First power-up checklist

Before connecting power

1. Identify the exact board and check its pinout and logic voltage.
2. Compare every wire against the circuit reference; check polarity and shared signal ground where applicable.
3. Check for accidental shorts between supply and ground.
4. Confirm the supply voltage and current rating, plus motor-driver and component ratings.
5. Keep moving mechanisms clear and disconnect motors or other high-energy loads during the first controller test.

Power and measure

1. Use a current-limited supply when available and set a conservative limit appropriate to the board.
2. Power the controller without loads and measure the expected rails.
3. Check for unexpected heating, smell, noise, resets, or a collapsing voltage; disconnect immediately if any occurs.
4. Add one module at a time, then test outputs through rated drivers.
5. Record the board model, supply, wiring revision, and observed result.

Stop conditions

Do not continue if a component heats unexpectedly, the supply current is unexplained, wiring is uncertain, or a mechanism can injure someone. Find the cause with power disconnected before trying again.