Faulty Chipset on Sparkfun Simon Says Kit

Equipment, Tools & Supplies Soldering, Desoldering, Rework Products
1

I bought five Sparkfun Simon Says Learn to Solder kits. Four of them don’t play the game. The lights flash alternately, and a siren sound plays. The sound stops but the lights keep alternating. After 3 of 4 failed I soldered one myself. I’ve taught soldering for 13 years and mine had the exact same failure. I also desoldered all the kids board but that didn’t help.

I tried to use a FTDI adapter to upload the Simon Game that Sparkfun put on Github. I got an error 1 msg and thought maybe I need to burn a bootloader on first. I turned an Arudino Uno into an ASP device and tried to burn a bootloader on to the Simon game but that just destroyed two of the boards. (I changed FTDI adapters on the second but it didn’t make a difference.) Clearly there is a problem with these boards. I have taught about 300 kids, teens and adults to solder with this kit and can fix just about any soldering mistake. These kids did a beautiful job with their soldering so I can’t find anything to fix.

Thanks,

Karen Giacopuzzi

2

I meant to say that I resoldered all the kids’ boards. Not desoldered. :roll_eyes:

3

Hello KRG, welcome to the TechForum,

Are you asking about part number 1568-10547-ND?

4

Yes, that’s the correct part number. It’s the Sparkfun Simon Says Through Hole Learn to solder kit.

Thanks for getting back,
Karen

5

KRG,

I am checking with the manufacturer. Will let you know as soon as I receive the information.

6

KRG,

Sparkfun recommended replacements. Please contact our Customer Resolution team at customer.resolution@digikey.com.

7

Thanks. I’ll do that. I appreciate your help.

Karen