Assembly instructions for rCube
Thank your for purchasing rCube from Rival Electronics! rCube combines
rCube Assembly Manual
Models M1, M2 and M4
Version 4.01
• Talking alarm clock
• Powered speaker for iPod/MP3 players
• Voice memo recorder
• Smart LED nightlight
© 2009, All Rights Reserved
Rival Electronics, Inc.
a talking alarm clock, a powered speaker for iPod/MP3 players, smart
nightlight and much more in a portable 4½” cube. Please read these
instructions carefully before starting assembly of your kit.
Your kit contains three bags of components which are used to build two
circuit boards: the rCube core and the display. The rCube core board is
built first (using the parts in bag1 and some from bag3), then the display
board (using the parts in bag2 and the remaining parts from bag3).
Tools / materials required
The following tools and materials are required for assembly:
• Low-wattage “pencil” type soldering iron and rosin-core solder
• Small diagonal wire-cutting pliers
• Small Phillips screwdriver (#0 or #1 size works best)
• Optional: cement/adhesive for ABS and PMMA (acrylic) plastics
Tips on building your kit
• Egg cartons are useful for sorting and grouping electronic
components before assembly.
• Carefully insert, then solder each component using a low-
wattage soldering iron and rosin-core solder. Neatly trim
component leads after soldering using small diagonal wire-
cutting pliers. Leads should extend about 1/8” from the PCB.
• Mark the appropriate checkbox after soldering each component,
like this: ; R13 (100k).
• Components which MUST be inserted in a particular direction are
marked with a ‘►’ symbol, like this: †►D1 (1N4001).
Verify the orientation of these components before soldering!
• Components which may be inserted in either direction (such as
resistors) are marked like this: † R13 (100k).
• Take your time. Many components look alike. It takes more
time to correct one mistake than to carefully double-check your
work and prevent problems before soldering.
• This manual is available on our website in PDF format. You can
zoom in for a closer view and download or print additional
copies. We’ve also posted complete schematics and technical
documents which explain the hardware and software in detail.
Visit http://www.rivalonline.com/support to learn more.
rCube Assembly Manual – Models M1, M2 and M4 Page 2
Step 1: Unpack / verify contents of bag1 Qty Component Description Illustration
Verify that bag1 contains the following components used to build the 3 C4, C5, C6
rCube core board (PCB1): 10µF electrolytic
capacitor
Qty Component Description Illustration (appearance may vary)
1 R1 1kΩ resistor, ¼w
(brown/black/red)
2 C7, C8
2 R2, R4 6.8kΩ resistor, ¼w
(blue/grey/red) 4.7µF electrolytic
1 R3 270Ω resistor, ½w capacitor
(red/violet/brown) (appearance may vary)
6 R5, R6, R7,
4.7kΩ resistor, ¼w
R8, R9, 2 C9, C10
(yellow/violet/red) 0.1µF polyester 0.1μF
R10
1 R11 10kΩ resistor, ¼w capacitor
(brown/black/orange) 2 C11, C12 15
1 R12 82kΩ resistor, ¼w 15pF disc capacitor
(grey/red/orange)
3 R13, R14, 100kΩ resistor, ¼w 10 C13-C22 104
R15 (brown/black/yellow) 0.1µF bypass capacitor
1 R16 220kΩ resistor, ¼w
(red/red/yellow) 1 L1
1 R17 470kΩ resistor, ¼w 330µH toroidal
(yellow/violet/yellow) inductor
2 R18, R19 1MΩ resistor, ¼w
(brown/black/green)
1 R20 3.3MΩ resistor, ¼w 2 D1, D2 1N4001 silicon diode 1N4001
(orange/orange/green)
2 RP1, RP2 3 D3, D4, D7 1N914 fast switching
220Ω resistor pack 1N914
diode
(10-pin SIP)
1 D5 1N5231 Zener diode 1N5231
2 C1, C2
220µF electrolytic 1 D6 1N5819 Schottky diode 1N5819
capacitor
(appearance may vary) 1 Q1
2N3906

