I guess it was always going to happen... At least with the first.

I failed... Really failed.........

So with this prototype board I got impatient. I really want to get on with coding the project, but i need a working board to do that.

So instead of waiting for the solder mask paint I went ahead and started soldering bits on. I learnt a lot about the board, things i need to change and fix...

Stupid things like needing to put solder pads on the opposite side of the board to the component... Or wiring the serial connection between MCUs correctly and not having the tracks lead to one pin to the left -.- Those I fixed with some bogging... But still this is the prototype board. Its for finding these mistakes and fixing them...

But the final nail in the coffin for the board... After bodging on a solder mask. Ive discovered even with paste, I cant use a soldering iron to solder on the addressable leds. It kills the LED chip really really quickly. When trying to remove one of the dead leds with the iron, it basically ripped up the track and half the fibre board

Live and learn I guess...

Well im going to have to make a new PCB, this time ill fix the tracks and correct the solder pad sides... Ill get a nice solder mask painted on as well before i do anything. And buy extra flux because BOY do i need it. This lead free solder is terrible... Really sticky and turns gloopy very quickly.

Anyway here is the carnage...