Hardware Assembly

USB Connector

The USB connection is utilized for programming and serial communication. Users only need to plug their RA6M5 Thing Plus into a computer using a USB-C cable.

LiPo Battery

For remote IoT applications, a LiPo battery can be connected. Additionally, users may be interested in utilizing a solar panel and USB-C cable to recharge their battery.

Battery connected to the RA6M5 Thing Plus — The RA6M5 Thing Plus with a battery connected.

Warning

Users should avoid pulling on the wires of a battery to disconnect it from the board. Instead, it is recommended that a pair of dikes (i.e. diagonal wire cutters), pliers, or tweezers be used to pull on the JST connector housing, to avoid damaging the battery wiring.

Disconnect battery w/ dikes — Using a pair of dikes to disconnect a battery.

Breakout Pins

The PTH pins on the RA6M5 Thing Plus are broken out into 0.1"-spaced pins on the edges of the board.

New to soldering?

If you have never soldered before or need a quick refresher, check out our How to Solder: Through-Hole Soldering guide.

How to Solder: Through-Hole Soldering

Headers

Headers are versatile in their compatibility with shields, breadboards, or jumper wires.

Stackable Headers

Our Feather Stackable Header Kit is a great option for stacking on shields (w/ Feather footprint) or on a breadboard; while leaving its pins still accessible.

Hookup Wires

For a more permanent connection, users can solder wires directly to the board.

Soldering wires to the RA6M5 Thing Plus.

SD Card Slot

The RA6M5 Thing Plus includes a µSD card slot on the back of the board. The cardholder functions through a push/pull operation. (The card slot doesn't include a spring retention mechanism; cards are held in place through friction.)

Inseting an SD card — Users can slide-in or pull-out a µSD card from the cardholder.

SD Card Compatibility

The R6M5 Thing Plus supports µSD cards with a FAT32 file system (i.e. only cards up to 32GB in size).

Qwiic Devices

The Qwiic system allows users to effortlessly prototype with a Qwiic compatible I²C device without soldering. Users can attach any Qwiic compatible sensor or board, with just a Qwiic cable. (*The example below, is for demonstration purposes and is not pertinent to the board functionality or this tutorial.)