Power Supplies and Cables

Tips

Tips are rated by manufacturers to 400 °C maximum. Boosting is unlocked on Ralim's IronOS firmware to 450 °C - use at your own risk! Running or boosting to higher than 400 °C could permanently damage/break the tip. Overclocking tips will prematurely damage them, your luck may vary.

What kinds of Tips work?

  1. Pinecil V2 uses both Pine64 designed Short Tips (ST line, 6.2-6.5 Ω, white box) and TS-100 Normal length compatible tips (TS line, ~8.0 Ω).
  2. Unplug before swapping tips as the V2 automatically detects the tip resistance at boot-up and it is safer.
  3. Typically, lead solder uses a working temperature of ~300°C-320°C and no-lead solder ~350°C-365°C (check the temperature charts in the Guide below or google it for your specific solder type, it varies).
  4. Always start lower than needed and increase ~5°C at a time until you reach a good working temperature. If you want your tips to last longer, use the lowest temperatures you can comfortably work at. Tihcker wires, etc., may need more (adjust).
  5. The open source firmware allows you to use temperatures past the manufacturer limit, but that doesn't mean you should. That said, people have reported using the boost feature at 5-15 second burst to >430°C and have been perfectly fine (TS100 and Pine64 tips are readily available at reasonable prices and some people prefer convenience of higher temperatures and accept they might replace tips more frequently if used at higher temperatures). Your luck may vary (Tip premature failure possible when frequently used at excessive high temperatures).
  6. Tips are not too expensive, some just keep spare tips around and boost freely when they want, and replace the tip when it loses it's plating or the tip fails (common sign of tip failure is tip plating is gone or the multimeter measures OL infinite ohms across the 2 silver contacts on the tip).
  7. Check out this Soldering Guide link for more details on best practices for use and maintenance of tips.

How does the Tip Work?

  1. Every tip contains a thermocouple; advantage is every new tip includes a brand new thermocouple.
  2. Pinecil tips are considered newer tech style. This is more accurate compared to older style Irons where the thermocouple is in the handle and much farther from the end of the tip.
  3. Science: in general, how do thermocouples work?
  4. How is Tip Temperature measured in Ralim's IronOS firmware?
  5. What does the inside of a ts100 tip look like?

Pine Store has Short & Normal length Tips

Pay attention to the length! Pine Store sells two different lengths.

I. Short Tips

  1. All Pinecil V2 packages include a single Pine64 newly designed Short tip (ST-B2 conical).
  2. The discontinued V1 came with a longer normal length TS-B2 conical tip.
  3. Pine Store carries 4-Packs of Pine64 designed Short Tips (only Pine64 makes these presently)

Short tips Fine link, white box (~6.2-6.5 Ω)

Short tips Gross link, white box (~6.2-6.5 Ω)

4. See down below for Normal length, TS100 style tips (~8.0 Ω)

5. Pine64 Short tip packs are lower resistance/ohms which means higher performance and better ergonomics. Many professional irons have shorter tips for more control while soldering.

Note: Older pinecil V1 can not use the short tips until firmware code is written to enable manual selection of 6.2 Ω or 8.0 Ω tip. Only V2 model has the hardware to auto-detect the two kinds of tips short 6.2 Ω or regular length 8.0 Ω . If you would like to volunteer, see Github/IronOS
Short Gross set, white box: ST-I, ST-C4, ST-D24, ST-K
Short Fine set, white box: ST-BC2, ST-C1, ST-ILS, ST-Ku
ST-B2 conical short tip included with the V2 Pinecil
  • The shorter tip is designed for higher performance and requires more power than longer traditional TS100 tips
  • Recommend using minimum of usb-C PD65W-3.25A-20V or higher voltage charger when using Short tips (short tip draws more power than longer tips because of the lower ohms).
  • For example with a PD65W-20V charger, the maximum watts with a standard 8 ohm tip is 50W, whereas the max watt with a 6.2 ohm tip is ~64 watts (watts/volts calculator).
  • Heating formula: P = IV = I^2 * R = V^2 / R (⇧ watts = ⇧ faster heating)

20V @8Ω tip=50W; @6.2Ω tip=64.5W

24V @8Ω tip=72W; @6.2Ω tip=92.9W

II. Normal Tips

Pay attention to the length! Pine Store sells two different lengths.
Normal ts100 length tips (~7.8-8.3 Ω)
Regular Length TS Tips: Left= Fine set, Right = Gross set. Both TS sets have ~8.0 ohm tips and are the standard length similar to other TS100 style tips.
Currently, Pinecil V1 original uses the normal length ts100 style tips and not the newer Short tips designed for V2. Ralim is working on adding a feature to the firmware to allow people with the older V1 Pinecil to manually switch a profile setting which allows toggling between Normal Tip and Short tip profiles (adequate power supply must also be used min. PD65w 3.25A, 20V recommended). Check Github Ralim's IronOS for progress information. Always unplug when swapping tips.