1 C3 2N3906 PNP transistor

22µF electrolytic
capacitor
(appearance may vary)

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Qty Component Description Illustration Qty Component Description Illustration
1 Q2 1 SK2
2N3904 28-pin 0.6”-wide DIP
2N3904 NPN transistor socket

1 SPKR1

1 Q3
2.25” speaker, 8 Ω
NPN phototransistor

1 X1 4MHz
4.000Mhz crystal 1 M1
Microphone element
1 SW1 2 W1, W2 3” speaker wires (1
SPST pushbutton
red, 1 black)
switch (short actuator)
1 BC1
1 SW2 9v battery clip
SPST pushbutton
switch (long actuator) 1 PCB1

1 J1 2.1mm (or 2.5mm)

rCube Core printed
DC power jack
circuit board (PCB)
1 J2 4” x 4”
3.5mm audio jack

1 U3 LM224N quad op-amp LM224N

(14 pin DIP) Verify that bag3 contains these components required for the core PCB:
1 U4 LP2950
LP2950 5v linear 18 LED1- High-brightness LEDs
voltage regulator LED18 in various colors
(NOTE: keep LEDs
sorted by color – don’t
2 U5, U6 74HC164N serial in / mix them up!)
74HC164N
parallel out shift
register (16 pin DIP) 1 U1 Microchip PIC 16F73
PIC 16F73
1 U7 LM2574 switching microcontroller (28 pin
regulator (8 pin DIP)
LM2574 0.3”-wide DIP)
1 U2 ISD1760 (M1 model),
1 SK1 28-pin 0.3”-wide DIP ISD17120 (M2 model),
socket or ISD17240 (M4 model) ISD17xxx
sound IC (28 pin DIP)

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Step 2: Install rCube core resistors and diodes
Begin construction of the rCube core by installing resistors R1 through
R20 on PCB1 as shown in Fig. 2. Resistors may be inserted in either
direction. Fully insert and solder each component, one at a time. Mark
the appropriate checkbox as you complete each component.
Step 3: Install non-polarized capacitors
Insert and solder capacitors C9 through C22 as shown in Fig. 3. These
components may be inserted in either direction.

Next, insert and solder diodes D1 through D7. Note that the diodes are
marked with a “►” symbol since they must be inserted in a particular
direction. The end with the band (marking the cathode) must be toward
the left as shown.

Check diode D5 carefully, as it appears very similar to D3/D4/D7.

Also check diode D6 carefully, as it appears similar to diodes D1/D2. A
common mistake is to mix up these diodes – check before soldering!

Fig. 3 – Non-polarized capacitors

Fig. 2 – rCube core resistors and diodes

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Step 4: Install transistors and large components
Insert and solder the components shown in Fig. 4.
Resistor packs RP1/RP2 have a small dot on one end. The dot
should be placed toward the LEFT end of the PCB as shown.
U4 and Q1/Q2 appear similar. The flat sides of U4/Q1/Q2 go
toward the RIGHT end of the PCB. SW1 has the short red actuator.
Check carefully!
It is very important that SW1/J1/J2 are soldered fully flat
against the PCB so they line up properly during final assembly.
Fig. 4 – Transistors and large components
rCube Assembly Manual – Models M1, M2 and M4 Page 9
Step 5: Install LEDs
Your kit contains 18 LEDs packaged in several bags by color. Install
LED1-LED18 by working with one color at a time as shown in Fig. 5.
Insert/solder seven WHITE LEDs, four BLUE LEDs, two RED LEDs, two
GREEN LEDs, one YELLOW LED, one ORANGE LED and one VIOLET LED.
Avoid mixing up the colors, as all the LEDs appear clear when they’re off.
LEDs must be oriented correctly. The ‘flat side’ of the LED (cathode)
is normally oriented UP as shown on the PCB and in the figure below.
A few LED manufacturers are inconsistent with their packaging, so
that the flat side of certain LEDs marks the anode (+) instead of the
cathode (-). We pre-test all LEDs and note on the label if they’re
“reversed”. If an LED bag is labeled “reversed”, install the LEDs in that
bag with the flat side oriented DOWN instead of up.
Fig. 5 – LEDs
rCube Assembly Manual – Models M1, M2 and M4 Page 10
Step 6: Install ICs and IC sockets Step 7: Install electrolytic caps
Insert and solder the components shown in Fig. 6. Insert and solder the electrolytic capacitors shown in Fig. 7.

