# Start at the workbench

Find the exact board, open a useful pinout and keep its source and revision close.

## Identify the hardware first

Read the model and revision printed on the PCB, including suffixes. A controller name such as ESP32 or SSD1306 identifies a family of silicon, not a unique physical board. Compare the connectors, USB port and silkscreen with the reference.



## Find the reference

1. Start with the printed model code in the top search bar. Add a manufacturer to narrow similar names.
2. Choose Entire catalog, Boards & devices, or Displays, sensors & modules. Use Pinout sources only when you need a physical map.
3. Open a result and read its coverage label. A product photo helps identify a device; it does not establish a pin assignment.
4. Open the pinout at a useful size. Follow the source link for the exact revision and electrical limits.



## Keep useful references close

Bookmark boards with Save board. The browser keeps favorites and measurements on that browser profile; the Windows app keeps them locally. Export a workbench backup before moving computers or clearing browser data. A backup stores workbench records, not the complete image library.



## Choose where to work

The browser edition loads references as needed and requires an internet connection. The desktop edition includes search and previews; download the original references in Updates & offline library before relying on complete offline use. Source links and this public wiki open online. Windows x64 and Linux x64 packages are provided in release 0.14. macOS source remains available, without a new verified installer.



[Read the public wiki](https://valleytech-black-wire-guide.pages.dev/wiki/getting-started/) · [Open the guide](https://valleytech-black-wire-guide.pages.dev/)