How to attach external power switch?

[lcpalm]

Hello,

I have a TinyZero project and would like to attach an external power switch (have wires running to a power switch attached on the enclosure of my project).  I bought a little switch, but am not sure how to wire it up to the TinyZero, or if this is even possible?

Thank you!

[lennevia]

Hello,

It is possible to hook up some wires to the TinyZero for a distant switch. To do so, however, you need some pretty careful/small soldering.

I attached an image of the power switch on the TinyZero with some pins colored. The two switches that you would need to solder to are red and yellow in the image, the other 5 pins of the power switch are all connected to ground and are boxed in black to show this. I also tossed in a reference to the schematic with the colors coordinated to offer some background explanation.

So, yes it is entirely possible, but you need to be careful when soldering pin 2 (yellow) because it is very close to a ground pin on the left. If you were to short, or solder, pin 2 to the nearby ground pin - things would blow up when powered and effectively ruin the board.

So tread carefully as you solder!

Thanks,
Réna

[lcpalm]

Hi Réna,

Oh, wow - thank you. To do this I'd need to acquire a much tinier soldering iron than I have.
That looks super challenging.
But might go for it!

Thank you for your help!

[lennevia]

Best of luck! I would also recommend a magnifying component, like a helping hand like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Neiko-01902-Adjustable-Magnifying-Alligator/dp/B000P42O3C/ref=asc_df_B000P42O3C/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312096335436&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8060824884059595120&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9060445&hvtargid=pla-448870101576&psc=1

They are sold everywhere and there are many versions, so the above link is just a suggestion with a picture.