Let's make Sparrow Dot! And let's make it better.
An exciting challenge, not a leap of faith. We hit the bumps so you don't have to — the key milestones are all here, the full detail is on Instructables. The hardest part is starting. Everything after that is already mapped out for you.
Who knows? You might end up an archer yourself. That's how it happened to me. 🙂
Build this and you walk away with a real skill — combining electronics with 3D printed mechanics. A skill that opens the door to your next project too.
A quick look at the V2 process — so you can decide if it's for you.
1
Body, reticle frame,
eyepiece ring and more
2
Source
Standard parts, full BOM provided
3
Assemble
4 sub-assemblies, step-by-step
4
Shoot
Mount, calibrate, range test
full and detailed instructions are on Instractables at the link below
The following is a brief overview of each assembly — enough to give you a clear picture of what's ahead. For the full step-by-step guide, head to Instructables."
01 - Elec. circuit
Two things to get right
Straightforward if you've assembled a PCB before — but the connectors need a specific soldering technique (a wooden toothpick works well), and the micro switch should be soldered to float slightly, not sit flush.
WIRE FERRULE AS MALE CONECTOR
03 - the reticle
The most delicate assembly
Precise gluing and soldering at a scale most projects never ask of you. Disassemble a USB2 connector and carefully solder its two contacts — along with the 0201 LED, roughly the size of a grain of salt. Never power it without a proper resistor in the circuit, not even for a 10th of a second.
Reticle assembly center dot and contacts
0201 LED
UNASSEMBLED USB-2 CONNECTOR
02 - Eyepiece ring
Precision over difficulty
Soldering the COB LED to the connectors isn't complicated — but it demands the exact size and angle. A small deviation here shows immediately.
WIRE FERRULE AS FEMALE CONECTOR
04 - Main body
Where it all comes together
Glue the lens bumpers, insert the connectors, assemble and wire the battery chamber, then seat the electronics circuit and close the chamber. The final step — and the most satisfying one.
Main body contacts: Bat., Eyepiece & Reticle
WIRE FERRULE AS FEMAIL CONECTORs
UNASSEMBLED 2032 BAT. HOUSING
"V4 is already on the drawing board. Whether you shoot it or build it — your ideas matter. Get in touch at sparrow-dot.com and help shape the next version."