I am still on my quest to use the XIAO esp32c6 in my project and now I have another snag.
I created a footprint of the XIAO and had a custom PCB printed. There are plated through holes in the PCB to expose the battery +/- terminals. I tried soldering the plated through holes to the XIAO battery terminals. In other words, melting solder inside each plated through hole to cause a bridge between the plated through hole and the battery terminal on the XIAO. However, this did not work as the XIAO has no power. Apparently, the solder just isn’t getting all the way through the PCB to to contact the battery terminals.
So now what? How are we supposed to connect the XIAO to a custom printed PCB? Are the battery terminals supposed to be mounted to the PCB as a SMD (surface mounted device)? (in other words have pads printed on the PCB to contact the battery terminals)?
Anyone have any suggestions how to connect the battery terminals to my PCB? I tried soldering wires to the XIAO battery terminals and then run the wire through the plated through holes on the PCB and then solder, but it was too cumbersome since the through holes on my PCB are so tiny. So I didn’t succeed with this approach.
If I redesign the PCB to connect the + battery trace to the 3.3V pin on the XIAO (thus not using the battery pads on the XIAO at all), would that work?
NO, It won’t… You need to look at this thread on the Holes, they need to be ovals & plated through #1, The tip of the iron will fit down to contact the battery pads. Also use solder paste on the Xiao pads prior to placing it and use a clamp. Check the thread for more.
I get 100% on using this tech. Even the Xiao Relay board has added this to their solder mask.
Or like this…
I tried doing something like that but it didn’t work. The design of the XIAO is awful, why couldn’t they use a regular pin for the battery+? I’m at a loss right now what to do. I ruined my custom printed PCB because after many attempts the plate around the hole burned off.
Please explain what is the 3V3 pin for? What would happen if I try to power the XIAO using this pin?
No, It’s not. The History of and the evolution Good or Bad of the “Xiao” (which means) Tiny. You obviously DID NOT read the WiKi if you don’t know what pin 3v3 is for it’s clearly stated.
YOU got the PCB too Hot! it happens, rookies and novices alike. There are a number of very good and educating threads (4) on Using alternative methods to power the Xiao I suggest you read them. If you still think the Xiao is “awful” then come back and say why better than complaining.
What is “something like that” ? wth? does that mean ? POST a picture of this work product, someone will notice and make some additional suggestions , Lots of smart folks here to help.
So what soldering iron temp ? Did you use PASTE? (they are SMD PADS btw) spec’s
Keep going you’ll get it.
GL PJ
Are you saying that the battery pads are surface mount pads? in other words, on the PCB design, should I replace the plated through holes with a surface mount pad?
NO, Not saying that , but that the Battery Pads on the Xiao are SMD spec’d pads. (so thickness),i.e.heat needs to be in range when soldering. or they will be damaged, or burnt off. Don’t ask how I know
Just make the OVAL holes are plated through in your PCB and pads are over sized a tad. Use solder paste b4 you clamp it down. Notice how the holes (for usb port)also in PCB allow it to lay flat no space or the solder won’t bridge.
Go back and look at the past Live Stream they solder a Xiao and ust the same tech on the Relay board too.
Takes Patients and good temp control, solder paste and solder roll, small tip Iron.
study the pics in those threads, you get it.
PJ 
if you don’t know what pin 3v3 is for it’s clearly stated.
got the PCB too Hot! it happens, rookies and novices alike. There are a number of very good and educating threads (4) on Using alternative methods to power the Xiao I suggest you read them. If you still think the Xiao is “awful” then come back and say why better than complaining.
POST a picture of this work product, someone will notice and make some additional suggestions , Lots of smart folks here to help.