The notches on the ends of U3/U5/U6/U7/SK1/SK2 go toward the The negative (marked) end of each capacitor goes toward the LEFT
LEFT. The printed lettering on all ICs is normally “right side up” when end of the PCB as shown in the figure below.
installed properly. If the lettering is “upside down” the IC is likely
inserted backward – check carefully. C7/C8 appear similar to C4/C5/C6. Check carefully before
soldering.
U3 and U5/U6 appear similar and they have the same number of
pins - check carefully before soldering!

Fig. 7– Electrolytic capacitors

Fig. 6 – ICs and IC sockets

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Step 8: Install “bottom-side” components
Turn PCB1 over and install the components shown in Fig. 8. These
components are inserted from the BOTTOM side of the PCB and
soldered on the TOP side of the PCB.
M1/BC1/SPKR1 use the convention of black for (-) and red for (+).
Each pad is also marked (+) or (-) on the upper surface of the PCB. Do
not shorten the wires for these components – they must be long
enough to reach during final assembly.
It is very important that SW2 is soldered fully flat against
the PCB so it will line up properly during final assembly.
Fig. 8– Bottom-side components
rCube Assembly Manual – Models M1, M2 and M4 Page 13
Step 9: Install microcontroller and sound IC
Carefully press U1 into SK1 and U2 into SK2 as shown in Fig. 9. Make
sure the pins do not bend over or under the sockets.
U1 and U2 are ESD (static) sensitive. Try to eliminate any static
electric charge before handling. Wherever possible, handle these ICs by
their plastic casing and not by their pins.
An ESD wrist strap or grounding mat may be used if you have access to
them. If not, briefly touch a grounded metal object before handling
these devices.
Fig. 9– Microcontroller and sound IC
Congratulations, this completes the assembly of the rCube core!
We will build the rCube display board next.
rCube Assembly Manual – Models M1, M2 and M4 Page 14
Step 10: Unpack / verify contents of bag2 Step 11: Install resistors and capacitors
Verify bag2 contains the following parts used to build the rCube display: We will assemble the rCube display using PCB2. Insert / solder the
components shown in Fig. 11. These components may be inserted in
Qty Component Description Illustration either direction.
7 R1-R5, 3.3kΩ resistor, ⅛w
R13, R14 (orange/orange/red)
7 R6-R12 220Ω resistor, ⅛w
(red/red/brown)
2 C1, C2 0.1µF bypass 104
capacitor
5 Q1-Q5
2N3906 Fig. 11– Display board resistors and capacitors
2N3906 PNP
transistor
Step 12: Install transistors and ICs
1 U2 74HC164N Insert and solder the semiconductors shown in Fig 12. All these
74HC164N components must be inserted in a particular orientation.
(16-pin DIP)
1 U3 LM335Z
LM335Z precision
temperature sensor U1/U2 appear similar – check carefully. The notches on U1 and U2
IC go toward the TOP of the PCB. Solder U1/U2 directly to the PCB to
ensure sufficient clearance during final assembly.
1 SP1 Ribbon cable (6-
conductor, 4”) U3 appears similar to Q1-Q5 – check carefully. Q1-Q5/U3/DISP1 are
1 PCB2 Printed circuit board soldered close to the PCB to allow sufficient clearance for final assembly.
(PCB), 4” x 0.75”
Don’t install DISP1 upside-down! The end with the three dots
Additionally, verify that bag3 contains these components required to goes toward the LEFT edge of the PCB as shown.
build the rCube display:

