Overview

This guide walks you through the full assembly process of the Smart OLED Remote.

The process is divided into three main stages:

  1. preparing and soldering all electronic components
  2. assembling the enclosure and fitting all parts together
  3. powering the device for the first time and verifying everything works

Follow the steps in order to ensure proper fit, alignment, and reliable operation.

Tools Required

  • Soldering iron
  • Third hand or clamps
  • Tweezers
  • Flush cutters
  • Flux (recommended)

Required Tools

Bill of Materials

Part SymbolDescriptionQty
PCBCustom designed PCBx1
ESP32_DEVKIT_LOLIN_V1WEMOS Lolin32 V1.0x1
OLED_SH1106_I2C_128x64OLED Display 1.3"x1
BAT_1200MAH_JST_1P25LiPo 1200 mAh battery with JST 1.25 mm connectorx1
JST 1.25 2PMicro JST 1.25 mm wires for battery charging modulex1
POGO_4MM_PTHPogo pins for OLEDx4
RES_6K8_TH_0.25W6.8 kΩ for voltage dividerx1
RES_10K_TH_0.25W10 kΩ for voltage dividerx1
SW_TACT_6x6x5_THTactile switches 6x6x5x10
M2.5 x 8 mmScrews for mounting PCB in enclosurex3

Soldering work

This stage prepares all electronic components before placing them inside the enclosure.

Test components first Before soldering, quickly test the ESP32 and OLED to make sure they work — it can save a lot of time later when debugging issues 🙂

ESP32 board preparation

Handle with care Removing the JST connector is simple, but easy to damage pads if done incorrectly. Do not use force!

Modify the ESP32 board by removing the original JST connector and soldering the provided cable directly to the pads.

  • Secure the board firmly (stand or clamps)
  • Preheat your soldering iron to ~350–380°C (lead-free solder requires higher temperature)
  • Apply flux before heating
  • Gently pry the connector with tweezers while heating the pads — use minimal force and let heat do most of the work

JST connector removal process

JST connector removed

Button soldering

  • Insert all switches from the bottom side of the PCB
  • Align them evenly before soldering
  • Solder one pin per switch first, verify alignment, then complete the remaining pins
  • Keep solder joints small and clean

Accurate alignment is important - uneven buttons will affect both feel and enclosure fit.

Switches in place

Switches alignent and checks

Soldered switches and pads overview

Bottom side of PCB after soldering

Final PCB assembly

At this stage, all individual components are ready. Now it’s time to complete the PCB and prepare it for installation into the enclosure.

Start by checking what is already pre-soldered on your board:

  • MOSFET and pull-down resistor are already installed
  • remaining components need to be added manually

Mosfet to control OLED display power

Solder battery input wires

Add wires to the pads remaining after desoldering original jst connector.

Soldered battery wires

Measure 18mm of wires length

Cutting wires to correct length

Stripped wires and ready to solder

Align and solder devboard to PCB

Place the ESP32 dev board onto the PCB:

  • make sure all pins are aligned correctly
  • verify the board sits flat before soldering
  • solder a few corner pins first, then complete the rest

Placed header pins on PCB (longer legs through PCB)

Soldering header pins to PCB

Soldered battery wires to PCB

Soldering ESP32 to PCB

Solder the remaining resistors
  • ensure correct values and placement
  • keep solder joints small and clean
  • avoid overheating pads

Soldered resistors to PCB

Connect the device

Once the ESP32 is secured, connect the battery input:

  • solder battery wires to the correct pads (VCC / GND)
  • double-check polarity before soldering
  • keep wires short and neatly routed

Battery placement and cable organize

Measure wire length

Soldered battery connector to PCB

Final check...

Before moving to enclosure assembly, perform a quick visual inspection:

  • no cold solder joints
  • no bridges between pins
  • all components properly seated

At this point, the PCB should be fully assembled and ready to be installed into the enclosure.

Enclosure assembly

This stage focuses on placing all components into the enclosure and ensuring everything fits correctly.

Insert button caps

Place all button caps into the front shell.

  • ensure each button moves freely
  • check for any friction or sticking

Inserted button caps

Install OLED display

Insert the display at an angle, then press it gently into place until fully seated.

  • align pins with pogo contacts
  • ensure the display sits flush and stable

Aligning display step 1 - place at angle

Aligning display step 2 - push display to case

Add OLED support

Install the support piece to secure the display to prevent movement and ensures consistent pogo pin contact.

OLED support

Mount PCB

Place the PCB into the enclosure.

  • pogo pins must align with OLED pads
  • use side gaps to visually confirm contact
  • PCB should sit flat without tension
  • Secure the PCB to the enclosure using 3x M2.5 x 8 mm screws

Assembled PCB with top case

Check if no gaps are available and pogo pins have contact with PCB

Install battery

Place the battery into its compartment.

  • route wires carefully
  • avoid crossing or pinching cables

Battery placement

Battery connection

Insert divider plate

Insert the divider plate above the battery to protect the cell and keeps wiring organized.

Battery divider

Close enclosure

Snap the enclosure together.

  • apply even pressure
  • ensure all clips are engaged
  • do not force misaligned parts

Closing case

Closing case

Final result

Fully assembled remote!

Now your remote is ready for firmware.