Other Compatible normal length tip models

Compatible TS100 Tips, ~8.0 Ω


Common resistance for tips:

TipResistance2.png
  • Pine64 short tip 6.2 Ω, new. Pine64 shorter length, only available at pine64.com.
  • no brand long tip 7.9 Ω, new, standard length ts100 style
  • Miniware long tip 8.0 Ω, new, standard length ts100 style
  • no brand long tip 8.3 Ω, lightly used, standard length ts100 style

Cases, Holder/Stands, 3D Models, Supplies

Cases/Bags

Holder/Stands

3D Print

Supplies

  • Brass Wool with hard rosin in the bottom for tip cleaning: Brass w/Rosin
  • Tip Refresher/tinner for when the tip is very dirty: Mechanic brand MCN-20 lead-solder version, and Lead-free version.
  • Budget Tweezers Set: Tweezers ESD with case
  • Weller no-lead solder, 3-pack variety sizes for portable kits & sampling 3 common useful sizes: Lead-Free 3-pack (0.3/0.5/0.8mm).
  • Syringe Flux: Amtech NC-559-V3 from amtechdirect (comes in paste or convenient syringe). Be careful, there is a lot of fake Amtech online. Amtech is made in the USA, avoid any flux from Aliexpress, many reports of flux that simply does not work and appears to be fake from Aliexpress.
  • Solder Wick for removing solder: Solder Wick, variety pack (add a lot of flux to the area & solder wick works better).

Fasteners/Screws

  • Originals screws are Phillips (source):: two M2x3mm at the front, and one M2x4mm is the ground screw near the [-] minus button.
  • The bottom-front screw only holds the handle together and does not touch the tip, hence is a shorter m2x 3mm.
Thumb Screws
  • Thumbs screws are popular upgrades: an M2 x 4mm thumb screw could replace both the screen-side Tip holder screw and the rear end ground screw.
  • It was found that an M2x3mm thumb screw for the tip is a hair too short, and just grazes the Tip and the longer m2 x 4mm is better on top.
  1. Stainless Steel, smaller thumb screw, get M2x4mm
  2. Black, smaller thumb screw get M2x4mm
  3. Wider head (1) Thumb screw, (2) Thumb screw (3) Thumb screw
  4. Bling! Gold hex screws
  5. Many Assorted M2x4mm screw Options
Note: If the screw is too long (i.e., 5mm) a metal file can be used lightly to shorten it a small amount. Stainless steel is recommended as the softer aluminum screws could mushroom as you tighten down the tip screw too much or over time.


Community Advanced Modifications

Disassembly / Assembly

Disassembly steps

Video of Alternate Method for opening Pinecil here.
  1. It is recommended to take photos to help with reassembly.
  2. Loosen the top tip screw (PH1) (top is the side with the screen).
  3. Gently pull the tip out and set aside (let the tip cool down first or use protection to prevent burns).
  4. Slide the rubber thumb grip off the front.
  5. Remove the bottom-front screw (between the bottom feet (PH1)).
  6. Remove the ground screw (longer m2x4mm screw next to the screen near the (-) button (PH1)).
  7. Slightly pull the two halves of the case apart at the tip front end first, enough to get a fingernail or guitar pick between 2 parts.
  8. Move the pick down the length of the split to loosen the bottom half's clips from the top half of the case.
  9. Once loose, remove the bottom half by sliding it a little forward (it is retained by the top half at the DC barrel side).
  10. Remove the screws retaining the copper tip contacts (PH000, M1.4 x 5).
  11. Remove the copper tip contacts (note the orientation of the contacts & tiny tab hole).
  12. Lift the PCB gently up from Tip end.
  13. Remove the round copper contact under the PCB, near the tip end of the handle (this is installed first before the PCB).
  14. Remove the two small buttons so they do not get lost.

Assembly steps

  1. Place the key caps into their recesses in the top half of the case.
  2. Install the round copper ground contact at the tip end before installing the PCB.
  3. Place the PCB assembly into handle at an angle, DC barrel end goes in first.
    1. Lower the rest of the board into the case and align the PCB with the 2 contact screw holes.
  4. Install the two copper tip contacts (note the small tab on the contact and the small hole in the PCB for it).
    1. Orient the contact to align the alignment pin with the alignment hole next to the big hole on one of the big gold pads.
    2. Install and gently tighten the PH000 screw until the clip is no longer loose.
  5. Place the bottom half of the case into the top half by sliding the lip on the port side (side without the feet) of the bottom half under the arch of the port side of the top half.
  6. Gently close the case by bringing the two halves together, paying attention to each clip's alignment and ensuring the case edges align.
  7. Install the short PH1 screw at the bottom of the tip side of the case.
  8. Install the longer PH1 screw at the ground connection point at the top side of the case (between the display and the ports).
  9. Slide the rubber sleeve on (larger ridge first).
  10. Gently insert tip.
  11. Gently tighten the top PH1 screw to retain the tip.

Schematics, Board data, and Certifications

Schematics:

Certifications:

Pinecil Breakout board

Get Pinecil Breakout Board here

Photos:

  • Store photo

  • Top view

  • Bottom view

Datasheets for Components and Peripherals

In the Media

Reviews

Articles:

Videos:

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