1 U1 PIC 16F676
PIC16F676
(16-pin DIP)
1 DISP1 4-character 7-
segment LED
display

Fig. 12– Display board transistors and ICs

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Step 13: Install serial cable SP1
Turn PCB2 over and insert 6-conductor serial cable SP1 from the
BOTTOM side of the PCB and solder on the TOP side of the PCB. Your
cable may not match the colors shown below – this is OK. It doesn’t
matter what color is on the left or right, simply attach one end of SP1 to
PCB2.
Fig. 13– Display board serial cable
Congratulations, this completes the assembly of the display!
We will now inspect and test both PCBs and then perform
mechanical assembly after everything checks out.
rCube Assembly Manual – Models M1, M2 and M4 Page 17
Step 14: Inspect your work
Double-check the following on both PCBs:
• ICs are inserted in the proper direction and no pins are bent.
• Components are placed in correct locations and oriented correctly.
• Inspect all soldering to ensure there are no solder bridges, cold
solder joints or other visible flaws.
• Check that all leads are neatly trimmed on the back of the PCBs and
that there are no stray wire clippings or shorted wires.
Step 15: Testing your kit
It is very important to ensure that rCube is working correctly before
completing mechanical assembly. Fortunately, rCube has a built-in
diagnostic mode to help with this task. The best way to test your
project is to proceed one board at a time, as follows:
• First, we’ll test the rCube core board (PCB1). The rCube core
can function without the display board attached. We’ll ensure
that the core functions work correctly before attaching the
display board.
• Second, we’ll attach the display board (PCB2) to the core board
and test the LED display and indoor temperature functions.
• Once everything checks out, we’ll finish mechanical assembly.
Step 16: Test the rCube core
Before applying power to your kit, make sure that the PCBs are not
touching each other, any metal object or surface, stray wire clippings,
the speaker, microphone, battery clip terminals, etc. as these may cause
a short circuit.
Do NOT stare into the LEDs – they are quite bright and
could hurt your eyes. Helpful tip: Q3 looks like an LED, but it does not
illuminate (it is a sensor, not a light source).
1. Press and hold switch SW2 while plugging the AC adapter into
DC power jack J1. rCube should boot and say “Hello”. All (18)
LEDs should illuminate and remain lit until you release SW2.
2. After you release SW2, rCube will reboot and should say “Hello”
again. After the reboot, only the white LEDs will be lit.
rCube Assembly Manual – Models M1, M2 and M4 Page 18
 3. Press SW1 briefly. rCube should announce the time (probably
12:01 am or similar, since the time hasn’t been set), then a song
should play. The LEDs should show a changing color pattern.

4. Connect a 9V battery, then unplug the AC adapter. rCube should

continue to operate normally on battery backup.

5. Test the audio input by connecting an iPod, MP3 player or similar

device using a 3.5mm audio cable (if available). Press SW2 for
about 1 second to toggle the audio input on/off.

6. To verify that the microphone is working properly, place rCube in

online mode by pressing both SW1 and SW2 for about 3
seconds. The red LEDs should flash briefly when sounds are
detected by the microphone. Press SW1 briefly to exit online
mode.

Once you’re satisfied that the rCube core is functioning properly, unplug
the battery and the AC adapter. If you’re having any problems, see the Fig. 17– Connecting PCB1 and PCB2 via the SP1 cable
troubleshooting section at the end of this manual.

Step 17: Connect the display board Step 18: Test the display board
Place PCB1 and PCB2 face-down as shown in Fig. 17. Connect the boards
After checking your work, power up rCube into diagnostic mode following
by inserting/soldering the free end of the 6-conductor SP1 cable into the
the same precautions outlined in step 16.
area marked “SP1” on PCB1 (don’t connect the cable to SP2 by
mistake!). The SP1 cable should be inserted from the BOTTOM and
The LED display should show an “88:88” diagnostic pattern while SW2 is
soldered on the TOP side of PCB1.
held down from power-up.
There is no “twist” in this cable - the square pads (pin1) on both boards
After releasing SW2, the display should show the following sequence:
should be connected together. SP1 supplies power, ground and a serial
1. “ Hi ”
communication link to the display board.
2. Scrolling nightlight name (“Solid-1” or similar)
3. Indoor temperature (“ 72F” or similar)
4. Blinking clock display (“12:01” or similar).

