# The Skull Build Guide

{% hint style="warning" %}
Check if you need to flash your PCB's first - If the LED's light up when plugging in the PCB's, your PCB's are already flashed and you can skip this step. 
{% endhint %}

## Flash

You'll need to flash your PCB first, to check everything's working, it's a very simple process, so we'll just break it down here:

1. Install and launch QMK Toolbox from here: <https://qmk.fm/toolbox>
2. Download and select the firmware in the Local file drop section, you can find the firmware here:

{% file src="/files/njnkLDFfLJdcqaFTkpQB" %}

3. Set the power switch on the back of the PCB to the off position (the switch should be outside of the outlined position).
4. You can now select the 'Auto-Flash' checkbox and plug in the PCB, it should begin flashing.
5. Once it's completed, you can unplug the PCB, slide the switch to the other position, and when plugging it in, the LEDs should now be on.
6. Remember to follow these instructions for both sides!

## Required to Build:

First things first, let’s check we've got everything included in the kit. If there’s anything missing, send us a message [here](https://mechboards.co.uk/pages/faq) so we can get you back to the build ASAP! (Spares are included in the contents below)

|                       |                         |                 |
| --------------------- | ----------------------- | --------------- |
| 1 x PCB Panel         | 2 x Switch Plate        | 2 x Top Plate   |
| 2 x Acrylic Backplate | 2 x Acrylic Eye Piece   | 2 x Chain       |
| 1 x TRRS Cable        | 12 x Small Rubber Feet  | 24 x 6mm Screws |
| 12 x 6mm Standoffs    | 34 x Choc (V1) Switches | 1 x Keycap Set  |

<figure><img src="/files/kyRgGwXuQNDpCcFjPgff" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Tools Required:

All you'll need for this is a small screwdriver!

## Making the Skull:

### Step 1: Inserting Switches into the Switch Plate

First off we need to insert the switches into the switch plate, I've inserted all of mine, but feel free to just do a few before inserting them into the PCB in the next step. The LED window goes on the bottom (pins at the top)

<figure><img src="/files/lS1YwYbxqhSitlN6J9Jw" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Step 2: Inserting the Switches into the PCB

Now we can place the switch plate on top of the PCB, making sure to align the switch pins with the hotswap sockets. Then squeezing them firmly but carefully together.

<figure><img src="/files/IfNUemulxlXkYSGCEDMt" alt=""><figcaption><p>You can check the switch pins are inserted on the back of the PCB.</p></figcaption></figure>

### Step 3: Screwing Standoffs onto the Top Plate

Next up, take the top plate and insert the 6mm screws through the screw holes (the holes with silver rims), these should then line up with the screw holes on the switch plate and PCB.\
Once they're through all 3 layers, we can screw on the 6mm standoffs on the back.

<figure><img src="/files/bT0WQfNZJebpbXZns86C" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Step 4: Attaching the Chain

Before we add the acrylic pieces, we can attach the chain, this can be done after, but is less fiddley now!\
Simply bend the links on each end, attach them to the small holes at the bottom of the skull, and bend them back into place.

<figure><img src="/files/8wOwYisjnOoxLFsiMiPB" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Step 5: Adding the Acrylic

Now we can place the acrylic eye pieces, they should be orientated so the side-glow LEDs fit near the gaps in the acrylic.

<figure><img src="/files/36VITclXSQsjnvHIwVp8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Next we can screw on the acrylic back plates, using our remaining 6mm screws, and add the small rubber feet for some traction!

<figure><img src="/files/IGgtTwRu0uqBd1k2r6hu" alt=""><figcaption><p>Feel free to put the feet where you'd like, this is how we recommend</p></figcaption></figure>

### Step 6: Installing Keycaps

Finally, we can install the keycaps by simply pressing them onto the switches. And we're all done!

<figure><img src="/files/rlb4UaNvGP5j4WOrCC7l" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Additional Info:

The layout can be edited in VIAL here: <https://vial.rocks/>

GitHub: <https://github.com/MechboardsLTD/vial-qmk/tree/vial/keyboards/skull/keymaps/vial>


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