Splitflap v0 Ordering (the “easy” route)

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This is the “easy” way to order the parts for your splitflap display (United States only). It optimizes for simplicity in ordering, not the lowest possible cost.

If you’d like to review other options, which could be somewhat cheaper, check out the full ordering doc, but if that’s a little overwhelming, you’re in the right place here!

If you have questions, ask in the community Discord server!

Laser-cut mechanical parts

Supplier: Ponoko is recommended, though pricey.

Material: MDF is more forgiving than Acrylic during assembly (Acrylic can be brittle and crack when fitting pieces together), though admittedly doesn't look as nice. For less potential frustration, I generally recommend MDF.

For reference, the front face of each module is approximately 82.6mm wide and 147.8mm tall.

• Use this file for each module, made of 3mm MDF: https://github.com/scottbez1/splitflap/releases/download/v0.7/3d_laser_vector-ponoko-3mm-mdf_1x.svg [177.42mm x 173.37mm] Full ordering instructions, and alternative files for acrylic are here.

Electronics

Supplier: Bezek Labs (yes, I’m biased in recommending my own store, but it really is the easiest purchasing option since these are custom boards and I also include all necessary accessories)

• Chainlink Driver v1.1 (1 for every 6 modules)
  • Ribbon cable length: 45cm
  • Add motors? Yes, add 6x 28BYJ-48
• Sensor kit (6x, with sensors, magnets, and headers) (1 for every 6 modules)
  • Include cables? YES
• Chainlink Buddy [T-Display] (1 for your entire display, up to 36 total modules)
  • Include ESP32 T-Display Module: YES

Flaps

Supplier: Bezek Labs (again, I’m biased, but there aren’t any commercial alternatives and making them yourself requires a lot of time and patience)

Two good options (this tradeoff is totally up to you):

• Pre-printed flaps save a TON of time and look great, but are more expensive. 6-packs and 24-packs are available at a small discount. Only available with white text on a black card.
  • Note (2023-12-12): I am sold out of my initial batch of printed flaps. I am working on an updated design, expected to launch in early 2024. If you are waiting for these new printed flaps, I would also recommend holding off on ordering the laser-cut parts for now too; the updated design will come alongside a refreshed mechanical design to support 52 flaps per module rather than 40 flaps per module.

OR

• You can buy blank flaps and apply letter stickers to them yourself
  • blank flaps (sold in packs of 160 flaps for 4 modules, or 240 flaps for 6 modules)
  • vinyl letter stickers (from Amazon). Blank flaps are available in white or black, and vinyl letter stickers are available in many different colors. (1 sticker pack for every 2 modules)

Hardware

Supplier: McMaster-Carr (reliable, but somewhat pricey especially with shipping) or find these common items elsewhere

• M4 x 10mm button-head. 11 bolts needed per module (so you’ll need at least 66x for 6 modules). Must be button-head style (e.g. taller socket-cap bolts will likely cause clearance issues)
  • McMaster-Carr pack of 100
• M4 hex nuts. 11 nuts needed per module (so you’ll need at least 66x for 6 modules)
  • McMaster-Carr pack of 100

Power supply and wiring

Supplier: many options

For 1-12 modules:

• 22AWG wire for 3.3v power (gauge is not critical as this is low-current; solid wire is preferable to stranded for use with screw terminals)
• 12V power supply capable of at least 1.5A for every 6 modules, plus some margin. Searching for “12V CCTV” power supplies is a good way to find supplies that will have the correct barrel jack connector to plug into the Chainlink Buddy [T-Display].
• 20AWG (or larger diameter, depending on length & number of modules) wire for 12v power and ground

OR, for 13-36 modules:

• 22AWG wire for 3.3v power (gauge is not critical as this is low-current; solid wire is preferable to stranded for use with screw terminals)
• 12V power supply capable of at least 1.5A for every 6 modules, plus some margin. You must connect the power supply to the screw terminals of the first Chainlink Driver directly. Do not use the Chainlink Buddy’s barrel jack connector with more than 12 modules, as it cannot handle the current requirements!
• 16AWG (or larger diameter, depending on length & number of modules) wire for 12v power and ground

OR, more than 36 modules:

That’s all!

For instructions on assembly and setup of the Chainlink electronics, see the Chainlink Driver Electronics User Guide

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