Once you are satisfied that the rCube display board is functioning
properly, unplug the battery and AC adapter. If you’re having any
problems, see the troubleshooting section at the end of this manual.

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Step 19: Unpack / verify mechanical parts Step 20: Install self-adhesive bumpers
Verify that your kit includes the following mechanical parts: Attach the self-adhesive bumpers BP1–BP4 to the base (PC1) as shown
in Fig. 20.
Qty Component Description Illustration
1 PC1

ABS plastic base

1 PC2
ABS plastic battery door

1 PC3
ABS plastic shroud

1 PC4
Fig. 20– Installing self-adhesive bumpers
PMMA plastic shade

Step 21: Install the display board

1 PC5 Gently slide the display board (PCB2) between the vertical guide slots in
the base (PC1) as shown in Fig. 21, checking carefully for clearance – you
PMMA plastic button
may need to trim leads on the back of PCB2 or gently bend Q1-Q5/U3
upward to obtain a good fit.
4 BP1-BP4 Self-adhesive bumper
2 SC1, SC2 Self-tapping screw, ¼”
2 SC3-SC8 Self-tapping screw, ⅝”
1 LB1
Serial# label (silver)

1 LB2 Display / clock label

1 LB3 Button label sheet
(design may vary)
1 LB4 Rival Electronics logo
label (aluminum)
1 Adapter AC adapter, 9vdc Fig. 21– Installing the display board
unregulated, ≥200mA,
2.1mm (or 2.5mm) plug,
tip-positive

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Step 22: Install speaker and battery clip
Pass the battery clip through the rectangular slot in the battery
compartment. The speaker nests in the central cup in the base. After
inserting the speaker in the cup, position the speaker wires toward the
FRONT of the base and then place a small amount of adhesive at
several points around the edge to ensure it remains properly seated.
Allow the adhesive to completely set before continuing with the next
step.

Fig. 23– Installing the microphone and positioning PCB1

Step 24: Install the backlit button

Gently lift the front edge of the PCB1 slightly and press button PC5 onto
SW1 (do not use adhesive). Lower the front edge of PCB1 back into
place as shown in Fig. 24.
Fig. 22– Installing the speaker and battery clip

Make sure the button (PC5) lip is inside the wall of the base (PC1)
Step 23: Install the microphone as shown below.
Insert the back edge of PCB1 into base PC1, carefully guiding SW2
through the recessed hole in the base. Align the cutouts in the base with
J1 and J2. Place a small amount of adhesive around the outside edge of
the casing of the microphone (M1). Gently tuck the microphone into the
cup molded in the base as you lower the front edge of the PCB into
place. You may need to use a thin pencil or similar object to coax M1
into place as you slowly lower the front edge of the PCB.

This is the most difficult step in the assembly due to the short
length of the microphone wires. You may want to practice before you
apply the adhesive. Allow the adhesive to dry completely.

