How to test while building?

[Beenrak]

I'm a computer scientist by trade and have done some mild work with raspberry pi's before -- but this will be my first real project involving heavy soldering and PCB modification.

I like to test things as I go and I am not really sure how to go about doing that in a situation where the only real way to test a set of components is to solder wires to them. I've used a breadboard in the past to test out circuit configurations, but how do you do that in a way that will still allow me to implement a final solution later? Do I solder wires to both components, run them both to the breadboard, and then later solder the wires together? Or do you just end up having to remove your test wires?

I guess I'm asking for advice as to how to go about testing my components/wiring before finalizing their connections.

Thanks!

[tinkerBOY]

I always test every component before putting them all together. I start with the Pi by downloading and installing the OS, connect a keyboard and a monitor. Most of the 3.5" LCD screens have the video cord you can connect to a tv with av connections so you can test it if it works. These two, the Pi and the screen are the most important parts so make sure you test them. Same with the other parts, just find a way to test them individually if you can.

On my v2.0 and v2.1 boards I made some of the pads so I can easily put in a jst connector without having to solder it for testing purposes.

IMG_0097.JPG (1.57 MiB) Viewed 2041 times

IMG_0096.JPG (1.78 MiB) Viewed 2041 times

I also made a simple board for testing the audio amp pam8403.

IMG_0098.JPG (2.56 MiB) Viewed 2041 times

If everything works fine, time to put them together. Maybe just a little glue to keep them together Inside the case just enough to close it. Or better yet use 3D printed brackets. Do not screw just yet, use a rubber band to keep both the front and rear case together. Now play maybe for a couple of hours, test, and observe the temperature. If it gets abnormally hot then you've got some issues and need to troubleshoot. Otherwise, congrats, have a coffee break.