For this project is better Tracker without screen, you can order NO SCREEN version or remove screen from board or with combination with OLED display, onboard screen is inactive and dark
- Tracker without screen
- Heltec TRACKER order link The package includes all necessary components: battery connector, antenna with SMA, and male headers.
Bill of Materials (BOM): Required components if you order the bare PCB only
- 1x this motherboard PCB
- 1x Heltec TRACKER without display, order link The package includes all necessary components: battery connector, antenna with SMA, and male headers.
- 1x 2.42" OLED display 128x64 OLED I2C Display Module or 128x64 OLED I2C Display Module
- 1x PIEZO 1109 BUZZER (1191.7mm) LPT1109DS
- 4x female headers
- 1x side switch for battery power JS102011SAQN C&K or similar
- 36x Kailh low profile switches
- 36x optional LED for keycaps backlight, etc. my poisonous green are OSG5060341F OPTOSUPPLY
- 1x optional 18650 battery holder
- 1x 7mm tactile switch for USER button, just blend legs to up a solder from bottom side
- 1x cca 75R resistor for backlight LEDs current limit
Assembly note!
If you plan to have backlit keys, remember to solder the LEDs before soldering the switches.
Chosfox WHITE keycaps are not transparent, led backlight is almost unless. Blacks are little better, I think usable are this Keycaps - white I have black variant, now is out of stock. Maybe this (untested) Kailh - 97pcs
Getting it up and running is simple. You will need to upload the firmware, but you can use the WebFlasher for that. Just select TrackSenger (big OLED).
GPS note:
If you have trouble getting a GPS signal, it might be because the tracker is on the bottom side of the PCB, causing the antenna to be slightly recessed and hindering signal reception. You can improve this by disconnecting the antenna from the tracker and giving it a small leg or by using an external antenna. The antenna uses just one wire but is attached with double-sided tape.
Kailh Choc Low Profile Switch:
- There are many different sellers of switches on AliExpress, offering various quantities. For mechanical switches, pay attention to the color, as it determines the switch's characteristics, such as whether it is quiet, how it responds, etc. For example, I really like the clicky sound, so I use white switches. Each product line has different color properties. You can check out some reviews on YouTube before order.
- https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005066585322.html
- https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005446722280.html
Kailh Choc Low Profile Switch Keycaps: