Joule Thief

1. Prepare

Verify component pinouts against each manufacturer’s datasheet before wiring. Label cut wires with their wire numbers; the same numbers follow them through every stage. Wire colors are written out for black-and-white printing. Custom colors can be named in the wire library.

Progress is saved on this browser for this board revision. Changes to the board or measurements start a new checklist. Printed diagrams are references, not life-size templates.

9 wires to prepare; 195mm total wire, including end allowances.

Parts List

6 unique parts

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2. Cut wires

9 wires · +5mm per end for lead-through

Total wire: 195mm (7.7in)

3. Bend wires

Use the straight-line ruler to mark bend points on the wire before bending. Use the bent shape as a visual reference while bending.

Wire 1 — BASE — D17 → E15 — 18mm — Red

Cut 18mm. Bend 90° right at 10mm.

Wire 2 — FEEDBACK — D13 → D9 — 20mm — Yellow

Cut 20mm.

Wire 3 — SWITCH — H9 → H14 — 23mm — White

Cut 23mm.

Wire 4 — SWITCH — I13 → G16 — 23mm — Green

Cut 23mm. Bend 90° down at 10mm.

Wire 5 — VBAT — D3 → I3 — 23mm — Blue

Cut 23mm.

Wire 6 — VBAT — D5 → F8 — 23mm — Black

Cut 23mm. Bend 90° right at 13mm.

Wire 7 — GND — E5 → H5 — 18mm — Red

Cut 18mm.

Wire 8 — GND — J5 → J15 — 35mm — Yellow

Cut 35mm.

Wire 9 — GND — H15 → G14 — 14mm — White

Cut 14mm.

4. Place wires

Component side. Select a wire to emphasize its route in its own color and highlight its endpoints. Wires follow number order, matching the bend guide and solder checklist.

5. Solder connections

Bottom view: horizontally mirrored. Coordinate names still identify the same physical holes. Highlights mark wire endpoints; wire routes belong on the component side. Check each connection and the listed solder bridges.

Board is horizontally mirrored. Column A is on the right.