Fig. 24– Installing the button

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Step 25: Attach PCB1 to base
Use self-tapping screws SC1–SC4 to attach PCB1 to the base as shown in
Fig. 25. The shorter (1/4”) screws are used in the rear holes in PCB1 and
the longer (5/8”) screws go through the shroud (PC3) in the front.
Fig. 25– Installing the shroud and PCB1
Step 26: Attach shade to base (temporary)
Place the shade (PC4) on the base (PC1) as shown in Fig. 26 and
temporarily tape it in place with a bit of transparent “magic” or “Scotch”
tape. For a nice “ice cube”-like optical effect, try placing some clear
plastic wrap inside the shade. Tear off about 24” of wrap, loosely ball it
up and insert into the shade. Test your rCube thoroughly, making sure it
operates as described in the user manual.
rCube Assembly Manual – Models M1, M2 and M4 Page 25
Fig. 26– Attaching the shade
Step 27: Attach shade to base
We recommend you wait at least a week before permanently attaching
the shade to the base. This allows time for you to get to know your
rCube and to show off your work. It also allows time for you to correct
any problems that might have been missed during initial checkout.
When you are very certain that your rCube is working properly, you may
want to permanently attach the shade to the base using a plastic
adhesive. The base is made of ABS plastic and the shade is made of
PMMA (acrylic) so be sure to select a compatible adhesive. We have
used cyanoacrylate adhesives successfully in this application. Carefully
place a small amount of adhesive along the inside rim of the base as
shown in Fig. 27. Apply the adhesive sparingly and only on the highest
edge of the lip, not in the crease. This will prevent the adhesive from
oozing out when the parts are joined. Carefully lower the shade onto the
base as shown in Fig. 26 and compress gently. Allow the adhesive to
fully set before handling.
If it becomes necessary to remove the shade after it has been cemented
together, try gently squeezing inward near the center point of the sides
of the base. Be sure to press on the ABS plastic base, and not the PMMA
shade, which is much more brittle. With a little patience, you should be
able to “crack” the seal without damaging your rCube.
rCube Assembly Manual – Models M1, M2 and M4 Page 26

Fig. 27– Applying adhesive
Step 28: Apply labels
All labels (LB1 – LB5) have an adhesive backing. Affix the serial# label
(LB1) in the “floor” of the battery compartment and click the battery door
(PC2) into place. Select and affix a button label from the button label
sheet (LB3) to the button (PC5). Affix the Rival Electronics logo label
(LB4) to the recess in the top of the shade (PC4). Note that LB4 has a
clear protective film on the top of the label which may be peeled off for a
neater appearance or left in place for additional protection from
scratches. Affix the display label (LB2) to the front of the base (PC1) in
the recessed pocket.
Congratulations! You’ve completed assembly of your rCube kit!
rCube Assembly Manual – Models M1, M2 and M4 Page 27
Troubleshooting tips
• Ensure that the AC adapter is plugged into your rCube and into a
wall outlet and that the wall outlet is powered.
• If only a few of the LEDs light, check the resistor packs to make sure
they are not inserted backward.
• If no LEDs light, check the connections to U1/X1/C11/C12 on PCB1.
Also check U4/J1/D2/U7/L1 and C2 on PCB1.
• Try powering rCube with a battery instead of the AC adapter. If this
works, check J1/D2 on PCB1 and the AC adapter.
• If there is no audio when SW1 is pressed, check the connections to
SPKR1 and U2 on PCB1.
• If the microphone is not working correctly, check the connections to
M1/C7/C21/C22/R8/R9 and R10 on PCB1.
• If rCube works with the AC adapter but does not work on battery
power, check the connections to BC1 and D1 on PCB1.
• If DISP1 does not light, check SP1 and DISP1/U1/U2 on PCB2.
• If one or more digits of DISP1 does not light, check Q1/R2 (left-most
digit), Q2/R3 (2nd digit), Q3/R4 (3rd digit), and Q4/R5 (right-most
digit) on PCB2. If the AM/PM and other indicator dots don’t light,
check Q5/R1 on PCB2.
• If one or more DISP1 segments does not light across all digits, check
connections for U2 and R6-R12 on PCB2.
• If rCube does not display temperature, check U3 and R13 on PCB2.
• Schematics may be downloaded from www.rivalonline.com/support
If you are unable to diagnose the problem after following the steps
above, please contact us via email or join our online user forum – we
may be able to suggest a solution.
We also offer a rescue service for a nominal fee. We will diagnose /
repair your rCube or replace it at our option. Please contact us for
complete details.
rCube Assembly Manual – Models M1, M2 and M4 Page 28
 Rival Electronics, Inc.
P.O. Box 8231
Atlanta, GA 31106-0231

Web: http://www.rivalonline.com/support
Email: support@rivalonline.com

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